
Christmas Tree Decorations — Entrance to Hostal Palo Santo (Jama Ecuador)
“Suffering is part of our training program for becoming wise.” Ram Dass
(Jama Ecuador) After traveling for 5 or more hours, I recently reached Jama in the late afternoon. Palo Santo Cafe was closed, but someone was inside – preparing for the night. I knocked on the door and asked if I could use the internet – to send a smoke signal that I’d reached my destination for the day. “Of course,” lovely Karen smiled as she opened the door and invited me inside. “Stay as long as you’d like…”

Luchy’s girlfriend, Karen…
I sat at a table and quickly vanished into cyberworld while they worked in the kitchen. Just as I was packing my things to leave, young Jesus – Luchy’s nephew, motioned for me to stay. He pointed to three coffee cups on the counter and whispered, “Shhhhh…” Smiling, I unpacked the computer and played my role in the coffee break surprise.. Yet ten minutes later, the cups of not-so steaming coffee were still sitting there, and I thought perhaps I misunderstood. About that time Luchy and Karen emerged from the kitchen with hot ham and cheese sandwiches for everyone!

Jesus, Luchy’s nephew, often helps (with a huge heart and grand smile) at the restaurant. He prepared the cafe con leche, garnished with an artful swirl on the surface!

These palms line the front of Palo Santo…
I camped at their hostal this past trip and enjoyed more quality time not only with the family, but with many of the locals as well. One night when I was walking from their restaurant to the hostal (2 blocks) someone called my name. It was a friend I’d not seen in over a year. She and her four precious children are living in one of the tent communities. She looked great and seemed happy, and we both enjoyed the 10-pm exchange on the almost-deserted street.

Photo from better times – before the earthquake
“When someone feels particularly isolated or in pain, we don’t need a great deal of information in order to come to his or her aid.” Ram Dass

Tent Community between Jama and Playa El Matal (Ecuador)

Another day when I was buying ‘takeout’ encebollado for breakfast, someone on the street called, “Lisa!” Many times as they share their stories, they release a bit of their noble and very private pain. It is true that tears are the escape valve for the heart.

Back at Palo Santo, Luchy’s brother and nephew enjoy an end-of-day father/son outing near the hostal.

A few locals found a convenient spot to watch the futbol championship game!

My friend Xavier played in the final game. His team lost, but everyone played well!
Although each person has his or her unique story of the night of the earthquake, they are all moving forward with esperanza/hope for what can be done with each day.

In another part of town, I stepped into ‘Papelito’s Corner’ for ceviche – as invited several hours earlier…

How proud he was that I showed up, and he promptly served the bowl packed with marinated fish and lobster! ‘Sit!’ he said, and brought chifles (Plantain chips) and Cocacola.

A second person (who works on the shrimp farm by Casa Loca) joined us… table for one became table for three!

We were stuffed, but reminisced about ‘before and after’ the earthquake. We mentioned Chana, whose tienda was half a minute’s walk from Papelito’s. Her death affected all of us.
(He refused my money and insisted that he prepares food each Saturday for his friends.)

Back at Palo Santo, I asked Luchy to pose for a photo as a token ‘thanks’ to the people who contributed to his roof-repair costs. Pictured also are his mother and nephew. (Nieve and Jesus)

Here’s one roof that’s almost finished… the material on the underside and on the walls is ‘flattened’ sections of bamboo.

And here is one roof that is awaiting repair…

Beyond the cabanas are the icons to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas…
Nieve and I drove ten minutes ‘upriver’ to see their farm. I was rewarded with a lovely new bird – an Ecuadorian Trogon!

Ecuadorian Trogon with Yellow-rumped Casique in the background…

Yellow-rumped Casique
One day I noted a new face at the hostal, and I asked Nieve about the precious boy that was quietly observing from the doorway.

Coconut water – yum yum and so nutritious!
That’s Luis,” she said and then added, “his mother died in the earthquake.” He watched me with a neutral stance as if wondering what I might say. “Lo siento,” I said… I am so sorry…”
I learned that his mother died, his aunt died and his grandmother died in that April 16th earthquake. My heart all but burst… But there was more to the story.
The second-story concrete balcony broke, and part of it fell on Luis. Big nails stuck into his arms, and he was pinned down by the debris and nails. No details were given, but his father took him to Quito for medical help.

Luis played with Andy and Jesus in front of the cabanas while I had fun photographing their little scrimmage!

Andy (son of Fernando and nephew of Luchy)

Luis was very quick and often prevented the goal.

How can one not adore this young man?
Many hours later I asked to see where the nails injured his arm. Like a warrior, he lifted his arm and gave me permission to photograph the scars.
When I returned to the cloud forest, that long journey provided ample time to ponder how people in other parts of the world are approaching Christmas and the New Year – in sobering contrast with these beautiful survivors. One might say, “Poor people,” but on a deeper level, they will emerge stronger and more resilient to future challenges…
By knowing them, I am a better person.

