ARRIVING IN GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR FRIDAY - SATURDAY - SUNDAY
August 9, 2013 - Friday - Departure from the U.S.
Half of the SMA volunteers left on early flights around 6 a.m. from the Tucson area. Those scheduled to leave on the 9 a.m. flight received an automated call from American Airlines at 2 a.m. saying this flight was delayed an hour. That meant we would miss the connection from Dallas to Miami, and also the connection on to Ecuador. A quick middle of the night phone call to American Airlines got us re-scheduled from the 9 a.m. to the 7:30 a.m.flight. A mess was averted and all met up with other SMA medical mission volunteers flying (from Utah, New Mexico, Oregon, Michigan, New York, Colorado, and Oklahoma) into Miami for the direct four-hour-plus flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Arrival in Guayaquil:
From departure to arrival, with the various plane changes, it was a bit more than twelve hours. Arriving at nearly 11 p.m. those travelers, having previous experience with carrying medical supplies through customs held their breath and after little fuss all luggage was accounted for and we breezed on through.
August 9, 2013 - Friday - Departure from the U.S.
Half of the SMA volunteers left on early flights around 6 a.m. from the Tucson area. Those scheduled to leave on the 9 a.m. flight received an automated call from American Airlines at 2 a.m. saying this flight was delayed an hour. That meant we would miss the connection from Dallas to Miami, and also the connection on to Ecuador. A quick middle of the night phone call to American Airlines got us re-scheduled from the 9 a.m. to the 7:30 a.m.flight. A mess was averted and all met up with other SMA medical mission volunteers flying (from Utah, New Mexico, Oregon, Michigan, New York, Colorado, and Oklahoma) into Miami for the direct four-hour-plus flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Arrival in Guayaquil:
From departure to arrival, with the various plane changes, it was a bit more than twelve hours. Arriving at nearly 11 p.m. those travelers, having previous experience with carrying medical supplies through customs held their breath and after little fuss all luggage was accounted for and we breezed on through.
Renato Matteazzi, the bishop's assistant was at the airport to greet the team, along with Benito our bus driver for the next two weeks. A truck was also lined up to haul our personal luggage and bags transporting medical supplies. We arrive near midnight at the clean and pleasant Schoenstatt Retreat House located in the middle of the city. There were fireworks going off at this late hour. It was a bit unnerving at first, not knowing if these were firearms, or bomb explosions. We learned the next day this is a holiday to celebrate their Independence, "Viva Ecuador."
To avoid confusion our numbered rooms also included cards with our names on the doors, which came in handy over the next two weeks for finding each other. Each double room, with twin beds, had its own private bathroom, which is often not the case during foreign travel. For the Wi-Fi junkies internet service was available throughout the Retreat Center. In the hallways were jugs of purified water. Tap water is not safe to drink for foreigners with delicate stomachs. The medical team would later learn it's not safe even for locals to drink. The next morning one early riser turned on the hall lights to help fellow travelers find their way down the dark hall to see the water dispenser. A few minutes later a petite nun was busy saving electricity and turning off the lights.
To avoid confusion our numbered rooms also included cards with our names on the doors, which came in handy over the next two weeks for finding each other. Each double room, with twin beds, had its own private bathroom, which is often not the case during foreign travel. For the Wi-Fi junkies internet service was available throughout the Retreat Center. In the hallways were jugs of purified water. Tap water is not safe to drink for foreigners with delicate stomachs. The medical team would later learn it's not safe even for locals to drink. The next morning one early riser turned on the hall lights to help fellow travelers find their way down the dark hall to see the water dispenser. A few minutes later a petite nun was busy saving electricity and turning off the lights.
Saturday morning August 10:
Upon arising we saw how magnificent this place is. After breakfast we meet in the small, ivy covered chapel surrounded by 10 acres of beautiful, lushly landscaped gardens and grounds. Schoenstatt means Beautiful Place. Beautiful indeed!
This retreat center is operated by a German Order of the Sisters of Mary. The 99-year-old Schoenstatt Movement began in Germany in 1914 as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary Thrice Admirable. The founder was the late Padre Jose Kentenich (1885 - 1968). He was an educator with the Pallottine House. As a Priest he was imprisoned at Dachau (1941-1945) and a holocaust survivor. He gave up his freedom so others could gain their freedom. Other priests were beheaded because they would not salute Hitler. Padre Kentenich's epitaph was “He Loved the Church.”
One of the SMA volunteers wrote in our shared daily journal: “I woke to the sound of birds outside our window. The overcast weather reminds me of an early morning in San Diego. I'm feeling guilty staying in the wonderful accommodations of Schoenstatt. The Marian devotion of the Sisters is evident in their work - in serving breakfast and dinner, and watching over children from the orphanage on the grounds. Our Blessed Mother Mary is evident in everyone I see. I pray that when we begin the clinic on Monday that her care and the love between Mother and Son, Jesus is manifested in us to each person we see."
Upon arising we saw how magnificent this place is. After breakfast we meet in the small, ivy covered chapel surrounded by 10 acres of beautiful, lushly landscaped gardens and grounds. Schoenstatt means Beautiful Place. Beautiful indeed!
