“When He saw them He has COMPASSION for them because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd” Mt 9:
I know many of you have been checking my blog faithfully, thank you for this but most especially for your prayers for the mission, the missionaries, the kids, and me. Perdoname, I have not been as faithful to you as you have been to me. However that good news is my not writing for a long time means I have indeed been living the adventure of my life and there has not been a free moment to sit down and write you about it…
Much as happen since I last wrote… I have indeed been trying my best to keep up with where He has been guiding me gently, like a little girl tries to keep up with her Father’s long stride. It continues to be a beautiful walk with Him everyday as He continues to reveal to me His Beauty, Glory, and Grace in this place.
Keep Maribeth and Mariya in your prayers as they are now both back in the USA following their FIAT to study. The gringo clan at Rosa Mystica has slowly decreased to only three, Jim, Marie, and myself. Needless to say my hallway has because a little more quiet except for the occasional visitors. However we will soon be welcoming another group of Missionaries from Franciscan University of Steubenville for a two week mission here at the Santuario. Keep them in your prayers as they prepare their hearts to serve the people here. Also this passed week we welcomed a psychologist from Guayaquil to the Rosa Mystica, Katty. She is really sweet and plans staying here at least for a month, pray she is called to stay and serve the kids here longer we could really use her help.
I’ll try to sum it all up as best I can. Again forgive me, please carry me in your heart of prayer as I hold you all in mine…
Kidnapped by Missionaries:
Two weekends ago Fatima invited me to help/partake in a retreat in San Domingo. It was hard to make the decision to go because it was also the same weekend Maribeth was leaving from Quito to return to the States for University, however in my heart I felt I need to be at the retreat. We left early Friday morning for San Domingo, accompanying Maribeth and her Mom as far as Guayaquil.
It was a really beautiful retreat about making the decision to live ones life for Christ. There were 18 retreatens and myself. I was surprised how much of the talks I understood… slowly my Spanish is improving. The most beautiful part of the retreat was encountering the family who put the retreat on with the missionaries. I meet a beautiful couple from San Domingo, Daniel and Verna, who helped with the music ministry. They are such a beautiful couple and literally radiate with the light and love of Christ for one another and those they encounter. They are a real witness and hope for me …
The retreat ended around noon Sunday afternoon, Fatima and I decided to make a quick trip to Quito from San Domingo to surprise Maribeth before her flight. We left by bus from San Domingo at 2pm and arrived in Quito at 5:30pm. It was a beautiful surprise, and Maribeth was truly surprised. We had a short visit with her and the Arroyos, then Co, Sebastian, Fatima, and I took Maribeth to the airport. Please keep her and her studied in your prayers.
Fatima and I then returned to the bus station planning to go to Guayaquil, however after a phone call from Momita we and got on a bus to return to San Domingo. We arrived at the Missionaries’ house in San Domingo at 3am. The next day, Monday, was a day to rest, recuperate, and begin packing and clean the house to move the missionaries back to the Sanctuary in Olon. Tuesday we packed up the house into their van and left San Domingo around 5pm. I was a beautiful change to travel by van rather than bus. As we drove the missionaries taught me which crops were which. We traveled for about three hours before we arrived in Balzar, another pueblo where the missionaries have another house. At first we simply were stopping to eat supper but supper ended with us deciding to stay the night and leave 6am for Olon.
One of the missionaries living in Balzar took the opportunity to show me the church. It was really beautiful to walk around the church as she explained the stories about each of the statues of the saints in the church. One in particular was Bl. Narcisa de Jesus who is to be canonized this coming October. I hope to write more about her another day.
The next, Wednesday, we rose at 4:45am but did not leave for Olon until 6am. We arrived in Guayaquil around 8am and stopped at Fr. Patricio’s house for breakfast (Fr. Patricio used to be on base but was moved to help with a parish in Guayaquil). It was good to see Fr. and the Missionaries living in Guayaquil. We left Fr.’s house around 9:30am with the intention of getting to Olon before noon. However we ended up stopping at the bank and market in Santa Eleana for a few things. POR FIN, finally we arrived at the Santuario just in time for lunch.
This is how my two day weekend turned into a five day trip, and how things work here in Ecuador, you simply have to take things in stride, be flexible and plan that your plans with indeed change. I love every minute of this adventure or should I say kidnapping by the Fatima. I look forward to future adventures with my traveling companion.
Don Marciano
A week ago Jovanka brought me to Olon to a small hut where a blind gentleman lives alone. Mariya and Maribeth used to visit _______________ and it was a blessing to finally meet him. A real gentleman in many ways, especially his hospitable manner in welcoming us to his small hut. We had brought him his medication, took his blood pressure, and then sat, talked, and prayed with him. What struck me was his desire to hold our hands while we talked, Jovanka on one side and I on the other. It was indeed the manner in which he reached out for our hands and kept holding on which made me think about hunger for love which Mother Teresa and our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI have talked about. I hope to keep visiting him when I can.
