a long-term solution to poverty...

what does that mean, actually? that is part of our mission, in fact, to work with ecuadorians to find long-term solutions to poverty. well let me tell you right now -- ive been here ten months and dont know if i have even one! but ive got some thoughts on the issue, i think...

i have not actually DONE anything here. its part of rostro policy -- we cant give gifts, so i cant just come here and donate money to build a house or pay for someones education. and as much as it pains me to see these people without things that i could very easily just buy for them, i KNOW how important it is to form friendships first, to focus on the people and who they are, rather than just throwing money their way and forcing a dependent relationship (instead of a genuine one). also, if the gringos (the completely non-offensive term for foreigner in ecuador) just give money for everything the people need, is that empowering them to seguir adelante (move forward) in life? or is that just teaching them that the gringos have all the money and answers, and they cant do anything without us -- that doesnt make sense either.

so last night in a reflection with my retreat group from Loyola University (and a shout-out to Matt from the St Joes group for keeping me thinking about this theme!), something occurred to me. as you know, a huge part of my year has just been accompanying people. listening to my kids at the shelter and at valdivia when they have both joys and struggles. sitting with my neighbors on a daily or weekly basis as we talk about the ins and outs of life here. being with the other volunteers as we encounter the beautiful and difficult experiences of this year. we just BE with the people.

but maybe thats it.

BE.

yes, maybe just listening to people and accompanying them is a solution to poverty. how much our presence means to someone is often unexplainable. whether we just greet them or have a long discussion, that constant person in someones life can give him or her the happiness, joy, hope, or faith that they need. 

that extra encouragement could be just what someone needs to seguir adelante, to move along with the challenges in life. its no doubt we will all have challenges, but what really is the measure of a person is how he or she deals with those challenges. so maybe the solution to the challenge of poverty is having a good attitude and the encouraging spirit to work through the immense struggles.

so i hope you take today, or this week, or this month or year, to remember to accompany those you love. BE with them. and maybe by listening to their needs, we can do what we CAN to help, and what we cannot do tangibly, we can give with our love.