Upcoming Events
July 30 - Mission in Ecuador
July 31 - Sisters learn basics, begin mission in Ecuador
It’s lunchtime as I write this, with writing time tucked between the morning’s school sessions and this afternoon’s visit to one of the missions. “Cupshida!” (“Let’s go!”) is the watchword here, as we move from activity to activity. And we’ve squeezed so much into two and a half days that I can do little more than give you the highlights here
, but it will give you the flavor.
When we arrived in Pedro Carbo, it was already 3am Monday. Still, our Korean missioners welcomed us to their convent in typical gracious fashion, and reviewed the adjusted schedule for later that day. They then explained essentials (such as how the showers work, how to arrange the mosquito netting over/around the beds) and we all went to bed (22 hours after rising on Sunday!).
On Monday we headed to INESEM, housed in two buildings on the street behind main street (crossing which is akin to crossing in Rome!). There we met each class of students and their teachers. Since students in one of the buildings have complete or partial hearing loss, we added yet another language to the three we were already speaking (or, in my case, attempting to speak). At this point, we have shifted so often among Korean, Spanish, Sign and English that we often come out with a response in the wrong language—and laugh a lot. Everyone gathered out in the patio and the students presented a program for us, the eldest deaf students impressing and delighting us with a traditional Ecuadoran dance. Each class was then presented to us and, in turn, presented us with handmade, welcome gifts.
After lunch at the convent, the Korean segment of our group accompanied the school principal and a physical therapist to one of the missions, recounting their experiences later during dinner. Meanwhile, “back at the ‘ranch’” we Americans assessed the space, tested the plans, and arranged items for the next day’s classes. I was with the art and music group, and we tried out the painting and leaf-printing project and thus provided samples. We collected rhythm instruments as well.
Dinner was followed, at 8 p.m., by Mass in the local parish. Lively music, energetic clapping, and an enthusiastic priest celebrant introduced us to Mass, Ecuadoran style. Ten children of various ages, wearing red and white albs, served with great reverence and seriousness. Father introduced us and after Mass the children and adults alike were eager to greet us and to join us for photos. We returned home and headed straight for bed! It had been a FULL and fine day, but a long one on little sleep, and Tuesday would begin at 6:45 with Morning Prayer (alternating Korean and English, stanza by stanza), with a bit of Spanish added in the singing.
There is lots more to tell, of cooking, baking, music and art experiences, as well as the “in between,” but it’s time for us to ride out to a different mission, so I will close for now. Photos and, perhaps, some more writing tomorrow will continue the story of this wonderful, mind-expanding and fun adventure.
August 27 - Back To School Ticket Sales
Tickets will be available for the Back-To-School Cash raffle ticket sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. For a donation of $10, the ticket provides 26 chances to win from $100 to $1,500 during the month of September. Only 1,000 tickets are available and winning numbers are determined by the amount of money indicated on each day of the ticket’s calendar.
No prizes will be awarded on Sundays. Tickets are available by calling 724-836-0406, ext. 644. All tickets and money must be returned to the Sisters of Charity by Aug. 27, 2010.
Click here to visit the Back to School Ticket 2010 page
All proceeds benefit the Sisters of Charity.