Discussion of Rural Ecuador
First, UMD students talk about your understandings of the urban-rural spectrum in Ecuador -- (300 words, cite the class readings).
USFQ students, then, respond with your own experience and expertise.
Approach one problem in economic, political, technological, scientific, artistic, literary life. Then, in 300 words, explain what it would mean to approach the problem from a lens of cultural humility instead of cultural competence.
Approach one problem in economic, political, technological, scientific, artistic, literary life that can be understood through global, intercultural, and international lenses. Then, in 300 words, explain what it would mean to approach the problem from a lens of cultural humility instead of cultural competence. As is true of all posts in this public class space, if for reasons of privacy, you prefer not to use your real name or other identifying information, you may choose to do so. You may also email your instructor about receiving credit without posting in this space.
In Ecuador, the rural-urban continuum is a frequent phenomenon, especially in peripheral areas and even within the administrative boundaries of cities. A representative example is the southern zone of Quito, where informal settlements or neighborhoods popularly known as "invasions" are common. These areas arose primarily through spontaneous land occupation and not as a result of direct planning by the Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito. They were developed independently by groups of people who settled in specific areas and subsequently claimed ownership.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this form of urban growth has several consequences. Many of these settlements initially lack full legal recognition in municipal records or have incomplete regularization processes, which limits full access to urban infrastructure, territorial planning, and certain services or rights that the municipality is formally obligated to guarantee. These conditions are regulated by territorial regulations and previously established legal processes.
Despite this, one situation is important to highlight: although several of these neighborhoods do not fully comply with formal urban planning requirements, in many cases they do receive basic services such as drinking water, electricity, and telecommunications, provided by public companies or entities linked to the municipality. However, the provision of these services often suffers from irregularities related to quality, continuity, or cost, leading to frequent conflicts between residents and local authorities.
This problem becomes even more significant considering that a large portion of the population residing in these areas belongs to low-income socioeconomic groups, whose limited family budgets force them to prioritize basic needs for survival. In this context, the perception of high costs for services that are not always provided efficiently can be interpreted by residents as a situation of inequality or unfair treatment, especially when they compare their conditions with those of fully regularized neighborhoods within the city.
A recent example of these tensions in urban management can be seen in Quito, where the inclusion of the garbage collection fee in the water bill generated citizen complaints about significant increases in service costs. Although the measure responds to administrative changes in the billing system, several residents have pointed out that they must pay high amounts even when the water supply is irregular, highlighting the existing inequalities in the effective provision of urban services.
Therefore, the dynamics of informal urban growth and land regularization processes represent a significant social and administrative challenge, as they reveal tensions between urban expansion, the equitable provision of services, and the guarantee of rights for vulnerable populations.
Example reference:
Quito: usuarios denuncian altos cobros en la planilla de agua por la tasa de recolección de basura
Contenido publicado en TELEAMAZONAS.COM. Para hacer uso del mismo, cita la fuente y haz un enlace a la nota original https://www.teleamazonas.com/actualidad/noticias/quito/denuncian-altos-cobros-planilla-agua-tasa-recoleccion-basura-110240/
Thank you so much, Matheo. I was aware of these areas but not (nor had I considered) the kind of inequity (and irony) involved in providing services but in ways which continue the disempowerement (intermittent and high cost!)
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to learn more about life in Ecuador. This is a gift from you to me, Matheo.
ReplyDeleteAs a USFQ student from Ecuador, my understanding of the urban rural spectrum comes mostly from what I have seen growing up here. The difference is honestly very noticeable. In cities like Quito or Guayaquil, there are clearly more opportunities. You have more universities, better hospitals, more job options, public transportation, and easier access to technology. Life moves faster and there are more possibilities in general.
ReplyDeleteIn rural areas, things can feel very different. Opportunities are more limited, and sometimes even basic services are harder to access. Schools may not have the same resources, healthcare centers can be far away, and transportation is not always reliable. Because of that, where someone grows up in Ecuador can really affect their future and what options they have later in life.
At the same time, rural areas are not just about having fewer opportunities. They often have strong traditions, closer communities, and a deeper connection to culture and land. There is a sense of identity that is very important and meaningful.
