It was a bit difficult to hear President Don Maximo’s goodbye speech on our final evening in Tumbatu. The downpour of rain pounded against the communal building’s tin roof and everyone inside had to lean forward to hear his words of thanks for the GCN team’s visit. When it was my turn to address the community, representing our team of seven, I started out by sharing my gratitude for the noisy storm outside.
Indeed, we were all so grateful that it was raining. It was the first rainstorm in a week that reached Tumbatu since we had arrived. Water-filled clouds had appeared across the sky earlier in the week, but seemed to just skirt around the village. I have never wanted to see rain so badly.
Our team had just completed the project requested by Tumbatu’s community leadership. We were anxious to get moisture to the 40 baby pine trees, 4 ficus trees, 12 palm trees and over 100 bushes. These additions to the plaza, coloring the center of the community, were finally refreshed by the desperately needed rainfall.
Since 2006, GCN has partnered with the community of Tumbatu. The village is nestled in the rolling hills of the Chota Valley. The majority of Tumbatu citizens are of Afro-Ecuadorians. National census figures estimate that approximately 5% of Ecuadorians are Afro-descendents (roughly 1.6 million people). The Chota Valley is one rural region in the country where many Afro-Ecuadorians live and work the lands.
Our friends in Tumbatu sought out collaboration with GCN to create a community central plaza space. Plazas are an important feature in most Ecuadorian villages and towns, but the population in Tumbatu has been historically marginalized from government support, a struggle faced by the Afro-Ecuadorian minority over history.
Over the past few years, GCN teams and members of Tumbatu’s village have built stages towards the goal of creating a communal park area. Previous teams helped build a volleyball court and cement bleachers. More recently, teams have set the framework and started placing the colorful bricks in the plaza.
When our team arrived, we found the plaza had progressed immensely. The leadership from the parroquia rural (rural parish) of San Vicente, which includes Tumbatu, and the provincial municipality had joined to support the community’s effort to build the plaza. Masons hired by the municipality and parish were hard at work laying the final sections of bricks and another few men were creating cement benches around the plaza.
Our team worked with the community to prepare five garden beds in the plaza. There was plenty of work for all of us, and we had a gentle stream of local volunteers from the community. One day sticks out as a particularly exciting moment for GCN and Tumbatu.
Nearly all the plants had been delivered and we were just beginning to paint the fence poles red and yellow, providing a bright and inviting complement the colorful bricks of the plaza. The children came out of school wanting to help us work. It is typical that kids in the community join GCN teams in the work (or just borrow the wheelbarrow for a bit of fun), but this time it was not just a few young ones who want to participate.
While the kids ran from pole to pole, adding a touch of red paint to the tops with their fingers, suddenly five women in their early twenties asked if they could help with the painting. Next, four elderly women arrived with shovels who began putting dark soil into the wheel barrels that a few men were taking turns to dump into the gardens. The soil placement was overseen by an elderly man who guided GCN and community members as they moved the soil into place.
I was trying to keep track of how many people came together on this day, but I lost count after nearly 25 adults and who-knows how
many children were buzzing around the plaza. In fact, at one point I went to get a drink of water and realized that no one on our team had a tool in his or her hand because so many people in the community wanted to put the finishing touches on the painting and planting! The village excitement was palpable on this afternoon.
During the rest of the week, youth would gather on the benches to gossip. Kids ran around the gardens on their toy bikes and soccer balls. Elders walked along the gardens to inspect the new plants. People were buzzing with delight about the work at the center of the community. They had kind words, not only for the present team but a sincere appreciation for the work that had led up to this point.
A water hose was rigged up to the local canal so on days with enough flow the plants could be watered. Unfortunately, we were visiting the community during a particularly dry period, so the men carried large buckets of water in wheelbarrow from nearby wells. There was a definite sense of ownership by members of the community to makes sure the plants received enough water to stay healthy.
It was not until the final day that the clouds helped the thirsty trees. It rained steadily through the night. As we said our goodbyes and took one final group picture, it seemed like the plants had a special extra green to their leaves to share with all the friends of Tumbatu.
Learn more about Tumbatu & our upcoming trips in 2012 to Ecuador!
If you want to expose your children to other cultures in a way that is more real, in-depth, personable and memorable – by working in community with them rather than just traveling – this is the way to really learn about another culture.
We were exposed to something few of us get to experience. Most often we simply drive through communities. This time we got to meet and really get to know people, and they were so generous. We got far more out of the experience than we gave.
Kathy P., Rock Point, AZ (family of 4)
This was our best family vacation and a phenomenal experience. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do this with my children. My children realized that although the people in the community we visited didn't have a lot of material possessions, they had some things we didn't. The community members were funny, loving and generous.
