Still alive and running

Hello! First let me apologize for throwing off this job for so long. Life in Ecuador seems to be on fast forward lately. I have around a month and a half left in this beautiful country and my heart is torn in so many ways. I love it here, yet my heart yearns to see my friends and (SURPRISE!) to be back in Brown County with camp staff and my wonderfully crazy campers. But, I still have time, so I’ll remind you for the words I heard every year in high school before a major break came. “Stop wishing for the future and live in the moment. You miss too much when you’re constantly counting down towards something else.” Okay, those might not be the exact words, but I think I conveyed the sentiment. (Words of Wisdom brought to you by Miss Jacqui Sheehan)

There’s a ton that has happened lately but I’ll narrow down this blog to my two BCA trips: The Galapagos Islands and the Island of Muisne in Las Esmeraldas.

Wild Flamingos 

I’ve seen some pretty beautiful places and faces in my life, but I think God must have had a field day when He formed the Galapagos. Every corner had a new perspective of the beauty of this place. Our hotel sat on the beach. The first night, after flights, bus rides, boat rides, and open truck rides, we saw the clear waters and ran straight for the water. I’m surprised we even put on swimsuits. Later, we played a glorious game of Ultimate Frisbee (only after scurrying away the iguana that made home in the middle of the field… apparently you aren’t suppose to chase the animals there OPPS). The following days included bikes rides, snorkeling, hiking, and lots of swimming. The Galapagos always seemed to be a distant place in a storybook. No matter how many times I’ve read that it was the area where Charles Darwin based his theories of evolution, it never seemed tangible. Even now, it seems like a dream. Let me break down some of the activities and paint the pictures for you.

During our 3 hour bike ride, we rode around the island of Isabela and saw beautiful sights. The ride was a beautiful way to take in the ambience of the island. We first stopped at the ridge of a pond and saw wild flamingos feeding. These guys are superior to those at the Indianapolis Zoo. Next, we visited some marshes, toured a tortoise sanctuary, got a bird’s eye view of the island, and even learned some good ol’ American history. The US had military bases on Isabella during WW2 and abandoned them at the conclusion of the war. Ecuador took advantage of the free facilities and held a prison on the island. The prisoners were forced to build this wall to keep them busy. There was no purpose for the construction. People can be cruel. 

Anyone up for a game of King of the Hill?

Baby! This guy was only a few weeks old.

The look over Isabela

That tank top might have been ruined...

This beautiful sight probably contributed to the awful sunburn I had in the Galapagos

People can be really dumb.

One rock would have been too much.

Another day, we went snorkeling. If you’ve seen me during summer, you probably already know that swimming is not my forte. I can get from point A to point B, but ask me to tread water for a little bit, and my mind thinks I’m drowning. Go ahead and laugh, but it’s one area that causes embarrassment and insecurity. So my first snorkeling experience was okay... but it could have been better. The whole experience was a little claustrophobic. I think it’s acceptable to feel that way. By nature, we were not designed to breathe underwater. Submerge my face in the ocean and tell me it’s safe to breathe in, and I’ll have some hesitation. Okay, the first experience was slightly traumatic, but I returned to the ship and put on a PFD. Life was better. At one point, we were traveling between islands and our guide pointed out massive manta rays. These guys were easily twice my wingspan. We turned around to see our guide with mask and flippers on and ready to dive. Why not? The water chilled you to the core but swimming over these giants was completely worth shivering later. Sorry I don’t have pictures of this one L

Blue footed boobies! Yes, they do exist. 

Shark bait oh ah ha! Oh wait... Those are the sharks.

Beauty cannot be contained.

I could have touched this guy!

Towards the end of our vist, we hiked to see the second largest caldera in the world. The volcano’s mouth stretched on forever. Inside, you could see volcanic rock from numerous explosions, as well as a few plants that decided to make a home there. We continued our hike until we got to a massive lava flow area. It’s amazing how barren the Galapagos can be at times. The reds, browns, and blacks of the different eruptions expanded across the land before us. At times there would be vegetation. The entire experience was beautiful to see life created from “nothing”.

Sierra Negra

If I could sum up the Galapagos into one word, it would have to be creation. The island holds one of the longest living animal in the world yet it’s so easy to see the start of life there as well. I hope you will get to experience this beauty first hand. Disney World might be the happiest place on Earth, but you will never be able to forget to power and beauty of the Galapagos.

When in the Galapagos, climb into a giant tortoise shell with a friend!

This guy saved his species if you catch my drift ;) Go Diego Go!

