Hello everyone,
Hello everyone, it’s been a while, but here’s the latest update from Boston.
MORE ABOUT LIFE AND MISSION IN ECUADOR
As I’ll note below, I hope to return to Ecuador in the New Year. The length of stay will depend on a number of new things, including wanting to get some activities that I’m doing in Boston to a certain level of maturity before leaving.
But the vision continues, and has taken new steps forward in clarity.
“For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.”
I’ve taken new and important steps in bringing together the spiritual and social/language/cultural aspects of the mission into a practical vision. I’m excited about that, but it is a lot of work, and since these are new concepts that aren’t really recognized even by people who specialize in religion or language-culture, there’s a need not only to generate and present examples of the vision, but earn confidence at the same time.
Although there are greater practical possibilities for this in Boston, at the root is the relationship with Christ rooted in the mission in Ecuador. So, there continues a development of relationship of people and activities in both Ecuador and Boston, and a going back and forth.
“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.”
CURRENT EVENTS IN ECUADOR
I understand that the rain season was a little tougher than usual in Ecuador, though not overwhelming. All this despite the effects of El Niño.
You may have heard reports in the news about narcoviolence problems in Ecuador, as well as the recent raiding of the Mexican embassy (to extract a former VP for criminal prosecution.) The Ecuadorian people wanted a strong president, and that’s what the new one is. He’s probably the youngest president ever, the son of a famous conservative businessman who has several times run for president and lost. The current president, Daniel Noboa, is more a centrist.
Things reached a head in early January when gangs related to the narcos invaded a TV news station live and continued the broadcast of their invasion. After that, the president stepped things up, declaring a state of emergency and also an intra-national war. The military obtained all the freedoms to act as during wartime. Since then, a lot of people have been captured and detained, though there are still some lashing back by the gangs. (Prisons are still somewhat of a problem, and some - but less - assassinations, including the mayor of a small city in the coastal province of Manabí.) The loss of any life is sad of course, but things seem to be improving. The state of the military continues, even though the state of emergency has ended.
Migration out of Ecuador continues as over the last few years, apparently. This article is an excellent, concise, and interesting read about it. If about 125,000 people reached the US/Mexico border in 2023, that represents about 0.7% of the population of Ecuador. Although sizeable for a single year, it means that 99% of Ecuadorians have not left, and it’s important to consider the well-being of people in their native countries, before considering them as migrants. The response by Americans is typically a US-centered vision that only considers people from these countries when they “show up at the door”, so to speak, and not while they’re in their home countries. It’s common to see US and European folks caring about people once they show up, but they didn’t care about them when they were in their home country.
The mission of Barriers to Bridges is concerned with developing those relationships now, before migration. It gives equal value to the people and cultures in each country - it’s not centered either on life in Ecuador or the US (or anywhere else for that matter). The (ideal) end vision is a world in which migration is not necessary, where each people and nation can grow and thrive interdependently like complementary plants in a garden. It’s a vision that’s really end-of-time, and the realities are very different and far off, but it’s the constant “north star”. It’s a tiny sphere I can work in towards that goal, but a model nonetheless. And although it’s hard for most people to understand the value of something small, everything worthwhile starts tiny. This is the Kingdom of God.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”
Hopefully, the small steps in Ecuador can grow into a resolution of the current crisis and a new level of peace and stability.
in Chontal
In Chontal, there’s been a change in community leadership, and the current president is now the former president of the church, Ines Rodriguez. I’ve worked with Ines for a number of years in church collaboration, so there’s possibilities to work collaboratively with the community.
I’ve spoken before about Rafaela, the daughter of Arsenio and Janeth Bosmediano. Her surgeries are pending: a few more for her eye ducts, and a major open heart surgery. I’m keeping in contact, and hoping to gain some support - both locally and in Boston - to assist them with their expenses. I’ll be writing more about that in another update.
Also there a number of migrants from Chontal in the US, specifically in the New York area. If I can arrange a trip down to that area, I hope to meet up with at least some. Although the primary goal of the mission is that each person and people grow into what they can be, the reality is very different, and I accept things as they are as a starting point. In that respect, mission is a constant “starting over”, every day in general, and in every life situation, until the kingdom of God is fulfilled.
IN Mindo
Baby Zoe is back in the hospital as I write. It’s probably a miracle that she’s still alive so far. The family continues to adapt to the situation, which obviously has been a challenge, and hopefully God’s grace finds space in certain places so that this painful experience can also be transformative.
I’ve continued to do language meetups with a few of the Mindo residents that had been meeting before. Jorge and Lucy are Venezuelans who have continued to meet many Thursdays over the last few months.
