September 22, 2009 Clinic and Family Dinner

What an exciting day this has been. We have been so blessed that my heart is overflowing with Praise.
The day started with the breakfast I am becoming accustomed to. Mango Juice, toast, coffee and either an egg or hot cereal.
We were scheduled to be at the University where Patricia works at 9:00 to do an Eye Clinic for the seniors in her program. I was looking forward to it, as I had met most of them last years and saw them again at “The Birthday Party”.
Larry, Ghislaine and Olga, Ghislaine's mom, were going two meet us there. Patricia and I arrived and the other hadn't arrived yet, they were on an Ecuadorian schedule as most are. Awe went to several of the classrooms and talked to the students about Missions for Visions and Partners of the Americas. I wanted to get them interest in volunteering and joining Partners. In one of the classes where most of the women that I felt very close to for some reason, I started to talk about leaving on Thursday and all of a sudden it was like a dam burst inside me, I started to cry and felt so much love for these women that I couldn't explain. Pulled myself back together and asked for their help in helping the less fortunate her in Guayaquil and a large amount of them want to join Partners to help. My heart was pounding with joy. We went to about 5 classes and then went back to Patricia's office. Her secretary, Jasmina, who I met last year and had become friends with, welcomed me with a big Ecuadorian hug. I always like the hugs.
The other arrived, and we started seeing the seniors. As word spread around the campus we had more people come. We had people from the janitorial staff, the secretaries, the administrators and just general laborers. All in all we saw 104 people. Each one unique in personality but all very grateful for what we were doing and for bringing them reading glasses. Watching the expression on their faces when they can read the fine print on the chart is worth the time and effort that we put into these trips. As I write this I am very emotional about leaving on Thursday. I know I can't stay any longer this time but joy this brings to my heart is indescribable. I want to hold onto that feeling with everything I have. If you have not felt the love of another person you have gone the extra mile to help, please please go out and make that effort. You will be so rewarded. It is something that will change your life forever.
Moving on. We finished at the University, said our goodbyes to Larry, Ghislaine and Olga as I won't be seeing Larry until I pick him up from the airport on Monday afternoon. Ghislaine is staying here for 2 months until the end of November to help her mom and other projects. Again was sad to say goodbye to Ghislaine and her mom since I won't see Ghislaine until she returns to Boise in November.
Patricia and I came home changed clothes, had some lunch and she decided to go shopping for things we needed for the family dinner. I stayed home and Gyesella and I got started on dinner. Well when you have 18 people coming for dinner you need all the help you can get. But between the two of us we got things prepared and ready for cooking. BBQ Pork Ribs, Cheesy Potatoes, Salad and of course Beer Batter Bread.
Everything went in the oven at the right times and was ready when the quests arrived fashionably late as customary in Ecuadorian fashion. We all talked for awhile waiting for everyone to get here and finally sat down to eat at 8:30, dinner was scheduled at 7:00, but knowing the guests arrival practices we adjusted the cooking time.
We had a great time and it was like being at home again. This is truly my second family and they treat me that way. So many hugs and kisses (on the cheek) maybe that's why I like coming to Ecuador ????
After dinner they surprised me with gifts and I was taken back by the beautiful gifts. Again my emotions got away from me and the tears of joy flowed easily for several minutes. Then everyone was crying so I had to stop. I had given presents to everyone through out the week at various times and they were very happy with what I brought.
We said goodnight and goodbye to everyone about 11:00 and now I am very tired, emotionally and physically. I know I will sleep soundly tonight.
Gyesella, our domestic helper had stayed to help serve and clean up so I helped her in the kitchen which I know she appreciated, even though it is not the custom. Patricia and her mom also help as she is more like family. I gave her a special gift for helping me with the dinner and she was happy and I am sure tired as well.
Heading for bed and a good night's sleep.