When I was interviewed by Channel 8, I told them that I would go into this trip without any assumptions. Looking back on that statement, I realized it really paid off. I feel that many people have incorrect assumptions about the poor in other countries, and that could hinder an immersion trip such as this one. I decided to describe one experience, one sampling, of my trip to Ecuador that would adequately summarize and inform students from the class of 2011 about Ecuador.
The experience I decided to summarize is the minga, on Sunday. It is the first time we left a real, physical impact on Ecuador. Not only were we served a glass of beer, but it was instantly gratifying. We were making the dirt floor of the house we were working on, so it wasn’t a very nice one. Our hosts were poor but they were not “spirirtually poor”, as Madre Miguel put it. They acted just like any of us, despite their poverty. I even had the opportunity to talk to one of the boys about the girls in Ecuador (he started it). As I reflected on the trip, the idea that physical poverty didn’t matter at all resonated with me. As I worked alongside parents and kids, their determination was inspiring.
The trip was truly an unforgettable experience. I have never been outside the country before and I am extremely happy that Ecuador was the first. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone in the upcoming senior class. It was the trip of a lifetime.
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