Giving thanks is a daily practice in Ecuador, as with many other countries. The majority of Ecuadorians are Catholic! Catholics express their gratitude for God through prayers, attending church, and acts of kindness towards others.
Members of my host family participate in this tradition and give thanks before very meal. In their prayers, they express gratitude for the food that they eat, the people who prepare the food, and the fields that produce the food. It is a great opportunity for me to reflect on what I am thankful for. Every family, and even every person, expresses their thanks in different ways. I typically give thanks by sending my family and friends messages, telling them what I appreciate and love about them.
There are many other traditions practiced in the country, too! In Ecuador, there are about 1.1 million indigenous people. These people belong to 14 distinct indigenous nationalities. Each nationality has its own way of giving thanks. Many indigenous people greatly depend on local rivers, forests, and field for their livelihoods. Many aspects of how people give thanks are connected to the environment.
Although I am only a temporary resident of the country, I have many things to be thankful for in Ecuador. I have greatly enjoyed my travels!
