Where can I start, the past two weeks have been both hectic, and incredible. I have arrived safely back to in the states with hundreds of mosquito bites, +400 pictures, and an experience that was so amazing it is hard to even describe, but I am going to try. I took at 2 week trip to Musap, Ecuador with my school's P.E.A.C.E. volunteer program, where we helped out in an indigenous community in the heart of the Amazon, as well as shared culture and language.
So after a 6 hour bus ride through the Andes and the Amazon we finally arrived to our destination, Musap. A Shuars community in the region of Pastaza, Ecuador. Our trip was started as we climbed up and down some steep, muddy hills at 4 am with only a flash light. Little did we know that once at our campsite the flashlights was the only available light we had. Another major shock that got us was the wood planks we had for beds, the openness that our campsite had, and the toilet that we had to mainly flush, but we all quickly set our beds up and headed to bed as we had a long day ahead of us. The next morning we were greeted by the family we were going to be working with, and were given a tour of the area that we would be calling home for the next two weeks. After our tour we started in on working by picking fruit that we would be using for dinner. Following our lunch it was time for another hike, this time we hiked up and down creating trails to get around the area. That evening we started our new tradition, which was playing cards and both us teaching the family a new game, as well as them teaching us a new game. The second day I must say was one of the most challenging yet rewarding days for all of us. This was the day we got to carry hoje, or palmfrans for about a mile 2 times each. Although none of us were looking forward to doing that we all still helped each other out and supported each other as we carried to hojes back to the campsite, so that they could be used for the roof of the new kitchen. For the remainder of the week we helped out where ever we were needed, wether it was cleaning trails, macheting the banana fields, or carrying more palmfrans. And when ever there was rain, we didnt let it stop us, instead we would spend time with the family, either playing cards, teaching/learning about each others language and culture, or playing futbol with the kids. There was always something to do at the house. On Saturday night we took a trip with the family over to another community, Arutam. Here we played a futbol game, had a traditional shuar meal, which involved only hands, and sat around the fire while we watch a traditional shuar dance and music performance, and we even tried to dance. When Monday rolled around we headed off to el rio de Pastaza, where we were going to spend the remainder of the trip. At the rio we got to shower in a waterfall, and we helped clean up the garden in the area. Upon our return back to Musap for the final night we had a fire and a goodbye get together with the family before we left for Quito the next morning. The following morning we all finally realized that we had to say goodbye to the family that we had all grown so close to and use to seeing everyday.Then we headed off to Quito, where we spent a night before flying back to the states.
The trip overall was an incredible experience. Not only did I get to practice my Spanish, learn about a new culture, but I have also developed a stronger appreciation for what I have as well as more inspired to maybe go into a job dealing with humanitarian. I have also created bonds with people from all different walks of life, which I hope to keep in years to come. Another positive I have gained from this experience is it makes me even more excited to return to Latin America and start my study abroad year to Brazil, which will be beginning in less then 3 months from now.
Thats all for now. Until next time.
