January 1st, 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Happy 2011 and 1/1/11!!! I am here in Shell, Pastaza, Ecuador for a surgery rotation at Hospital Vozandes del Oriente. I had the opportunity to celebrate New Years here in Ecuador and to experience the traditions of el Ano Viejo (The Old Year) and el Ano Nuevo (The New Year). Here in Ecuador, un muneco, or stuffed manequin, is used to represent el Ano Viejo who has recently died. The men of the town dress up as viudas, or widows, and walk around asking for money since their husbands are no longer able to support them. The munecos are then burned as a way to signify the end of a year and all of the misfortunes and challenges faced during the year. The Ecuadorians are then able to welcome el Ano Nuevo, in hopes that it will bring prosperity, peace, and new beginnings. I hope that this is true for everyone, that the new year is a way to start anew, to empty ourselves of fear, despair, selfishness, and self-dependence and to ready ourselves to be filled with God’s spirit of love, courage, and joy. Prepare to be a glass overflowing with God’s blessings, ready to share with anyone the greatest hope to behold, Christ’s sacrifice and our reconnection with God that comes only through Him. May God bless each and every one of you as we begin the year 2011!