The first island we went to had two houses on it and some chickens. It was a very simple lifestyle, and the family’s there didn’t have much by our standards. The parents were away at the time, but there was a handful of kids there – the older ones watching the younger. The older ones chatted politely with our missionary guides, but it was clear they weren’t used to visitors. As we left, the volunteers gave them gifts of food and clothes.
The next island we went to had one house and a bunch of sheep. This time, the parents were home and greeted us. Again, it was pretty clear they weren’t used to guests, but they were friendly, and the kids loved the gifts the volunteers brought. When the baby started crying, her mother explained that she was scared because it was the first time she’d ever seen so many people in one place.
Theirs was the most isolated lifestyle I’ve ever encountered. Our guides explained that it is difficult to connect with the Criollo sometimes. Because they are so used to being overlooked and pushed aside, they are suspicious of attempts at friendship. Our visit to their islands was the first step in our guides’ long journey toward establishing a relationship with them.
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