I was out to see Colin today – for the second time this week. I was there on Monday with Bob Thomas and Paddy (down from Quito to see him). He is in a priests’ recovery home on the other side of the city after getting an operation to correct a bad hip operation last year. He seems in good form but it will take him several months I think before he is back to normal. Slowly but surely.
While out in that direction I stopped off to see another of our priests, Liam Reilly, who stayed a couple of weeks in my house as he was starting out his missionary journey. He took over a Parish last year and has really taken to it - at the moment he is building the chapel house and it looks as if it will be very good. Although his parish is on the other side of the city, it is still very poor. Indeed one of the striking things about his area is that, even outwith the rainy season, it seems to be under water. So now that we are fully into it (we had more torrential rains this week), Liam is positively swimming.
I was down at the school build today and, amazingly for only having been at it for three weeks, they are going to lay the second floor tomorrow. Manuela and his team just seem to get on with the work. There never seem to be any fights or disagreements (maybe they stop when I am there) and they certainly get on with the jobs. I think this particular job will not last very long – they can build classrooms with their eyes shut – although I hope they keep them open.
Rotary Club business took up a bit of time for me this week. Firstly they are still finishing details for the water getting pumped up to the house – I think it might take a few more days. Then, and perhaps more importantly we are preparing for the visit of Rachael Blair the week after next. We met her up in Manta last October at the Projects Fair, with her Scottish husband, Loudon Blair. I am looking forward to seeing them and introducing them, to life in Nueva Prosperina not least because we hope she might make a contribution to the Medical Centre.
This week as well as pouring rain was also Carnival week which meant that people were either throwing water at one another or chucking people in it. Well you know how I disapprove of all that tomfoolery. But I made an exception this time and got involved. Funnily enough it was last Sunday morning after the Masses at La Paz and San Ignacio where all the tricks were. As ever the people presume I will not take part but then do. So it was dirty and wet clothes all last weekend. Lovely.
This of course leads into Ash Wednesday and the five celebrations I had throughout the Parish. I am always amazed how people know it is Ash Wednesday if they never go to Church for they come out in their droves. I was late for every celebration because the crowds were so big and they services took longer and longer. And, when I eventually got to the main chapel for 8pm service (started at 8.30pm), it was jammed packed. So happy Lent everyone.
And finally, I have recovered fully. Yip I was not well last week – upset stomach etc etc. And when we had our welcome party at Frank Jones’ place last Monday for Dominic, I was so ill I did not know which way to turn. However, after a few tablets and medicated drinks, I am on the mend.
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