Galo and Marianita and María

I have started posting entries about the various residents that we have come to know at the Hogar Betania (Bethany Home for the Elderly). My last post introduced you to Samuel and Hugo.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to three more residents: Galo, Marianita and María

GALO: Galo was born in Quito and has lived in Quito all his life. He worked for the Municipal of Quito for 32 years before retiring. He worked as a machine operator. He has lived at the Hogar for 5 years. He never married, but does have some sisters. They only come to visit him once a month when they come to pay his pension at the Hogar. His left side is paralyzed due to a bout of thrombosis. Galo is a quiet man who keeps to himself. He's also very kind and sweet.


MARIANITA: Marianita has only been at the Hogar for one year. We love her smile and her great attitude and she's always a good participant in the services on Sunday. She is only 59 years old, but you would never be able to tell that by her very crippled body which she is hardly able to move. When Marianita was 41 years old, she came down with rheumatoid arthritis that completely cripped her body. Her spirit and mind is bright though and it is a delight to talk with her. She has two daughters and a total of 8 grandchildren. Her husband passed away many years ago.
MARÍA: María is a Quichua (indigenous indian) lady who came to the Hogar a couple of years ago. We don't know much about her, other than she is always crying and begging us to take her back to her home in Quinche (apparently the town where she lived). She is sometimes hard to understand, probably because she most likely talks in Quichua (her native language). She gets around with a walker and mostly spends time by herself. From what we can see, she hasn't made any friends at the Hogar.

And finally I couldn't resist including this photo of Nathan with our good missionary friend, Helen Broach Swanson. She has lived in Ecuador for a very long time and often comes and helps us at the Hogar on Sunday. We love and appreciate Helen. She's a dear!