Despedida

Tuesday, June 26th we had the despedida, a farewell party at Damien House. A succession of patients presented gifts to us. Gifts of handmade crafts, but most importantly, gifts of their hearts. Words expressed how grateful they were for our visit. I cried the whole time in recognition that I would not be back for two years and that during that time some would return to God and I wouldn’t see them again. All expressed their thanks to God for us, for our safe journey, and hopes that we would return. Many reminded us that the doors of the foundation would always be opened for us and we can come visit anytime. Following the patients presentations, each of our boys expressed their gratitude for our time in Guayaquil at Damien House. 

Immediately following the despedida, Germania asked us to help the ladies get back to their home. I walked Elvia and her mother, Manuelita back. When I returned to the men’s side, Etilo was there talking with Maria and Nathan. Maria had reminded him that we had first met him years ago with his wife. He played and she sang for us. She died about 5 years ago and Sr. Annie asked him to come live at Damien House so that he wouldn't be alone. When I arrived, Etilo literally jumped up in the air. He said that Sr. Annie keeps telling him not to jump because she is worried that he will hurt himself. But he explained that he was so happy to see me. He has the most innocent and beautiful spirit. 

Following the despedida, we enjoyed our last lunch. “Italian food” inspired by Sr. Annie and prepared by the ladies. 

 The statue of Simón Bolivar and Jose San Martín who are credited with victory over the Spanish and gaining independence for the people of South America.

The ferris wheel on the Malecón is modeled after the "London Eye" but is much smaller. It takes 15 minutes to go around. Two years ago when we were here, this was just being built. 

After lunch, we went to the Malecón. The Malecón is a boardwalk that runs along the Guayas River. There are many family activities and the air is much cleaner and cooler near the water. We started at the statue of San Martín and Bolivar and walked to the end. At the end of the Malecón, there is a light house on top of a hill with stairs leading up to it. The boys, Nathan, Jocelyn and Ishmael walked to the top of the stairs. There are 455 stairs that lead to the light house. The view is phenomenal. Maria, Charlie and I sat in a cafe on ten corner which had a beautiful, cool breeze and watched highlights of the Argentina v. Nigeria game. 

The canons at the head of Las Peñas. These protected the city from pirates during colonial times.

A marker for Las Peñas.

The view from the art gallery. Enlarge the photo to see the iguanas.

Once the others returned, we walked through Las Peñas, the remainder of the historic city of Guayaquil - now an artist community. There was a beautiful art gallery with open windows overlooking the river. There were even iguanas in the trees outside! 

After walking through Las Peñas, we came upon an upscale neighborhood with hotels and restaurants called Puerto Santa Ana.

Following our walking tour, we returned to the hostel to shower. At 5:30, Diego, Germania, Nathan, Ishmael, and Jocelyn picked us up for dinner. We went to a restaurant where we enjoyed Ecuadorian food for our last meal in Guayaquil.