A Mother's Love, by Maria

Today we had the privilege of visiting the homes of four families that are a part of CMT!  Four beautiful women – Mother’s entrusted with children to raise, a roof to keep over their heads, faith to instill, and the opportunity for an education to be given.  Four Mother’s filled with faith in God, hope in all the world has to offer and infinite love for her children.

Boarding the CMT bus, we sat and quietly starred at the roads and surrounding areas; paver clad streets poured into blacktop streets that led to dirt roads.  City buses sped by to keep on schedule, children walked briskly to catch a bus or walk through the gate of their school, parents on their way to work, mom’s carrying small children.  Store fronts were opening for the day, dogs were scavenging for food, other dogs protected their human’s property, women washed laundry, men turned the soil, music played, garbage was collected, all in a typical day.  Not so typical for us were the number of dogs roaming the streets, the burning garbage in front of a house on the sidewalk – just feet from our bus – glass shards cemented onto the tops of bricks to protect property.  Soccer fields offered a place for competition and recreation; neighborhood churches a place to gather in faith, community and support.  Our group stood out and was greeted with Buenos Dias, Hola, and smiles of welcome!

Home #1 was located on a paved street, the landlord of the multi level home owned a first floor store front.  We were greeted by a mom and entered the rented three room apartment on the first floor; a good size kitchen with a table, stove, refrigerator, running water, even a washing machine – the mom was using candle light to conserve the electricity that cost $100 per month.  Even in candle light, the clean and neat rooms sparkled, they shared the bathroom upstairs.  The two bedrooms slept the mom and her 5 children.  There was no evidence of a man in the home.  The mom was grateful and filled with joy, we thanked her for welcoming us to her home.  This family will be joining the CMT family of families in September.

Home #2 was located on a paved street, we were led through the garage to a small room where we were greeted by the mom of a five year old (possibly a baby too).
The room had two beds and a small kitchenette.  They shared a bathroom with the landlord upstairs.  The mom apologized that she is so poor.  She was aged by her circumstances.  We thanked her for welcoming our group.

Home #3 was located further up the mountain on a dirt road.  We were welcomed  with a warm embrace by a recently bathed mom (wet hair) - whose husband had died and necessitated her moving to her parent’s property with her six children.  The family constructed a shelter against the property fence where they slept in two double size beds.  The parent’s owned their property – a four room house with an indoor bathroom and an outdoor enclosed kitchen.  They had two dogs, chickens, and guinea pigs.  The mom had sad eyes.  She told us she cooked food to sell on the street and on the bus.  We hugged good bye and thanked one another.

Home #4 was on a paved street, the home was rented by a mom from the center who road the bus with us on the home tour.  She went in ahead to open up and greeted us with a shy smile.  The rented home was a shack with a shoddy roof.  We only saw the room with a bed and a small, ill equipped kitchen.  She pointed to another room behind the kitchen area.  The outdoor bathroom was shared with the landlord’s home.  The roof and the thought of the many rainy months made an impression on our group.  We learned today that the average temperature in Quito is 57 degrees and there are two seasons – wet from October to May and dry from June to September = summer.  The mom returned to the bus with us boarding last and sat in the back.

A mother’s love and intrinsic desire to give her children all they need will prevail with the assistance and support of the community that is CMT a Family of Families.

Houses - by Eva

Today we experienced the daily lives of the CMT families by visiting some of their houses. A 20 minute drive up the mountain and we enter the first house, a nice condo with brightly painted walls of blue and green. The ceilings are low and the rooms dark. Electricity costs $100 a month, so candles dimly light the way. The landlady runs a candy shop on the storefront, and keeps her family upstairs away from the dangerously hot machinery. Her pride in her home was obvious as she led us from room to room.

The second house couldn’t have been more different. A single mother brought us through a garage partially filled with trash to a single room crammed with two beds and a tiny stove. She told us she and her five-year-old son live here and kept apologizing for her poverty. “Pobresa,” she said. Of course there was no need; she was opening our eyes to her struggle. We thanked her and left for the third house.

Barking dogs welcomed us into a yard with two small buildings and a shack. A 33-year-old widow greeted us and explained that her and her six children slept inside the shack which sheltered two beds. I tried to imagine the smiling woman herding six kids into bed and couldn’t. During our reflection I wondered how she feeds them. Her parents and brother live in one of the buildings and the other is a kitchen where they cook food to sell on the street. The property is high up, and looking out we saw a beautiful view of Quito: the bustling city surrounded by dramatic, green mountains. It’s ironic. A million-dollar view, yet these people have so little.