I also think there are many places in Ecuador that are somewhere in between. Areas outside big cities are growing, but they are not fully urban and still lack infrastructure. This shows that urban and rural are not just two extremes, but part of a spectrum. In Ecuador, geography really shapes inequality and everyday life
I am thinking about how climate may make a difference. Ecuador has several zones and big extremes as MN does not.
DeleteIn the US, most of the exurban and suburban development depended on the development of state and federal highways. As a result, development was a chaotic mess, but it was a chaotic mess that was built with access to the city in design.
DeleteI am guessing that that kind of infrastructure hasn't been part of planning outside the cities in Ecuador?
Hi David, that’s a really interesting comparison. You’re right that in the U.S., suburban and exurban growth was strongly shaped by highway development, which allowed people to live outside cities but still commute easily. That kind of infrastructure planning made physical access to urban centers part of the design from the beginning.
DeleteIn Ecuador, the situation has been different. While there are national highways connecting major cities, expansion outside urban areas has not always followed long-term planning. In many growing areas around cities like Quito or Guayaquil, development has happened quickly and sometimes informally. As a result, infrastructure such as reliable public transportation, sewage systems, or healthcare services has not always kept pace with population growth. So even if these areas are geographically close to cities, access to opportunities is not always guaranteed.
In their article, “A Methodology for Creating Typologies of Rural Territories in Ecuador,” Molestina et al. investigate Ecuadorian rural areas and create a typology that “organizes,
ReplyDeletesystematizes and classifies [plants, animals, landscapes, soils, etc.] according to criteria that may be anticipated or that result from a natural grouping in a way that facilitates their study and understanding” (Molestina et al. 2020). Ecuador’s rural territories are highly diverse, boast strong connectivity/proximity between the city and the country, and include areas that are undergoing urbanization. For the purpose of distinction, Molestina et al. defined rural areas as
“geographical areas where the population is dispersed throughout the countryside and in towns and small cities of up to 15,000 inhabitants, whose productive systems are mostly linked to the
exploitation of natural resources” (Molestina et al. 2020). After examining Ecuador’s landscape and livelihood, they classified its rural regions into six different categories: rural territories with highly dynamic production and country-city relationships, diversified rural territories with ongoing urbanization, dynamic rural territories with family farming, fragile rural territories with subsistence agriculture, marginal and border rural territories, and rural territories with conservation and tourism activities.
Bates et al. focused more on community values within rural towns in their article, “Community Cartography in Health Communication: an Asset-Based Mapping Approach in Four Communities in Rural Ecuador.” More specifically, they examined Bellamaria & Chaquizhca (towns in a mountainous region) and Rio Mariano & Pechichal (towns in a coastal region) and asked several residents to “draw a map that includes what you think is important or significant about your community.” After examining the features of each map, Bates et al. note that emphasizing local voice and values “may allow a logic of community action and empowerment” (Bates et al. 2019). Rather than getting caught up in exactitude like many scientific cartographers, this ‘values map’ may be an alternative to (neo)colonial health and development interventions. It can inform international service agendas “anchored in community assets and interests, as well as provide a guide for community-directed
service projects and development initiatives” (Bates et al 2019).
Molestina, Rosa Cuesta, et al. “A Methodology for Creating Typologies of Rural Territories in Ecuador.” Social Sciences & Humanities Open, vol. 2, no. 1, 2020, p. 100032, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2020.100032. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Benjamin R. Bates, Diana L. Marvel, Claudia Nieto-Sanchez & Mario J. Grijalva (2019) Community cartography in health communication: An asset-based mapping approach in four communities in rural Ecuador, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 12:3, 228-247, DOI: 10.1080/17513057.2018.1524506
From my perspective, the typology developed by Molestina et al. makes a lot of sense when you actually travel across the country. Rural areas here are incredibly diverse. The Sierra, the Costa, and the Amazon are not just geographically different; their economies, social organization, and even their relationship to nearby cities vary significantly. I’ve seen places that are clearly rural but deeply connected to urban markets (for example, through agricultural supply chains), and others that feel much more isolated and dependent on subsistence farming. So I think their six-category classification is valuable because it reflects a reality we can observe: “rural” in Ecuador is not one single condition.
