I have always been amazed at the amount of good which can come from a bad situation. On this journey I was reminded of a time years ago when we were stranded on a highway in the Slocan Valley, B.C. Picked up by a stranger, thinking we were just getting a ride to the junction, we found ourselves in the middle of a wee miracle as we were given the man’s truck to drive home in. More than once during the days that followed my exit from Cotacachi I understood the power of having love in your heart, trusting your instincts and believing in the spirit world.
Monday afternoon, as I sat on the bench resting my back, watching the people, I realized I must try to get something to eat, there would not be another opportunity for days, if at all. As if on cue the woman from the house behind me, brought a small plate of food to the 3 grandmothers beside me which they were going to share.
I was nervous to ask, but wanted to know if I could buy a meal, as they offered me a mouthful. Suddenly, after 3 days of not being able to even eat an orange, I was hungry, a sign I had done the right thing by leaving Kayanna’s home. I had a bit of difficulty explaining what it was I needed, but what happened next was by comparison, the same type of wee miracle I experienced years ago. The woman who brought out the food approached me and I saw my chance to ask her for a meal. While I was struggling with my spanish, she was indicating I should come into her home and sleep there. She had a room, was pointing the way. I was kind of confused, thinking maybe she thought I just needed to lie down for a bit, have a rest. She left and I realized I had still not made arrangements for a meal. When she came back minutes later, she had me follow her into her home, showing me the bedroom. This is where she wanted me to stay, not just for a rest, but for the night or as long as I needed. She went to get her daughter Jenny.
Jenny and Carla were assigned to me in a way, to help with translation, to help me feel comfortable becoming companions I will love for the rest of my life. This family is in my heart forever, their kindness as they included me in their lives over the next few days, overwhelming. They were a life raft in the vastness of an ocean of uncertainty, providing shelter, food and companionship. One minute I was planning in my mind how I would walk through the night, stopping to rest for only short periods. My biggest concern was water, the lack of it, my determination to succeed preventing me from getting scared. The next minute I was in the safety of someone’s home, surrounded by kind generous people who seemed not to give it a second thought to embrace me. Quite incredible actually, during a country wide protest!
While Jenny went to attend to something in the other room, I went back outside to sit on the bench and watch the activities. I was on the frontline so to speak, the road block only one house away. It was completely peaceful, kind of like a fiesta, everyone just gathered around enjoying each other’s company. There was of course no school, no work, the job in front of them to protect their rights all that mattered. It was a 24 hour watch on the block, so meals were served here, some slept here and at times music and games were played. It kind of reminded me of a family reunion, the seriousness of their reason for being here not really apparent. I thought this was very interesting
Before I knew it (the grandmothers had left), I was joined on the bench by several children, dogs and some of the other family members. The small children were climbing on the bench behind me, touching my hair, laughing and playing. The older children sat beside me, smiling at me, (always smiling), I imagined them trying to understand my reason for being here. One of the smaller dogs found it’s way to my lap and the others milled about around us. It was quite peaceful sitting there as the day wore on, watching the interactions of a community united in such an important cause. I was so obviously the odd duck in the crowd, the only gringo there from what I could see, but no one seemed to mind. The parents of the children playing behind me smiled as they watched the activity. I think Mali was of interest to them also, this dog that travelled with the stranger into their midst.
After awhile I was invited by Jenny to go for a walk with her, Carla and Janely. First we were to bring the cow in from the pasture, then we explored the countryside. Passing this community on the bus does not offer much of a view into their lives, the land behind the row of houses or the beauty of their home. The sand pit was always something that got my attention riding past, for reasons I cannot explain. To see it now as I walk past makes me wonder if my interest while riding past on the bus, was a premonition of sorts that I would one day stand here in close proximity as I was this day.
It was a bit surreal to be walking here, a feeling I would notice many times on this journey back home to Apuela. A feeling of walking beside myself as if it was a dream. In fact it was very much like the dreams I had with my father as if I was walking with each foot in different worlds feeling both at the same time.
When we were back at the house I was invited upstairs where the kitchen, master bedroom and sitting room were. We went into the master bedroom because there was a tv there, having a little entertainment before supper. Enjoying the simple pleasure of family time, I was still able to giggle at the show even though I could not follow the conversation. Jenny interrupted the show to let us know supper was ready. She asked me if I would join them for their meal, but said her mother apologized because it is a very humble meal.
I could not imagine anything being better than the meal placed before me that evening. A small plate of very simple but flavourful food, was incredible to me. I enjoyed every bite, so grateful to be hungry, to enjoy eating and be in such beautiful company. If I were to live a thousand years, I would never forget the moment I sat down with this family, their smiles, their laughter and their kindness. Even now as I write this story, I understand the feeling of being separate from myself as I accepted their hospitality. Like a story being read where you marvel at the serendipity of certain situations too good to be true. I was in the middle of a story never thought possible.
