This September I’m going on an amazing semester-long adventure to Ecuador. Joining with twelve other teens and two leaders from the organization Kroka Expeditions, we’ll be working with native Ecuadorians to learn about their culture through exploring the region, working on their farms and learning traditional crafts. I’m very excited as this is a big step in learning more about global issues from an indigenous perspective.
We also explore the beautiful highlands and the rainforest, we cataraft Amazonian rivers and climb one of the world's highest active volcanoes!
But before I go there is a ton of work to do. Not only learning Spanish and studying Ecuador some, along with keeping up with my regular studies for the year, but also before September I need to raise the $12,500 that is the cost of the program. A huge endeavor in itself. To read about some of the things I’m working on to raise money, you can visit my Fundraising page.
A large part of my fundraising budget needs to be from selling my artwork on cards. I’m currently working on a new one and already have some finished. You can see them here.
I’m very excited about this experience, sometimes to the point of being overjoyed, feeling as though my heart is going to burst out of my chest and fly into the clouds. I’ve always dreamed of going to the rainforest, and also of climbing up mountains so high that they are snow-capped year-round. Just thinking about going to such an amazing place with a group of motivated kids like myself, and actually getting to be a part of the culture and learn from the native people makes me realize how incredibly lucky I am to have this experience open to me.
Thank you so much for your support and helping me reach my dream.
Hila
For more details on the trip and Kroka Expeditions, you can visit About the Trip.
