With only two full weeks of work left in my contract with the Awá Federation, I am taking on less and less responsibility. Since leaving Lita and working permanently in the office, I’ve mainly focused my energy on proposal writing. There are certainly a lot more to do in that area but it would make no sense for me to participate in these endeavours, and much less to lead these processes. Furthermore I have been gutted by a recent news from USAID that informed us that they would not consider the latest proposal we sent to them regarding water conservation because they received the hard-copy an hour late of the deadline. I had led this entire project for over two weeks and felt a mixtrure of anger and disapointment when I heard about this. This is obviously the FCAE’s fault and the lousy courrier service in Ecuador but no matter who’s to blame, there is nothing more insulting than to have one’s hard work being dismissed for such idiotic mistakes. The proposal was sealed and done a day before the deadline. I had done everything I could do but that wasn’t enough. I told the Awá president that they could no longer count on me on writing proposals in a calm and diplomatic way. I told him that I would focus my last days at work on artisan marketing products and helping out the Baboso community.
We are still waiting on the verdict for another proposal I have written and submitted to the Ministry of Culture to produce a CD of traditional Awá music. We should be getting there answer at the end of the week. It would be sweet to end my service on a positive note to help erase this extremely frustrating experience. I think I reacted very professionally though without getting mad or pointing fingers at anybody. There was no use and it would have been counter-productive. My social life has been good since I’m a single man again which also helped me cope with the stress. Ibarra is a great place to go out with lots of beautiful women and cool new bars and clubs popping up every week. Anticipated nostalgia has kicked in and I suddenly wonder if I really want to leave Ecuador. I made so many amazing friends here and have such a chill life, I feel no need to throw myself into a new reality. It’s strange how this always happens: when we end up intergrating fully in a new lifestyle and build a good social web, it’s time to leave. After leaving Barcelona, I think this will be the second most painful move in my life.
I have applied for a few jobs, been turned down by one already and rightfully so. The job was in Madagascar, a country I have never set foot on. Most jobs I apply to are in Africa and I am also doing the application process for the UN Volunteer program. I feel it would be the best next step for me to get a solid experience on the African continent and discover once again new fascinating cultures. Working with the Awá has been invaluable and helped me see the international development world through new eyes. It’s a much more realistic view, sometimes even a bit cynical but one that will help me work effectively in the field. Working with the Peace Corps also taught me valuable lessons and despite the difference I have had with some of my colleagues I truly believe that this program is one of the most effective development strategy. We all know how slow projects are to start showing tangible results especially changes in attitude or behaviour. Some may say that 2 years is not enough which motivates several volunteer’s to extend their service. Working in education is simply planting seeds in the heads on our students hoping that they will germinate and produce good fruit. Speaking with teh Baboso teacher this morning gave hope. They are movinjg ahead with the school garden and the tomatoes are growing well despite having some problems with worms. I am planning on going back to the community before leaving the country and giving them one final practical workshop with the help on my Ecua-dad Edwin. That would be a truly remarkable last touch to my time in Ecuador.