That evening after sweet star anise tea and homemade bread, I went to Jenny’s room with the other children where I watched them play cards. I was getting very sleepy, the day had been long, but to watch them sitting on and around the bed, laughing, arguing about who’s turn it was, and just having good fun, was a wonderful end to my day. While I struggled to keep my eyes open, I knew I did not really want the magic of the day to end. Would I wake up to find it had been a dream? Carla could see I was tired and asked me if I wanted to go to bed. Normally, I would have been embarrassed by this, but I just smiled at her, grateful for her noticing, bed was what I needed and said yes. I was shown where the bathroom was and there were hugs all around as I said goodnight.
I was tired enough to feel dizzy as I lay there under the warmth of the blankets. I was once more in the mountains where the nights are much cooler than Apuela, the weight of the blankets comforting as I snuggled in. Thank you, thank you, thank you, was my mantra as I felt myself drifting off. The beauty of the gifts stacked against the horror of the way the day began amazed me, the comparison of a night so many years ago as we drove someone else’s truck back to our valley, prominent in my mind. What else could possibly matter, than this moment, this magical moment when I found myself in the safety of someone else’s home?
In the morning I woke with a feeling of quilt, Louis’ words had snuck into my thoughts through the night. My selfishness, my self interest perhaps becoming a burden to this family. Was I taking precious food from them? Was I putting them in danger by staying in their home? Still tired from the events of the previous day, I began to cry, worried I had been selfish, should have politely refused their invitation and been on my way. I felt confused. Jenny was waiting for me when I got up, knowing I was anxious and eager to help me find a way home.
It was not that she wanted me to go, they insisted I could stay as long as I wanted, but they understood from our conversation, I might be able to arrange a ride if I could just get online to call my friend. There was no wifi here, no way for me to phone or email anyone to see if there was a possibility, so I was worried I would be imposing on their hospitality for too long as the strike became more intense. Jenny allowed me to use her phone to text my friend who was in contact with Charles. There was a possibility someone he knew would be coming to Cotacachi and could pick me up. However, by Tuesday morning, there was no gas available in Apuela, people would not be travelling anywhere they did not need to go. The scope of what was happening began to sink in as one realizes what it means to have no food on the store shelves, no gas for cooking and no gasoline for the vehicles. With no idea of how long this could go on, yet realizing the strength of the commitment of the people, I understood this would likely go on for weeks.
I explained to Jenny and her family my concerns of being a burden to them and despite my best efforts not to, I began to cry. I wanted to be strong, be able to continue on my way, not be selfish, inconsiderate, but I was not doing very well. They told me they would not force me, but I was welcome to stay for as long as I wanted, they just did not want to see me cry anymore. Much more was said, but translation was not always easy. They were doing their best to make me feel welcome, their generosity once more amazing me. Again the feeling of being separate from myself began as I saw the problem from a different angle, acceptance settling in. As always there is something to be gained from such experiences, and I knew I must stay.
I am not sure what started it, but while sitting at the breakfast table, something said got Jenny laughing. She had to leave the table, afraid she would spit out the mouthful of coffee she had just taken. The two of us laughing like crazy kids, the beauty of the moment absolutely wonderful. It felt so good to be just a silly girl laughing about nothing when so much is happening around you that is heavy. In that moment, I felt as if I had known Jenny my whole life and my heart was full of love and joy. We spent the day together doing this and that, the time passing quickly. I enjoyed myself immensely…..
It’s lunchtime….. 
The dog is patiently waiting it’s turn….. 
Many mouths fed in this tradition….
It was quite amazing to watch so many people being fed in this way. Everyone just grabbed a bowl and helped themselves, very orderly and efficient. Drinks were brought around by a couple of women carrying a large bucket or bowl, filling the glasses as they went. Sometimes they just carry one glass and refill it for everyone who wants a drink. This is quite common at parties.
I loaded the puzzle and they all wanted to move a piece at the same time. It was funny because instinct takes over when you see the piece that fits. But on the ipad when 2 people touch the screen at the same time it enlarges the image and they couldn’t see what they were doing. Over and over again this happened as 2 of us reached for the same piece. So order had be set, and everyone had to take turns putting a piece in place. Then they each took a turn to play on their own – puzzles, majong and even sodacrush. I sat back, helping if it was needed. I don’t think they had ever done a puzzle before, so it was they enjoyed a new experience. Me? I just sat back and enjoyed watching them interact.
I fell asleep that night with guitar music and singing serenading me. Again I found myself fascinated by the turn of events allowing me to enjoy my predicament, rather than be full of worry at the outcome. Tomorrow is another day………..
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