DeleteAt the same time, in my academic experience, we often analyze communities through data, indicators, and policy frameworks. But when you actually talk to people in rural towns, what they value may not align neatly with those frameworks. The idea of asking residents to draw what is important in their community feels powerful because it shifts authority. Instead of outsiders defining needs, the community defines assets. I think this is especially relevant in Ecuador, where development and health interventions have historically been shaped by external agendas.
As a USFQ student, I’ve learned that technical knowledge is important, but it’s not sufficient. In my view, the strongest approach would combine both: use territorial typologies to understand macro-level patterns, but ground any action in participatory methods that center community voice.
Kaelyn, thanks for laying out both readings so clearly. As a USFQ student living in Ecuador, what you wrote matches what I see in real life: in Ecuador, “rural” often does not mean “far away” or “cut off.” In many provinces, you can leave a city and reach small towns or farming areas quickly, and people move back and forth for work, school, health care, and markets. That is why Molestina et al.’s idea of strong country–city relationships makes a lot of sense here. I’ve noticed this especially around larger cities like Quito, where you can find places that look rural (fields, small farms, fewer houses) but are still connected to the city economy and services, so they feel “in between” rather than purely rural.
DeleteYour point about Bates et al. also feels very true for Ecuador. In many rural communities, people care a lot about what outsiders might overlook: the local water source, the church, the soccer field, the main road, or a specific place that brings the community together. If an NGO or a public health project arrives with a “one-size” plan, it can miss what people actually value and how they organize daily life. That “values map” idea is important because it respects local priorities and can reduce the feeling that development is being imposed from outside.
One extra dimension I would add is trust. In some rural areas, people may avoid outside programs (health, education, aid) if they feel judged or if past projects failed. So community voice is not only “nice to include,” it can be the difference between a project working or failing.
Trust. Great point. Again difficult to measure but something that should be considered.
DeleteFirst of all, this is a kind and gentle exchange. I appreciate the kind and appreciative back and forth.
DeleteSecond -- Wow, Kaelyn, you made more sense of these readings than I did when I assigned them. Thank you!
From my perspective as a student at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, the distinction between rural and urban areas described by Rosa Cuesta Molestina and her colleagues reflects what I have personally experienced in Ecuador. They define rural territories as geographic areas where the population is dispersed across the countryside or in small towns with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants, and where productive activities are mainly connected to natural resources such as agriculture or livestock (Molestina et al. 2020).
DeleteIn my experience, living and studying in Quito shows many characteristics of an urban environment. The city offers access to universities, transportation, healthcare, and many businesses, and daily life tends to move quickly. People often work in offices, services, or professional fields, and there are many opportunities related to education and commerce. When I visit smaller towns or rural communities, the lifestyle feels different. Life is generally quieter, communities are smaller, and people often rely more on agriculture, livestock, or local markets for their income. I also notice stronger community relationships, since people tend to know each other and interact more closely in everyday life.
However, in Ecuador the separation between rural and urban spaces is not always very clear. Many rural areas are located close to cities, and people frequently travel between them for work, education, or trade, because of this, I see rural and urban areas as interconnected spaces that both play an important role in Ecuadorian society.
Based on the readings, Ecuador appears to have very diverse rural territories, resulting in a need for a more comprehensive focus on how to define these rural spaces. In Molestina et al.'s article, the authors detail their own investigation into the definitions of "rural" in the context of Ecuador, describing the rurality in Ecuador as "all those geographical areas where the population is dispersed throughout the countryside and in towns and small cities of up to 15,000 inhabitants, whose productive systems are mostly linked to the exploitation of natural resources" (Molestina et al. 3). By defining the various rural territories in this way, the researchers were able to determine the various typologies of the rural territories of Ecuador, identifying five main types: rural territories with highly dynamic production, diversified rural territories with ongoing urbanization, dynamic rural territories with subsistence agriculture, marginal and border rural territories, and rural territories with conservation and tourism activities (8). The first five typologies account for most of Ecuador, with the sixth referring mainly to the Galapagos Islands, which has land that operates very differently from the rest of the country. According to the article, defining these typologies of the rural areas of Ecuador is especially important in facilitating decisions regarding future developmental plans and optimizing the allocation of economic resources.