Lost and Found
This past Monday was a crazy day… I had early morning blood draws with the Jato Menor, a house where boys ages 8-12 years old. What a zoo! Some came and dropped off their urine samples then left, others didn’t bring their samples and it was a real fight to get them to sit in the chair to draw blood. I smile and laugh about it now but truly what a crazy morning. The missionary who looks after them, Fatima, is truly a living saint in her patience and love with them as they are always, always, always getting into trouble. What baffles me is how they think up their schemes and then carry them out as well. However, let it be known these are the boys I love the most… there smiles melt your heart in an instant and they always come running to me with open arms calling out “Sarita!” ready for a hug.
When I returned in the afternoon for consults and began to get things ready I noticed the book we use to register each person who comes for consults along with their age, height, and weight was missing. Three times a year we send this information to INNFA a government program and the foundation in turn is given aid, the next time this information was due was the end of April. Needless to say I was worried… the first major thing I am responsible for and I have lost the information. I retraced my steps from the passed morning hoping I’d find the book but I didn’t. I began to think the little boys had been in the office unattended in the morning and perhaps hide the book on me. I went through my desk, filing cabinets, the doctor’s office, the hallway; I looked high and low everywhere but did not encounter this important book. I even talked with Fatima Suarez as best I could about in my broken Spanish about this.
The kids came and went for consults and all through out this time I fought to hold back the tears … what was I going to do… I only had three days to go through all the files and enter the ages, heights, weights of those I was missing a task much more time consuming then using the registry book. Meanwhile Flor, one of the missionaries who works in the Social Work office was bring in the new kids for me to measure their height and weight. I kept thinking I don’t know how I am going to tell her about the book. When I began to tell her about the book in my broken Spanish the tears started to come. She took me in her arms and then said “Sarita, yo tango este libro” “Sara I have the book”. Praise the Lord, He indeed looks after us in more ways than we could ever imagine. I continue to learn to trust…
The Difference between Humanitarian and Missionary Work:
About two weeks ago one evening on our porch at the Rosa Mystica we had an interesting discussion about the difference between Missions and Humanitarian work. Marie our Austrian volunteer is Catholic but was moved to come and serve her for humanitarian reasons, while Jim, Maribeth, two of Jims visiting friends (missionaries as well) have felt the call within our hearts to serve the people here. We talked for a long time … about the goals and motives of both types of service… exteriorly they appear the same yet they origins are and ends are different. We talked about preaching the Gospel and how it is more so a way of being present to those we encounter and being and instrument of His Grace in their lives than the words we may preach. It was a really interesting discussion but when it ended I felt as if we had not quite defined the difference between the two types of work. It also was really convicting for me in that Marie is here not in the name of Jesus (directly) but through her works He touches the people’s hearts whether she knows it or not… then here I am called in His name and do I constantly offer Him my best? I indeed have a greater responsibility to constantly be at His disposal since I claim to come in His name… but am I really?
The next day when I was reading “Come be My Light” a really beautiful book about Mother Teresa she summed it up perfectly:
“My dear children- without our suffering, our work would just be social work, very good and helpful, but it would not be the work of Jesus Christ, not part of the redemption. – Jesus wanted to help us by sharing our life, our loneliness, our agony and death. All that He has taken upon Himself, and has carried it in the darkest night. Only by being one with us He has redeemed us. We are allowed to doe the same: all the desolation of t he poor people, not only their material poverty, but their spiritual destitution must be redeemed, and we must have our share in it. – Pray thus when you find it hard – “I wish to live in this world which is so far from God, which has turned so much from the light of Jesus, to help them- to take upon me something of their suffering,” – Yes, my dear children- let us share the sufferings – of our poor- for only by being one with them – we can redeem them, that is, bringing God into their lives and bringing them to God.”
I have much too learn in embracing the sufferings of those I encounter everyday… In this I find consolation that our sufferings and their sufferings are not without meaning but have a great redemptive value, if only we offer them to Him.
I love and miss you all very much… again sorry for the silence for so long. Please continue to pray for the mission, Maribeth and Mariya, the group coming from Steubenville… for my heart to be open to love each person as He calls me to. Indeed I continue to learn it is the small things I am called to do with great love that will make the difference… making gaza, cleaning floor, sterilizing instruments from sutures, cleaning cuts and scrapes, and simply keeping the consultario door open for who ever wants to come and talk while I try my best to listen and love them. I am so small, the need here is so great… but His grace is enough. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you all.
Love and Prayers Always,
Sara
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Happy Easter ... Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception ...and off to Loja!
He has Risen Allelia! It has indeed been a busy busy busy week with filled with celebrations, work, and a little bit of relaxation. Easter Vigil was beautiful,the church in Manglarato was full. Maribeth and I had a small taste of what parents must feel when their little ones insist on holding the lit candel during the Easter Vigil. Easter day Mass was celebrated at the Sanctuario in Olon. After Easter lunch I spent the afternoon at the beach with Maribeth, Belen, Jovanka, and Chari (three of the consecrated ladies). We took great joy in enjoying all aspects of the quiet beach in Olon, the warmth of the sun, the strong tide coming in and out, and building sculptures in the sand. Truly a beautiful way to rejoice in His Reserection.
