Hello!
Greetings from Boston. I've been able to put together the latest update, so here goes!
María's Cancer Treatment
I spoke just recently with María, and it appears that her doctors are satisfied so far with the tumor response. I’m not sure where it’s actually at, almost sure it’s not completely reduced. The problem she is having is with one of her kidneys, which is operating at less than 15% capacity. She is traveling to Quito for exams to see if new tubing can be inserted, or, if not, if the kidney can be removed, as it is causing her a decent amount of pain.
The finances are still a struggle for the family, though her husband Jimmi is working. As I mentioned last time, I have my "ears" open to see if there might be an opportunity to help that fits in with communion-building.
In this same vain, there are a few other families with medical difficulties, especially the Bosmediano Delgado family, who had lost their house in 2014 and was supported by our efforts then, and who we’ve supported in recent years as well. Arsenio, husband and father, works a minimum wage job ($400 per month in Ecuador), and they have 4 daughters, one of whom has her own daughter, and another who has disabilities that require first oral surgery and then heart surgery - both of which procedures have been delayed in part because of the pandemic and also lack of funds. I have my eye on them and am in contact. The difficulty is managing something at a distance, since these charitable efforts need to be done in a form of communion-building to grow and strengthen the community fabric - and not instead tear it.
“For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality your surplus at the present time should supply their needs, so that their surplus may also supply your needs, that there may be equality. As it is written:
“Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.””
Happenings in Ecuador
In Ecuador, society hasn’t opened up yet like in the US: social distancing and mask wearing continue, as a low percentage of people (about 15-20%) have been fully vaccinated so far. As I mentioned last time, the role out has problems largely because of procurement: poorer countries just can't get as much access as quickly as wealthier countries. They would like to be vaccinated…
Things generally are stable, though - there are no major outbreaks, either in the country in general or in the community of Chontal, thanks be to God.
A New Living Situation
I’ve moved into the house I had previous lived in from 2014 to 2018, just in a different apartment. I’m excited and grateful to God for opening up this opportunity. I’m looking forward to focusing on getting some work (a few irons are in the fire) and focusing on continuing developing Barriers to Bridges! However, I’m shifting to staying longer in each location that I go. Instead of half a year in the US and then in Ecuador, staying maybe 2 years in one place at a time. It’s still evolving, and the work situation - among other things, as well as the pandemic - will also influence the path. But I’m excited going forward.
Some Education, Qualification, and a New Visa Path
My plans to stay in the States for a year or two are in part related to opportunities to add in some education and qualifications that will help to grow the buds of the "plants" of Barriers to Bridges. I had looked at applying to two programs that could be complimentary and are structured to accommodate a working person: one in psychoanalysis and another in spiritual direction. I’ve decided to postpone the psychoanalysis program, which is a one-year program, to next year, because of my financial situation.
I’m still in the application process for the spiritual direction program, which is a two-year certification program.
Additionally, I’ve decided to get certification in teaching English as a foreign language. I am currently about to apply and register for an online certificate program that gives an internationally recognized TEFL certificate, and costs about $250 for 120 hours of online classes. It will be useful for improving my job prospects for teaching English as a foreign language here in the States, but also in Ecuador when the time comes to return. It also will be helpful for all the Language in Communion efforts I’m working on.
Additionally, I’m considering a new visa avenue for returning to Ecuador the next time, which is independent of the church: apply for a “professional” visa instead of a “religious” one. Nothing would be different as far as doing pastoral ministry in the church, but I would also be able to have my university degrees certified in Ecuador and be able to work in any type of work anywhere in Ecuador, and even start a business entity in Ecuador if desired. With a religious visa, a person is limited to one diocese and cannot legally work or receive any pay in Ecuador (per a signed affadavit!). So, the professional visa looks like it opens a lot more possibilities and is more in line with Barriers to Bridges for the next time. The overall cost of obtaining the 2-year visa, including all auxiliary expenses, looks to be under $700. There’s prep work that I have in the back of my mind to begin when I start to think toward returning to Ecuador.
Language in Communion
Because of my recent move, I’ve still not had time to get traction on Language in Communion, which includes language groups! But, my job seeking is crossing over with this, as I’m considering work in English as a foreign language. As usual with so much in parallel, these things take a little time. But I'm confident that something can grow.
Online Workshops and Teaching Videos
The online workshops and teaching videos are still available - Come on by and check them out:
I am still in continuing to develop these workshops and teaching videos. As the foundation is accompaniment in life, there are a few that might be beneficial to you in this pandemic and if you are experiencing a life transition. I'm continuing to offer the Pandemic ReBirth Workshop, as well as the Tree of Life. Feel free to contact me directly if you're interested. And you can share the link freely as well.
I'll leave with a picture of more thoughts of sailing and setting out again, from Fan Pier in Boston:
“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”
May you experience God's presence in these continued times of Covid-19 and middle of summer. Feel free to comment or reach out anytime, and I'll post again when it's time.
-Jerome