The group experience was what made it so great. The team leaders were remarkable. They never passed judgment and treated my children like full members of the group, so they acted that way. The experience made them more confident and more excited about taking other travel adventures.
Marcy G., Xiloxochico, Mexico (family of 6)
Volunteering in Tanzania was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes not only to the needs of our fellow global citizens, but also to the lovable and exhilarating culture of Bukoba.
Megan age 19, Bukoba, Tanzania
GCN wasn't just a volunteer trip but instead a life altering two weeks that helped me discover myself.
Shannon age 15, Bukoba, Tanzania
Our GCN sponsored program in Tanzania wasn't a vacation but rather a deeply moving experience our family will cherish for a lifetime.
Sean, Dad, Bukoba, Tanzania
Working side by side with my husband and children, helping, reaching out, and learning from people in a culture vastly different from our own together as a family was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We are already planning our next volunteer vacation.
Karen, Mom, Bukoba, Tanzania
This experience changed all of us. Nothing can compare with it. It's made my kids into global citizens. Before we left for Kenya, I was concerned that my kids were getting spoiled, but the trip showed them how happy people were, even though they had so little by comparison. They also discovered how much more important it is to have experiences instead of things.
My kids are so mature now as a result of the trip. They have a new and broader world view.
Nancy F., Maili Tatu, Africa (3 time repeat participant with 2 kids)
I took each of my two granddaughters on a trip when they turned 13, as a rite of passage. It was tremendously bonding for us. It deepened our love and our relationship, but it also sensitized the girls to different cultures and helped them gain an understanding and empathy for others.
One of my granddaughters was extremely wary. She said, "I don't know how to do this and I don't want to be there." But by the end, she was begging to stay. She had formed some amazing friendships. It was quite a transition.
My advice to families considering this kind of trip is this: Even if you have some hesitation, trust that the experience will be transforming for your child and for your relationship with your child. My two granddaughters are totally different personalities, but the same positive transformation happened for both.
We had so many one-on-one reflective conversations about what we were experiencing and learning. It's a different and more intimate way of being with children.
The team members were incredibly kind to my teenagers. The leaders were such good role models -- caring and inclusive.
Meg V., Rock Point, AZ 2003; La Push, WA 2007
The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole.
Joyce, Pennsylvania; Kenya Participant
With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated.
Gladys, Ontario; Kenya Participants
I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building!" It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed WE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Diana, Colorado; Two-time Mexico Participant
I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals.
David, Ontario; Nepal Participant
As a GCN volunteer you expect to fill the role of giver, giving of your time, efforts, money and heart. During a recent trip to Nepal, I felt more like a wide receiver for a pro football team, with countless blessings being passed my way! It started before I even left with support from a bunch of people, some of whom I don't even know, my sponsors through fundraising.
Cherril, New York; Nepal Participant
A positive growing experience that will unfold as time moves on. I do appreciate the warm hospitality of the local Navajo people and thank them for all they did to open our eyes and heart to their life, culture and values.
Jerry, Minnesota; New Mexico volunteer
It has become the most meaningful thing I've experienced in my life. It was more than a casual cultural exchange. I never felt like a tourist - I felt like I was coming home.
Ted, New York; New Mexico volunteer
The trip to Rock Point was a wonderful experience for me. Our team really "connected" and are talking among ourselves of doing other trips together! We all agreed we haven't laughed and sung songs like we did there for a long time. The Navajo people are wonderful, and we were able to share songs, dinner with them and they with us. We were able to complete the projects they had for us and still have lots of time for culture exchange.
Lynne, California; Arizona volunteer
My goal was to get lifted out of my personal and professional rut, to have my head and heart spun around and to land more solid and grounded. For the most part this happened.
Nancy, Vermont; Guatemala volunteer
Because of a scholarship provided by Global Citizens Network, I was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Guatemala, in a rural village called Llanos de Morales. This was my second trip volunteering in a developing nation (I went to Nicaragua two years ago), but my first time working with GCN. My experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to anyone!
The best thing about the trip was getting really close-up pictures of horses. The hardest part of the trip was leaving Chirapa
Tana-Isabel, Washington; Peru youth volunteer
I wanted to be "in the middle of nowhere" and enjoy it as well as learn about the Quechua culture. My comfort zone has expanded and I enjoyed getting to know the people!
The most inspiring moment for me was receiving a genuine Quechuan percussion instrument as a gift from the community. It showed me that the community valued my presence and it is something that I will never forget.
David, University of Minnesota Participant; Peru volunteer
As I zipped into my sleeping bag, I reflected on this totally crazy, awesome experience, and in many ways wondered how (why) we are having so much fun. This is -- by far -- the best trip we have ever taken as a family and perhaps even my best trip ever. Everything is an adventure. We are living it rather than observing it. Amy S., Chicago, Guatemala volunteer
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