Today has officially made our 5th full day in Riobamba, Ecuador. We visited a Indigenous family living on a farm. Our partner on today’s trip was Cesar Ayol. He currently resides in El Molino, Guamote. He owns his own piece of land for almost 20 years.The view was very beautiful, and high up on the mountains. All of the Glimpsers had a very warm welcoming to Guamote.
Most of the housing in El Molino is built on the banks of the Guamote river, causing easy access to irrigation and fertile soil. Families on this farm take good care of their crops and livestock (cows, sheep, goats, guinea pigs etc.) Some sell their products at the local markets near by their town. But Caesar sells his own products in Riobamba and even Quito.
This is an excerpt from one of the Líderes del Día:
“Today, I got to experience a whole other side of life I thought I would never see. In a matter of a few days, I went from being in a community with buildings and suburban houses to farmland and full of happiness. I was put to work that was exhausting, dirty, and a lot of traveling but still put a smile on my face at the end of the day. First, we hiked for about 25-30 minutes to the top of a mountain. Our task was to harvest barley but our personal goal was to complete a month’s work in one day which was achieved! I saw people that worked and walked barefoot through the fields and didn’t have much wealth (at least what most of of think as wealth), but the amazing and heart-warming part was that they didn’t care. I saw children playing with each other, getting dirty and just rolling around in the yard with big smiles.”
One task that one of the groups had was to straighten a hill and to dig and shovel out dirt and grass within three hours. It was very tiring for the group and two students ended with blisters. It took about a group of ten to level out the hill. However, we helped one of the indigenous ladies to try and design a pig coop. This opened our eyes and showed us how hard these families worked in order to survive.
One of our biggest tasks today was to make a big feast for the Glimpsers. We made food from the fresh produce from Cesar’s family garden. Carmen, Cesar’s daughter was the one that helped us create the feast that included vegetable soup, rice, fried catfish, salad, and guava juice. Although today’s kitchen wasn’t in the best condition, it opened our eyes by showing us we don’t need much to create something with meaning, which is very important to the Indigenous people.
Overall, today we experienced things that we hadn’t before. It definitely showed us how much we should appreciate our lifestyles back home because these Indigenous families work much harder to make a living.
Branndan, we are extremely proud of the experience and adventure you’ve decided to take on. Enjoy to the fullest. Love you and miss you,
Dad, Mom, yvee.
Ps.
Your grandparents want a phone number to call you asap.
This was a great post! It was amazing to read about how you all were able to immerse in the day in a life of an Indigenous family. You look great, Branndan!
Love you,
Yvee
This was Awesome to read…thank you. Please encourage the other Glimpsters to blog—-it’s the only communication your families have. We want to know what you’re up to and that everyone is well. Specifically, my daughter, Najma! ?
The Glimpsers will blog on the day that they are the Leaders of the Day, so Najma will have her chance, don’t worry! =)
Hey Kevin we’re very proud of you,it’s exiting to see you learning such important life lessons early in your life. Feel happy that you’ve earned this for yourself and is also a gift to your loved ones. Jorge Collado /Mercedes Abreu
Hey Branndan & Jack! I cannot wait to hear all about your trip. Have an amazing time and stay safe!
I’m so proud of you guys?
Ms. Hernandez
Skylar is watching you farm Martin. I’m so glad to see you. Keep up the good work. We miss you. I pray that you make new friends for life.
Mommy