Land iguana

Turning the tables, a few weeks later, my program traveled to the island of Muisne. Galapagos was very much a vacation when compared to our experience in Muisne. Please, do not think that is any reason to depreciate Muisne. This little island in the Esmeraldas gave us a look into how industry can ruin lives. Within the past ten years, shrimp farming has boomed in Muisne. Shrimp is the second largest export of Ecuador with a majority being sold to North America and Europe. Sweet, right?! I mean, I love shrimp. ERRRRRRRRRR WRONG. There a few problems in this picture. The people of Muisne follow tradition. Many aren’t educated and simply follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. The main occupation for those of Muisne is searching for conchas. These clam like creatures live in the mud surrounding the roots of mangrove trees. As the shrimp industry began to expand, rich investors took advantage of the unclaimed land in Muisne, uprooted hundreds (if not thousands) of acres of mangroves, and build farms to harvest shrimp. A shrimp farm employs one guard on site. A few acres of a fish farm, when filled mangroves, could employ over a thousand of individuals searching for conchas. Now, over 70% of the mangroves has been destroyed. It used to be normal to gather 500+ conchas in one day’s work. Now one is lucky to find between 60-80. Many people have had to abandon their way of life and search for new ways of income. Few have found success. Younger generations are leaving the islands in hopes of finding a better life in the mainlands. There used to be appreciation and reverence for nature. Now there is only desperation.

The town of Muisne

While in Muisne, we heard first hand accounts of how the shrimp industry had torn apart lives and families. These people don’t have other options. We worked alongside an organization that works to educate others of the problems in Muisne and restore the mangroves. We collected mangrove seeds and planted them the next afternoon. Our director had advised us to bring knee high rubber boots to guard against the mud we’d be tromping through. They did not help. Please, picture 30 college students in knee high mud with the tide coming in and trying to plant seeds… Exactly. The sight was not pretty, but the laugher filled the marshes. When we finally finished planting (or were not able the plant), we practically swam back to our boats. The next day, we tried our hand at searching for conchas. The most successful method was sticking you hands near the roots of the mangroves and blindly feeling for a clam shaped object. This was also the most unsuccessful method. Let’s be honest, it was a shoot in the dark to find these suckers. After about 30 minutes most submerged covered in mud with one concha in hand. Sure the work was fun for half an hour with friends, but not the way I want to making a living.

Possibly the funniest guide I will ever have.

Showing off their accomplishments.

So with all this in mind, I’ve decided to boycott shrimp unless I know where it is caught. The destruction of the environment and families is not worth a tasty meal.

During our visit, we also learned about making charcoal and casting nets. Again, interesting to learn but I’ll need plenty of practice before I can commit to such a life style. One of the more relaxed activities took place on our last night. One of our guides and a crew of dancers shared traditional dances and music from the Muisne area. This EcuAfro culture was just as beautiful to listen to as it was to watch. After the first few songs things began going downhill. The music was still beautiful and lively. The problem was the dancers. The Eucadorian dancers still had rhythm and grace. The BCA dancers lacked. Yup! You guessed it. Audrey, Connor, my two directors, and I were chosen to participate in this lovely event. I can easily make a fool of myself dancing but ask me to impress someone with my dancing skills and I’d rather shrink into the background. According to friends, I actually did a good job, but they might have been laughing at Chris and Connor too much to actually pay attention (they were not pretty sights).

It's all in the legs.

Kudos to these fabulous women for cooking for us while in Muisne.

So these two trips seem like worlds apart. One was a vacation while the other was more similar to a work study. Both involved beauty, but one seemed to be appreciated by the world more so than the other. I hope my words have given a little justice to my experiences. I urge you to study these places yourself. I hope my testimonies are a platform for your own discoveries.

With peace and love,
Trinity Ann

 PS For more pictures, check out these links to my facebook albums. You don't need to be a friend on facebook to access them :)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152699273074199.1073741831.625074198&type=1&l=c1c86059ef

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152751014029199.1073741832.625074198&type=1&l=28e2ec3f59

I've found a piece of camp in Quito!!!

Here is a journal entry I wrote for my program director. I've had adventures rappelling down waterfalls and spent a Saturday in natural hot springs that aren't included in this post but certainly will be mentioned in later days. Tomorrow morning, I leave for the Galapagos. My mind and barely fathom what the next five days will hold but I'm willing to jump in! Until then, enjoy reading about me finding a piece of camp in southern Quito.

Kids are Kids across the Globe

            For the past four summers, I’ve worked at a summer camp for intercity kids. I absolutely love my job. I have the opportunity to bring city kids into beautiful Nashville, Indiana and help open their harts and minds to new activities like swimming, horseback riding, and High Ropes. These activities are so much more than fun things to do. To these children, they are new experiences that put that the children in a safe place of vulnerability. Ask a fourteen year-old boy who is the only man in the family to be vulnerable and you might see some of the following reactions. Some get angry and defensive. Others revert to a class clown attitude. Some shrink away into the background. And others puff out their chests and step up to the challenge.