This passed tuesday, March 25th the Mission base celebrated its feast day, The Immaculate Conception. Monday the day before the Mission base´s feast day I was able to spend most of my afternoon in the Chapel at the Finca, and afterwards I was able to talk with Fr. Othmar about the spirituality of the community. It is truly beautiful what they try to live, to be like Mary and her Fiat in everything that His will be done in their lives. He gave me two books as well about two saints the community strive to be immitate along with Our Lady, Bl Dina Belange and Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity. It was beautiful to talk with Fr. he is a very holy man, not pressuring me to join the community but to simply be a saint, to be holy in what ever call the Lord puts on my heart. I have had the same experience with the Missionaries as well... they love their call to consecrate their lives totally to Him in their Fiat when we talk about my vocation and the vows one day I will make in how I will love with my entire life they simply say I must strive to be a saint in whatever call He puts upon my heart.
I am learning more and more it is not the big things that I will acomplish over this next year that really matter... but it is how I love each person He crosses my path with each moment that is going to make the difference. For example, I am not memorizing Cardiac Rhythms or practicing codes but I have the opportunity to simply be and love the children when they come into the consultario. To listen to their hopes, dreams, or whatever they want to talk about. I treasure my time with the new girls from Inter. Menor (7-15 years) as they waited for their check ups with the doctor, or mopping the consultorio floor while Andre simply kept me company. These are the things that matter and I believe He has called me to be present in Ecuador to do. I really moves my heart ... many of the kids come from very difficult situations yet when they see you they open their arms and come running to you with a smile longing to be loved. I often wish I could give them a family where they would be safe and loved... it hurts my heart... but all I can do right now is be an instrument of His love the them right now.
This passed week I also am continuing to learn to truly take joy in simple and small things. Things like running water, making my own cotton balls and sterilizing gaze for the consultorio, mopping and sweeping floors, handwashing clothes.
As for the passed weekend... Maribeth, Fatima, and I left Friday afternoon for Loja and have spent the weekend seeing the city as well as surrounding pueblos. The university of Loja has a distance learning program with the Mission base in Olon so Fatima had some work with them on Monday in Loja so we left a few days early to see the city. I hope to post pictures later this week. Marianita (one of the missionaries) was gracious to take on my Monday morning blood draws so I could go on this trip. Therefore this passed Friday I helped her at the Finca doing blood draws as well as the lab test with the blood. What an opportunity to learn so much!
Please continue to pray for the children, Mariya as she studies for her MCATs, Maribeth as she prepares her heart to leave, the children as they begin classes on Tuesday, the missionaries, the consultorio, and me as well that I maybe and instrument of His love. I miss you all very much and carry you all in my heart of prayer. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
love and prayers,
Sara
This passed tuesday, March 25th the Mission base celebrated its feast day, The Immaculate Conception. Monday the day before the Mission base´s feast day I was able to spend most of my afternoon in the Chapel at the Finca, and afterwards I was able to talk with Fr. Othmar about the spirituality of the community. It is truly beautiful what they try to live, to be like Mary and her Fiat in everything that His will be done in their lives. He gave me two books as well about two saints the community strive to be immitate along with Our Lady, Bl Dina Belange and Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity. It was beautiful to talk with Fr. he is a very holy man, not pressuring me to join the community but to simply be a saint, to be holy in what ever call the Lord puts on my heart. I have had the same experience with the Missionaries as well... they love their call to consecrate their lives totally to Him in their Fiat when we talk about my vocation and the vows one day I will make in how I will love with my entire life they simply say I must strive to be a saint in whatever call He puts upon my heart.
I am learning more and more it is not the big things that I will acomplish over this next year that really matter... but it is how I love each person He crosses my path with each moment that is going to make the difference. For example, I am not memorizing Cardiac Rhythms or practicing codes but I have the opportunity to simply be and love the children when they come into the consultario. To listen to their hopes, dreams, or whatever they want to talk about. I treasure my time with the new girls from Inter. Menor (7-15 years) as they waited for their check ups with the doctor, or mopping the consultorio floor while Andre simply kept me company. These are the things that matter and I believe He has called me to be present in Ecuador to do. I really moves my heart ... many of the kids come from very difficult situations yet when they see you they open their arms and come running to you with a smile longing to be loved. I often wish I could give them a family where they would be safe and loved... it hurts my heart... but all I can do right now is be an instrument of His love the them right now.
This passed week I also am continuing to learn to truly take joy in simple and small things. Things like running water, making my own cotton balls and sterilizing gaze for the consultorio, mopping and sweeping floors, handwashing clothes.
As for the passed weekend... Maribeth, Fatima, and I left Friday afternoon for Loja and have spent the weekend seeing the city as well as surrounding pueblos. The university of Loja has a distance learning program with the Mission base in Olon so Fatima had some work with them on Monday in Loja so we left a few days early to see the city. I hope to post pictures later this week. Marianita (one of the missionaries) was gracious to take on my Monday morning blood draws so I could go on this trip. Therefore this passed Friday I helped her at the Finca doing blood draws as well as the lab test with the blood. What an opportunity to learn so much!
