The human capacity for burden is like bamboo- far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance. – Jodi Picoult
Jama Ecuador – Every so often, void of pomp and circumstance, a large truck backs onto the eastern end of a small vacant block and unloads organized piles of boards, bamboo and roofing materials. The truck then drives away.
In December I witnessed this for the first time and noticed random clusters of people loading the materials into smaller trucks. One of the people watching over this process was one of Chana’s sons. I approached him, gave my condolences regarding his mother’s death (See Angels Watching over Us) and asked about the mystery event. He told me that a church from another area was the benefactor of these ‘kit houses’ – donated to those in the campo/country who were receiving no help. Feeling a bit like an intruder, I refrained from sticking my camera into the lives of strangers. With patience, I hoped to learn more when a more-appropriate time presented itself.
We are stronger than we think. We have emotional, spiritual and even physical resources at our disposal. We may get knocked down, but we don’t have to stay down.” – Steve Goodier
This month, my first time back since the December visit, I was again walking past when a truck unloaded another cluster of kit houses. I felt stronger, more ‘entitled’ to learn more in order to share this story with a larger audience. I took a few photos from the far side of the block then cautiously approached from a corner tangent.
“Leeee-SAH!” someone called from a mototaxi that was parked near one of the stacks of supplies. I waved, aimed my camera in that direction and wondered who was greeting me with obvious affection… I looked at the lady standing near a stack and thought, “I’ve never seen this lady before..” I smiled, asked her name, permission to take her photo and closed the gap between the taxi and me.
Her name is Iliana, and she lives about 10 kilometers ‘up the coastline.
“Leeeee-SAH!” exclaimed a second person, one with an armload of boards. He stretched one of his long spindly arms with a heartfelt greeting. Ah.. the puzzle pieces were falling in place. His brother and father and I have many ties through various people. I think that the brother Carlos was in the room long ago when a mouse ran in my direction, and I screamed and flat jumped high onto a chair! They later commented, ‘You screamed like a girl.”
After a heart-warming reunion with the cluster of happy people, I was invited to go to the site where the house would be built. Yes, Giddyup! Let’s finish loading this truck and roll forward!
What a sweet smile! She’s thrilled to be part of the truck-loading team!
The house is for that happy gal holding the door!
There goes the ‘House in a Truck’
With several things to do that day, I promised to stop by in a few hours… With anticipation of seeing the progress, I approached the entrance to their property.
Dear Carlos, who had been making a special fishing net, seemed surprised and happy to see me. In English he asked, “Would you like to speak to my Grandfather?”
“Yes!” I said, “I’d love to see your grandfather!”
The clothesline led us to the little house toward the back of the property.
“Here! He’s here…’
Oh my… what a tender moment; this dear precious man greeted me with an unguarded smile. His sparkling eyes possessed an even-greater smile.
Resiliant – an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change – Mirriam Webster
A great pictorial for the word, Resilient.
Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But, you keep going. – Yasmin Mogahed
After spending a little time with Abuelito/Grandfather, we resumed our journey to the building site.
Carlos led me through an eclectic scattering of dwellings…
There’s that smiling gal! We spoke, then walked behind the blue house.
Oh my! The structure was already taking shape!
We admired the work in progress, walked to the nearby river, discussed erosion and of course the night of the earthquake.
I first thought she was serving food or drink, but nails filled one container!
Preparing to leave, I asked permission to return the next day to check their progress.
“Si,” they smiled then added, “The house will be finished tomorrow.”
Their prediction shocked me, and though I had plans to watch a shrimp harvest that next morning, I definitely wanted to check their progress when the harvest was finished.
A house in two days! I look forward to seeing the results.
Abuelito is a sweet looking man.
It never ceases to amaze me how tragedies can bring out the best in people. Thanks for the reminder!
through you, your pictures and words we are blessed to get a glimpse of the real world…where people don’t sit and complain…their life is about living each day as it unfolds…thank you so much for the heartwarming sharing ❤
Such an inspiring post. It’s really nice to see that the rebuilding of the damages have gotten way underway. Amazing how fast they can raise a house. And people seem to be in such a great spirit.
Oh, it is so nice to read about the wonderful humanity and fortitude of these unfortunate victims of such a disaster. Takes my mind off of the news we are being pelted with in the US. Thank you, Z.
Wonderful update Lisa. How far is Jana from where you live?
i lived in jama for 8 years, and for almost two have been in the cloud forests due to a friend’s illness… driving by car it’s about a 4 or 5 hour journey.. by bus, it’s about 7 which requires three different bus options… if yu look at a map of ecuador, find quito in the center and look due west on the coast, just below the line of the equator!
Wonderful, wonderful pictures Lisa, made me feel choked up just looking at them. So many faces, so full of life, amidst the remains of devastation. So much inner strength!
yes, aach time i interact and hear more stories, the more it wrenches my heart.. and sometimes makes me a bit angry that they’re being overlooked… they retain their dignity, however, and that is huge…
This was indeed a wonderful share Lisa.. Seeing how the home went up, and to know also that aid was given in helping restore this family to have back a roof over their heads.. Which is good to know that monies being donated it getting to grass roots of the people’s needs..
I donate regular to Save the Children and the Red Cross.. As I know these two charities are their for people in crisis..
We hear so many times today of huge amounts getting donated but never seeing the results of it being passed along to where it is needed.. Often many times it is held back.. Haiti is still in great need after all this time after its disaster..
I so enjoyed your narrative and the photo’s Lisa..
Many thanks for sharing them..
Wishing you a Peaceful Weekend my friend.
Sue 🙂
thank you, and yes, it’s hard to know which organizations are bst for getting that relief to the ones who need it most…
as in haiti and other sticken areas of the world, so much is needed, and very difficult to find ways to recover and move forward… thank you!
I am just thankful there are such organisations.. And contribute to others when I can.. I always put myself in their shoes and would want someone to help me if I were in such circumstances.. xx
exactly… someone once asked me why i helped a stranger – this particular time was late at night for an accident victim.. i said, ‘i would hope that a stranger would stop and help one of my loved ones…’ some people think with their minds, and others with their hearts/souls… sometimes it just takes setting an example , and at times that task seems to be placed at my doorstep…. ditto for yours!
Yes that is another ditto.. xxx Much love xxx
I’m SO glad you submitted these for the Latitude Living, so those of us in the Serrias can see what is happening! My church has given to help too, in several ways! But you make it real! Thank you!
I am always amazed at how quickly things get done and with few tools. Cant wait to see the finished house. Thanks for this inspiring story, Lisa.