This retreat center is operated by a German Order of the Sisters of Mary. The 99-year-old Schoenstatt Movement began in Germany in 1914 as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary Thrice Admirable. The founder was the late Padre Jose Kentenich (1885 - 1968). He was an educator with the Pallottine House. As a Priest he was imprisoned at Dachau (1941-1945) and a holocaust survivor. He gave up his freedom so others could gain their freedom. Other priests were beheaded because they would not salute Hitler. Padre Kentenich's epitaph was “He Loved the Church.”
One of the SMA volunteers wrote in our shared daily journal: “I woke to the sound of birds outside our window. The overcast weather reminds me of an early morning in San Diego. I'm feeling guilty staying in the wonderful accommodations of Schoenstatt. The Marian devotion of the Sisters is evident in their work - in serving breakfast and dinner, and watching over children from the orphanage on the grounds. Our Blessed Mother Mary is evident in everyone I see. I pray that when we begin the clinic on Monday that her care and the love between Mother and Son, Jesus is manifested in us to each person we see."
Saturday afternoon tour - A bit of history:
Joe Kelly arranged a private chartered bus tour of the city with Johann as our English-speaking narrator. The minimum wage here is $1.99 an hour. We see many vendors peddling their wares in the medians, or even in the middle of traffic and dodging vehicles. Selling water, candy or lottery tickets like this is an accepted form of informal commerce. We learn that the typical earnings per month is $318. Bus rides cost 25 cents. Rent costs about $70 - $80 per month. A really nice house would cost about $200 per month. Health care cost $20 and is on a sliding scale.
Some argue Guayaquil is named after the great Puna Indian chief Guayas, who fought the Incas and later the Spanish, and Quill, his wife. Others say the name means "the land like a beautiful prairie on the land of the Quilcas." The Guayas River flows through the city and into the Pacific. Guayaquil is Ecuador's main port and located in the most populated province of Guayas, with just under four million people. The prime export is 60 varieties of roses with 80% sent to the U.S. Ecuador is also a large exporter of chocolate.
This largest city in the country is called the "Pearl of the Pacific." Here in Guayaquil, like any other large city, there are fine restaurants and homes mixed among slums and shantytowns, heavy rush-hour traffic, crowded buses, a university, an international airport and elegant highrises on the river. We see patrimonial mausoleums since this is coastal land. Ecuador uses U.S. Currency – bills and coins,which made shopping and bargaining much easier. (In contrast Dr. Del and Lin were on a medical mission in Nepal this spring and holding onto a fistful of 10,000 rupees sounds like a bundle until we realize it's only about $150. in U.S. money.)
Most of the automobiles are compact, economy cars even though the price of gas seems amazingly low at $2.00 per gallon. Dr. Patricia explained there is a refinery about six hours away. Currently the president of the country wants to exploit the oil in the ecologically protected area of the small part of Ecuador at Yasuni National Park within the Amazon saying the country could benefit by 3.5 million. Even if this is true, graft and corruption are prevalent, as in many countries, and those living in the shanty towns where we will be working will not see a financial benefit. The government says it will build schools, however it's well known it will not provide teachers. New buildings will then most likely sit abandoned and decay.
The city's official name is Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de Guayaquil (Most Noble and Most Loyal City of St. James of Guayaquil). This webmaster walked the Camino de Santiago last year (www.Linscaminodesantiago.weebly.com), as did Joe and Jim, and was intrigued by the city's devotion and reference to St. James. (Tomorrow we would meet the youth group, Rostro de Cristo whose founder, Fr. Jim is a member of the Confraternity of St. James.) The internet states, "The city was named by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana. Guayaquil is recognized as being founded by the Spanish government, on July 25, 1538, although it already existed as a native village."
The country is officially known as the Republic of Ecuador, which translates to "Republic of the Equator." The equator is a short 152 miles from the city. We are somewhat prepared for warm and humid weather - 85 degrees during the day and cool nights averaging 68 degrees. This tropical climate is conducive to growing palm trees, oleanders, bougainvillaea, mimosa-locust-like trees, and 10-foot Aurelia shrubs that we can only grow as houseplants.
Compared to the giants of South America (Brazil, Argentina and Peru) Ecuador is small. About the size of the state of Colorado. According to Wikipedia, Ecuador and Chile are the only two countries in South America that do not have a border with Brazil. Ecuador is bordered by Columbia on the north, Peru on the east and south and by the Pacific Ocean on the west.
Ecuador also includes the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific, about 620 miles west of the mainland. Three of the first week SMA volunteers - Edna, Kay and Lesley - spent their second week at the Galapagos Islands.
Joe Kelly arranged a private chartered bus tour of the city with Johann as our English-speaking narrator. The minimum wage here is $1.99 an hour. We see many vendors peddling their wares in the medians, or even in the middle of traffic and dodging vehicles. Selling water, candy or lottery tickets like this is an accepted form of informal commerce. We learn that the typical earnings per month is $318. Bus rides cost 25 cents. Rent costs about $70 - $80 per month. A really nice house would cost about $200 per month. Health care cost $20 and is on a sliding scale.
Some argue Guayaquil is named after the great Puna Indian chief Guayas, who fought the Incas and later the Spanish, and Quill, his wife. Others say the name means "the land like a beautiful prairie on the land of the Quilcas." The Guayas River flows through the city and into the Pacific. Guayaquil is Ecuador's main port and located in the most populated province of Guayas, with just under four million people. The prime export is 60 varieties of roses with 80% sent to the U.S. Ecuador is also a large exporter of chocolate.
