After our incredible days in the capital, it was time to move to Turuco, a magical place located between El Taita Imbambura and La Mama Cotacachi, the two most important volcanoes in the region.
In this hidden corner of the world, not only do we have an incredible landscape full of green and life, but it is “The House of Paty” and it is thanks to her and her family (Rummy, Sammy, Yauri, Malki, 4 dogs, and 3 cats ) that being here makes us all feel at home with a new family that cooks us delicious meals, takes us on trips, and cares about each one of us. Everything really becomes very easy being part of this incredible family.
The day they received us they gave us a birthday party for Syd where they decorated us with balloons, had magic candles, and served a traditional Ecuadorian dinner and a delicious apple pie to share.
Waking up, the first thing we did was go out and explore the place and mingle with the children there—they set up soccer games and volleyball games and it was so authentic and spontaneous. After meeting their new friends they welcomed us at the school where we started with our service project. It was a normal day of classes but we were received with a ceremony. The children sang to us and we did a traditional dance among all. It was difficult to get to work because of how much we were enjoying playing with the children. The curiosity was mutual and much love was seen that day.
We worked for three days in the school, managing to paint all their furniture and chairs and remodeling the main room to create two play areas and one for naptime. Tired and satisfied with our work, the time came to put aside the work momentarily and to think about our night in Intag. Without a doubt this is the most impressive place we have been until now. We stayed in charming cabins next to a river of clear water that descends through one of the most vertical parts of the Ecuadorian Andes. It was like being in the middle of two natural walls with a roof of stars and fireflies all around us.
What we enjoyed the most about our overnight was that no matter where we visited, we could always find a river, a waterfall, or hot springs within walking distance. Our swimsuit was almost the only thing we used for two days and the cold water stopped being a problem after our first dip.
It is impressive how after just two days in a place like this we all feel like different people and each time the group manages to feel more solid and united. Another achievement we had as a group was hiking Mama Cotacachi, an active volcano that has a gap in the crater. The vertical gain was a challenge for all of us but with the strength and energy we got from the Pachamama and the support of the group, we managed to circle the whole crater, which is a five-hour walk with a maximum height of 3,200 meters above sea level. The feeling of achievement reaching the end is difficult to explain—many fears were overcome and the connection with nature and the group was strengthened
It is important to emphasize that all these experiences we’ve had during the last few days have been while disconnected from our cell phones, since as a group we managed to reach an agreement to observe a “tech fast.” The results were very beneficial! After we returned, many students checked in with their parents and then left their phones in their rooms to go hang out with new friends in the community.
Today we use Sunday to relax, visit a waterfall and the market, and to wash our clothes by hand. We’ll be recharged for returning to service projects!
— Javier & Sasha
