I met Padre Gonzalo last weekend and the meeting settled my mind a lot. I gave him lunch and we were together about four hours both in the house talking and then around the Parish visiting the various areas and chapels. At no point did I hear a person who would destroy thing; more than anything, I heard Gonzalo saying he would continue projects and build on them. You see, it’s not so much for me that I would be worried but the people around me, especially in the school. They are worried that the new priest would come in, sack them all and bring in his own people. But I am convinced he will not do that rather that he will simply be there to support and build up. In particular, we set two dates: the handover Mass for Sunday 9th August when the Archbishop will come and lead us in the Mass to present the new PP. Then on the 12th itself when I leave, Gonzalo will be here for the departure and the handover of keys etc. We also met up yesterday at the offices of Hogar de Cristo to discuss what will happen with the planned Medical Centre. In recent weeks, the money to build the new centre has been secured from sources back home, namely the ‘2 Hands’ charity. And also recently the local Rotary club has secured funds for the Medical Centre’s equipment. So we needed to work out what will happen now that I moving on. Basically the money will be sent over to our architect, Pedro Mogrovejo, who will oversee the building project supported by the new priest. Of course, we are still waiting on planning permission from the Council; myself and Pedro went into their offices this morning and that permission is moving forward. I would therefore imagine that the building can start by the end of August, in time for a Christmas completion. As with so many projects I have been part of here, the phrase is most definitely ‘we shall see’! I was down at the St. James’ house at Ayangue for the last time this week. We had the usual meeting and Mass and, as usual, there was time for rest and relaxation. But it was filled with some ‘lasts’: my last swim in the Pacific, my last run along the beach, my last time watching a beautiful sunset over Ayangue bay. But most of all, my last time with a group of priests who have always supported and encouraged me. It would be true to say that the Ecuador priests in St. James have been and inspiration to me at every turn in this amazing journey. However, I don’t think it was because it was my last time in Ayangue that they ‘let’ me win at cards: I won fair and square our two-hour long duel. My Prize? Getting thrown in the pool fully clothed at midnight. Lovely! So I most clearly in Farewell Period. This week I have been doing many visits to bless parishioners’ houses, arranging multiple Baptisms before I head off, doing wedding rehearsals and taking the altar servers out for a final trip. This is in the midst of wrapping things up (literally) and beginning to say tearful farewells. There is a fortnight to go but I think it will be a busy and tearful fifteen days.

Well, last weekend was very difficult as I announced that I was leaving the Missions having completed my five year stay. I first of all told Adela and Freddy at the school, the people who work in the Chapel House – they were very upset – tears and snotters etc. Then on Saturday I told the Catechists who had gathered for a regular in-service: they were shocked as none had suspected. I think they knew that my five years were up but didn’t realize it was actually coming to an end. And so chapel by chapel over the weekend, I went round telling people that I was leaving. Since this wasn’t the first time I had ever left a Parish, I thought maybe I was prepared for the reaction but, hey, they’re Latins and they know how to grieve! Grown men crying, young boys as well as women and girls. Of course, the prize for the best reaction goes to Victor Orellana who threw up when he heard. Well, I mean, no-one has ever thrown up for me before!!!! So the weekend was bad and by the time I came to Sunday I was completely drained of all energy. I had cried more or less at every Mass and at every group meeting as I explained my departure. So I was glad, more than ever, of my break day on Monday. And, since Bishop Joe Toal was out for the inauguration of Colin’s Church, I was glad to have a Scots-priests night away. After lunch we drove up the coast to Salinas, the posh seaside resort where the rich ex-presidents live. We had a rest, a walk along the shore, a good chat and a good meal. I was glad of the break away…. Because now that I am back it is just going to be one farewell after another. While I was away they apparently had a couple of secret meetings where they were arranging a farewell concert and Mass. I don’t think I need to weary for what to do over the next month. I will, though, have to be careful in how I organize my time. One of the big concerns from everybody is ‘what will happen now? Who is the new priest? Will he close things down or keep them going?’ These are legitimate concerns, I think, because even when I asked that Archbishop about people’s negative reactions to an Ecuadorian being appointed, he said those sometimes local priests who have followed foreigners have dropped special projects. Although I do not know the new priest (he is coming for lunch tomorrow), I do believe, however, that he is not that type. As far as I am aware, he is an intelligent, talented man who has been liked everywhere he has gone. He may change things, and I hope he improves things but, come the 12th August, I leave it all in God’s hands ….

Well, my visitors have left – Andy, Christine, Gerard and Christine, along with Johnny have left amidst tears and snotters! Literally as we were all suffering from a cold and cough in the last few days. It was a sad time tonight at the airport as there was a big crowd who came along to ach of the five who had become their friends in the last three weeks. Together we had done loads: visiting parishioners’ house and really getting to know them, working with them (big Christine in the Nursery and the rest down the school). Of course it was different from Andy’s last visit in 2005 because then I didn’t even live in Nueva Prosperina and hardly knew many people; now I have got to know so many people that there is tremendous opportunities to visit people and see how families truly live here. The highlight of their visit was the farewell we had this morning: Mass at the school followed by a presentation of traditional dances from the pupils along with handfuls of presents – school jerseys, Ecuador flags and home-made cards. This was followed by the visitors treating everyone in the school to hot chocolate and a bun. The school makes a real impact on anyone that visits. Last weekend we had the Parish Fiesta Football Competition. In good Ecuadorian spirit, although it was scheduled for an 8am start, it didn’t get underway until 9.30am. Some chapels had sent two or three teams but some only one. In any case we had enough teams to make three leagues: boys 10-13; boys 14-16; and girls 14-16. Gerard and Johnny got involved in two different teams and Gerard even got to the final in his category although he didn’t actually get the winners medal (we suspect a bit of cheating from the ref!). Once again though it was a good occasion for people to come together and enjoy themselves! I had also gone down to Ayangue with Andy and Christine and the crew. They were good days to relax and enjoy the seaside after all the pressure of the Parish Fiesta. One of the days we took a two-hour walk to Playa Rosada where Paul Sanders and John Keane got stranded last year. There were no problems for us about getting stranded – the only hassle was the very large waves. We all started off paddling but ended up fully in the water – fun all round! We also have another Scots visitor out in our area: Bishop Joe Toal is out visiting Colin MacInnes who is inaugurating another Church this coming Sunday. It is great to see him out here since he has himself supported both this mission and Colin’s. It is the first time I have seen him since he became Bishop last year. Bienvenido, Joe!