Please continue to pray for the children, Mariya as she studies for her MCATs, Maribeth as she prepares her heart to leave, the children as they begin classes on Tuesday, the missionaries, the consultorio, and me as well that I maybe and instrument of His love. I miss you all very much and carry you all in my heart of prayer. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
love and prayers,
Sara
Friday, March 21, 2008
His Passion and Cross
This passed Sunday we entered into Semana Santa, that is Holy Week, and today we enter into our Lord´s Passion and Death on the Cross. It has really touch my heart in a deep and profound way to watch the people at mass through out the week as well as watching the base prefare for these Holy days. Palm Sunday Mass was celebrated in Manglaralto, where we had a procession through out the pueblo, donkey and all to comemorate Jesus entrance into Jerusalem before His Passion.
Last night, Holy Thursday, was equally beautiful as we celebrated mass once again in Manglaralto. I am always moved when the priest washes the feet of the men in the community, the procession after the Eucharist to repose the Blessed Sacrement for night of Adoration..... We then went to the surrounding towns with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrement for Adoration from 10-12. I went with Jovanka (one of the consecrated ladies), Gabby, and Fernado to Curia. When we first arrived only a two people were at the church waiting for us. So we rang the chuch bell ... waited.. then decided to go door to door and invite the people to come. It was true a beautiful experience inviting them the come and spend an hour or two with our Eucharistic Lord, the night we remember His agony in the Garden. When we returned to the church there was about 13-15 people there. We had a small procession into the church, prepared the alter, sang a few songs (in Spanish of course), read from the Gospel of John about the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and then had a hour of silent Adoration with our Lord. Truly a beautiful time.
And today we remember His Passion and Death on the Cross for us. I spent the morning in Montanita on the beach reading Our Lord´s passion according to the Gospel of John. It was a beautiful opportunity to invite the people to the Passion Play at the Sanctuario and Veneration of the Cross in Manglarato. Montanita is a town greatly in need of His love... so it was a beautiful opportunity, to sit on the beach, reflect, prepare my heart, and also be an instrument in His hands to speak to those He crossed my path with about His love.
The passion play put on by the children was incredably beautiful as well. One little boys, Jamil, has cerebral palsy and was at the play as well. It really touched my heart to watch Him. He was so intently concentrating on Jesus all through out the play... when Jesus fell, when He was mocked, when Veronica wiped His face, when He was crucified. To see Jamil so intently watching touched my heart as you could tell He knew exactly what was going on ... that this was how God showed His love for us all.
We will soon be going to the Veneration of the Cross. I have only heard how beautiful it is because all the people come to venerate the cross. This is beautiful because not everyone that goes to Mass each Sunday recieves Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist because many of them have not gone to confession prior to be able to recieve Our Lord. But to think they all come this evening to Venerate the Holy cross of Our Lord is a beautiful thing to my heart.
I have to go and get ready. May the Lord bless you abundantly with the graces from His pierced Heart through out this Easter Tridium. May you be close to our Lady at the foot of the cross and let her be your mother guiding you ever more close to Her Son´s most Sacred Heart, and may your heart be prepare for this Sunday when we rejoice as He has risen. May the Sacred and Eucharistic Heart and Sorrowful and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
love and Prayers,
Sara
Last night, Holy Thursday, was equally beautiful as we celebrated mass once again in Manglaralto. I am always moved when the priest washes the feet of the men in the community, the procession after the Eucharist to repose the Blessed Sacrement for night of Adoration..... We then went to the surrounding towns with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrement for Adoration from 10-12. I went with Jovanka (one of the consecrated ladies), Gabby, and Fernado to Curia. When we first arrived only a two people were at the church waiting for us. So we rang the chuch bell ... waited.. then decided to go door to door and invite the people to come. It was true a beautiful experience inviting them the come and spend an hour or two with our Eucharistic Lord, the night we remember His agony in the Garden. When we returned to the church there was about 13-15 people there. We had a small procession into the church, prepared the alter, sang a few songs (in Spanish of course), read from the Gospel of John about the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and then had a hour of silent Adoration with our Lord. Truly a beautiful time.
And today we remember His Passion and Death on the Cross for us. I spent the morning in Montanita on the beach reading Our Lord´s passion according to the Gospel of John. It was a beautiful opportunity to invite the people to the Passion Play at the Sanctuario and Veneration of the Cross in Manglarato. Montanita is a town greatly in need of His love... so it was a beautiful opportunity, to sit on the beach, reflect, prepare my heart, and also be an instrument in His hands to speak to those He crossed my path with about His love.
The passion play put on by the children was incredably beautiful as well. One little boys, Jamil, has cerebral palsy and was at the play as well. It really touched my heart to watch Him. He was so intently concentrating on Jesus all through out the play... when Jesus fell, when He was mocked, when Veronica wiped His face, when He was crucified. To see Jamil so intently watching touched my heart as you could tell He knew exactly what was going on ... that this was how God showed His love for us all.
