Reports from Ecuador

Atacames

Vacation time! Stacey and I were originally supposed to come back to Houston this past Saturday, but our time was extended so we could enjoy more of Ecuador. We spent a long weekend at Atacames, a pretty nice beach town lined with stores and vendors all along a beautiful beachfront of the Pacific Ocean. The highlight of the trip, by far, was the whale tour! We saw about seven humpback whales – I even saw one come up head-first!!

We also took a gastronomical tour of the coastal region of Ecuador by trying their tropical fruits and all the wonderful fresh seafood that they had to offer!

Stacey and I got to read and tan on the beach for a bit, and unfortunately we now look like lobsters, but it’s all in good fun! Our characteristic pale skin is now a tinge darker, and Enrique has joked that we are no longer Casparinas! (Casparina is the Spanish version of Casper, the friendly ghost)

Saying Goodbye

After wrapping up all of our paperwork, we unfortunately had to prepare to leave all of those at Fundación Futuro.  After our last dinner together of eating typical Ecuadorian food, we said our final goodbyes. They told us that they were very sad to see us go, and they hope that one day we can return to Ecuador, for we’ll have a family waiting for us…

After catching the flight back to Houston in the early morning, I am now safe and sound in the United States.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to believe that I’ve just completed two months of work here in Ecuador, and I can honestly say that it’s been some of the most memorable couple of months of my life.

I’d like to thank all those in the BTB program, most notably Dr. Richards-Kortum, who encouraged and guided my BIOE 260 team when we were designing the CHW pack this past semester, and Dr. Maria Oden, whose word in the final assessment and design of the pack was unbelievably helpful. Also, many thanks to Yvette Mirabal, who has been our mentor for the pack since the start, and whose insight really helped Stacey and me look out over the past few months and realize how much we’ve accomplished. The lab in a backpack now here in Ecuador would not have been possible without Stephen Wallace´s hard work, and his assistance to get me in the door at Medical Bridges really helped me out at crunch-time!

Also, a most important shout-out to all the doctors, nurses, community health workers, lab technicians, and patients we have seen throughout all of our medical brigades. I would especially like to thank a few by name. To Dra. Lorena and Dra. Monica, you are extremely inspirational people, and you have clearly demonstrated your love for others through your dedication in treating the indigenous populations of the Sierra. To Lucia, Karina, Carlos, and Paúl, you all have been the best lab technicians I’ve ever met! With your fun attitudes, you´ve brightened up our weeks at Planchaloma. Also, many thanks to Nicolas and René, my team and I designed the community health workers´ kit for you, and I welcome your feedback wholeheartedly.

I cannot say enough in gratitude to the people of Fundación Futuro. María Alicia and Enrique have opened their arms to us this summer. Stacey and I came in as two unknown strangers, but they welcomed us in immediately. María Alicia’s generosity has been outstanding, for she’s offered her home for us to stay at these past two months. She has let us into her life, and I can honestly say that I will be extremely sad to leave her and her beautiful family. Enrique has also welcomed us as daughters, and in meeting and spending time with his family, I have seen a glimpse of the life I hope to have one day. Marisol has also been more than generous, not only in helping us refill the supplies of all of our backpacks, but in simply brightening our day with her silly voices and contagious laughter. These people have helped us in the daily struggles in implementing our projects. More importantly, though, I will miss them personally…With their relentless sense of humor, laid-back attitude, and selfless care for others less fortunate than themselves, they have become my Ecuadorian best friends!

This program of Beyond Traditional Borders has provided me with an experience that I could have hardly ever dreamed of! Even though I’ve only finished my freshman year at Rice, I’ve been able to experience first-hand how to efficiently run mobile medical clinics and to see my own project being used by medical professionals in remote regions. Through living here and learning so much from the locals about Ecuador, I’ve come to know and love this tiny South American country. These experiences have also helped me grow personally: I’ve learned to become more patient, more empathetic, and more inclined to sit back, listen, and truly enjoy the company of others.

I´ll admit it – these two months have not been the easiest in my life. I’ve struggled with homesickness, parasites, and language barriers, but I have gained a stronger sense of strength and self-confidence to help carry me through these and future struggles. I hope to carry the lessons I have learned here for the rest of my life. The generosity, kindness, strength, and intelligence of the people with whom we have worked will always represent to me the essence of Ecuador.

Adiós, y gracias por todo.

Con todo mi cariño,

Andrea