Finding Home in Shandia: A Journey of Warmth, Generosity, and Connection
By: Anna Ursin, Carleton Extern December ‘24
When I think of the community in Shandia, the first word that comes to mind is welcoming. After spending time in rural Minnesota, urban Ethiopia, and the suburbs outside New York City in the past few months, no community has greeted me as warmly as the people of Shandia.
In just a week, this beautiful town feels like home. Despite knowing little Spanish upon arrival, I’ve mastered casual greetings and short phrases in both Spanish and Kichwa, the traditional language. I owe this to our fantastic teachers, who dedicate their time to integrating newcomers.
Mornings in Shandia have become a cherished ritual. Walking through town, I’m greeted by countless people who were strangers just days ago. On my morning jog, I am joined by children and dogs eager for camaraderie. My runs conclude with a dip in the local rio. The rush of water and cacophony of birdsongs is incredibly serene.
My time in Shandia has also taught me the value of giving food. Entering homes, I am frequently offered ice pops, banana cake, tea, or fruit from nearby chakras (farming plots). Even at the Tena market, vendors throw in extra clementines or tomatoes. Despite living in relative poverty, the people here are extraordinarily generous, eager to share what they have.
One of my fondest memories is celebrating our neighbor Jenny’s birthday. We gathered around her on chairs and benches, listened to heartfelt speeches, and enjoyed snacks, drinks, and party games. Jenny’s family served us a three-course meal, a heartwarming gesture of hospitality. As the evening unfolded, we sang, danced, and taught the Macarena, uniting across differences in skin color, language, and nationality.
The people of Shandia are also incredibly patient. As a group of Carleton students, we stand out and often need guidance—whether it be turning on the water pump, buying eggs, or navigating our journey to neighboring towns. Everyone I’ve met has been eager to learn my name and offer assistance. When I struggled to understand the price of goods at the artisans’ market, the women greeted my confusion with kindness and smiles.
The locals have been invaluable resources. When our Public Health team planned nutritional workshops, community interviews were instrumental. Their willingness to teach us their culture, language, and traditions is remarkable. When our gas stove ran out, a neighbor brought us a replacement tank. When buses to Tena stopped running during protests, a friend offered rides in their truck. When we prepared lunch as a team, children brought us unfamiliar fruits, sharing their bounty and enthusiasm.
As I look forward to my final days in Shandia, I hope to make the most of them—frequenting the river, asserting my prowess in the kids’ soccer games, and continuing to soak up the culture, language, and warmth of this incredible community.
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