This largest city in the country is called the "Pearl of the Pacific." Here in Guayaquil, like any other large city, there are fine restaurants and homes mixed among slums and shantytowns, heavy rush-hour traffic, crowded buses, a university, an international airport and elegant highrises on the river. We see patrimonial mausoleums since this is coastal land. Ecuador uses U.S. Currency – bills and coins,which made shopping and bargaining much easier. (In contrast Dr. Del and Lin were on a medical mission in Nepal this spring and holding onto a fistful of 10,000 rupees sounds like a bundle until we realize it's only about $150. in U.S. money.)
Most of the automobiles are compact, economy cars even though the price of gas seems amazingly low at $2.00 per gallon. Dr. Patricia explained there is a refinery about six hours away. Currently the president of the country wants to exploit the oil in the ecologically protected area of the small part of Ecuador at Yasuni National Park within the Amazon saying the country could benefit by 3.5 million. Even if this is true, graft and corruption are prevalent, as in many countries, and those living in the shanty towns where we will be working will not see a financial benefit. The government says it will build schools, however it's well known it will not provide teachers. New buildings will then most likely sit abandoned and decay.
The city's official name is Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de Guayaquil (Most Noble and Most Loyal City of St. James of Guayaquil). This webmaster walked the Camino de Santiago last year (www.Linscaminodesantiago.weebly.com), as did Joe and Jim, and was intrigued by the city's devotion and reference to St. James. (Tomorrow we would meet the youth group, Rostro de Cristo whose founder, Fr. Jim is a member of the Confraternity of St. James.) The internet states, "The city was named by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana. Guayaquil is recognized as being founded by the Spanish government, on July 25, 1538, although it already existed as a native village."
The country is officially known as the Republic of Ecuador, which translates to "Republic of the Equator." The equator is a short 152 miles from the city. We are somewhat prepared for warm and humid weather - 85 degrees during the day and cool nights averaging 68 degrees. This tropical climate is conducive to growing palm trees, oleanders, bougainvillaea, mimosa-locust-like trees, and 10-foot Aurelia shrubs that we can only grow as houseplants.
Compared to the giants of South America (Brazil, Argentina and Peru) Ecuador is small. About the size of the state of Colorado. According to Wikipedia, Ecuador and Chile are the only two countries in South America that do not have a border with Brazil. Ecuador is bordered by Columbia on the north, Peru on the east and south and by the Pacific Ocean on the west.
Ecuador also includes the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific, about 620 miles west of the mainland. Three of the first week SMA volunteers - Edna, Kay and Lesley - spent their second week at the Galapagos Islands.
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Stopping at a park, across from the cathedral that was closed and under repair, land iguanas entertained us with their antics. Apparently tame from the constant visitors, they allowed their tails to be lifted. Later we saw signs, “Do Not Touch the Animals.” We were told the iguanas do not stray onto the street from the park because they are well-fed.
At Malacon we stroll the boardwalk and watch an organized group of pre-teens, all dressed in orange dance to Latin American Zumba music. We move on passing the three-mast, tall ship belonging to the Navy which tourists can explore.
Lesley Torrey said, "We visited [Santa Ana Hill] the oldest part of the city where many group members climbed all 444 steps to the base of the lighthouse [which means a total of 888 steps.] I personally made it to 298!. Whew! " This area surrounded with purple bougainvillaea overlooks the Guayas River that flows into the Pacific. Across from the lighthouse is a small chapel with beautiful stain glass windows. In the distance was a distinctive, white building. This apartment building is called The Screw because of its shape.
Unlike in the U.S. where the most expensive homes are often in gated, hillside developments looking down on city lights, here those on hillsides are shanty town shacks painted colorful pastels of orange, yellow and blues now showing evidence of age, peeling paint or unpainted and unkempt. In the oldest area of Los Penas wood houses are now re-claimed as artist's galleries.
Taking in the sights we see motorcycles holding families of up to six. We are amazed that what is typical here would never been allowed in the U.S.
At Malacon we stroll the boardwalk and watch an organized group of pre-teens, all dressed in orange dance to Latin American Zumba music. We move on passing the three-mast, tall ship belonging to the Navy which tourists can explore.
Lesley Torrey said, "We visited [Santa Ana Hill] the oldest part of the city where many group members climbed all 444 steps to the base of the lighthouse [which means a total of 888 steps.] I personally made it to 298!. Whew! " This area surrounded with purple bougainvillaea overlooks the Guayas River that flows into the Pacific. Across from the lighthouse is a small chapel with beautiful stain glass windows. In the distance was a distinctive, white building. This apartment building is called The Screw because of its shape.
Unlike in the U.S. where the most expensive homes are often in gated, hillside developments looking down on city lights, here those on hillsides are shanty town shacks painted colorful pastels of orange, yellow and blues now showing evidence of age, peeling paint or unpainted and unkempt. In the oldest area of Los Penas wood houses are now re-claimed as artist's galleries.
Taking in the sights we see motorcycles holding families of up to six. We are amazed that what is typical here would never been allowed in the U.S.
Lesley and Kay wearing their new purchases (with the shopkeeper at the Artisan's Market.)
A quick lesson via Wikipedia about the Panama hat "... produced in Ecuador as early as the seventeenth century. Straw hats woven in Ecuador, like many other 19th and early 20th century South American goods, were shipped first to the Isthmus of Panama before sailing for their destinations in Asia, the rest of the Americas and Europe, subsequently acquiring a name that reflected their point of international sale, 'Panama' hats, rather than their place of domestic origin." (photo courtesy Kay Smith.)
