On Friday, May 29th, after making the 30-minute trek from Corrymeela to downtown Ballycastle, we made our first voyage using Northern Ireland’s location public transportation system TransLink. After Jessica purchased 17 tickets we took our seats on the...
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Service Week 1
Feb 27 2026
In preparation to leave for their service assignments last week, the students discussed what “service” means. Rather than thinking of this service period as work, they defined it as:
- the opportunity to be part of something larger in Ecuador
- giving back to the community
- reciprocity
- gaining a new view of and appreciation for the culture and people
- accompaniment
The students are now one week into their assignments, integrating into daily life with a new host family and becoming better acquainted with their service organizations. They are engaging in a wide variety of projects and learning to live out these definitions of service.
A few students share their thoughts and experiences from week one:
It’s been really enjoyable spending my days in the woods and learning more about indigenous thought from some of the workers I am accompanying. This is a picture of my new friend Nenqui, who has led me on a couple of hikes and taught me some words in Waorani.
– Theo: Puyo, Parque Etnobotánico Omaere
Everyone helps each other [at the lengua de señas school]. When someone does not understand something, everyone helps. Language is important to create beautiful things.
– Izzy: Ibarra, 3 de Diciembre School
Recently, I have found so much peace in the nature that surrounds my little town! Amidst the uncertainty of what’s ahead, it has been incredibly comforting to be accompanied by two grand mountains, Taita Imbabura and Mama Cotacachi (pictured here).
– Alina: Otavalo, Coche Escena, a fine arts program for children and adults
In Mindo, I have connected a lot with nature and am starting to learn how the town sees sustainability, such as by reusing materials. I’m getting to know more places and exploring the small town, which is actually big when it comes to biodiversity and welcoming people.
– Dani: Mindo, conservation work with the local government
This week, I worked with various kids with autism by breaking down lessons and assignments with each individual and trying to find ways to help them learn that actually helps them encode the information and holds their attention. Something that has stood out to me so far is how many different ways you can adapt and teach one thing to various students so that they can obtain the maximum amount of knowledge possible.
– Kelsie: Riobamba, San Luis School
My host mom and I have been exploring Riobamba in the afternoon and seeing different cathedrals and parks. We also have been playing a lot of board games, and I’ve been learning some new ones.
– Alianna: Riobamba, Centro Artesanal
I accompanied Lizbeth to a community to collect soil samples and check the health of the land. We put dirt in a cup and added hydrogen peroxide. If the mixture starts bubbling a lot and rises, that means the soil is healthy and full of life.
– Alexandra: Pujilí
Señora Alba works at the farm and I met her this week. She does everything: milks the cows, farming, etc. She always has a smile on her face, even when sweeping cow manure. I admire that.
– Tom: Latacunga, Caritas, a humanitarian and social development organization
We spent every morning working in the fields with ingeniera Rosa, harvesting onions, celery, tomatoes, and working in broccoli fields, then spent the afternoons in a variety of after-school classrooms to help with math homework.
– Josiah: San Simon, Su Cambio Por El Cambio, a social organization to support elderly adults and school-aged children
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