We will soon be going to the Veneration of the Cross. I have only heard how beautiful it is because all the people come to venerate the cross. This is beautiful because not everyone that goes to Mass each Sunday recieves Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist because many of them have not gone to confession prior to be able to recieve Our Lord. But to think they all come this evening to Venerate the Holy cross of Our Lord is a beautiful thing to my heart.
I have to go and get ready. May the Lord bless you abundantly with the graces from His pierced Heart through out this Easter Tridium. May you be close to our Lady at the foot of the cross and let her be your mother guiding you ever more close to Her Son´s most Sacred Heart, and may your heart be prepare for this Sunday when we rejoice as He has risen. May the Sacred and Eucharistic Heart and Sorrowful and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
love and Prayers,
Sara
Sunday, March 16, 2008
An Average Day at the Rosa Mystica
I've been here just a little over a week and feel so overwhelmed... Overwhelmed at what work the Lord has called me to, overwhelmed by the great need there is here, overwhelmed by the children and their love,overwhelmed by the beautiful mission and honored to give what little I have to serve with them, and overwhelmed by how small I am.
This passed Thursday we saw off our dear beautiful Mariya as she lives out her Fiat to Him in following His call to med school. It was really difficult, and we still tear up thinking about having given her up to Him. So please offer her and her studies, and MCAT up in your prayers.
Mariya and I had five days together here at Santa Maria del Fiat in Olon before she left. Like I said before I am so utterly overwhelmed ... what a beautiful call to be a small part of it all ... I am indeed humbled and often think "why me? why here?¨ but I don´t need to know I simply have to be faithful to my "Fiat" my "Yes" here.
Right now the kids are gone on holidays so we only have consults with the doctor on one day a week in the afternoon. Otherwise we have consults three days a week in the afternoon when the kids are in school. We get our meds from the Finca (farm)the other part of the mission base. At the Finca there is another clinic open to the public, pharmacy, lab, and dentist (this is where the Doctor works in the mornings). Depending on what the Doctor orders my mornings can be very busy. If I have to draw blood then I must do it early in the morning Monday, Wednesday, or Friday when the lab is open then take it to the Finca (about a 15 minute car ride) in a cooler. There I drop off the blood and then pick up the perscriptions. This at least is my basic understanding of my routine at present but I indeed anticipate it will change.
There is a missionary (conscrated lady) that is a nurse at the Finca, Ruth, as well as a lab technician Marianita who have been so helpful and patient with my Spanish. Ruth has offered to take me with her to visit pueblos when she does vaccinations and public health visits. At the Sanctuario where I work is another missionary Jovonka who is a doctor. Another missionary has a friend who is a dentist who would like to do a rural medical mission and would like me to help. I have also started to work on Botoquins (first aid kits) for all the kids homes here on the mission base with the help of our patient pharmacist, Jorge. I have begun a list of medications at the consultorio as the first step in organizing our little pharmacy on base and keeping better records of what we use and need in the consultory. It also has been a great tool to learn the Ecuadorian medications. Also a new history and physical form for the patient files is greatly in need. Needless to say there is much to do and many needs here... I just need to listen to where He calls me to serve and trust in His grace to bless what little I can do.
Please continue to carry us all in your prayers. May you be abundantly bless as we enter into this Holy Week and follow our Lord on His passion, death, and glorious reserection. May Our Lady guide you and teach you to walk close to her Son. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
Love and Prayers,
Sara
This passed Thursday we saw off our dear beautiful Mariya as she lives out her Fiat to Him in following His call to med school. It was really difficult, and we still tear up thinking about having given her up to Him. So please offer her and her studies, and MCAT up in your prayers.
Mariya and I had five days together here at Santa Maria del Fiat in Olon before she left. Like I said before I am so utterly overwhelmed ... what a beautiful call to be a small part of it all ... I am indeed humbled and often think "why me? why here?¨ but I don´t need to know I simply have to be faithful to my "Fiat" my "Yes" here.
Right now the kids are gone on holidays so we only have consults with the doctor on one day a week in the afternoon. Otherwise we have consults three days a week in the afternoon when the kids are in school. We get our meds from the Finca (farm)the other part of the mission base. At the Finca there is another clinic open to the public, pharmacy, lab, and dentist (this is where the Doctor works in the mornings). Depending on what the Doctor orders my mornings can be very busy. If I have to draw blood then I must do it early in the morning Monday, Wednesday, or Friday when the lab is open then take it to the Finca (about a 15 minute car ride) in a cooler. There I drop off the blood and then pick up the perscriptions. This at least is my basic understanding of my routine at present but I indeed anticipate it will change.
There is a missionary (conscrated lady) that is a nurse at the Finca, Ruth, as well as a lab technician Marianita who have been so helpful and patient with my Spanish. Ruth has offered to take me with her to visit pueblos when she does vaccinations and public health visits. At the Sanctuario where I work is another missionary Jovonka who is a doctor. Another missionary has a friend who is a dentist who would like to do a rural medical mission and would like me to help. I have also started to work on Botoquins (first aid kits) for all the kids homes here on the mission base with the help of our patient pharmacist, Jorge. I have begun a list of medications at the consultorio as the first step in organizing our little pharmacy on base and keeping better records of what we use and need in the consultory. It also has been a great tool to learn the Ecuadorian medications. Also a new history and physical form for the patient files is greatly in need. Needless to say there is much to do and many needs here... I just need to listen to where He calls me to serve and trust in His grace to bless what little I can do.
