Learning, Being, Serving in Quito, Ecuador: May 2011

First of all, an apology for having neglected this space to share with you all what's been happening recently. So much has happened since I last wrote on my blog and now I'm not quite sure where to start....

In late March, I had the opportunity to travel to Colombia for 10 days during which time I attended National Assembly of Colombian Mennonite Churches, met with church leaders, learned more about the armed conflict in Colombia, and met with various Mennonite organizations in Bogota. It was a great time to learn more about what's happening in Colombia regarding the Mennonite church as well as the current politics and dynamics regarding the armed conflict and displacement. It was extremely useful for understanding a bit further the best way to approach my work with the refugees here in Ecuador.

I was also able to spend time with some good buddies, Isaac Beachy and Dave Neufeld, which was great.

Here's a quick rundown of some other exciting things that are happening here:

1) Shoe-making business: Over the past 2 months or so, 3 Colombian refugees that we visit weekly had been contemplating and brainstorming about how to help them start up their own shoe making business. For quite a while now, they've been working as employees in a small shoe fabricating business, but hadnt been getting paid well and were frustrated with the disorganization, pay rate and treatment from their boss. I helped them elaborate a business plan to see how feasible the idea would be and we discovered that it seemed like a very possible idea for a prosperous small business. We then consulted with a lawyer who helped us write up a contract. Isaac Beachy and I decided to invest in their idea and help them with a no interest loan that they can (hopefully) pay back during the next year. Last thursday I traveled with my 3 friends to the shoe making capital of Ecuador (the city of Ambato) and we bought all of the materials/machines to start up the business. They will be starting out of their house in order to avoid the cost of rent in another location. I'm really excited for this project and hope these 3 refugees can fulfill their dream of running their own successful business and eventually teach others how to make shoes and use their business for the benefit of others.

2) Farm news: We recently sat down to figure out how successful the first round of chicken raising had been for us. In raising the first 150 chickens, we definitely had our fair share of mistakes and learning experiences, but even still we came out in the positives. The family living on the farm was able to make an extra bit of money and the project in general also benefited and was able to invest those earnings in other projects for the refugees. We are currently putting the finishing touches on the greenhouse and considering the idea of raising guinea pigs as well (which are delicious and sell for good money here......sorry for those who have a pet guinea pig). I've also had a wonderful time making connections with people in order to sell our chickens, produce and eggs. A while back, I heard about a popular street vendor who sells "humitas" which is a corn based food wrapped in a corn leaf, kind of like the mexican tamal. He sells 300 humitas everyday in just 3 hours. We figured he might need a steady corn supply......I searched for him and found him on the street and I've have ended up selling him a large part of our corn harvest which is great....although hauling around giant, heavy sacks of corn on the bus can be interesting :) He also buys eggs and chickens from us weekly.

3) Music. I love music. Although I myself am one of the least talented guitarists that I have had the pleasure to meet, due to the current lack of musicians in our church, I've loved being called upon the lead music in our church services, workshops for kids and the "momento por la paz" that we hold once a month. I'm also happy to have a good friend, Roberto, helping me with the music in the church services. He is naturally talented leading music and in our Sunday services he plays the guitar and I've had the chance to mess around on the piano. It's been a joy to see how the improved music over the last months has added energy, happiness and meaning to our church community.

I think I'll leave it there for now so I don't tire anyone out with too many words. As a side note, I recently wrote an article for The Mennonite about a refugee family that has had an incredibly tough road here in Ecuador, but has faced each problem with resiliency and has always maintained a smile on their face....truly amazing people. So yeah, keep your eyes opened for that article. With much love from Quito, Ecuador.

David