The artisans in Mindo say hello. Things are chugging along as usual there, though tourism is down. The bad publicity from security problems always affects tourism levels, which is a the livelihood of most in this town.
Artisans are usually journeyers like me. They live on the margins and outside of society - the “desert” - and often have a special message that brings perspective. So, I can find some crossover with my own mission:
““A voice of one crying out in the desert:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’””
ECUADOR - BOSTON
Language in Communion
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I had started doing some online language with Ecuadorians, starting with people in Chontal. I was able to accomplish a goal of offering it in-person in Chontal, while re-doing it again from the ground up as I took the certification course in pronunciation. I’m more confident in it now, but also recognize it’s auxiliary value next to the core activity: promoting and accompanying people becoming adult language/culture learners in communion.
There are opportunities to participate if you are interested:
participate and/or assist in a language sharing group: becoming a language learner and sharing one’s own language
financially contribute to join with the community effort to come together, and support the members most in need while receiving more
If either or both of these interest you, please post a comment below or feel free to contact me: jerome@barriers2bridges.org
Into the Waters: An International Immersion Visit & Retreat
Although this has (STILL) been on the back burner, I’m still very interested in this opportunity for interested people from the States. I’m still in the process of working out the details, which you can check out by expanding the section below. If you are interested in an 9-day, guided visit to Ecuador in a small group of 4 or less, to join with me in dipping into the culture with local people, feel free to contact me: jerome@barriers2bridges.org.
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• Arrival / Urban life and roots: 3 days in the capital Quito and in Otavalo
○ Up at 9400 feet, we’ll start in Quito and immerse in the culture, including a visit to the equator and the historical center. Next, we’ll visit Otavalo, a global indigenous center.
• Rural life and roots: 2 days in Chontal, a remote rural village in the medio-Andes.
○ At about 2100 ft, in a subtropical cloud forest climate, we’ll experience the rhythm of a simpler, poor rural life, integrated into the life of the local people, including the agricultural roots of Ecuador.
• Retreat & relaxation: 3 days in Mindo, an ecotourist center for relaxation, retreat, and reflection.
○ A global bird-watching attraction, we’ll relax in lodgings very close to nature. Waterfalls, chocolate factories, butterfly farms, artisan shops and a retreat center will provide context for a time of guided reflection and discussion.
• Return: 1 day in Quito to prepare for a return
We will be traveling among the local people, by public transportation and taxis, along routes that I’ve known for years. You must make a signed commitment to stay with me at all times and follow any guidelines I present. We’ll have a period of private time each day for prayer, reflection, or relaxation.
Other notes:
• Travel: There will be some bus travel times from 2 to 6 hours in some cases, where we will see the mountain- and country-sides.
• Safety: We won’t be in the high-risk zones related to narco-trafficking and high crime.
• Health: Certain vaccinations may be suggested. Traveler’s health insurance is at one’s own discretion.
PREACHING/TEACHING & WORKSHOPS
ALM: SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS
Website/Blog
On the homepage of this site, you can find the latest spiritual reflections that I post to A Living Monstrance. Or, you can visit the site directly here. These reflections come from my spirituality and lifestyle, and are guideposts along the journey.
Books
I’ve also collected the reflections into a series of books, each one containing 150 reflections, in sequential order. The latest book is up to the year 2017, and I have made some progress publishing two more in the series. They’ll make it to publication some day in the next year, hopefully!
You can order any of the books by going here to Lulu.
REFLECTION TEACHING VIDEOS
I have a few series of videos, for your prayer and social life, that go further and deeper than the reflections of ALM. You may find them uplifting if you’re wondering how to pray and understand the Scriptures to find something life-changing in them; and if you’re wondering about how to sort through what is often a confusing social landscape.
Food in the Desert
This video series introduces a way to find food in the Gospels, by reading and living them in the same dynamic in which they were original created. You don’t need to be a scholar, just willing to accept and follow the same Spirit of the authors. (Spanish versions are included later in the playlist.)
A Spirituality of Equality
This video series, produced during the Great Pause of the pandemic, invites you into the village of Chontal to walk along a path of reflection about human equality from a Gospel spirituality and lifestyle. (Spanish subtitles are available on all videos.)