Please continue to carry us all in your prayers. May you be abundantly bless as we enter into this Holy Week and follow our Lord on His passion, death, and glorious reserection. May Our Lady guide you and teach you to walk close to her Son. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
Love and Prayers,
Sara
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Back from the Jungle off to the Coast
“To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend, without a steady struggle for truth, that is not living, but existing.” Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati
“The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal.” Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Indeed I am living my dream! This passed week was so beautiful in my many many differnet ways. I finished my third week of Spanish classes and decided not to return to Quito after the Franciscan University Mission Trip for another week of Spanish classes. I really felt the Lord telling my heart it is time to go out and serve. It was indeed bitter sweet because I have really enjoyed my time at the clinic with Dr. Luis, my afternoons with Renan and his family, and my evenings in the Arroyo household. Another factor that contributed to my decision was that Mariya will be leaving for Med School this week. I thought a few days of overlap in the school clinic with her would be a wise thing.
The group from Franciscan University of Steubenville arrived late evening March 1 and we greeted them at the airport. I love going to the airport because here in Ecuador when they are expecting someone the whole family goes to greet that person at the airport. There were about 50 people in total, med, nursing, theology, spanish university students, as well as three doctors, six nurses (including Mariya and myself), a nurse practicioner, and four priests. The group through out the week divided into three teams and did two over night trips and one day trip to the communities. We left for the Amazon Rainforest Sunday morning first to Tena then to Misahuallí. From our hostel we could see the town park that is famous for its crazy, endearing, and cleptomanical monkeys.
It was the first time Franciscan has sent its medical mission to the Orient (they call it the Orient here because for them it is the far East). The Priests from Misahualli care for over seventy pueblos many of which are a few hours hike through the rainforest. I was blesed to serve on my two over night trips with Fr. Clavier, one of the priest. He is very young, only 27, and has been a priest for almost 2 years. He has a heart filled with zeal and love for our Lord and His people. He has been pastor of the communities for six months and has just begun to go and visit the communitiest for a second time. He works so hard, yet never complains, simply serves with a smile and joyful heart.
The community which really touched my heart this year was called Buen Pastor - Good Shepherd. We began our hike to the community at 1:30 in the afternoon and did not arrive in the community until 5:00pm that evening. It was a beautiful hike beneath the rainforest canope but it definately was not a cake walk! A fair amount of the hike was a scrabble up muddy mountain slopes. It brought to mind the scene from the movie ¨The Mission¨ when the priest scales the waterfall to get to the village. I loved every minute of it, heart pumping, trying to keep your balance, sinking in the mud, crossing the Napo river numerous times, and discerning your next step. It made me really think about our lives as Catholics, constant discernment, the need for others, and the grace to simply focus on the present moment you are living.
That night when arrived in Buen Pastor the people were waiting for us. They were so gentle, shy, and hospitable. I really felt the Lord´s peace and presence there. We had mass by candle light, settup clinic for and hour using the community´s generator, had mass again the next morning, clinic from 8:00-12:30 then left. I was only there for a few hours but my heart was so deeply touched by the people. I told Fr. Clavier I did not want to leave, he later said he thought one day I will return for a longer period to time. I really do hope so.
I thought how much good could a person do living in a community like Buen Pastor for a few months. The clinics are such a short period of time, they do help, but living with the people one could be a greater instrument in His hands. I hope and dream one day to do that ... perhaps as a missionary family... to live with and amoung the people. Is that not what Jesus came and did for us?
I have indeed written much... and have much more to share and reflect upon. I am now living in the Rosa Mystica in Olon on the Mission base. I´ll write more about this later. All I can say I am so blessed, humbled, and filled with joy to be called to serve here and serve the children I have so far encountered. I am so small but I will continue to say ¨Yes¨....
Please keep Mariya in your prayers as she leaves to go back to the States to study to take her MCATs and by His grace follow His call to be a doctor. I carry you all in my heart of prayer and am close to you all in the Eucharist. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
Love and Prayers,
Sara
“The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal.” Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Indeed I am living my dream! This passed week was so beautiful in my many many differnet ways. I finished my third week of Spanish classes and decided not to return to Quito after the Franciscan University Mission Trip for another week of Spanish classes. I really felt the Lord telling my heart it is time to go out and serve. It was indeed bitter sweet because I have really enjoyed my time at the clinic with Dr. Luis, my afternoons with Renan and his family, and my evenings in the Arroyo household. Another factor that contributed to my decision was that Mariya will be leaving for Med School this week. I thought a few days of overlap in the school clinic with her would be a wise thing.