On to the Artisan's market where we were given one hour to shop. Lesley said, "I had a blast today. The sales ladies were dressed in beautiful indigenous clothes. My impression was there were so few people to purchase their wares. The whole group loved shopping and buying hats [Panama hats made in Ecuador], table runners, dish towels, and bracelets, [angels, and back massagers made from the seeds of palm trees], dish towels, [playing cards, tee-shirts and more.]
"Our city guide for the day, Johann was incredible, sweet and helped us bargain our prices. We tipped her and she appeared tearful when she left us. We all came to rely on her.” When we later realize that she made no more then $1.99 an hour, the $40-$50 or more she received from the generous tips in those few hours could have been close to what she makes in a week.
Beforehand most of us read warnings of caution while downtown and the southern part of the city. While the hustle/bustle/action is a short taxi ride away from the retreat center there are several issues which make sense in any city and especially one this large.
Safety in Numbers - Travel in a group. Don't get separated.
Taxis - make sure to take only yellow taxis with orange license plate - Not street taxis. There have been robberies of passengers when the taxi comes to a stop sign. To be safe order a taxi through a major hotel.
Motorcycles - Drivers/passengers have been known to grab the strap of backpacks/ purses, cameras or laptop computers
Pickpockets - They are everywhere especially tourist sites.
Credit cards - Don't let it out of your sight. Don't give to waiter. Walk it to the cashier.
Cash - Don't flash your cash in public.
Tourist sites - Be aware of your surroundings.
Natural disasters - Be aware of alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis and flooding, Many homes are on stilts.
After the first week Lee stayed to explore the city by herself. "I broke all the rules that last day alone in Guayaquil: single woman walking alone, carrying cash, taking to strangers. It was great."
One final stop was made at a supermarket where numerous bars of an excellent Ecuadoran chocolate were purchased [although we learned these weren't as good as Eduardo's chocolate bars]. We also purchased yuca chips, soft drinks and Ecuadorian cerveza. We also found Rincon del Sol, an excellent and inexpensive Argentinian wine to go with our evening dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, rice, sliced tomatoes and custard.
Sunday, August 11:
Colleen Nolan writes, "Following morning reflections and breakfast of ham, cheese, rolls and juice the bus departs around 9 a.m. We cross the bridge of the Guayas River into Duran. The medians are lined with queen palms."
We move further on. Graffiti is spotted here and there. Trash and litter alongside the road has increased. Again we meet with the bishop's assistant who will be our principal contact for the medical mission. Renato, an Italian, has three adult children. His wife died last year. He is a lay missionary and works in the Diocesan office.
We arrive at the neighborhood of El Arbolito, in Duran, for mass at the chapel of Nuestra Senora de Perpetuo Socoro - Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow. The parish priest, Padre Juan Pablo (Father John Paul) announces the homily will be delivered at the beginning, instead of the middle, to accommodate the late arrival of Bishop Anibal Nieto.
Our group of 26 is diverse in age and beliefs. Some are devote Catholic, some are 'fallen-away,lapsed Catholics. Some are Protestant or have no religious affiliation, or won't go inside the church, but all are here on a humanitarian mission to serve those less fortunate than ourselves.
Colleen continues,"[Standing at the altar] Joe Kelly translated the gospel, which spoke of vigilance and fear. Trusting in God and being aware of our attitudes and what we are doing."
Only half of us understood the homily/sermon spoken in Spanish but we could see that children were obviously welcome and invited to sit close to the altar with the overflow sitting on the step next to the altar. Padre Juan Pablo repeatedly directed a message (to the young teens and pre-teens in the congregation and indirectly to their parents) of the evils of drinking beer. This appeared extreme to several in the group, however later we learn that a bottle of Brahma beer can be purchased for 35 cents, making it affordable to nearly everyone. Just as in many cultures alcohol abuse destroys family life here, as well. During the offertory/collection basket Elizabeth observed that while we give from our excess, these locals are giving from their need.
"Bishop Anibal Nieto arrives and acknowledges our SMA group," writes Colleen. "He emphasized how important it is to work with the poor. The diocese is proud and happy to see groups come and strengthen this area. He finished by offering his blessings. After mass Padre Juan Pablo gathers the children around the altar and invites the volunteers to join in so photos can be taken.
"After mass we shake hands with Padre Juan Pablo. We learn he is with an Order of Italian priests, who make a commitment to stay in a parish for six years, or so. They previously came from the city of Quinto. We also meet two other Italian priests, Father Daniel and Father Mauro. (We learn that Padre Juan Pablo plays the guitar and we enjoy his music at the end of the second week.)
A group of seven U.S. college graduates from the Boston-based Rostro de Cristo sang at mass, They helped organize a Welcome to the shanty town neighborhood of El Arbolito and invited our group to a buffet of fresh fruit in the courtyard outside the church entrance. Here a group of eight gathered, in colorful costumes, to perform traditional dances to recorded music Then dance ensemble invited our group to join in the last two dances.
One of the first of the Rostro de Cristo group we meet is Darcy Phillips. She, along with the other six, prepared a lunch of rice, lentils, vegetables and thinly sliced beef (which we later learn they rarely eat meat because it's not affordable on their stringent budget.)
"Our city guide for the day, Johann was incredible, sweet and helped us bargain our prices. We tipped her and she appeared tearful when she left us. We all came to rely on her.” When we later realize that she made no more then $1.99 an hour, the $40-$50 or more she received from the generous tips in those few hours could have been close to what she makes in a week.
