finally getting started

One of my main goals while in Quito is to work with immigrant and refugee groups, particularly those from Colombia. After emailing organization after organization without success, I began to feel like I was hitting a brick wall. I knew I had only been here for a couple of weeks, but it was still exasperating not knowing what to do next. Then last week while taking a break from my seeming impossible task, I came across an email someone at CEMPROC (where I work) had sent me when I first arrived. It had the contact information for someone at an organization called organizacion esperanza, who work with immigrants and refugees. Unlike the previous cold contacts I had made, this was the name and email of a person who worked with the organization, who had already responded to an email my friend had sent. I immediately drafted and sent an email asking for an interview, and got a response within a couple of hours!

The next morning I was headed over to their office, armed with all of the materials I was anxious to discuss, such as a training manual to use with immigrants and migrant families discussing the conflicts that might arise when families are separated or when someone is living in a new country. I also came ready to learn about their goals and programs, and find a way I could help them. I definitely learned a lot, not only about the organization but about communication and patience. I really wanted to start the training immediately, get contacts and find out what the next step was. I figured since almost everything had been done, I wouldnt have a problem once I made the initial contact with the organization, but I was way off base. They are currently finishing up several projects and preparing to start several new ones in July. I first met with the guy I had made the initial contact with , who is about mid level in the organization, he then introduced me to the director of the Quito office. She put me in my place very quickly, yet retained her positive, can do demeanor. I left with the task of starting an investigation into the stereotypes of different immigrant group throughout Ecuador, and what conflicts each group face. It wasnt my original plan, but still something Im excited about.