Our Visit to a Women's Shelter: Star and Angie's Sunday Post

Today we visited a home for women that had been victims of domestic violence – Casa de Acogida Maria Amor. It shocked us to find out that 6 out of 10 women in Ecuador are victims of domestic violence. As we contemplated this harsh truth, we focused our energy in supporting the efforts of this organization in very way possible. Our main work was split into three tasks. The first was removing chunks of grass and soil from one big area; the second was separating small pieces of wood from ones that needed to be chopped and placing them in respective storage areas; finally, we were asked to prune dead leaves, plants, and grass so that the remaining vegetation could grow better.

However, for us, these simple tasks meant so much more. We felt that we were almost called to be there. As a group of 14 women, it was inspiring to work alongside such a wonderful organization. The solidarity of women working with and supporting other women was almost indescribable. But we soon came to realize that this organization was bigger than just helping these women in that moment. It worked to bring a new future free of domestic violence by encouraging women to bring their children and raise them in an environment that promoted harmony with one another and with nature. We had the opportunity to talk briefly with some of these women and play with their children. Meeting the people that we were working to help truly brought our service full circle.

Driving onto the property of the Casa de Acogida Maria Amor and walking into the buildings, we were in complete awe at how beautiful the place was. It really looked like a gat-a-way/spa/vacation spot with a very “homey” feel to it. The newer buildings were made with a lot of eco-friendly materials. (Bamboos, cement, clay ect.) There was also a section in the center of the property, which was just for the kids, a playground! We were just so happy to see that in a country where domestic violence is such a big issue, there is a place like Maria Amor where women can come to, away from society and truly find themselves in a community of other women undergoing similar struggles.