Day 3: Home (Away from Home)

by David Boak ‘15

The first alarm went off at 7:30. Three snoozes later, four of us mustered the energy to stumble down to the bakery for a breakfast of ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches -- an Ecuadorian concession to American appetites? With this new energy, we gathered at 8:45 for a brief prayer session before boarding the bus for a very special visit: of the casitas -- shanty homes -- of the people who belong to this great Center. Spirited along by the capable Don Vincente, the ride afforded stunning views of Quito and the surrounding environs. The homes, when we arrived, were stunning in quite another way.

Maria, a member of El Centro, invited us into her home.

The homes were cinderblocks with tin roofs, makeshift doors and dirt floors. In some there were nine people crammed into two small rooms, four children to a bed, in the company of cats and flies. But homes they were, and welcoming us into each was a kind woman from the Center, who graciously invited us to pass through, and told us about her children and her daily life.

These visits changed the tone of our trip so far. They made us think about how fortunate our lives were, about how God could be even closer to those who have little. The casitas also helped us reflect later on the meaning of home, especially for the children who see the Center as a true home.

William Lajes brings his buckets with a smile.

At noon we returned to the Center, where we served lunch before enjoying a nice one of our own at the Center’s restaurant, La Olla Quitena. The churrascos come recommended! Then, at 2, we engaged our toughest task so far: wiping down the cafeteria. Only when every possible surface (walls, columns, tables, shelves, etc.) was covered with soapy water were we able to take a break. At times the work seemed fruitless, for surely in another day or two the grease and grime would reemerge. But we later agreed that the work was a humbling experience, one we did because we were asked, and maybe not very well. We thought about Jorge and Pio, the two janitors, who had to do this work every day and not only never complained, seemed to take pride in it. Later that night we would discuss the meaning of work, and how it’s already begun to change in our thinking.

We had just enough time to recuperate for the evening’s crucial moment: a rematch with Team Ecuador. Unfortunately we “gringos” maintained our losing streak. But tomorrow is another match.

The 19th of June ended pointedly, for after washing dishes once more Jared D’Sa led us in reflection about not needing to be anxious, and JQ took the opporunity to lay down a gauntlet, and teach us all a game of cards. More on those tomorrow…!