Martin Chambers Ecuador Trust

Last week was taken up with the AGM of the St. James Society in Lima, Peru. Actually it was the 50th Anniversary meeting so there were lots more people there than normal – I think around 70 folk made up of past and present missionary priests plus an assortment of invited guests. We had the usual business meeting on the first day – that was the typical tedious voting on motions and amendments. The big issue of the Business Meeting was how we treat new missionaries as they arrive and settle in to their missionary appointment. We agreed that, of course, the small details are important if not vital (who meets you at the airport etc) but also the settling-in period (where the new missionary is going to work and who looks after his needs). There was the usual robust interchange of ideas and hopefully, as a result, we have all seen the need to look after the “new guys” in a very direct way. The rest of the days were taken up with reflections on 50 years of the St. James’ Society: how the countries of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador have changed and developed over those years; how poverty still seems to be a devastating factor in the lives of the people we serve; and where the future of the Society lies. On top of all that one great aspect of such meetings is the friendship and ‘craic’ that is shared. Indeed each night there was plenty of good singing (I closed my mouth from time to time) to send us all to bed. Back in Nueva Prosperina, I have started my guitar classes again after so many people had asked. This time I am taking the class in the new chapel of Naricssa although half of the people come from other chapels. It amazes me that I am even doing this as I am not a great guitarist (what I lack in skill I try to make up in enthusiasm). Yet one thing I learned from many teachers over the years is one thing you need to do to be successful as a teacher is to stay one page ahead of the rest. Apart from that, we have great fun learning chords and songs together. More or less I will keep the class going for around ten weeks and see how we get on after that. It would be great if some of the people could learn enough to play at Mass – but we shall see. Let’s learn to walk before we run. The building projects are still going full steam ahead. The football pitch is progressing well – now we have the outer fencing in place, the spectator steps are built and all we are waiting for is enough good weather to allow the main pitch to be laid. I had hoped that it would all be finished before I head for Scotland but maybe not. I have learned in these projects not to hassle the architect and workers with timetables – best to get it done well and behind schedule than on time and falling apart. As for the classroom build, we are looking good. Two storeys are clearly now visible and should be ready, I would say, in March/April. As well as the eight classrooms we are putting in two new toilet blocks and a new office. So when the new school year opens at the end of March (with a full Primary and Secondary education) it should look fantastic! “Mud, Mud, glorious mud” is the order of the day as we are fully into the rainy season. So far we haven’t had the heaviest of the rains – they sweep whole streets and houses away – but, when it is just non-stop smirry rain, then the dusty streets become pure mud that sticks to everything. As I go around in the car for Masses, I have to abandon the car at the bottom of hills as it often becomes too dangerous. Sometimes I have gone up a hill thinking it was fine only to find that I am half way up and sliding dangerously close to the edge. However, if it is bad for me in a car, think on how much worse it must be for the ordinary families who have to deal with the rains flowing in through their houses or have to strengthen their foundations so that their houses do not get swept away. Coinciding with the rainy-muddy season the schools have just started their long holiday that will take them to March/April. Last week was all about final exams so the kids were wondering around very nervously waiting for their results. Most have made it through safely but some have to resit exams in a couple of weeks time to see if they can step up to the next year group. Mucha suerte, no?