I was so happy and pleased to finally meet Sr. Annie. She was all Beth had described and so much more. She is truly inspirational and full of energy and love. She is the Presence, hand, feet, and heart of Christ to everyone she meets and especially to all the Hansen Disease patients and their families. I was so impressed with all of Sr. Annie's wishes, dreams, and goals for Damien House and for all the patients with Hansen Disease in Ecuador. She shared many of her continual challenges financially and with he Health System in Ecuador. She asks for our continual support and prayers.
I was so moved by all the Damien House residents as they each told their story about their struggles, challenges, isolation, and the feeling of being deserted by family and friends when they were diagnosed with Hansen's Disease. Some even expressed the fear of death, the lose of their property and belongings, if neighbors were to discover they had Hansen's Disease. They each spoke of their faith in God and how He provided the care they needed as well as the love, support, friendship and dignity they needed to heal in body, mind and spirit. Many of the residents have life altering disabilities due They take life a day at a time, live in the present, don't worry about tomorrow and do all they can to keep busy and positive, despite they very difficult life.
I had a wonderful experience, I will never forget, in Ecuador. I wish everyone could have the same opportunity to visit Damien House and have time with these wonderful people.
Ana Maria and Sister Annie :)
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