Since being stationed in the town of Mindo for my service portion of SST, I’ve noticed a big cultural difference between U.S. Mennonites and Ecuadorian “Mindo-nites” – pun intended 🙂 approaches to life. There’s a palpable sense of serenity and...
News
Reforesting Ecuador: Small Steps, Lasting Impact
Jul 18 2025
My classmate, me, and my sister on our way to the farm.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a service organization in Ecuador that aligns with my interests and has been a lot of fun. The mission of my assignment is to combat deforestation in Ecuador. Throughout my time here, I’ve learned many unique skills and techniques under the guidance of my amazing supervisor.
My supervisor and SST classmate making a new table for the workshop.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been sharing it with my sister, and another dear friend. Our strong bond and our supervisor’s witty jokes keep us smiling even through the toughest tasks. Working together, we’ve come to appreciate how many small, everyday efforts contribute to achieving larger goals.
For example, one of our tasks involved chopping coconuts in half so they could be shredded. We then sorted the fibers by hand to create eco-friendly planters using string. This innovative process is just one example of our supervisor’s creativity, leadership, and deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
The eco-friendly planters we made.
This past week, we visited a farm perched on top of a mountain overlooking Mindo. After spending time with the animals; pigs, goats, cows, chickens, and even donkeys, we hiked down a steep, muddy trail (with a few funny slips and falls along the way). At the bottom, we prepared the land for planting by weed-eating and removing old vegetation. Then, we planted avocado trees, papaya trees, and sugarcane under the hot sun. The hike back up was exhausting, and by the end, my sweatshirt was soaked with sweat, but it was one of the most memorable and fulfilling days I’ve had.
Riding a donkey on the farm while my host aunt guides me.
I’m proud to be part of a service that directly addresses deforestation, an urgent global issue. In the U.S. alone, we lose about 1 million acres of forest every year, yet meaningful action is still lacking. This experience has deepened my understanding of reforestation efforts and inspired me to take what I’ve learned back home to contribute to change in my community.
The plants we transferred and planted.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an inspiring leader, engage in impactful environmental service, and to share the experience with my sister and friend. It’s truly an experience I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.