Hard to imagine, but it is a thought roaming around in my mind. When I think about leaving the Intag Valley to go anywhere, I feel sad, it has been my home for the past year and a half. But I am getting the signals to move on, the gift of living in this amazing place perhaps coming to its end. Actually, I am surprised To have been able to have stayed as long as I have, but circumstances such as the virus, kept closing off choices to do anything other than stay. For the most part it has been the best experience, despite all the emotional challenges. But my past had to be faced, this is why I came here, to understand who I am. Although I cannot say I have complete understanding, I am more in tune with myself because of my time here.
Is it Canada I will return to? This is a tough question to answer because there are complications with this idea. So many are out of work, so will I be able to find work myself? And yes I do need to work, and truth be told, I would be happy to work again. I have missed the interaction with people, laughing, smiling and hearing all the conversations. But, where to go…….
My main objective whether I stay or not is to get the Hummingbird Project going. It is my priority, and I see myself one day travelling to different communities sharing experiences with others. In my mind it is a simple thing, to follow this dream. I see it clearly as if I have already done it and am just remembering past adventures. But the reality is quite different perhaps. Coming to Ecuador, I had a starting point. Going back to Canada, I do not have such a luxury at this time. So it begins with an online search for work, see what comes up……
There is still difficulty leaving the valley right now, public transportation has not resumed in this area. It is becoming an issue as there are limitations shopping in Apuela, and restrictions with banking.
Together with friends, I am continuing in my attempt to kick start the Hummingbird Project in Canada. I am also thinking of sending a box with product to my friends who would then sell them for me. Ideally it would be great if most of what I sent is spoken for upon arrival. Hence all the pictures below. It has been through this process, I have begun to wonder if my next step will bring me back to Canada. If so, it certainly does not mean I will give up on my promise to help those here, like Susi build her shelter. I just keep hitting road blocks, which is a sign I am supposed to be looking elsewhere to get footing.
The box I plan to send to Canada will include the following:
30 t-shirts, with the Hummingbird image, both short and long sleeve, cotton blend, high quality fabric in medium and large $30.00 each
2 cloth hand painted wall hangings. $50.00 each
1 hand painted cloth tote bag for pre-orders $30.00 each
1 hand painted reed fan for pre-orders $15.00 each
5-10 hand made barrettes and shawl pins $15.00 each
With regards to the barrettes and shawl/sweater pins, please be advised that if you wanted one made with specific colors in a design you see here, I may not be able to acquire certain hardware to duplicate it exactly. I brought supplies with me from Canada, which are not available here.
My objective is to confirm whether or not there is enough interest in purchasing the items here due to the high cost of shipping. So please talk to me, let me know how you feel and perhaps by next month I can send a box of goodies to you.