My 1st post

I am Hijiri from Japan and I am currently studying at UEES as an exchange student from Australia.


Firstly, a big thank-you to Damien House for welcoming us and providing us with such a great opportunity to work here.

To be honest , before working here, I was not really aware of the situation of Hansen's Disease here in Ecuador, as in my country only one or two people are infected by the disease annually, therefore it's almost a forgotten disease in Japan. So I was actually very surprised by the fact that there are still a number of people suffering from the disease in Ecuador. 

At the beginning, I had some difficulties to have conversations with the patients due to my poor Spanish skills, however, now I believe that our conversations are slightly getting smoother than before, each time we talk. Also, I started getting to know about the circumstances of the disease and the patients. 

Here at Damien House, although, the patients receive an excellent support from the workers and the center, they still need more support financially and in removing the stigma from the disease. 

Actually, we only have a few more weeks to work here, so we are going to do our best supporting the place. 

Thanks,

Hijiri

New Australian and Japanese Volenteers at Damien House

2011 has rolled around and Damien House has welcomed 3 volunteers, Simon, Shamus and Hijiri all on student exchange from Australian universities have been introduced to the patients of Damien House and are working alongside staff to ensure the smooth running of the center. 

 

Farewell to Volunteers Hillary, Elizabeth, and Mel

Damien House recently said farewell to three extraordinary volunteers who returned to the USA after spending a semester studying at the Universidad Espiritu Santo (UEES) and volunteering at Damien House. Hillary Krombel (Manhattan College), Elizabeth Navarro (Washinton State), and Meláni Glassman (Boston University) brought a tremendous amount of energy, care, and dedication to their work. Hillary will be remembered for her outstanding work in the wound care room, Elizabeth for her painting, decorating, and ability to energize the patients with her bright personality, and Meláni for her work on the newsletter and for the connections she built with the patients. All at Damien House are incredibly thankful for their hard work and dedication and pray that God may bless them in all their future endeavors.

Thanks to Cabrini College for their visit to Damien House

Damien House was recently blessed with a visit from eight students and two staff members from Cabrini College in Pennsylvania.  The staff and patients of Damien House enjoyed spending time with these special visitors just before Christmas. The Cabrini group showed their Christmas spirit by singing classic Christmas carols such as Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman to the patients. The patients and staff at Damien House thank Cabrini College for their visit and wish them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas Clothes Giveaway

Last week, Damien House held its annual Christmas clothes giveaway. All resident patients had the opportunity to select a number of new outfits and shoes from a wide range of both new and donated clothes. The patients are pleased to spend the Christmas season well-dressed. Thanks to everyone for your donations that make this clothes giveaway possible, and Damien House wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Damien House Thanks DePaul University For Their Visit

Damien House would like to thank DePaul University from Chicago, Illinois for their wonderful visit. Eleven students and a staff member graced the patients and staff at Damien with their energy, willingness to learn, and singing abilities. The girls spent two days at Damien House accompanying the patients and attentively listening to their stories. All at Damien House are thankful for their visit and remind them that our doors are always open.

Pope John Paul II High School Visits Damien

Damien House was recently blessed with a visit by five students and a teacher from Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Rachael, Greg, Leandra, Hannah, and Tyler and their teacher Alan Lynch spent a week in Durán and Guayaquil with Rostro de Cristo. The students spent two days visiting Damien House and learning about Hansen´s disease, conversing with the patients, and providing entertainment. All at Damien House are very grateful to John Paul II High School for bringing joy, energy, open minds, and caring hearts.