ReplyDeleteIn the article from Bates et al., the importance of acknowledging the diversity of rural areas is reiterated, this time with specific input from the communities. This article highlighted the importance of land maps and how they are able to shape people's understandings, extending this idea by having members of four communities in rural Ecuador draw their own maps. The researchers had members of communities in two towns within the mountainous region Loja province (Bellamaria and Chaquizhca), as well as two towns in Manabi province (Rio Mariano and Pechichal), a coastal region. The socio-economic conditions of families within all of these communities are adversely affected by many conditions, such as limited job opportunities, poor access to sanitary facilities, deficient health and education services, poor roads, and limited transportation alternatives (Bates et al. 232), all of which restrict the access of the people of these communities in various ways. In having representatives of these communities create their own maps, the researchers were able to find out what members of these towns found to be important or significant within their community. Ultimately, the researches came to the conclusion that "asset based community mapping may be a strategy that can allow a community to guide its own health and development, and not have its health and development guided by the maps drawn by (neo)colonial agents" (245).
Ultimately, both of these articles suggest highly diverse rural territories within Ecuador. Keeping this diversity of these areas in mind is incredibly important in allowing abundant opportunities and access to things like jobs, transportation, and healthcare for these communities.
Molestina, Rosa Cuesta, et al. “A Methodology for Creating Typologies of Rural Territories in Ecuador.” Social Sciences & Humanities Open, vol. 2, no. 1, 2020, p. 100032, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2020.100032. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Benjamin R. Bates, Diana L. Marvel, Claudia Nieto-Sanchez & Mario J. Grijalva (2019) Community cartography in health communication: An asset-based mapping approach in four communities in rural Ecuador, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 12:3, 228-247, DOI: 10.1080/17513057.2018.1524506
As others have said, geography shapaes us and MN and Ecuador have different kinds of geographies in terms of kinds, climate terrain among other issues
DeleteIt's amazing that the way people from communities can help to guide where the development should be going to instead of just the government and institutions deciding bases on their perspectivo without even considering the opinion of people from these communities
DeleteI cannot tell you how much rural Minnesotans say, over and over, that solutions developed in the metro area of the state capitol never, ever work in rural areas.
DeleteHey Harper! I enjoyed you take on Ecuador´s different rural settings. I´d say that almost everything in your piece resonated with my experience growing up and living here. Howerevr, there are a few points that I could perhaps clarify. Then again my experience here may differ from other Ecuadorians.
DeleteThere are only two points that I would like to expando on. First of all I don´t think towns with up to 15,000 people would be considered rural over here, maybe in the US, but over here a population of 15,000 in a single town is considerable, which is why it might not be considered rural. Secondly, saying that rural territories with conservation and tourism activities mainly focus on the Galapagos Islands wouldn´t be acccurate. Yes, the Galapagos islands are probably the greatest tourist attraction in our country, however, ther are many other rural territories with conservation and tourism activities on the mailnand. For example, there are a bunch of national parks with massive volcanoes or deep jungles with long rivers, or even the Inga Pirca ruins (Ecuador´s Machu Pichu). All in all Harper I think you did a great job researching and writhing your thoughts and thank you for sparking my curiosity.
Growing up and spending time in both rural and urban areas of Ecuador has allowed me to see clear differences in lifestyle, opportunities, and daily routines. In rural areas, most people buy their products from small local stores, and many families grow their own food. One of the biggest advantages is the freshness of the products, especially vegetables and fruits that often come directly from the land. Although there are schools in these areas, they are usually small, public, and do not always offer advanced educational resources. Job opportunities are mainly related to agriculture, plant production, oil extraction, construction, and other "blue collar" work. Some communities live far from major cities, so they have to drive or even walk long distances once a week or once a month to buy hygiene products and other essentials. Access to healthcare can also require long trips, and many people prefer using natural or traditional medicine when possible.
ReplyDeleteIn contrast, truly urban areas in Ecuador are limited. In my opinion, only cities like Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil can really be considered fully urban. These cities are characterized by modern architecture, including many tall buildings and large residential and commercial complexes. Urban areas offer more prestigious private schools and universities, providing broader academic and professional opportunities. Economic activities are much more diverse, covering commerce, finance, technology, services, industry, and tourism. However, urban life also comes with challenges. Crime rates are higher in these cities, and the fast paced environment can feel stressful compared to the calm and community oriented lifestyle of rural areas. Overall, both rural and urban Ecuador have their own advantages and disadvantages, shaping very different personal experiences.