Beforehand most of us read warnings of caution while downtown and the southern part of the city. While the hustle/bustle/action is a short taxi ride away from the retreat center there are several issues which make sense in any city and especially one this large.
Safety in Numbers - Travel in a group. Don't get separated.
Taxis - make sure to take only yellow taxis with orange license plate - Not street taxis. There have been robberies of passengers when the taxi comes to a stop sign. To be safe order a taxi through a major hotel.
Motorcycles - Drivers/passengers have been known to grab the strap of backpacks/ purses, cameras or laptop computers
Pickpockets - They are everywhere especially tourist sites.
Credit cards - Don't let it out of your sight. Don't give to waiter. Walk it to the cashier.
Cash - Don't flash your cash in public.
Tourist sites - Be aware of your surroundings.
Natural disasters - Be aware of alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis and flooding, Many homes are on stilts.
After the first week Lee stayed to explore the city by herself. "I broke all the rules that last day alone in Guayaquil: single woman walking alone, carrying cash, taking to strangers. It was great."
One final stop was made at a supermarket where numerous bars of an excellent Ecuadoran chocolate were purchased [although we learned these weren't as good as Eduardo's chocolate bars]. We also purchased yuca chips, soft drinks and Ecuadorian cerveza. We also found Rincon del Sol, an excellent and inexpensive Argentinian wine to go with our evening dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, rice, sliced tomatoes and custard.
Sunday, August 11:
Colleen Nolan writes, "Following morning reflections and breakfast of ham, cheese, rolls and juice the bus departs around 9 a.m. We cross the bridge of the Guayas River into Duran. The medians are lined with queen palms."
We move further on. Graffiti is spotted here and there. Trash and litter alongside the road has increased. Again we meet with the bishop's assistant who will be our principal contact for the medical mission. Renato, an Italian, has three adult children. His wife died last year. He is a lay missionary and works in the Diocesan office.
We arrive at the neighborhood of El Arbolito, in Duran, for mass at the chapel of Nuestra Senora de Perpetuo Socoro - Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow. The parish priest, Padre Juan Pablo (Father John Paul) announces the homily will be delivered at the beginning, instead of the middle, to accommodate the late arrival of Bishop Anibal Nieto.
Our group of 26 is diverse in age and beliefs. Some are devote Catholic, some are 'fallen-away,lapsed Catholics. Some are Protestant or have no religious affiliation, or won't go inside the church, but all are here on a humanitarian mission to serve those less fortunate than ourselves.
Colleen continues,"[Standing at the altar] Joe Kelly translated the gospel, which spoke of vigilance and fear. Trusting in God and being aware of our attitudes and what we are doing."
Only half of us understood the homily/sermon spoken in Spanish but we could see that children were obviously welcome and invited to sit close to the altar with the overflow sitting on the step next to the altar. Padre Juan Pablo repeatedly directed a message (to the young teens and pre-teens in the congregation and indirectly to their parents) of the evils of drinking beer. This appeared extreme to several in the group, however later we learn that a bottle of Brahma beer can be purchased for 35 cents, making it affordable to nearly everyone. Just as in many cultures alcohol abuse destroys family life here, as well. During the offertory/collection basket Elizabeth observed that while we give from our excess, these locals are giving from their need.
"Bishop Anibal Nieto arrives and acknowledges our SMA group," writes Colleen. "He emphasized how important it is to work with the poor. The diocese is proud and happy to see groups come and strengthen this area. He finished by offering his blessings. After mass Padre Juan Pablo gathers the children around the altar and invites the volunteers to join in so photos can be taken.
"After mass we shake hands with Padre Juan Pablo. We learn he is with an Order of Italian priests, who make a commitment to stay in a parish for six years, or so. They previously came from the city of Quinto. We also meet two other Italian priests, Father Daniel and Father Mauro. (We learn that Padre Juan Pablo plays the guitar and we enjoy his music at the end of the second week.)
A group of seven U.S. college graduates from the Boston-based Rostro de Cristo sang at mass, They helped organize a Welcome to the shanty town neighborhood of El Arbolito and invited our group to a buffet of fresh fruit in the courtyard outside the church entrance. Here a group of eight gathered, in colorful costumes, to perform traditional dances to recorded music Then dance ensemble invited our group to join in the last two dances.
One of the first of the Rostro de Cristo group we meet is Darcy Phillips. She, along with the other six, prepared a lunch of rice, lentils, vegetables and thinly sliced beef (which we later learn they rarely eat meat because it's not affordable on their stringent budget.)
After mass Padre Juan Pablo (Father John Paul) accompanied us around the shanty town neighborhood and stopped to speak with a young man holding a dead iguana by the tail. He said his family would make iguana soup that evening. The 17-year old then handed over the iguana to his young friend (or perhaps brother or cousin) and picked up a small child and announced, "This is my son."
In our privileged group most of the volunteers had heard of and seen shanty towns from a distance, but it's another thing to 'rub elbows' and work here the next two weeks. Looking up the accurate definition on Wikipedia we learn that a "shanty town (also called a squatter settlement) is a slum settlement (sometimes illegal or unauthorized) of plywood, corrugated metal, sheets of plastic, and cardboard boxes. Shanty towns, which are usually built on the periphery of cities, often do not have proper sanitation, water supply or aqueduct, electricity or telephone services."
