In a time of bluster and high anxiety, the simple but steady faith of Ecuadorians is reassuring

I was talking with a friend at a party recently who, after a few drinks, sheepishly blurted out, “I decided to move back to the US, or perhaps somewhere else. From what I’ve read, Portugal is nice, and so is Panama. I’m unsure where I will end up, but I am leaving Ecuador and returning to the US for a year or two, at least.”

I was quite surprised (and shocked!) by his announcement and even more so by his reasoning. He said he found it impossible for him to establish a serious relationship with a woman in Cuenca and feels he might have a better chance if he returned to where he lived most of his life: Illinois.

What? 

I recall him saying just a few years ago that he moved here because he felt so at odds politically with so many folks in his hometown of nearly 40 years. He mentioned that the proliferation of gun freaks and overheated emotions concerned him greatly. He lamented that bluster and outlandish behavior had so muddied civil discourse that it was unlikely any comprehensive advances would ever be achieved.

Still, he said, “It is a country I am familiar with, I know the customs, routines, and language, and well, it’s nice to have a familiar routine and language. I think I will be fine if I avoid all the crazy stuff.” He insisted, “If I ignore the calamities I will be OK.”

As I considered his predicament, a disturbing awareness came to mind. It appeared that he had lost track of his faith amid obsessions, anxieties, unrealistic expectations, and impatience.

What a shame.

One of my strongest attachments to Ecuador is the splendor and the grandeur of faith I see nearly every day. Although I do not consider myself particularly religious, I am deeply moved and influenced by the power of faith exhibited in the daily lives of Ecuadorians — and not simply in church.

The men and women of the campo possess a fervent faith that is firmly rooted in the soil. Their faith in a good harvest that will sustain them is strong and unbending, buffering them against the ill winds of a changing climate. When a late or early rain drains their plans, they pause, believing that it is God’s way of reminding them to be vigilant and that in time their prayers will be answered and a future harvest will be bountiful and glorious.

I noticed that shopkeepers throughout Cuenca are tidying up their businesses. Fresh paint and remodeling is evident on nearly every block. Folks are enthusiastic; they have faith in better days to come.

City officials have faith that expanding pedestrian zones will encourage leisurely exercise and offer multiple opportunities to dine in comfortable outdoor cafes, shop in cute boutiques, and dance to the vibrant rhythms of the city .

Rather than the yammering of motorbikes and cackles of their exhaust, one will hear an aviary of voices … and occasionally even birds.

The city of Cuenca has faith that their new electric buses ferrying students to and from classes on multiple campuses, designing an expanded tram system, and enhancing a grid crisscrossing the city connecting bike lanes and pedestrian paths, will assist everyone to get out and enjoy the day while working, or being social, in an active environment that is environmentally conscious.

I have faith in the people of Ecuador. And, I imagine there are a scant few among us who do not harbor some precious moments when a stranger held out a hand of support or took time out of their day to patiently attend to your needs. I know it happens to me time and time again. In fact, I have come to depend on it. If I need help, I ask for it. I have never been denied.

I hope my friend made a thoughtful choice; but perhaps he would have been happier and more available if he severed the tether holding him back — shyness draped over a frayed shawl of old heartaches — and surrendered to the nurturing glow of an emerging country with no imperial ambitions or delusions of grandeur.

Perhaps he would be better off in a city riveted to strongly held beliefs embracing the wonders and responsibilities of a life devoted to faith and its unassailable power to comfort and encourage those who believe in the power of grace.