The group from Franciscan University of Steubenville arrived late evening March 1 and we greeted them at the airport. I love going to the airport because here in Ecuador when they are expecting someone the whole family goes to greet that person at the airport. There were about 50 people in total, med, nursing, theology, spanish university students, as well as three doctors, six nurses (including Mariya and myself), a nurse practicioner, and four priests. The group through out the week divided into three teams and did two over night trips and one day trip to the communities. We left for the Amazon Rainforest Sunday morning first to Tena then to Misahuallí. From our hostel we could see the town park that is famous for its crazy, endearing, and cleptomanical monkeys.
It was the first time Franciscan has sent its medical mission to the Orient (they call it the Orient here because for them it is the far East). The Priests from Misahualli care for over seventy pueblos many of which are a few hours hike through the rainforest. I was blesed to serve on my two over night trips with Fr. Clavier, one of the priest. He is very young, only 27, and has been a priest for almost 2 years. He has a heart filled with zeal and love for our Lord and His people. He has been pastor of the communities for six months and has just begun to go and visit the communitiest for a second time. He works so hard, yet never complains, simply serves with a smile and joyful heart.
The community which really touched my heart this year was called Buen Pastor - Good Shepherd. We began our hike to the community at 1:30 in the afternoon and did not arrive in the community until 5:00pm that evening. It was a beautiful hike beneath the rainforest canope but it definately was not a cake walk! A fair amount of the hike was a scrabble up muddy mountain slopes. It brought to mind the scene from the movie ¨The Mission¨ when the priest scales the waterfall to get to the village. I loved every minute of it, heart pumping, trying to keep your balance, sinking in the mud, crossing the Napo river numerous times, and discerning your next step. It made me really think about our lives as Catholics, constant discernment, the need for others, and the grace to simply focus on the present moment you are living.
That night when arrived in Buen Pastor the people were waiting for us. They were so gentle, shy, and hospitable. I really felt the Lord´s peace and presence there. We had mass by candle light, settup clinic for and hour using the community´s generator, had mass again the next morning, clinic from 8:00-12:30 then left. I was only there for a few hours but my heart was so deeply touched by the people. I told Fr. Clavier I did not want to leave, he later said he thought one day I will return for a longer period to time. I really do hope so.
I thought how much good could a person do living in a community like Buen Pastor for a few months. The clinics are such a short period of time, they do help, but living with the people one could be a greater instrument in His hands. I hope and dream one day to do that ... perhaps as a missionary family... to live with and amoung the people. Is that not what Jesus came and did for us?
I have indeed written much... and have much more to share and reflect upon. I am now living in the Rosa Mystica in Olon on the Mission base. I´ll write more about this later. All I can say I am so blessed, humbled, and filled with joy to be called to serve here and serve the children I have so far encountered. I am so small but I will continue to say ¨Yes¨....
Please keep Mariya in your prayers as she leaves to go back to the States to study to take her MCATs and by His grace follow His call to be a doctor. I carry you all in my heart of prayer and am close to you all in the Eucharist. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
Love and Prayers,
Sara
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Empanadas
I can hardly believe how quickly time passes here this coming week will be my third week in Ecuador. I´ve already learned a lot, not just about Spanish and Ecuador but about myself. Numerous times during this week in conversations (in broken Spanish) I found myself thinking ¨Lord this mission is indeed more for my heart than for what I can give these people". I often feel so small with very little to offer, yet I that is what I give. I have found that God has given me more through His gracious blessings than I could hope to give of myself to those I serve.
I have indeed been incredible blessed. I am thankful for the Arroyo family in how they have opened their hearts and home to me. Especially Marcella and her patience with my broken Spanish. I truly am grateful for the sacrifice they are making for me to stay with them.
I am blessed by each conversations I have with Dr. Luis at the Clinic. He is an amazing doctor and so patient with me as I learn Spanish. He is great and compassionate with the patients, taking the time to teach them about preventing illness through healthy habits. His out look on health as it encompasses the whole human person, mind, body, and soul. On slow days Dr. Luis and I talk about the Faith, favorite Saints, what books I need to read in Spanish, Ecuadorian cuisine, the struggles of a third world country, and the struggle to grow in holiness and virtue. He has been really kind in giving me his old Spanish monthly mass reflection books for evening reading and to practice my Spanish.
You may be wondering what exactly is an empanada ... it is an Ecuadorian pastry that can be filled with cheese or meat depending where you are in the country. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like them. Friday night Renan and Silvia invited me to make Enpanadas with them. They are such a beautiful family and I love watching them as they care for their kids, they do it with great love and attentiveness. So we all gathered in their small kitchen. I loved the fact they didn´t have a mix master, rather I found myself and Paul Andres mixing the dough with our hands. Then after letting the dough rise we all gathered again to assemble the empanadas, rolling the dough, filling them with cheese, and then the fancy pinching and twisting of the dough to close them up. Deep fried and coated in sugar ... mmm.... what a feast! And imagine the whole time we were speaking in Spanish. I really love their family, the untarnished innocents of their two kids and the simple way they show their love for one another. I truly marvel at the gift it is that He has crossed our paths.
