Yonder Valley the Myrtle Breathes

December 27, 2011

Photo courtesy of
Doug Gould

One of my most beloved writers is Kahlil Gibran, and his essay on “Giving” in “The Prophet” is a particular favorite of mine. I am not going to re-write his whole dissertation on the subject, but am going to share a few of his quotes from this composition:

“It is when you give of yourself that you truly give…"

“And what is fear of need but need itself?...”

“There are those who give little of much which they have – and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in life, and their coffer is never empty. There are those who give with joy, and joy is their reward. And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.

And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue; they give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.

Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon earth.”

Photo courtesy of Doug

Last Saturday (Christmas Eve), a number of us had the opportunity and honor to participate in the Christmas party thrown for the children of the Olon Orphanage. This effort was spearheaded by the kind expats in Salinas, primarily Mary and Tod Freeman, and Will and Wendy of Hostal Aqui.

In an earlier post I mentioned that at the Hostal Aqui Thanksgiving party, for a $30 contribution, folks had a chance to draw one of the names of the 50 or so orphans (all under the age of thirteen, with the exception of a couple of special needs children) so that presents and clothing could be purchased for each of them.

Other donations were solicited towards food and other goodies for the kids. A big shout out also to several of you in the States (in particular Davida Julian and my brother Jack) who also sent money to help with the event after reading the earlier blog post. Your generosity was much appreciated and put to good use.

On Saturday a large contingent from Salinas showed up, along with several of us from Olon. Will and Wendy cooked and brought several turkeys and along with the usual holiday food side dishes.

The kids put on a wonderful and touching show for us before Santa handed out the presents.

Perhaps Mary says it best in an email she sent out after the party, and I quote:

“Hi Everyone,

 I'm sure all of us driving home yesterday could think of little else other the joy of the children we witnessed while they opened their gifts and were so willing to share all that was given them. Also, the dance and singing routine the kids put on was a real tear jerker! As Peggy said while we were walking to our cars to head home. "This is what Christmas is all about".

As we watched with tears in our eyes, I believe God, with tears of joy, looked down upon us and those who supported our effort and said " A job well done good and faithful servants" We are all sinners but yesterday God saw none of our sins only the joy given to the least of his children.

Merry Christmas and God Bless you all.”

And this email from her husband Tod:

“Hi everyone,

The Christmas party at the Olon orphanage was a great success! The children put on a great song and dance routine that had tears in everyone's eyes. We can't even begin to describe the joy and happiness experienced by the children and everyone in attendance as they opened their gifts provided by so many of you in our expat community. Afterwards the children and staff enjoyed a wonderful turkey dinner. Everyone involved in organizing this event appreciates the time, effort and money put into shopping and wrapping all 100 gifts.

With over 50 people participating it truly was a community event!”

In addition to being involved with the Olon Orphanage, these compassionate expats in Salinas are also actively involved in raising funds for the medical clinic in Palmar that perform life-altering/life-saving surgeries on needy children in the area (more on this later). During the party, our neighbor and newly permanent expat neighbors Doug & Pam Gould and Will discussed getting together after the first of the year to coordinate raising money on a regular basis for both of these worthy organizations, since we know there are many in our area that would gladly open their pockets to support the orphanage and clinic. Twenty-five to hundred dollars ($25-100) donated on a consistent basis may not go far in the Estados Unidos, but stretches much further here to make a difference in the lives of these special children. And each one of us CAN make a difference.

In the meantime, for any reading this that would like to make contributions, I suggest getting in touch with Will & Wendy at Hostel Aqui, or please email me at leigh@ecuafriendly.com so that I can put you in touch with Mary and Tod Freeman (as of this posting, I haven’t had the chance to ask the Freemans permission to publish their email). 
Also, for those on Facebook, there is a page called “Ruta del Sol Mates” that I hope to develop further to use as a “bulletin board” to share ideas, information, suggestions for those interested, particularly those who live along our area of the southern Ecuadorian coast. Please join, and invite those of like-mindedness.

“For in truth, it is life that gives unto life – while you, who deem yourself a giver are but a witness.

And you receivers – and you are all receivers – assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.

Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;

For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity
who has the free-hearted earth for mother, and God for the father.”