This is so rich a description. Thank you!
DeleteThis is a really interesting description that does really well to demonstrate the ways in which urban and rural differ, especially in showing the pros and cons of each area. I think it's interesting the give and take you demonstrate in choosing to live in rural vs urban areas. In rural areas, you have the benefit of a more tight-knit community, fresher food, and safety, while sacrificing access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities of urban areas. Further, I find it interesting how you mention fresh food is a pro of living in rural Ecuador, because in rural Minnesota, and many rural places in the US in general, most of the agriculture is commercial and many rural towns are actually food deserts, being miles from fresh, affordable, quantities of food, since the farming in around the communities is single-crop, like corn or soy.
DeleteI agree with you, the truth is that there is a very marked difference in the development of urban areas compared to rural areas, which represents a serious problem since it reflects a neglect by the government towards these areas, which consequently prevents them from progressing and even limits the opportunities of the communities that live in these areas.
ReplyDeleteYes. For sure. And there are lods variations within rural areas, too (perhaps obviously).
DeleteBased on the readings I've seen, it appears that the urban-rural spectrum, according to Molestina et al. 2020, the territories of Ecuador can be divided within an urban-rural spectrum from urban areas, rural areas with high city-country connections (which are densely populated with high population growth), Diversified rural areas undergoing urbanization, (which have high population, low growth rate, and diversifying productive systems beyond agriculture), Dynamic rural territories with family farming (where family farming is supported by connection to cities), fragile rural areas with subsistence agriculture (which have decreasing population and heavily rely on subsistance agriculture), marginal and border rural areas (which posses low population density and great distance from urban areas), and rural areas with conservation and tourism activities, which is particular to the Galapagos.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Bates et al. 2019, they use community mapping to identify the values of rural community members in regards to thier towns systems, such as healthcare and education. Within the study, it was clear the importance that individuals had in the maintenance of the rural town, "Next to Benito’s name, for example, is a rectangle with an indentation—a shape that is difficult to understand until one realizes that Benito was essential to building the suspension bridge and road that connect the village to its fields to the north. Similarly, Lupe supports developing a local tourism economy, as shown by the mountain pictures with trees and a monkey. These linkages between individuals and their actions to improve the community are not clear to the outsider." (Bates et al. 2019), as well as an emphasis on people and community resources rather than individual possessions, which is why many of the maps omitted homes but included structures such as churches and schools.
Molestina, Rosa Cuesta, et al. “A Methodology for Creating Typologies of Rural Territories in Ecuador.” Social Sciences & Humanities Open, vol. 2, no. 1, 2020, p. 100032, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2020.100032. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Benjamin R. Bates, Diana L. Marvel, Claudia Nieto-Sanchez & Mario J. Grijalva (2019) Community cartography in health communication: An asset-based mapping approach in four communities in rural Ecuador, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 12:3, 228-247, DOI: 10.1080/17513057.2018.1524506
Well, thanks to this now I know how to name the different types of rural towns that exist. It also reminded me of the large number of groups we have and how they still feel connected to their roots, and yet many of them still depend on nearby cities to survive today.
DeleteThanks so much, Erin. This shows how both urban and rural are different but there are many distinctions in between!
DeleteAriel, I am so anxious about whether what we are reading feels authentic and accurate to people who live in Ecuador -- thank you for making these connections for us.
DeleteAt the university is where I have seen the difference between rural and urban life the most, because I have met many people who decided to leave their families behind in order to come and study. It is always a little sad to hear about their daily lives, how they feel, and how much they miss their homes, especially during the first weeks until they adapt. After some time, they either hide it better or they overcome it.
ReplyDeleteThe worst part is that, for me, their decision makes sense. Even if it is difficult and sad, it is something they have to do if they really want the chance to achieve their dreams. What is also interesting is that many people from the city say they dream about moving to a rural area.
Oh, man -- mountains of American literature is built on the question of what is gained and what is lost when people leave small towns to pursue their dreams. I am happy and sad to see it within the Ecuadorian context as well.
