Minga: An Achuar word meaning a community gathering to work toward and accomplish a joint task. (ie: kinda like a barn raising of sorts)
I participated in the minga yesterday.... serving chicha to the men digging trenches along the sides of the mud airstrip, to enable the water from the consistent rains to drain off the "runway." I played with the little kids to keep them out of the way, carried giant buckets of chicha, served lunch helped basically any and everywhere I could (wherever they would allow an inkis (English) woman to work) ! :) It was an all day affair with the canoe taking off around 7 am and returning around 5 pm.
That's to say: I'm absolutely exhausted, sunburnt, and still thirsty!
It was a great experience and I definitely felt that I've truly been accepted! I have now participated whole heartedly in my first Achuar community minga! Pictures will be posted soon I hope!
Love ya,
more later... kk
Minga is similar to the english word mingle ...
ReplyDeleteinteresting! It must have been a rewarding experience for you to be a part of the minga,
feeling like you contributed to the community efforts. I know you're tired, but I can see you're accomplishing alot while you're in Ecuador. LOVE YOU KATE