This Summer ARCORES has organized five international volunteers. In July it carried out two from the Philippines, one from Sierra Leone, and one in Ecuador. In August it will carry out the last one: in Panama. Those of Ecuador have been in Guamote, next to the Chimborazo volcano, considered the closest point to the sun, in the Cordillera de los Andes.
By Fernando Martín Esteban, Augustinian Recollect.
The Andean Quichuas are found in the Camote region. An indigenous people who make up 94.5% of the population and have an autochthonous identity and culture millennial.
It is not the first time that I have lived with an indigenous population (Chihuahua -northern Mexico-, Oaxaca -Southern Mexico-, Coto Brus and Bribri -Costa Rica-, Pauiní in the Amazon jungle – Brazil-), but never in such a continuous way as now.
I have always had a confused and in many cases contradictory thinking. On the other hand, their shyness seems to reveal that they live with many limitations and out of time, that are underdeveloped and anchored in their lifestyle, but, on the other, seem to have a wisdom that gives us a thousand turns in the essentials of life.
I do not intend to judge or analyze each of the aspects in detail. Simply share 10 small lessons that in this summer month I have internalized. I am sure that they can serve as inspiration for all of us,improve our daily life or to face current challenges in a more harmonious and respectful. It is important to recognize and value your wealth, and break the indigenous prejudice equals poverty and ignorance.
1.- Symbiosis with nature. They have developed sustainable practices to take advantage of natural resources without depleting them and guarantee their long-term survival term. In Guamote, water is scarce in many areas, but they know how to manage it without exhaust her. It is a mutual care with the earth: I take care of you, you take care of me, we take care of ourselves.
2.- The collective well-being. In the communities it is basic to work together and care mutual. Everyone cares about everyone. The clearest example is the “pingas”. A community work carried out periodically by men for maintenance of common areas, paths, etc. It can also include the construction of the chapels or cleaning the town after the festivities.
3.- The sense of belonging. Their relationship with the natural world provides them with a deep feeling of belonging to the land and to each other. we would never let our son walks barefoot and they encourage him because for them it is vital to step on the ground and feel their reality, their belonging to the earth and their human condition. I also know you can include in this aspect the care that everyone shows towards everyone. Until the small children help out with the babies!
4.- The deep respect for God. They have a system of beliefs and spiritual experiences very ingrained His life is not understood without a direct relationship with divinity. All has a religious meaning. Nothing escapes the will of God and everything receives God’s reward. “God pays you” is his translation of “God bless you.”
5.- Its resilience. Over the years they have had to face challenges, difficulties and significant changes in their environment. All of them have overcome them thanks to their simplicity and resilience. When you talk or live with them, you notice their hardness, their strength. They have complex lives, often without resources, they live from day to day and always go out forward.
6.- Their ancestral wisdom. They maintain knowledge transmitted orally through many generations. Nothing to do with witchcraft or spells. They are stories, rites, natural practices, etc., which contain valuable lessons about life, morality, practical knowledge or health care.
7.- Respect for diversity. They value and respect the individuality of each person the community and outside of it. They defend the members to the death, but also respect for freedom and the decisions that each member can take They don’t attack anyone either. Respect for what is different is a sign of identity. Respect me because I respect you, he seems to shout.
8.- The experience of their traditions. Celebrations and traditions are essential to maintain personal and group identity. They live them with such intensity and sense that, despite being ancient, have full meaning and validity. Boredom, feeling them as something outdated has no place in them. They consider it an essential part of their life. This is how they prepare them, live them and love them.
9.- Their generosity and gratitude. The land, and everything, belongs to everyone. Today for you, tomorrow for me. We all need each other. Nothing belongs to us. Today I can share. Any little help is good. They are phrases that come true every day. Any detail that receive is very grateful and compensated. They are always willing to help and throw a hand.
10.- How to be there. Showing consideration and respect towards others is essential to foster harmonious relationships. In this they are kings. They look like rude people with little training, but his education is exquisite. Great delicacy in treatment, sweet words, courteous manners and always wearing his traditional hat and clothing as way of telling you that you are important to them.
