Martes pasado

Last Tuesday Executive Council members divided up into groups to visit various parishes in the Diocese of Ecuador Central. I had opted to go to the indigenous congregation close to Ambato (87 kms south of Quito) but volcanic explosions from nearby Volcán Tungurahua nixxed that trip — too much volcanic ash brings on pneumonia and the diocese did not want to do us in. Instead, I ended up going to Ibarra, about 115 kms north of Quito, and 126 (?) kms south of the Colombian border. The congregation there, San Felipe, has worked with Colombian refugees in the past and currently is working with a barrio that is discerning whether or not to join The Episcopal Church. When the day comes, they will all be received or baptised or confirmed. Somehow I think EC's visit solidified that desire. We were their first gringo group ever to visit. They outdid themselves. As always, the extravagant hospitality of the poor moves me to tears.


When we arrived, on the community basketball court, we found chairs (from people's homes) and benches on the perimeter. They had put up this sign behind a table with all the local grains that they use. The mayor of the town had a five-point program for us — the national anthem, explanation of the grains and foods plus instruments, two dances, a speech by another local official, It was so touching.


While we watched the demonstrations, they cooked corn in this wok-looking pan and gave it out as a snack along with soda and crackers. It was tender and delicious but not like popcorn.


Here are some of the dancers. As with many Latin dances, the feet move in small quick steps, an action that we gringos don't quite have.


This woman typifies the contrasts between tradition and modern-day life. She wears the traditional blouse, necklaces, bracelets and skirts but has a cell phone clipped to her blouse.


Twice the locals invited EC members to get up and dance and we did. Compa took this of all of us trying to dance as our hosts do. It was rather comical.

The priest who walks with this community wanted our address so that the community could thank us for coming. Really, we should be thanking them for taking an hour off from work to put on such a wonderful gathering. It is so humbling.

I doubt either party will forget the day. And, as certain parts of the Anglican Communion continue to roil in things of adiaphora, bonds were made a week ago between the people of Caranqui and a bunch of northerners... as it should be and ever shall be, God willing.