"Let the peoples renew their strength...you who I took from the ends of the earth, and called you from its farthest corners, saying to you,´You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off.´" Isaiah 41:1, 9
Happy Sunday Eve!
Peace to all. Well, after a week in Quito, in just under two hours we will board the bus to head back to our little coastal home. Blessedly, I completed quite a bit of research...but, of course, there is always more. My research highlight of the week would probably be that I got in touch with the local office of Pan American Health Organization (the Americas regional branch of the World Health Organization), and they gave me a stack of literature on the health of the Americas and Ecuador specifically. Now, I have some reading to do...in Spanish nonetheless. Also, I revised the survey form the doctora and I use for our health census in Rinconada. And I prepared a bit more for the English classes Maribeth and I will be teaching to a few of the misioneras. This and more...
Well, included in all this excitement, Maribeth and I were able to enjoy a bit of Ecuador cultura. We stay with a dear family here in Quito that showers us with generosity. They are incredibly sweet. So not only did we experience our first Ecuadorian soccer game in the Quito stadium, we also learned of the celebration for El Dia de los Difuntos (November 2nd, All Soul´s Day). There is a thick fruit drink called “colada morada“ and a special bread in the shape of a baby (“guaguas de pan“) that are consumed in abundance during these days. No one seems to know the exact story (I´m still researching that one), but from what I understand thus far, it is a mixture of Catholic and indigenous traditions. Apparently, traditionally the family makes this drink and bread and spends the day at the cemetary. Then some of the food is left for the dead as while, in indigenous tradition. Masses are also celebrated in the cemetaries and the catacombs of churches. It is interesting...and delicious. Also, Maribeth had never experienced the joys of the Ecuadorian speciality “cuy“ (guinea pig), so we went with our Ecuadorian papi and grandparents to a special place to eat cuy today. I tell ya, nothing like a roasted rodent on your plate. Really, the meat is delicious...and you get an great study of anatomy at the same time. Ha. Oh, my. Check out the pics in my web albums, if you like.
It has been a lovely week here...studying up, resting, enjoying the culture. But it is indeed time to head back. The Lord has renewed my vision of the work I have been called to with the foundation, and it will be good to be back.
Until next week, all my love and prayers...
Besos y abrazos,
m
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