Our two service communities certainly fit that description. "Shanty towns are mostly found in developing nations, or partially developed nations with an unequal distribution of wealth. In extreme cases, shanty towns have populations approaching that of a city. As of 2005, one billion people, one-seventh of the world's population, live in shanty towns."
Lee Cauble offered this from her blog: This may sound crazy but...“I came to Ecuador to do something I’ve waited 50 years for. Ever since Kennedy announced the Peace Corps I wanted to go somewhere to help others. I know there are a lot of people in our country who live in poverty. I thought I had seen poverty. But today was something I had never seen before. It wasn’t just a neighborhood or two. This was an entire city. Water is collected in drums when it rains. When they are empty they are covered with whatever can be found to keep the bugs out. Two boys came running up to us to tell us about the iguana they had caught and were going to have for dinner. Ten children and 3 adults were going to share what looked like about 2 pounds of meat, if that. And they were smiling saying they might try to catch another. They were proud to tell us about the family of 13 that lived in a home that was maybe 120 square feel elevated about three feet off the ground to avoid flooding in the rainy season. Every person I met was smiling and welcoming.
"Tomorrow we start work at the clinic and school. We are probably going to see over 500 people this week at the clinic. [A later count shows we saw 778]. We will be building a concrete pad in the school yard so the kids will have a place to play year round . There is a fine dust that blows through the air in this dry season that covers everything. There are no windows with glass to keep it out. In the rainy season it becomes a mud pit. So we will make a dry place for the kids to play.
"As I met these wonderful people who welcomed us to their city and into their homes I wondered, Do they know how poor they are? Do they wish they could have the everyday conveniences we take for granted like clean running water and indoor plumbing? I walked streets today with chickens and dogs and cows. And children who just wanted to say hello. Yes I saw poverty. But I also saw families doing what they have to do every day, in a country with over 30% unemployment, to have food and shelter. I felt the generosity of their hearts at a small reception they had to welcome us with fruit that surely came from their own homes. I am honored and grateful for this chance to perhaps make a small difference in even one person’s life. What I see as poverty, they live as life."
Our two service communities certainly fit that description. "Shanty towns are mostly found in developing nations, or partially developed nations with an unequal distribution of wealth. In extreme cases, shanty towns have populations approaching that of a city. As of 2005, one billion people, one-seventh of the world's population, live in shanty towns."
Lee Cauble offered this from her blog: This may sound crazy but...“I came to Ecuador to do something I’ve waited 50 years for. Ever since Kennedy announced the Peace Corps I wanted to go somewhere to help others. I know there are a lot of people in our country who live in poverty. I thought I had seen poverty. But today was something I had never seen before. It wasn’t just a neighborhood or two. This was an entire city. Water is collected in drums when it rains. When they are empty they are covered with whatever can be found to keep the bugs out. Two boys came running up to us to tell us about the iguana they had caught and were going to have for dinner. Ten children and 3 adults were going to share what looked like about 2 pounds of meat, if that. And they were smiling saying they might try to catch another. They were proud to tell us about the family of 13 that lived in a home that was maybe 120 square feel elevated about three feet off the ground to avoid flooding in the rainy season. Every person I met was smiling and welcoming.
"Tomorrow we start work at the clinic and school. We are probably going to see over 500 people this week at the clinic. [A later count shows we saw 778]. We will be building a concrete pad in the school yard so the kids will have a place to play year round . There is a fine dust that blows through the air in this dry season that covers everything. There are no windows with glass to keep it out. In the rainy season it becomes a mud pit. So we will make a dry place for the kids to play.
"As I met these wonderful people who welcomed us to their city and into their homes I wondered, Do they know how poor they are? Do they wish they could have the everyday conveniences we take for granted like clean running water and indoor plumbing? I walked streets today with chickens and dogs and cows. And children who just wanted to say hello. Yes I saw poverty. But I also saw families doing what they have to do every day, in a country with over 30% unemployment, to have food and shelter. I felt the generosity of their hearts at a small reception they had to welcome us with fruit that surely came from their own homes. I am honored and grateful for this chance to perhaps make a small difference in even one person’s life. What I see as poverty, they live as life."
Meet a Rostro de Cristo Youth Group Volunteer - an interview with Meg:
We first met the Rostro de Cristo (Face of Christ) group at Sunday mass. Most of them have a musical talent. This youth group has been here one month. Two of the Boston-based groups are currently in Ecuador. A newer group is located at Mt. Sinai. Meg said that when she applied for this program she wanted an international experience. She has been to the Dominican Republic and is affiliated with Teachers for America. Raised in Iowa she graduated from Creighton with a degree in social work. Here in El Arbolito (The Little Nest) she is one of seven living in a squatter's - invasion community - shanty town, which has been here for 20 years.
Meg explained, "Locals are living on unclaimed land the government deems uninhabitable because it's considered un-buildable swampland, jungle, or in a flood plain. It's not suitable to live on and also because there is no water, electrical, sewer or trash services. It's random when services are brought in, as service providers gets wind there are customers and money can be made in a community. In some places the electricity is regulated. In other neighborhoods it's not, but they tap into it anyway so it's like stealing electricity.
"People from the campo, the countryside, migrate and put up stick houses made of cane. There have been evictions primarily in the Mount Sinai area. Their cane homes were bulldozed. Squatters have no rights. Although now the government says if a family moved in before certain dates they can stay. There are land traffickers who sell land illegally but there is no clear title and squatters never own it in the first place.