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION WORKSHOPS
I’m still offering a variety of workshops, for both English and Spanish speakers. They focus on life transitions by understanding, sharing and memorializing your unique personal life stories, through a small group encounter with the Christian Paschal mystery of life, death, and resurrection. If you are interested in any of them, please contact me directly: jerome@barriers2bridges.org
Re-Birth from the Pandemic
Are you experiencing confusion or anxiousness as the pandemic experience moves to the rearview mirror? The scripture is full of “40” stories: stories about rebirth. Encountering these stories together with our own can help you get back in touch with your personal journey and see a way ahead with hope.
Your Tree of Life
This is a foundational vocation discernment workshop that helps us discover more who we truly are and what we are called to do, from the root of our being. It focuses practically on ministry and/or career discernment, but the experience enters into all of life.
In the beginning creation story of Adam and Eve, the Hebrew people are invited to remember the story of origin that recalls who God made them to truly be, as well as their human weakness that can separate them from following through on this authenticity. The mystery of Christ brings us back into the original garden and gives us access to the Tree of Life. The expression of this mystery in this workshop - through basic applied principles of discernment from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola - allows us to remember our own personal True You stories that make up the core of our own tree of life, as well as those life stories that show us how the protective bark of that tree breaks down.
If you are looking for something to give you a new step in clarity, freedom, energy, and peace - to help you remember again who you really are - this workshop could be for you.
Taller Mi Pascua de Inmigración
This is a foundational workshop retreat for immigrants (now for Spanish-speakers), in which each person has the space to remember, unpack, tell, and honor their story of migration, following the testimony by the People of God of their leaving Egypt and crossing the Red Sea to begin a new stage of life with God. If you know any Spanish-speaking immigrants who you think might be interested, please feel free to send them the information flyer at the More Information button below.
Boston
I’ve been living still in the basement in Roslindale, everything has been great. It’s a great fit, and I’m grateful to be here!
I’ve been able to catch up with a number of people since coming back. If you’re around and want to connect, please feel free to reach out.
Language and Culture
Starting in August 2023, I was working again online for the Harborside School in East Boston. In September, I began my role as an advisor for 2 online English classes for language learners who are parents. It’s been good to have some income and stay connected, the people are good people, though the vision of language learning and forming community is different from mine. I’ve been able at times to share language learning skills and pronunciation teaching and tools at times as well. I’ve also taught computer skills classes, where I incorporate some English pronunciation skills. Students in the school have consistently and roundly requested that I teach a pronunciation class either in the school or on the side.
So, this summer, I’ll be teaching a pronunciation class at Harborside.
Also, I completed a round of the pronunciation course with some new and old learners, which went very well. We are now planning (a) follow-on meetings that are theme-centered and can now utilize the resources and skills; (b) a new run of the pronunciation course with new learners.
That is the goal: that the course be a sort of initiation into bi-weekly, informal meetings that are optional and concentrate on specific themes regarding pronunciation. The course is a sort of “baptism”, which leads to a more open exploration.
What’s been on the back burner is the workshop and pathway that is meant to be the reference for pronunciation support: Becoming an Adult Language Learner by Immersion. I had been meeting up before the summer with a Latina friend and implementing this bit by bit. There were plans to add another person, until the summer arrived with a new schedule, so that is on hold. However, I hope to add more time and attention to the theme of becoming a language learner through immersion, on which I had made a lot of progress before about March. It really is at the center of my vision for language and culture exchange, including pronunciation, and is at root centered in my Gospel spirituality.
Spiritual and Pastoral
When I first came back to Boston, I had some Latino immigrants express interest in:
a workshop/help in learning how to pray
The approach of becoming an adult language learner
the pronunciation course
the migration workshop
The language and cultural aspects have moved along, although I still feel far behind on them. However, the spiritual and pastoral elements haven’t really moved at all. I hope to shift some focus toward those in the coming weeks and months. I have some ideas, and so it’s a matter of prioritizing/making the time.
More Time in Boston
For a few reasons, I’m going to be staying in Boston through at least the New Year this year. Firstly, I want to deepen and grow the momentum on the language and culture side of the mission here. More than in Ecuador, here are opportunities for developing language and cultural immersion ideas and activities. I also want more time to develop and integrate in the spiritual/pastoral dimensions here, which have been sitting dormant. And finally and most importantly, well … make sure you are safely and stably seated for this one …. I have a wonderful girlfriend now who lives in the Boston area :). So it’s a good idea to stay around here in the coming months. :)
In Memoriam - A Special Loss
April was marked by some very sad news. Chris Grande, a friend from old who had been a monthly supporter of my mission, died unexpectedly from heart failure at 51. I had met up with him about a month earlier after several years planning a catchup, and we talked about meeting again for lunch every month. Sadly, he leaves his lovely wife Sofia and two children, Christian and Kimi.