            The boys at my volunteer organization respond in the same ways as my campers from Indianapolis. Some care more about keeping their clothes clean rather than making a catch during a game of Ultimate Frisbee. One of the boys is a ladies man during school, but put him in front of a dog and he suddenly becomes nervous and jittery. Still, I prefer the reactions generated when heights are involved. Why? Because when a kid, or anyone, climbs 30 feet, things get real. And they get real fast. It’s hard to put on a mask when you’re fearing for your life. I’ve spoken to kids about bullying at school, the death of parents, and abuse in foster homes all while being 40 feet in the air. I have heard things that no person should never experience, much less a child. Adults often forget the crap that happens during childhood. They often undermine and underestimate the wisdom of children.

As a young adult, I play the role of the middleman. I have an amazing chance to learn, listen, and care for these kids. I can help shape their perceptions of what being a “grown-up”, no being a person, is like. I have an opportunity to show them they are loved no matter what gang they are in, no matter their grades in school, no matter how broken they are. And here’s the real beauty; we are all the same in every country and in every language. Sure, it’s a little more difficult to relate and share in another language, but emotions are universal. Joy, Pain, Excitement, Fear, Acceptance. These emotions can be conveyed with body language and voice inflection.

Our similarities as people, far out weigh our differences. Girls will always have a fascination for playing with hair and painting nails. At a certain age, boys start realizing the differences between men and women. They will try a multitude of maneuvers to get just the right feel or line of view. (Little girls are just as sneaky with their hand holding and cuddling.) And kids have an obsession with cameras and taking photos.

Mountain Nation is my little bit of Happy Hollow Children’s Camp here in Quito. We have plenty of handshakes. I give side hugs like a professional. We laugh in every situation. Some kids take convincing before they participate. Sunglasses are exchanged and water bottles make their rounds. At the end of the day, I’m happy to be exhausted from games and great conversations.

Found a fairy stone on the Pacific Coast

Ten things I know to be true... Inspired by Sarah Kay

Here is my list of ten things I know to be true. There’s no order and you might not accept or agree with my things, but that’s okay. I challenge you to make a list of your own.

Here’s the thing about comparing lists as told by Sarah Kay (check out the video at the end of this post). “First, someone has the exact same thing, or something very similar, on their list. Second, someone else has something the complete opposite as yours. Third, someone has something you have never even heard of before. And fourth, someone has something you thought you knew everything about, but they are introducing a new angle of looking at it.”

Here is what is on my mind. Enjoy, think, and fall in love.

• Ecuador might be the most difficult experience in my life to date. AND I LOVE IT. There is so much unknown and wonder that consumes me in this place, and when I feel like I’m at my breaking point, I realize that I can go so much further than what I previously imagined.
• Music and friends are the best medicine. Where one fails, the other succeeds. The best moments require no necessary explanation.
• The state of “being” is my favorite place to be.
•  God provides. My relationship with God hasn’t been at the forefront in recent years, but God has shown me no matter what, He is with me. That’s a pretty big deal when you’re in a country that doesn’t speak your native tongue.
• Love has no borders. Whether it’s between friends, significant others, or family, I believe if the relationship is strong, distance will make the heart grow founder. With that said, small reunions also do wonders for the relationship.
• While moving forward is important, accepting being at a standstill is just as important. Constantly moving is exhausting and confusing. Sometimes taking a breath, evaluating your surroundings, and smiling helps you learn more than pushing forward.
•  The passions of others ignite my passions. Perhaps it’s the idea that with every new idea, I become I bit more knowledgeable and diverse than I was before.
• I love to talk. But seriously, I LOVE to talk. I never realized the extent of it until I found that I was at a severe lack of (Spanish) words. Without conversation, I don’t feel fully myself. Full belly laughs, bright eyes, and uncontainable smiles result from stories. When I can’t achieve those things, I don’t feel like Trinity Ann. This can be very painful, but it only fuels my desire to learn.
• Laughter is a beautiful thing. Laughter with strangers makes me love the world even more, because often times it is the unannounced that is the origin. Strike that, maybe it’s connections with strangers that makes me love the world a little bit more. The slight chance that this new person can enhance my person.
• Time is never enough. I constantly wonder why God only put 24 hours in a day, because I have so much more than 24 hours of things to accomplish each day. Then I realize that we need to prioritize and give value to things above others. I have a little over three months left in Ecuador and I see the time ticking by so quickly. This isn’t enough time, but I’ll try to do my best with what I have left.

Please check out the TED talk by Sarah Kay that inspired this post. It’s medicine for the soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0snNB1yS3IE 

Beautiful canyon on our way to Quilotoa.

Quilotoa's cater lake aka most gorgeous water I have ever seen.

Crater lakes are kinda the thing in Ecuador.

Had a wonderful visit from my best friend/sister. Words cannot describe how necessary it was to see her.

I had my first family vacation this past weekend!

I feel like it's mandatory to poke fun at mothers to share your love for them. 

With peace and love,  

      Trinity Ann