Today started with breakfast at the Hostal Quil, where we are staying. Sr. Annie walked over to meet us from the Foundation (Damien House) at 9:30 am. We walked back with her to the Foundation and went into the art room to unpack all of the donations destined for Damien House. The people of the two parishes donated so generously! Sr. Annie was very grateful for all the things she received and will distribute them as needed throughout the year to the patients.
Next, we went to Mass in the Chapel. There was a priest who comes once a week to celebrate with the patients. The kids had gone out before Maria, Annie and I (we were finishing sorting donations) and helped the residents to get into the chapel. One of the long term volunteers organized the kids and gave them jobs. Some played maracas, some did readings in English and others sang and prayed with the congregation.
Fr. Santana did a wonderful job of connecting the gospel to our mission trip. With Abel translating, he explained how we are acting like disciples by coming to Ecuador to be with the residents - to give up our reality at home with our friends and families and to come share our love with them.
After lunch, Annie shared her story with us about how she came to be in Ecuador. She originally came her to be a preschool teacher in Duran. Someone invited her to visit what would become Padre Damien Foundation. At the time, conditions were deplorable. The clinic was run by the government and the building was run down and patients needs were not being met. Annie met a woman, Emma who had open wounds on her and missing fingers. She was both horrified and moved with pity at the same time. She knew at that moment, that she wouldn't be able to go home and do nothing. God wants us to do things for others that make us uncomfortable.
So, she started volunteering on Saturday's coming to visit and do simple art projects with the patients. Eventually, she talked to her community, The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM's). who supported her idea. In 1994, the Padre Damien Foundation was born.
Arroz con pollo, salad (yay!!), fresh watermelon, and plantanos fritos (fried plantains - yum!!)
Following lunch, the kids were put to work washing windows - first outside, then inside the art room. Here's some photos of them hard at work!
There was a bit of a snafu with the hotel today so Germania, Annie and I went to get it straightened out while Maria stayed at the Foundation with the kids. They went to play games with them and learn crafts from them and visit. Many of the kids commented that through the conversations they had, their Spanish is improving.
One highlight from today was when Genesis showed up at the Foundation! She is one of the High School students that we met 2 years ago. She is also an International Business major (with Abel) at the University de Guayaquil.
Following the cleaning project, we had a merienda (snack) for dinner. (This is typical, Ecuadorians eat their big meal at lunch time, and a smaller snack at dinner time). We had yucca fritas (yucca fries) and tortillas verde (green plantain pancakes with cheese or chicken inside) and tomatillo juice.
Following dinner, we walked with Abel and Annie to the market across the street where the kids bought snacks - some typical Ecuadorian things, but some American things too - like Fruit Loops!
One of many highlights for me today was meeting Sr. Annie's cat (one of two), Mila!
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