Who knows what the coming week will bring. Thank you for your prayers. Know I carry you all in my heart of prayer as well. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
Love and Prayers,
Sara
I have indeed been incredible blessed. I am thankful for the Arroyo family in how they have opened their hearts and home to me. Especially Marcella and her patience with my broken Spanish. I truly am grateful for the sacrifice they are making for me to stay with them.
I am blessed by each conversations I have with Dr. Luis at the Clinic. He is an amazing doctor and so patient with me as I learn Spanish. He is great and compassionate with the patients, taking the time to teach them about preventing illness through healthy habits. His out look on health as it encompasses the whole human person, mind, body, and soul. On slow days Dr. Luis and I talk about the Faith, favorite Saints, what books I need to read in Spanish, Ecuadorian cuisine, the struggles of a third world country, and the struggle to grow in holiness and virtue. He has been really kind in giving me his old Spanish monthly mass reflection books for evening reading and to practice my Spanish.
You may be wondering what exactly is an empanada ... it is an Ecuadorian pastry that can be filled with cheese or meat depending where you are in the country. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like them. Friday night Renan and Silvia invited me to make Enpanadas with them. They are such a beautiful family and I love watching them as they care for their kids, they do it with great love and attentiveness. So we all gathered in their small kitchen. I loved the fact they didn´t have a mix master, rather I found myself and Paul Andres mixing the dough with our hands. Then after letting the dough rise we all gathered again to assemble the empanadas, rolling the dough, filling them with cheese, and then the fancy pinching and twisting of the dough to close them up. Deep fried and coated in sugar ... mmm.... what a feast! And imagine the whole time we were speaking in Spanish. I really love their family, the untarnished innocents of their two kids and the simple way they show their love for one another. I truly marvel at the gift it is that He has crossed our paths.
Who knows what the coming week will bring. Thank you for your prayers. Know I carry you all in my heart of prayer as well. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.
Love and Prayers,
Sara
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Via me Sueño
So here I am ... I have survived my first week and three days in Ecuador! Survived you may think is a strong word ... but indeed after three days of sleeping and getting over a cold I picked up in Steubenville I think the word survived sums it up quite well. Through it I realized it is part of the Fiat we're called to, to be open to His will in sickness and health, to offer up our lives to Him for His glory and to surrender to the way He see best for us. Indeed I am only sustained by His grace.
When I flew into Quito it was a simi clear night so you could see the city lights well before you landed. As I made my way to customs there was the signature Ecuadorian Bouquet of Roses to greet me. I got through customs with no trouble, gathered my bags and walked through security to be greeted by three beautiful smiling faces, Mariya, Maribeth, and my new Ecuadorian Mom Marcella. They had signs and roses, a yellow, white, and red rose the three colors of Our Lady the Mystical Rose. Our Lady of the Mystical Rose is the statue of Our Lady at the Mission in Olon which cried tears of blood.
When I flew into Quito it was a simi clear night so you could see the city lights well before you landed. As I made my way to customs there was the signature Ecuadorian Bouquet of Roses to greet me. I got through customs with no trouble, gathered my bags and walked through security to be greeted by three beautiful smiling faces, Mariya, Maribeth, and my new Ecuadorian Mom Marcella. They had signs and roses, a yellow, white, and red rose the three colors of Our Lady the Mystical Rose. Our Lady of the Mystical Rose is the statue of Our Lady at the Mission in Olon which cried tears of blood.
Mariya and Maribeth had planned to go to the Oriente to finalize plans with the Priests out there for the March Medical Mission from Franciscan University of Steubenville, however, the priest were gone on retreat. So instead, my dear beautiful missionmates spent the rest of the week with me in Quito. I was so thankful to have them there to help me with the two day process of registering my visa (especially since their Spanish is better than mine), to learn the walking routes in the city I will need, as well as how to ride a bus and take a taxi. I was truly blessed to share the room in the Arroyo´s home with them my first week here. To spend the evening talking, laughing, and praying together. I have really missed such fellowship. Marcella and I saw them off Friday evening with a few tears on my part. They went by bus back to Olon and I will see them when they return for the FUS March Medical Mission.
My days so far consist of walking in the morning to a small clinic where I volunteer. I primarily help get patient's vital signs and then sit in for their consult with the Doctor to learn Spanish medical vocabulary. I then walk home for lunch. From 1:30-5:30 I have one on one Spanish classes at the home of my Spanish professor, Renan. It is beautiful to be able to learn in the setting of his home with his wife Silvia and two kids, Paul and Maria Paz. Then Marcella picks me up from class, we go to evening mass. Then for rest of the evening I do my Spanish homework and prepare for the next day. I have a feeling the days are going to go by very quickly.
So indeed here I am ... living, volunteering, learning in Quito. Sometimes when I am walking in the streets it seems so surreal that I really actually am here! Indeed it is only by His grace and because He as called me here. Please continue to lift up the mission in prayer especially the Franciscan University students and the medical mission trip. Know you are all in my heart of prayer as well, especially during Mass.
Love and Prayers
From the Equator,
Sara
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