Boat-billed Flycatcher with insect.
Feliz Navidad to all,
Lisa
This is one of the most profound Christmas message that I have ever encountered. The wealth of love, hope, and expectation = resilience. I often then of the thought by Epictetus: “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” I am so glad that we have connected over the “blogger miles.” BTW I love those colourful winged creatures. Merry Christmas – all the best of this gentle season to you and yours.
You are so sweet and kind to leave such a lovely comment. Thank you, and I am equally glad to know you! Thanks for your encouragement regarding those birds of color!
Many hugs coming from Vancouver – we are in a huge snowstorm. We have joined the rest of Canada. The coffee shops are full of people looking out the window! I even got out my heavy jacket. The cameras have come out to document that Vancouver is really experiencing a snowstorm. Looking forward to our ongoing conversation in 2017!!
Beautiful and so reflective of the meaning of the season. The flycather is stunning. Happy Christmas~ 🎄❄️🌟🎄❄️🌟
thank you, Cindy! There are so many amazing birds here, and the files are bulging with great photos… ‘To share or not to share’ – comments like yours makes me eager to share more bird stories! Thanks!
Happy Christmas!!! Thank you for sharing. Great pictures! Hugs Amiga
Happy Christmas to you as well! May our queen of WP have a great new year in your future!
I love all the photos, and mostly I love the people in them. If there’s one place in the world I’m drawn to it’s South America. I lived in western Canada for 14 years and we always holidayed in Mexico – once again people that I feel so drawn to. They have a simplicity and a sunniness that is just amazing.
PS. Merry Christmas to you, and a happy 2017! 🙂
Thanks for your feedback, and yes, the people of Latin America are very special. It’s always refreshing to see that they’re happy with so little and are so unsefish as well.
May your holidays go well…
They always seem to be the extreme opposite of many materialistic western societies. The UK has certainly gone mad – or maybe I’m just getting old!
Have a good 2017! 😀😀😀
I find it fascinating that the people you live among are so happy. They have little and want to share it all! I do believe you live in Paradise. Have a very Happy Christmas.
Yes, sometimes having too much seems to be more of a curse than blessing… ‘less is more’ certainly applies here.
Thank you, Hugh, and may your Christmas Day be a nice one with your loved ones.
Wow! I guess I’ve been on another planet. I didn’t realize that you had been so close to so much devastation. It is amazing how we humans go on. Our resilience is a great human quality. A most blessed Christmas to you Lisa and a very Happy 2017.
Thank you so much, and yes, most of the people in that area say that they think the epicenter of the 7.8 quake was there in Jama. The extensive damage certainly backs those theories.
Happy Holidays to you both!
I am so sorry these beautiful people had to suffer through this.
Thankyou for this message of love and hope. And we wish you a peaceful and joyous Christmas, from Australia. God bless, Tony
Thank you, Tony….. may your side of the Ring of Fire stay quiet, and happy holidays to you as well. Thanks! Lisa
Beautiful post, Lisa! Wonderful to see that hope is still alive! Thank you! Happy Holidays!
oh yes, it’s alive and hopefully setting an example through these brave people!
Esperanza, Lsa. We must be the keepers of….esperanza.
Feliz Navidad.
Raye
Oh yes… and some days it’s easier than others, but esperanza holds the fabric together…
Feliz Navidad as well!
you have an incredible ability to capture the heart of each person you photograph, thank you for sharing this with us all and reminding us once again of what is important esperanza
Feliz Navidad.
Gwen
Dear Gwen! Thank you so much, and I’m glad that you appreciate what the photos capture. Yes, may we all look for the best in each day with hopes that tomorrow will be full of promise. Happy Holidays!
Lisa, I adore your tales. Your journeys almost always involve cheer. Best wishes amiga. Feliz Navidad. Keith
Thank you so much, and it’s pretty easy here to be cheerful with the locals are so accepting and unselfish.
Feliz Navidad to you as well!
What beautiful, kind people. I had no idea people were still living in tents. Hopefully there will be more housing soon.
Thank you, Emilie…. Yes, there are many tent communities, and I don’t see where there will be new options anytime soon. Perhaps Santa Clause will surprise them tonight?
Wishing you much joy in 2017, Lisa 🙂
Thank you! And may 2017 illuminate your trails with glorious sunshine!
How ephemeral all our lives are.
Yes, and perhaps the spirit of the holidays helps us to open our hearts and realize we’re all connected…
Thanks, Steve!
loved your post!! Merry CHRISTMAS. ….hope you have a great day…..l am in Florida with Dustie and Teylar and families. love. you!! On Dec 24, 2016 12:56 AM, “Zeebra Designs & Destinations” wrote:
> Playamart – Zeebra Designs posted: ” “Suffering is part of our training > program for becoming wise.” Ram Dass (Jama Ecuador) After traveling for 5 > or more hours, I recently reached Jama in the late afternoon. Palo Santo > Cafe was closed, but someone was inside – preparing for the night. ” >
Hey and thanks for the smoke signal! Give all of your family my love!
Lisa – Sorry we are late in responding to this beautiful post. We have been busily immersed in the Christmas spirit here in San Clemente.
We, like you, are constantly amazed at the abundant love shown to us by our neighbors. Many times each week I stop to thank God for letting us live here. Life is good. Happy New Year to you and all.
Yes, you two are definitely totally immersed in that sweet community of San Clemente. Your hands are literally full of home-prepared goodies, and your hearts always have room for more friends and extended family.
I’ve not seen any effigies for sale here (yet) but most likely they’ll start decorating the community soon! Happy New Year a few days early!
Lisa, a very belated Happy holiday to you and your lovely friends of Jama. I cried reading your post. We have to have hope and do our part in this mad world to help others in our small ways. Hugs and peace from Ometepe Island mi amiga.
Hola kinded spirit. We were most likely having an invisible cyber visit at the same time.. you were at my post and i was at yours…
Thank you, and your words made ME cry! We are for sure kindred spirits… I would rather be utra sensitive than ultra callous and uncaring…. Yes, we do what we can – if for nothing else than to provide unconditional love.
Lovely! Merry Christmas Lisa! All the best for 2017!
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Interesting post, great photos !
Probably you are interesting also how is Christmas time in Msdrid -I invite to see my post:
https://traveltomeetyourheart.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/madrid-in-the-christmas-period-belen-and-christmas-markets/