June 27
Our first full day in Otavalo was beautiful and amazing. Nestled into the luscious green hills, we woke up this morning ready for what the day would have in store for us. We sleepily lolled into two vans bound for a school 45 minutes or so away from the home base. There, we organized games with the school children, a contagion of smiles spreadibng over all of our faces as the morning progressed. Futbol was a popular choice, as was “blob tag” and different versions thereof.
The time came when we had to put blob tag to a rest and leave for the next segment of our day, learning to weave on a traditional loom. After a lunch in central Otavalo we drove to a striking part of town basking in the early afternoon glow. My dad has a few weavings from his time in Ecuador, but before today I had no idea just how delicate the process actually is. Our mentors diligently taught us the art, and we each emerged with a panel about the size of a table mat. The 8 inch by 8 inch panel took us each about 2 hours to complete. Coming back to my hotel room and seeing a weaving ten times bigger evoked a sense of awe in myself, and I believe the whole group as well.
After 30 minutes of free time, (used to nap by most of the populous) we ate dinner and shared many laughs together. Our shared experience of making a contract after dinnner was a foreshadowing of what I assume to be five weeks of teamwork, collaboration, and productivity. It was a meaningful way to end our first full day in Otavalo and set a group dynamic for the weeks to come. Now, cozied up in our beds, I´m sure I speak for each of us when I say I can´t wait to see what´s in store.
-Caroline
July 1
Today was our first day at the homestay. We had a long 8 hour bus ride through the heat to get here, but everyone here has been so nice. We got to play soccer with the kids (and adults) and Ari helped cook a little. The house that all the girls are staying in is pretty nice. The family is very welcoming and the kids are excited to show us around. We all share a bed, which is a good size for 3, and we may have to squeeze a little, but I think I speak for all of us when I say it is more comforting to not be alone. It’s like having a month long sleepover! I cant wait to get to know everyone, especially my host family!
July 3
As I am lying here shrouded in my mosquito net it is difficult to reflect. It is hot and humid, and my host mother just removed one of the larger bugs I have ever had the privilege of laying eyes upon from our common, open air sitting area, which is a wood floor with a few plastic chairs. Even my little host sister, in an attempt to practice her English writing skills, wrote down in her notebook for me to see: “veri big”. However, despite these things, group morale is still high, high enough to even joke about the state of group morale when a truck driver dumped a load of rocks and gravel right in the path we had just cleared, setting us back about a half day of work. More than that, though, upon reflection it´s clear that we´re taking part in something bigger than ourselves. The water bottling plant that we´re helping to build will not only provde clean water for the community but will also allow each town in the parish of San luis de pambil to pursue whatever environment-related project they choose with the profits the plant makes. So, through the hard work, there is the motivation of a beautiful end goal.
-Nick