DeleteMy understanding of the urban rural spectrum in Ecuador has become more nuanced after engaging with the assigned readings, which challenge the idea that “rural” and “urban” are simple, fixed categories. Instead, both Community cartography in health communication: An asset based mapping approach in four communities in rural Ecuador and A Methodology for Creating Typologies of Rural Territories in Ecuador emphasize that rural Ecuador exists along a spectrum shaped by geography, infrastructure, culture, and access to resources.
ReplyDeleteBates (2019) highlights how rural communities are often misunderstood when viewed only through a deficit lens. Their use of community cartography shows that rural areas possess valuable local knowledge, social networks, and health resources that are not always visible in traditional data. This suggests that “rural” does not simply mean lacking services or development, but instead reflects different forms of organization and community strengths. The participatory mapping approach also reveals that rural communities are dynamic and interconnected, rather than isolated.
Similarly, Molestina (2020) argues that rural territories in Ecuador should be understood through a typology that accounts for varying levels of development, accessibility, and economic activity. Their methodology shows that some rural areas are closely linked to urban centers through trade, transportation, and migration, while others are more remote and dependent on agriculture. This reinforces the idea that the urban rural divide is not binary but exists as a gradient with multiple intermediate forms.
Together, these readings reshape my understanding by showing that rural Ecuador cannot be reduced to a single category. Instead, it is a diverse and complex set of territories that interact with urban areas in different ways. Recognizing this spectrum is important for designing effective policies and communication strategies that reflect local realities rather than relying on generalized assumptions about rural life.
Thanks so much for this thoughtful meditation; I found it really helped my understanding of rural Ecuador to be more formalised and academic. I really like how you pointed out to stop thinking of rural communities through the lens of deficit. From my viewpoint, “rural” is often associated with the lack of opportunity or development, however, as Bates (2019) proposes rural communities also possess substantial social networks, local knowledge, and forms of organization which frequently go unnoticed. The thing that stuck out to me the most is the fact that rural Ecuador is not just a reality on a continuum, but rather is a spectrum of geography, access, and economic activity. I resonate with this personally. In Ecuador, certain rural regions experience connection with cities via transport and trade and others are far more remote, creating starkly different lived experiences. Access to health care and education, for instance, varies wildly depending not just on whether a place is “rural,” but much more on how tied it is to urban centers. I also like the concept of participatory mapping because this changes the question from what communities are missing to what they already have. This appears to have been especially pertinent in a place like Ecuador, which tends to rely significantly on informal systems and community support in daily life. By and large, both your comments really reinforce the importance of not considering the rural region solely as an existing category, but a living and varied space to be described.
DeleteI collaborated on an article that was about moving past the deficit model -- this is so cool! https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/2997167c-c79a-4fbd-8c26-0f7586f4f5b8/content
DeleteAs an Ecuadorian student, I can say that I agree that rural Ecuador has different levels of development, accessibility and economic activity. Still, I think there is a big difference between rural and urban in Ecuador. The biggest difference is access. In Ecuador, rural areas are usually aside from where all the movement happens. Therefore, access to education, healthcare or jobs besides agriculture are pretty limited. Because of location, there are areas where people have to travel for hours in order to get to a hospital. There are some doctors or healthcare centers at rural areas, but not the big hospitals that some people need for specific attention. On the other hand, I am not saying one is better than the other, they just have different access and infrastructure. I can say that rural areas are beautiful because of all the nature and how close people in communities are to each other. Each of them have their pros and cons but they all make up our culture and country. I really liked reading all the posts and love seeing other cultures learn from ours! Thank you UMD students!
ReplyDeleteThank you, too, Rafaela!
DeleteFrom my experience living in Ecuador, I feel like where you live really shapes your daily life and opportunities. Even in cities like Quito or Guayaquil, not everyone has the same access to services, and there can be big differences between neighborhoods. I’ve also seen that in more rural areas, especially in regions like the Andes Mountains or the Amazon Rainforest, life tends to be more connected to community and tradition, but people often face more challenges when it comes to healthcare, education, and transportation. Overall, I think living in Ecuador has shown me how diverse people’s realities can be depending on where they are, and how those differences can really impact their quality of life and future opportunities.
ReplyDeleteWe have NOTHING like the Andes or the Amazon in MInnesota -- I wish I could talk to you all for hours about what differences and similiarities follow from this.
Delete