Let’s return to our proverb, “When one is helping another, both gain in strength.” In Ecuador, I saw a people desirous of building up their own lives and their country; ready to join together with others for a greater good. I met staff, volunteers, board members, instructors, participants and partners who were all thoroughly engaged in their work and learning from each other. If you could take the temperature of the creativity of the AVSI and Fundación Sembrar operations in Ecuador, the mercury would surely be bursting through the thermometer! The political environment, unfortunately, hampers interesting innovation – political, economic or social – sorely needed for large-scale change in the country. Yet history shows that hindrance is not the final word – here I have witnessed a point of hope, and AVSI is proud to be betting on the people of Ecuador!
p.s. The trip wasn’t all work and no play.
We did have a chance to visit colonial Quito, a UNESCO heritage site, with its baroque churches where the religious orders seem to have competed in a contest to build the most beautiful dwelling for God. Here I am with friends Sarah and Diego as we visit the Church of St. Francis and the museums which house some truly exquisite sculptures of the Quiteño school (period and contemporary, haha!).