We entered the fourth and final house, feeling the dirt beneath our feet. It’s not a shack exactly, because the walls are made of brick. Nevertheless, eight people reside in the small space.

The bus ride back was silent as we comprehended what we had just seen. It strikes me how much effort the families put into merely surviving, cooking on their tiny stovetops, building a place to sleep, cleaning so their place is even habitable. We’re here in the four months of dry season- what happens during the wet season, the rest of the year when it’s constantly raining? Do their thin tin roofs keep out the water? Can they still make money selling things on the street? Do the unpaved roads and dirt floors wash out? I didn’t get the chance to ask today. It’s unbelievable how much we take for granted.

We returned to the CMT and organized donations brought from home. I went on a run inside the compound and as I passed groups of kids they started running along with me, laughing and smiling. The smiles were certainly contagious. After that we gathered for our daily reflection. We shared how each of us were affected. All of our eyes are now fully open to the struggle we couldn’t have previously imagined. Those laughing kids call those places home. That was hours ago, but the houses still haunt me.

Day 8 - Feast of Peter and Paul & House Visits

On the feast day of Peter and Paul, we were pilgrims on a journey to share our love with those we would encounter. We humbly embarked on our tour at 8:30 am this morning to go with Teresa (one of the employees of El Centro) to do home visits. (There was another women and two younger girls who accompanied us). This is one of my favorite parts of this trip, but it’s also one of the most emotional and inspiring parts. Those who participate in El Centro invite us to come visit their homes to see where they live.

We drove on the CMT bus quite a distance and visited the first house. When we arrived, we walked down a dark hallway to enter the house. The lady who lived there apologized for the lack of light. She explained that electricity costs $100 pre month and so she doesn’t use it for lights. There were candles illuminating the 3 small rooms. There was a kitchen, a small bedroom with a double bed, and another bedroom with two double beds. There were 5 people living there. She rents this space from the landlady who lived upstairs. The only bathroom was upstairs which is shared by all the inhabitants of the house.

The second home we visited was only one tiny room in the back of someone’s garage. Again, the woman who lived there rented the space from the landlords who lived upstairs. There was no bathroom. She lived there with her son who is 5 years old. There were no windows. She had two beds, a small stove, dresser and TV in the space. She kept apologizing for being poor. Our group commented that this was really sad. They recognized that her station is life was not her fault and that she had a lot of courage to allow us to visit her small space.

The third home we visited was very high up the side of a mountain on an unpaved road. When we walked up to the property there were several dogs who were guarding the area. We were greeted by an older gentleman who looked very weathered. Upon entry into the property, his daughter greeted us. She explained that she recently moved back to her parent’s house following the death of her husband. To the side of the property, there was a small shack – this was here dwelling place which she shares with her 8 children. This was one room divided by a partition and contained two double sized beds. All nine people share that space! She was very proud of the kitchen, which was another building. She said that she cooks food and sells it on the streets and buses to earn a living. Her parents’ house was two bedrooms, and a bathroom and her brother lives there as well. She also raises chickens and guinea pigs. They had an amazing view of Pinchincha volcano which the father explained had erupted four years ago and blanketed the area with ash. They also had paintings hanging outside of famous Ecuadorian freedom fighters including Tupac Amaro and Simon Bolivar.

The fourth house that we visited belonged to one of the ladies that had travelled with us. Upon entering through the gate, we walked down a very uneven path to the front of a structure. It had a very rudimentary roof with lots of holes. It was one room, divided into two smaller portions. No electricity and no running water. There were six people who lived there. She also rented this space from the landlord who lived in the house in front of this one. There was a bathroom attached to, but outside the main house.
When we arrived back to El Centro, we all heated up leftovers from the night before for lunch. Some rested, some hung out. At 2:00 pm, we met up with Judy (Madre Miguel’s sister) to help unpack and sort the donations that people had brought. We took those to the bodega, the laundry and the schools’ bodega. Tonight dinner.