I first met Chris over 20 years ago in the St. Clement’s Young Adult group, where we became friends. Always a lively personality with a good heart, he made many friends and was generous to many people, communities, and organizations. It was quite a shock for many of us, and he will always be missed. May God grant him the peace of Christ resting in his heart, and may we come to meet up again for that lunch in the heavenly kingdom.
Chris, with his wife Sofia, Kimi, and Christian
The St. Clement’s community lost another member a short time later on April 30, when Jennifer Thomas died unexpectedly at 51 years old. I had caught up with Jennifer a few years ago when I was living in the St. Stephen’s rectory in the North End of Boston, while I was with the St. James Missionary Society. Back in 2014, when landslides devasted Chontal and I asked for support through a fundraiser, Jennifer was one of those from the St. Clement’s community who generously responded. She will be remembered for her generous, kind, and friendly heart, and is missed by her family and friends. Please remember both Chris and Jennifer and their families and loved ones in your prayers.
Please pray for Jennifer Thomas
Health
My health has been great overall. My hip bothers me a bit now and then, but there haven’t been anymore major bouts of pain that affect my normal activities or sleep. I haven’t experienced any heart problems either, though I haven’t been checking my BP so much as I probably should. My weight and overall fitness are very good. (The public transportation system here in Boston keeps me in good shape!)
Financials
There are no significant changes in the B2B financial situation, outside of about $800 of new income from the pronunciation course over the span of about 2 months. Offering the course has the potential to be a financial support for me here in Boston.
Here are the 2024 financials for Barriers to Bridges (I’m still working on updating the balance sheet). Again, a big thank you to those who regularly make gifts, no matter who small. It's much appreciated.
Other Stuff
I hope to have more photos of odds and ends to share in the next update!
Reflection & Vision
I’ve offered a short course in English pronunciation to Spanish speakers for a while now. One of the reasons is because when I learned Spanish immersed in Ecuadorian culture, I started to learn about all the differences between the two languages, and that can be incredibly helpful. The other reason is that immigrants learning English want most to learn how to pronounce it. It’s the thing that’s least taught and most valuable. It allows people to enter into the lumpy mess of actually engaging with real English and get going on a foundation to build on.
I’ve been teaching the course at a friend’s house, and one day I arrived at a train stop to get picked up with some time to kill. I took a walk around the block until I came to large fenced in area enclosed with green mesh. It was hard to see around the mesh, but once I got a look in, it all made sense.
There, the whole land was torn up. Earth and rocks all over the place. Some machines and tools lying around. A large, wide hole dug into the ground filled with equipment and other stuff. The whole situation was lumpy and messy. They were building a new foundation.
And then I looked over to my left, and there was a brand-new, finished condo building. Big bucks. And I looked back at the foundation, and then back at the finished product. And I thought: the only way you’re going to make all that mess and put up with it, is if you have a finished product in mind. Never forget the goal of the tedious, lumpy mess that you have to endure while building a foundation. Something really valuable is being built.
Did you know that there are 3 phases to learning a language, just like there are 3 phases to any transition in life? Yes, it’s true. And the first phase is the most difficult. That’s the phase when you’re tempted to give up. It’s a total, complete lumpy mess of tedious stuff.
Learning language and culture in Ecuador meant some nights where I would cry alone. Yes, a grown man crying. One day, I was thinking about giving up. All that new language all day, every day, that I can hardly understand and even less reproduce, made me want to throw in the towel. But that day, a friend from Ireland, a guy who went through that first phase and spoke Spanish well, out of the blue said to me: you’re doing well, Jerome. You don’t see yourself, but you’re growing. I didn’t leave. I kept going. Today, I’m fluent in Spanish and Ecuadorian culture. It opens incredible doors in my life, both personal and professional and volunteer – you name it. It’s so valuable. So I’m so glad I stayed in the way and didn’t quit. And it’s because I could the finished product in front of me.
Whatever God calls you to, it is going to be incredibly difficult in the beginning. You’ll be in the first phase of letting go and the shock of something totally new that calls you to change. It’ll be a completely tedious, lumpy mess. And you’ll be tempted to throw in the towel.
But there’s a way to resist the temptation.
Think of the goal.
Think of the end product.
And keep going.
Something really valuable is being built.
““Upon this rock I will build my church.””
God continues to give new gifts.
It all continues. Whether here in Boston or there in Ecuador, it all continues. Barriers can become bridges.
The Lord is indeed my God.
“Come, follow me.”
Closing
Feel free to comment or reach out anytime.
I'll post again when it's time.
God bless you,
Jerome