"When a trunk honks directly in front of a home or business that means it's the trash collector, or water being trucked in. Residents might also wave down the water truck as it drives by. The cost for water is 80 cents for a large blue barrel. They must pay the truck driver on demand for water delivery or trash collection. If nobody is at home service is not provided.
"At our group home of Rostro de Cristo we have our own water cistern, although water is not safe to drink. Not even for the locals. Sometime children will drink local water, but parents yell at them to stop. They will get sick and parasites are prevalent."
Most in the Rostro del Cristo, El Arbolito group are in their mid-twenties. There is a one year commitment with approximately a 15-page application essay and a face-to-face or Skyce interview with the director and the other with a former volunteer. Once selected the group meets for a two-week orientation in Scranton, PA. It is not necessary for volunteers to be Catholic, however they are expected to attend mass and participate in the spirituality discussions. This year there were 40-50 applicants. Only seven are chosen.
While the founder Father Jim is not a Jesuit, he is a follower of their principles. As part of the Confraternity of St. James he founded Rostro de Cristo on five pillars: simplicity, hospitality, community, spirituality, and service. It was twenty years ago when he first brought down a group of high school students. In later years groups were in their 30s.
Living In simplicity this group do not travel. They also don't have electronics. No cell phones. If Meg needs the internet she goes to a cyber-site. This youth group tries to meld into the local culture. They try to be conscious of their surroundings. Most of those in this group have been on mission trips or have studied abroad. Meg studied in the Dominican Republic so she knows what it's like to live in poverty. They are discouraged from going home during this time, but they may for family emergencies and can receive their family as visitors for up to 10 days.
Meg, and others in her group, typically spend 20 cents for breakfast on a roll, or 15 cents on yogurt tubes, or oatmeal. The group of seven are allotted $5.00 total for their communal evening meal. Their diet consists of rice, beans/lentils/legumes, pasta, empanadas, bread, eggs, and vegetables that can be peeled. Onion, green peppers, carrots, tomatoes all washed with bottle/jug/poma water to clean vegetables. Locals know they have to cook vegetables. "We don't eat lettuce because of the waste water used for growing. Water is boiled. Nobody drinks the local water. Children do occasionally, but their mother yells at them to stop and they even up sick. The school children appeared to be clean although in these houses there is no shower. They use hoses to bathe, or wash from the barrel."
All seven in Meg's group are college graduates, with bachelors or masters degrees. Meg's degree is in social work. In the morning she works at the Father Damien House for those with Hansen's Disease/leprosy. It serves as a nursing home and is a full hospital with a doctor and nurse. It also provides dental care and an outreach program. Fifteen women and 30 men have lived there full time for 40 years because of the on-going social stigma thinking the disease is contagious. The director is Sister Annie, with the BVM order and from the U.S. Father Damien House operates on cash donations and grants.
"Many people don't know there are still 6,000 cases alone in the U.S. Leprosy is curable with multi-drug therapy. Patients don't have good nerve endings and often unknowingly cut their skin. Emy, another of the youth group also works there. I visit and read to patients and attend to their wound care. I help in the kitchen, with art projects, and translate for groups like SMA. We have good health insurance for our basic needs. The local health care is socialist and we just hope we get seen.
For relaxation Meg reads. "Since arriving a month ago I've read three books. We have a DVD player and occasionally watch a movie. The house we live in has been here 8-10 years. Previous residents have left books, as do visitors so we have a library full of reading material. If I have a treat, a cookie or such, it's with my own money that my parents provide since it's too expensive for my family to send care or goody packages."
Colleen Nolan continues, "On to the bare bones, free-standing building to be used as the clinic. It's located in a very poor area of El Arbolito. We see dirty, rutted streets and homes on stilts to keep the water out during the rainy season. We meet Jose, his wife Gladys and two of his beautiful children. They will prepare our lunch at the first work site. The medical personnel look over over the clinic and the construction team look over the area where the grounds will be prepared prior to adding concrete.
"The last stop was the church of Our Lady of the Angels where another Italian priest, Father Daniel is pastor. We had a meeting. The medical personnel were given their assignments for the week. The last stop before heading back to the retreat center was for supplies - waste baskets, toilet paper, poster board, paper clips, writing pens, etc."
Sunday evening
We return and eat dinner back at the retreat center. Several gathered for a competitive but good-natured card game of Rummy amidst much camaraderie.
“An unidentified volunteer wrote, "What a wonderful group to be traveling with. People really devoted to doing God's work and so full of laughter and warmth. I feel so blessed to be here. Being asked to lead the prayer at dinner was a surprise and a privilege. The Holy Spirit was really at work. There is a lot of love and caring all around and I look forward to working with these folks. God is good and is at work in our group. Thank you Lord.”
We first met the Rostro de Cristo (Face of Christ) group at Sunday mass. Most of them have a musical talent. This youth group has been here one month. Two of the Boston-based groups are currently in Ecuador. A newer group is located at Mt. Sinai. Meg said that when she applied for this program she wanted an international experience. She has been to the Dominican Republic and is affiliated with Teachers for America. Raised in Iowa she graduated from Creighton with a degree in social work. Here in El Arbolito (The Little Nest) she is one of seven living in a squatter's - invasion community - shanty town, which has been here for 20 years.