Day 7 - Tour CMT #2, Empanadas, Orientations

This morning began with an Orientation with Judy and Madre Miguel and Padre Juan in the library of the volunteer house. They went through all the rules so that "we don't get on each others nerves" (Padre Juan). Following our orientation, we met Rodolfo for the tour of CMT #2. (There are three locations which the Working Boys Center operates. In Spanish Working Boys Center is El Centro del Muchacho Trabajador, or CMT). The Center were we live is CMT#2 in the Cotocollao neighborhood, CMT#1 is in the downtown of the city or La Marín and the 3rd location is La Gota de Leche).  

We visited the stores operated by the Center first. These are in the lower level of the volunteer house, the beauty salon, restaurant, bakery and furniture store. All the shops are operated as "on the job" training for the students at the Center. The furniture is made in the workshop (taller) by the third year students.

Here is the carpentry shop.

The values of the Center. All the families have to agree to abide by these and they are promoted regularly.

Here is the sewing workshop. There is both a classroom section and the workshop where contracts are accepted for local businesses.

This is beautiful - all the photos over the years.

Following our tour, we went to the cafeteria at CMT#2 to help prepare lunch. We made empanadas de queso (cheese empanadas) and rolls with the huge lump of dough.

 Here's some of the rolled dough.

 Here we are at work.

 Nora and Justin had this huge, very packed crate full of spinach that they had to remove the stems.

 This lady was amazing. She got the dough rolling in both hands and could make balls 6 to 1 of ours.

 Forming the empanadas.

We were going to eat lunch with the children, but couldn't find spoons to use! So we gathered the kids and went to the restaurant for lunch. Everyone ordered, no one paid more than $5 for lunch. 

 Here's the group.

 This is Reece's plate - apanados.

Here is Maria's plate - churrasco.

Following lunch, we had another orientation of the kitchen - set up and clean up for meals. Each group needs to sign up and help with meal prep and clean up afterwards. We split the group into two and they made it happen! 

Making Dough -by Reece

Today we got to know the place and school behind the Working Boys Center. Some of us woke up early to do some laundry and eat breakfast at the bakery right outside the Center. I had hot chocolate and a breakfast cookie. Then at 9:00 am we had an orientation with Judy, Madre Miguel and Padre Juan who are all administrators for the Center. After that, we met with a man named Rodolfo who took us on a tour of the workshops and the school. When the tour was over, we went to the school cafeteria to help make empanadas for lunch. The dough we used was huge and we had to take small pieces and rool it into small balls.

The lady that was rolling the dough with us was a lot faster than us, by the time we finished four, she had 14 already on the pan. 

By the time all the children were in the cafeteria, we had all the food prepared. The kids were really loud and obnoxious to be honest. Despite the fact that they all just stared at us, I thought it was cool that they tried to socialize with us. For example, this one group of kids called me over just to ask me if I was from China. When I heard this, Justin and I started laughing aloud. Even though we told them I was from California, they kept asking me about China. After socializing, we went to the restaurant which is right next to the bakery, for lunch. I had carne apanados which is a breaded meat with rice and fries. Once we were all done, we went to the dining room upstairs to get another orientation about helping out with dinner and meals. The rest of the day we were able to relax in our room or go play with the children outside. Finally, tonight we get to help cook and clean for dinner. Yay...! Hasta luego!

Our Friend Abel

Hello, my name is Abel Moreira.

I am 19 years old and I have been working as a translator at Damien House for years.
     During an amazing week sharing experiences and a lot of fun with Sabrina’s group, I met amazing people with a deep love to help others. God brought them as angels to Damien House to learn the truly meaning of life though patients’ stories and teaching.  I have been helping and growing up between the patients since I was 7 years old, and I can firmly say they teach every moment with every word that they tell you. I have learned that if life takes you to the ground, you have to stand up and overpass the problems. Many patients, I can guarantee, have touched each of the teen’s hearts. I think God has talked to them through Damien House’s patients, a humble and kind way that some of them might not have expected. I love to share with young people like me because I consider we are the tools to teach others to know that we have the power to change the world through the spirituality and daily actions in our society.  I hope God keeps blessing all these teens I have met last week and former pilgrimage groups! A huge hug to Sabrina and Maria for being the leaders of these amazing trips!
Abel Moreira

