One of my favorite parts of Ecuador has been getting to experience the nature here. I’m currently living in the small town of Latacunga and everyday I am blown away by the mountains that surround the town, as well as the bright green fields that stretch on for miles. I love being able to take a step back from everything and soak in the beautiful scenery.
Kristen Waltner
For me, leading SST is humbling and exhausting, yet energizing, exhilarating and deeply impactful. We are currently visiting students at their service placements, and it is a joy to see their growth in navigating new cities, loving new families, showing more confidence in their Spanish and offering their time and gifts to their service organizations. The bond that this immersive, intercultural experience fosters amongst the group is one-of-a-kind, not just between students and leaders, but also between the Ecuadorian people and us.
I continue to be amazed by the warmth, love and hospitality that Ecuadorians have given us, and it is obvious from the tears that were shed by both students and families when they left Quito after six weeks for service that deep relationships had formed. My hope is that we all carry the love, acceptance and care that we have been gifted in Ecuador home with us to extend to our communities.
Izzy Langelier
On service, the rewards are already clear: the student’s humor, their expressiveness and the small breakthroughs when we understand each other without hesitation. The challenges are real, too: not always understanding each other, worrying about cultural missteps and feeling the limits of my signing knowledge. But I think the biggest learning for me will be about presence. Slowing down and letting go of urgency. Trusting that small moments matter.
This experience is teaching me to listen with my eyes, to be patient and to let the community shape me rather than the other way around. About understanding that service is not about what I accomplish, but about how I show up. I am learning that relationships take time, and that being truly present is its own kind of offering.
Jan Kauffman
Before we left for Ecuador, a seasoned SST leader said, “it’s the hardest thing you will love.” I have found this to be true with so many details: navigating challenges, 24/7 on-call, but yet such a beautiful country, incredible people and wonderful students. While it has been full, we have seen confidence grow and bonding happen among students and with their host families. We have talked together about gratitude and reciprocity as we consider ways to give back, as we have received so much during our time here.
As the students left for service, I felt a real sense that they were ready. They spread their wings and entered into new communities and families with more confidence and they are learning and growing each day. What a joy to hear of newfound interests, to hear of the growth in language skills, to see their smiles and hear the laughter when we visit. Soon, we will wonder where the time went and wish for more. Ecuador (and these 19 students) are forever in my heart.
