Crucita: Time of Reflection on the Beach

         
           Participants visited many houses in Cruz Alta, Manabi

June 22, 2002
By Melissa & Joey

  Today was a time of reflection for me.  It was our “day off” to lay in the sun and do whatever we wanted to do.  I reflected on all the visits to the villages and the many hospitals and clinics.  I’m so thankful that we are privileged with health care in the U.S.A., but the lives of these people seem to make them happier.  The communities and families here seem to be so much more close-knit than in the US.  These visits have shown me that my family is the most important thing in my life.  They have also shown me that I want to help more in Tropical Disease research when I finish graduate school. 

Finally!  A day off!  We have worked so hard since we’ve been here, and we are rewarded with time on the beach.  But this isn’t like any other day at the beach.  While my body rests on the sand, my mind revisits each day and each lesson learned.  Mentally, I cannot relax, as I contemplate different ways to make a difference here. 

This "house" is hope to a family of 7.
"One picture is worth 1000 words"

As I prepared for this trip to Ecuador, which is my second, I was anxious to see how accurate my perceptions were last year.  I wondered how much of what I experienced here was true to reality, and how much was artifact from all of the excitement of being away from home.  I left Ecuador last year with tears on my cheeks, and a burning desire to return in my heart.  While I learned very much, I felt empty due to my inability to help.  I left wishing I could have done more.  And thus began my mission: to figure out the best way to help, and to follow through with these goals in hopes of quashing this feeling of helplessness, somehow positively impacting the lives of many who are very less fortunate than I. 

Participants got to interact with the people in the communities we visited

We as Americans do not realize how good we have it.  While not all Americans are privileged, and many suffer in one way or another, the tone in Ecuador is entirely different.  Those who suffer here are in the majority.  And by suffering, I don’t mean not having enough money to buy a car or keep up with the Joneses.  I mean not having enough to eat.  This is in stark contrast to an American teen not being cool because he or she doesn’t have the newest pair of $100 tennis shoes.  $100 is almost half of the monthly income of some of the doctors here!  Why are we, who are so fortunate, so hesitant to share with those who are not, especially if they are not American?  Being human, I feel it is almost our duty to help others, no matter where they live, especially if we are fortunate enough to live in excess.  

Obviously, I have realized by being here again that what I felt last year was very real.  My return this year continues to strengthen my resolve to share my good fortune, and to channel my frustration and sadness into the motivation and passion with which I will power my mission.  And my mission will endure my entire life.