Reflections on Ecuador

I was not able to access the blog on the trip, but I would like to say that I am stunned by the beauty of the country of Ecuador and of its people. Our experience was one of service, but we were the ones shepherded, fed, guided and affirmed not only by the Working Boys Center staff and volunteers, but by the Ecuadorians we met on the city buses and in the markets and on the streets.

There is a sense of being closer to God in the high mountain valley of Quito. There is a connection to the earth, the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, the sun, the mists, the food grown there, the variety of trees and shrubs and birds and how the people live. Many still dress in the clothes of their pueblos, women wearing long braids, skirts and fedora hats always carrying something, a child, a bag, goods to sell. There is a strong identity with "home" even though they had to leave the mountains a come to the city to survive. There are at least 10 different indigenous cultures all mixing with well dressed business people in central Quito and all seem to be kind to the "gringos". We were easily identified as being taller than most of them and of course carting our totes and back backs.

At the Centers we were humbled by their kindness when we were there to help them. This was especially true when we flew to Guayaquil and visited the Hansen's disease clinic, Damien House. Our just being there made the patients happy. They gave speeches of gratitude and appreciation for our visiting. They eagerly gave and received hugs and hand shakes and sweet Madre Annie a woman full of joy, set the tone for all of us: be joyful for the gift of the present moment. Her mantra was that these people deserve to live with dignity and to die, not alone.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have gone on this trip and I will never, forget the people we met nor the impact this trip made on each one of us. We were always aware of representing our parish and being supported by their prayers. So God bless and thanks to our St. Matthias Parish for their support. Laurie