2011-01-02
I am white. I am a young woman. Luckily, I’m about the same height as most Ecuadorians. My hair is just reaching a point where I can put it in a ponytail. I don’t stick out too much. But nonetheless, I am clearly an outsider. It doesn’t matter that I call this place home right...
Read More2010-12-30
For a long time, I thought Global Citizen Year was about changing the world. It always bothered me when my friends or family applauded me for “saving the world”—that’s not what I’m doing at all. But, part of my intent of taking a bridge year was to make sustainable, systemic change. Part of GCY’s intent...
Read More2010-12-30
For my GCY assignment in Ecuador I feel very honored to serve as a volunteer at a health clinic here in Otavalo. The place is called Jambi Huasi that means Health House in Quichua, an indigenous language of Ecuador. Jambi Huasi was created in 1984 by a private organization called Federación Indígena e Campesina de...
Read More2010-12-29
Warning: The videos below may be disturbing for some people. Refrain if you think that will be the case! “Here’s the cuy, I hope you enjoy it!” says my host-dad as he puts plates down in front of Joe, Liza, and me. The plates of just-broiled meat and vegetables steamed in front of us. At...
Read More2010-12-28
“The work we do is hard. If it were easy, it would be done already.” –John Wood I heard this statement way back when, in San Francisco, from Room to Read founder, John Wood. He was referencing the efforts of his organization to expand education opportunities in developing countries. As I lay in bed today,...
Read More2010-12-28
I thought I might share 10 bits of advice and “wisdom” with any readers who may find themselves someday in a similar living situation.
Read More2010-12-24
It’s been interesting living with the MST this past month or so: regional and state meetings (which were full-on weekend events), occupation of the town hall of Santo Amaro (one of the guys working there and living in an assentamento was not promoting the interests MST, apparently), occupation of new land (essentially seizing new land...
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