Finding Jesus on the Landing Strip - by Ella

Today, we woke up and got ready to depart the beautiful city of Guayaquil for Quito. The day started with a nice breakfast at the hostel, provided by the amazing individuals who took care of us throughout our stay there. Sister Annie and Daniello came to the hostel, picked us up, and dropped us off at the airport. The goodbye was hard yet heart-felt. Then, we continued on our wild journey to Quito, filled with butter toffee and raging winds. We went aboard the airplane, putting total trust in the pilot. Taking off, the anxiety kicked in, and before we knew it, we were flying above Quito. The pilot attempted to land twice, but due to high winds at the airport, we went back to Guayaquil to refuel. We sat in boredom on the plane for about 2 hours. Then, we took off and thankfully, we were able to land in a safe manor, and continue our pilgrimage. We went onto the bus and rode to El Centro Del Muchacho Trabajadores. Despite the unpleasant air travel of our day, as we rode to Quito, we witnessed God's amazing creation. A beautiful blue sky greeted us to the city. A true gift from God. I am thankful for the time that I have spent with my lovely group of individuals and the time I have left to explore the city. Buenos Noches!

Ecuador - Day Five by Maria

Today was filled with mixed emotions – A ride through the business district of Guayaquil with quiet streets on a Sunday morning, a stroll in Iguana Park watching the Iguanas eat their breakfast of lettuce leaves, Mass at the Catedral Metropolitana

San Pedro Apostol, then back to the van to Cerro Ana to climb 444 steps to the light house and chapel at the site of a historical fort, returned to Damien Foundation for a delicious lunch of rice and lentils, followed by a birthday celebration for Juan and a despesido (farewell gathering) an opportunity for our group and the residents to share words of gratitude and blessings, with full hearts we cooled off in the air conditioned art room while Sister Annie told storied of medical miracles for patients suffering from the effects of Hansen’s Disease, next we walked along the seaside boardwalk called the Malecon, and our final stop was the food court at the mall. 

I feel privileged and proud to journey with a group of thoughtful, faithful, articulate, loving, caring, willing and open young women and young men.  Thank you parents for entrusting your sons and daughters to Sabrina and my care and leadership – we are truly blessed.

During these past 5 days, the college students who volunteer at Damien House have inspired me in many ways and have left an impression on our team.   Abel, Genesis, and Luceti are working diligently to complete their studies and make a better life for themselves and for their families.  Education is the ticket out of the cycle of poverty .

Abel, Genesis and Luceti continue to spend time with the residents at Damien Foundation and their fondness and care for one another is a visible sign of God at work in this community.   

As we conclude our time in Guayaquil and prepare to fly to Quito, the people of Guayquil, Damien Foundation, Nuevo Mundo Schools, our families, and our  group are in my prayers. 

Day Five - Tourist Day - Duermes con los angelitos

Today was bittersweet. We had our despedida (farewell party) today at Casa Damien this afternoon. Where we said goodbye to those who have influenced us and changed our lives for the better. More about the end of our day later...

 This morning, Sr. Annie, Abel and Danelo picked us up in the van to take us to Mass at the Cathedral in Guayaguil. Mass was supposed to start at 10:00 am. When we arrived, the collection was being taken up. Abel asked the usher when that next Mass would start, and he replied in about 15 minutes. So, we took that opportunity to go visit the iguana's in the park across the street!

 There is a swarm/herd/pile of iguanas here trying to get to the lettuce that they are fed each morning. The younger ones are more brightly colored green, as they get older (and bigger) they turn more orange.

 They are literally, everywhere. On the ground, in the trees, above your head, in fact, you have to watch that you don't get "dropped" on!

 Following our iguana visit, we went back to the Cathedral for Mass. When we arrived, the priest was giving the homily! So clearing, our timing was off. We had waited outside for people to come out "of Mass", but that never happened.

 We watched and participated as best we could from the back of the sanctuary. When it was time to receive Communion, Eva made a very interesting observation. About 80% of the people assembled, did not go up to receive Communion. She commented on how sad that was and wanted to know why. I asked Sr. Annie to confirm my thoughts, then explained. The Latin American Church, because of its colonial history, continues to make it difficult for people, placing restrictions on them. Subsequently, people don't feel worthy to receive Communion. It is very sad, and I think, contrary to what our Holy Father is trying to teach us during this Year of Mercy. All people should be welcomed to the table of the Lord to receive the graces and sanctification that Jesus provides in His Body and Blood.