Meg explained, "Locals are living on unclaimed land the government deems uninhabitable because it's considered un-buildable swampland, jungle, or in a flood plain. It's not suitable to live on and also because there is no water, electrical, sewer or trash services. It's random when services are brought in, as service providers gets wind there are customers and money can be made in a community. In some places the electricity is regulated. In other neighborhoods it's not, but they tap into it anyway so it's like stealing electricity.
"People from the campo, the countryside, migrate and put up stick houses made of cane. There have been evictions primarily in the Mount Sinai area. Their cane homes were bulldozed. Squatters have no rights. Although now the government says if a family moved in before certain dates they can stay. There are land traffickers who sell land illegally but there is no clear title and squatters never own it in the first place.
"When a trunk honks directly in front of a home or business that means it's the trash collector, or water being trucked in. Residents might also wave down the water truck as it drives by. The cost for water is 80 cents for a large blue barrel. They must pay the truck driver on demand for water delivery or trash collection. If nobody is at home service is not provided.
"At our group home of Rostro de Cristo we have our own water cistern, although water is not safe to drink. Not even for the locals. Sometime children will drink local water, but parents yell at them to stop. They will get sick and parasites are prevalent."
Most in the Rostro del Cristo, El Arbolito group are in their mid-twenties. There is a one year commitment with approximately a 15-page application essay and a face-to-face or Skyce interview with the director and the other with a former volunteer. Once selected the group meets for a two-week orientation in Scranton, PA. It is not necessary for volunteers to be Catholic, however they are expected to attend mass and participate in the spirituality discussions. This year there were 40-50 applicants. Only seven are chosen.
While the founder Father Jim is not a Jesuit, he is a follower of their principles. As part of the Confraternity of St. James he founded Rostro de Cristo on five pillars: simplicity, hospitality, community, spirituality, and service. It was twenty years ago when he first brought down a group of high school students. In later years groups were in their 30s.
Living In simplicity this group do not travel. They also don't have electronics. No cell phones. If Meg needs the internet she goes to a cyber-site. This youth group tries to meld into the local culture. They try to be conscious of their surroundings. Most of those in this group have been on mission trips or have studied abroad. Meg studied in the Dominican Republic so she knows what it's like to live in poverty. They are discouraged from going home during this time, but they may for family emergencies and can receive their family as visitors for up to 10 days.
Meg, and others in her group, typically spend 20 cents for breakfast on a roll, or 15 cents on yogurt tubes, or oatmeal. The group of seven are allotted $5.00 total for their communal evening meal. Their diet consists of rice, beans/lentils/legumes, pasta, empanadas, bread, eggs, and vegetables that can be peeled. Onion, green peppers, carrots, tomatoes all washed with bottle/jug/poma water to clean vegetables. Locals know they have to cook vegetables. "We don't eat lettuce because of the waste water used for growing. Water is boiled. Nobody drinks the local water. Children do occasionally, but their mother yells at them to stop and they even up sick. The school children appeared to be clean although in these houses there is no shower. They use hoses to bathe, or wash from the barrel."
All seven in Meg's group are college graduates, with bachelors or masters degrees. Meg's degree is in social work. In the morning she works at the Father Damien House for those with Hansen's Disease/leprosy. It serves as a nursing home and is a full hospital with a doctor and nurse. It also provides dental care and an outreach program. Fifteen women and 30 men have lived there full time for 40 years because of the on-going social stigma thinking the disease is contagious. The director is Sister Annie, with the BVM order and from the U.S. Father Damien House operates on cash donations and grants.
"Many people don't know there are still 6,000 cases alone in the U.S. Leprosy is curable with multi-drug therapy. Patients don't have good nerve endings and often unknowingly cut their skin. Emy, another of the youth group also works there. I visit and read to patients and attend to their wound care. I help in the kitchen, with art projects, and translate for groups like SMA. We have good health insurance for our basic needs. The local health care is socialist and we just hope we get seen.
For relaxation Meg reads. "Since arriving a month ago I've read three books. We have a DVD player and occasionally watch a movie. The house we live in has been here 8-10 years. Previous residents have left books, as do visitors so we have a library full of reading material. If I have a treat, a cookie or such, it's with my own money that my parents provide since it's too expensive for my family to send care or goody packages."
Colleen Nolan continues, "On to the bare bones, free-standing building to be used as the clinic. It's located in a very poor area of El Arbolito. We see dirty, rutted streets and homes on stilts to keep the water out during the rainy season. We meet Jose, his wife Gladys and two of his beautiful children. They will prepare our lunch at the first work site. The medical personnel look over over the clinic and the construction team look over the area where the grounds will be prepared prior to adding concrete.
"The last stop was the church of Our Lady of the Angels where another Italian priest, Father Daniel is pastor. We had a meeting. The medical personnel were given their assignments for the week. The last stop before heading back to the retreat center was for supplies - waste baskets, toilet paper, poster board, paper clips, writing pens, etc."
Sunday evening
We return and eat dinner back at the retreat center. Several gathered for a competitive but good-natured card game of Rummy amidst much camaraderie.
“An unidentified volunteer wrote, "What a wonderful group to be traveling with. People really devoted to doing God's work and so full of laughter and warmth. I feel so blessed to be here. Being asked to lead the prayer at dinner was a surprise and a privilege. The Holy Spirit was really at work. There is a lot of love and caring all around and I look forward to working with these folks. God is good and is at work in our group. Thank you Lord.”