Finding Genuine Connection: Gabriel Garcia’s Journey in Ecuador
Gabe’s Serving Journey with One Collective in Shandia, Ecuador
July 18th, 2024 | Eli Herron
Introduction
When we consider what it means to create lasting change in our world, our minds often race to the things that can be done. What systems can we create? How can we mobilize resources? However, another question that we must ask ourselves still stands - how can we best connect with those we aim to serve? This is a question that Gabriel Garcia has pondered following his trip to Shandia, Ecuador.
Prior to his experience, Gabriel questioned what it meant to truly connect with and love others.
“For a long time in my life, I felt separated from God and believed I had to act in certain ways. I felt obligated to show love, even when I didn’t feel much love inside.”
Connection across cultures
Fortunately, the community in Shandia, teeming with love, curiosity, and generosity, created several avenues for Gabriel and his teammates to experience connection and reflect on purpose. The world that they stepped into bore no resemblance to the context from which they came; children ran barefoot on the rocks, drank water from rag-stuffed pipes, and even helped their parents replace concrete flooring, all with joy and generosity.
This environment moved Gabriel, and created in him a new depth of understanding for people coming from different cultures. Having had prior experience working with immigrants at his church, Gabriel realized that there is even more to understand about people and their individual experiences. Without that understanding, he says, there is a “superficial level” of connection.
Listen to the Full Interview with Gabe
Back at Home
Now, Gabriel says that the people on the team have formed a bond themselves. On a weekly basis, they will meet to have study sessions, hang out, and just process their experiences, despite the fact that they are all in different grades and classes. Gabriel also deeply desires to return to Ecuador and further deepen those connections he made, and work in a ministry that prioritizes them as well.
For the rest of us, the challenge still stands, no matter where we are in the world: who in our community is in dire need of understanding? What holds us back from true, genuine, and generous connection with those we are called to love?
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