Martin Chambers Ecuador Trust

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 ….