My work here with CRS falls within two categories: researching and understanding the challenges faced by people who have emigrated from Ecuador and immigrated into Ecuador (primarily Colombians) and researching movements by indigenous groups as they fight the destruction of their land by big business.
Everyone in the world of human mobility is discussing the new Constitution in Ecuador, supported by Rafael Correra, the progressive Obama-like president, which gives rights to immigrants and strengthens Ecuadors place in the world economy... and tightens the process of those folks who want to enter and be in Ecuador for a period of time, say working as an intern with Catholic Relief Services.
Last night, in a spirited conversation in La Casa Amarilla (my very yellow home away from Boston), my Ecuadorian mama, Jenny, informed me that I was certainly, according to the new law, living illegally here in Quito because I dont have a volunteer visa.
My companeros in the office do not quite agree with Jenny, but the verdict is out until next Monday, when the office expert on visas returns from maternity leave.
The irony is certainly not lost on me... but how different it is for me, a pale faced North American, to live in a city among families who have run from coca eradication, horrendous health problems, violent uprisings and political instability. Here I am treated with respect, or if not respect, a great deal of attention (usually not wanted) while my Colombian neighbors are ignored, insulted and kept out of social services.
To be a citizen of the United States is a powerful, heady thing.
May we be aware of what we have and tread softly in the world around, without big sticks and bigger egos.
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