They made that life-changing move four years ago, moving the whole family from the US to Ecuador. Brittany, Blake Bowen, and their four kids—Aurora, Sebastian, Conrad, and Truett—are trading in the “typical American dream” for a new adventurous lifestyle. They have opened themselves up to a new way of living that prioritizes sustainability over convenience and community over individualism. The Bowens settled in Loja, one of Ecuador’s oldest cities, where they have built a three-bedroom home on a five-acre farm.
Brittany Bowen became the sole fluent Spanish speaker in the family after their arrival. Without hesitation, she described how she wanted—needed—her kids to adjust to their new home and thrive. Although they did school at home in the US, when in Ecuador, the children registered to attend local schools to fully engage with Ecuadorian culture. Brittany noted, “No one in Ecuador homeschools.” They made the strategic decision to connect deeply into the local educational ecosystem, and that decision has been a boon. Today, all four kids are fluent Spanish speakers!
Navigating the intensive immigration process was confusing and daunting, so the Bowens decided to hire an immigration lawyer to help. This proved to be an essential step to become educated in their legal rights and responsibilities regarding moving to Ecuador and starting their new life. While they endured some losses, the family has found a healing and welcoming home in Loja.
In acquiring land, the Bowens put nearly $100,000 of their own money into this effort. They invested $55,000 more than the average to construct their dwelling, including a sizable balcony and terrace. Their home lies in the center of Quito, protected by tropical rain forest vegetation, including incredible fruit trees that grow year-round thanks to Ecuador’s spring-like climate. That agricultural aspect is now an important aspect to their daily lives. They put tremendous energy into stewardship of their land.
Their time living in Ecuador has given the Bowens the opportunity to distance themselves from the stresses associated with what they call “modern American society.” Most importantly, they spoke to us about their worries for the expectations we are setting on kids growing up in America today. Blake noted that “statistically speaking, up until these last couple of years, Ecuador actually has been one of the safest countries in South America.” He acknowledged recent challenges: “It’s a very safe area. And then, of course, we moved here and things begin to really ramp up after the pandemic.”
Despite occasional warnings from the US State Department recommending travelers “exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping,” Brittany remains optimistic. At the end of the day, we don’t know what the trajectory is going to be,” she said. And we have plans. We’re prudent. But we don’t live in fear. “Her passion for ensuring that Ecuador has what it needs in hard times exemplifies her love for their adopted home.
Reflecting on their decision to move, Brittany shared, “We’d always had South America on the mind.” They long for a suburban style of living. As a result, they nurture not just the land they farm on but create deep ties in their community. She expressed a wish for more engagement with the local immigrant children and their families: “I really wish I had reached out more to the immigrant kids at school and their families.”
As the Bowen family’s trip illustrates, more and more American families are hitting the road, searching for an alternative to the burdens of traditional living. Their story serves as an example of adaptability and resilience as they navigate life in a new country while fostering a connection with the land and its community.