 The Cathedral featured beautiful shrines/artwork of saints native to Latin America, like this one of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the Americas.

Following Mass, the group (except Annie and I) took a walk up the 444 steps to the top of Guayaguil where the city was originally founded. The area is called Cerro Ana. Others will have to post their pictures of this.

We went back to Casa Damien for the last time today for lunch and our despedida. Lunch today was moros y lentajes (rice and lentils), plantanos fritos (fried plantains), pina (pineapple) and ensalada (salad).

 Juan Carlos celebrated his birthday today, so we celebrated with him. He got a birthday hat, crackers and peach juice (as do all the patients who celebrate birthdays). We sang to him in both English and Spanish and took lots of photos (Annie said that he always complains that no one remembers his birthday, but they always do)!

 Following this was the sad and inspiring part of the day. We celebrated our despedida (farewell party). All the residents gathered to say their farewells to us. Carlos spoke for the men and Estar for the women. They both expressed how honored they were to host us, to spend time with us and share. Our kids made Maria and I so proud. They had truly given more than they received, they learned, laughed and prayed with the residents. The women taught the entire group how to sew. They watched cartoons and telenovellas together. They played dominos with the men and worked hard to make the place better and cleaner. The residents each gave us a gift of a peace bird and some notes cards. You could see on their faces how impressed they are by these young people giving up their time to come visit them.

 Following our despedida, we went for a walk on the Malecon. It's the water front along the Guayas River which spans for about 2 miles. There is a boardwalk, restaurants, activities for children and families galore, especially on a Sunday afternoon. We even happened to run into another group from the U.S.  - they were from a community Church in Washington state, but there leader had grown up in Oakland!

At the end of the walk, Danelo drove us to the Mall del Sol - a large shopping mall to rival any in the states. There is a large food court there with gigantic TV's which were playing a local soccer tournament. Families had gathered to watch. The kids had their choice of food options - most choose those they were comfortable with such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King or Chinese Food. Maria and I had our favorite from Naturissimo! Pan de yucca (the lighter colored "bread" which tastes like sour dough but is gluten free), tortilla (which is the yellower colored one made of corn with cheese inside), and yoghur (a drinkable yoghurt). Delicious!

Danelo, Sr. Annie and Abel dropped us off. We had to say our goodbyes to Abel tonight as he is not able to take us to the airport tomorrow morning. I will keep in touch with him and do my best to encourage him to continue to study hard. Hasta Luego Abel, until we return!

Duermes con los angelitos. Mañana vamos a Quito!

Inspirational People in Guayaquil - Poem by Nora

Before this trip,

My heart had holes

An empty space, a lonely one

My knowledge limited,

My mind closed

Looking for something

Beyond my safety bubble

Off on a plane, to Ecuador

To burst the bubble

To experience the unknown

To find that missing piece

On a plane, away from home

Stuck in between

I want to stay, I want to go

No sleep provided

18 levels

worth of Bejeweled

An Endless setting

 Arrival at last

An unheard message

A frustrating game

And once again

Back on an aeroplane

From panama to a final destination

To find a mystery game

A waiting game, an annoying game

A “where is my suitcase?”

Lost and found on the next plane it came

And with it more waiting

A talk, a laugh

Broken English & Spanish

A human fire cracker

Greets us

With open arms

to help and guide us on our way

Residents big and small

Such tenderness

Not deserving of their ailments

 One big family

A “New World” school

Nuevo Mundo

Part of the church upon the hill

The world is full of confusing things

 Like a teacher who is afraid of kids

Yet she plugs on

Inspiring others

Taking care of that new world

A web of dirt roads

Rotting animals sit in a watery trench

Garbage piles

And plastic bags galore

Where mangy dogs roam

 And a wooden shack is home

Silence in the car

Silence lingers

Til we return to the faces

Of smiling residents

A new family for us and them

Welcoming arms

8 people learning to sew

An emoji, dragons,

Iguana (not), un pes

and a green bean

made with love and a teacher

washing, windows and wheelchairs

cleaner, towels, water, paint

sitting in the sun

tomorrow

a new journey, tourism

then tearful goodbyes

packing, leaving, gone

but the hole in my heart

is there no more

a family has filled it

friends and strangers

a thank you to all

_Nora