Longing for home: Two Ecuadorian families' dreams in Brooklyn

In the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, two Ecuadorian women are carving out a life far from home, driven by the daily grind and a shared longing to return to Ecuador.

The journey from Queens to Brooklyn can take nearly two hours by public transport, a stark reminder of the vast distances within New York City. It was during an investigation into the atmosphere surrounding the 2026 World Cup that, in the everyday setting of a park, the stories of these two women emerged.

One woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, comes from a small town near Ambato. She now lives in New York with her husband and three of their five children. Her husband works in construction, and though they live near Brooklyn, they travel daily to the park. There, they hope to sell all their homemade ice cream and drinks, striving to build a better future for their family. Her approximately eight-year-old daughter, Jessica, assists her, pushing a cart laden with beverages, contributing her small earnings to the family's effort.

Under a red and white umbrella shielding them from the intense New York sun, they offered homemade "helados de paila" (pail ice cream). The author tried a refreshing lemon and cookie combination, one of the flavors recommended by the vendor, alongside pineapple. Each morning, she sets out with the same hope: to sell all her products and continue working towards her children's dreams. It's a simple story, filled with effort, dignity, and love for family.

A few meters away, Fanny, originally from Cuenca, shared her experience. She spoke to the reporters while organizing her own cart, also filled with ice cream, snacks, and drinks. Like the other woman, Fanny is dedicated to her work, driven by the desire to provide for her family and the ultimate goal of returning to Ecuador.