I want to share with you the happiness I feel to meet my beloved after one whole year! Interesting that it is a feeling very appropriate to Christmas Time! Jean is in Quito, Ecuador since November 16th. It is the longest time he has stayed anywhere. If it keeps on... he will have to ask for a Resident Visa!!!
On October 24th, he reached Colón, on the eastern coast of Panama. He tried for a few days to find a boat that would take him to Cartagena, Colombia, but did not have any luck. So, he went back to Panama City thinking he would have a better chance sailing from there to Buenaventura, Colombia. Again, no luck!
Meanwhile, for his personal security he was advised not to walk across Colombia. So he took a plane to Cali which is not too far from the border to Ecuador, thinking he would at least walk a few kilometers for the children of the country. Again he was dissuaded from any land travelling. So, he flew to Ipiales and walked 8 kilometers to Ecuador.
On November 1st, he writes: " I am so sad not to have the chance to meet the people of Colombia and yet, it is such a beautiful country, so rich for its culture and its people. The Colombian children may rest assured that they will have a special place in my prayers."
In Ecuador, he is totally awed by the Andes. The temperature is also quite a bit cooler and dryer. A while ago, he walked in the mountains in Central America therefore his body had had time to adapt but after flying to Ecuador he was getting short winded after a few steps... He adjusted fairly rapidly though! He writes: "It is a completely different culture, here. The Ecuadorians are very attractive and the children are lovely with their cheeks red as apples... Walking in the Andes will be more difficult than on a flat road. I had estimated 400 km to go across Ecuador but I will have walked more than a 1000 km with the roads snaking around the mountains."
In Quito, he received a fantastic welcome! He made friends with a group of people who introduced him to the media and helped him plan our vacation. He appeared on TV and a very popular Radio show. He keeps writing that our vacation will be unforgettable, that he and his friends are getting everything ready... Hum! As if I was not excited enough, already!!!
Wednesday, November 28 is a memorable day for me. I am at work, as usual when I receive an email from Chariot Carrier Inc. from Calgary, Alberta which says in the subject line: " Chariot is pleased to participate" in answer to a request I had send them in early November for a new chariot for Jean. I don't think I have ever been so excited in my whole life! 3 hours later, I was still floating about 3 feet off the floor when I receive a telephone call from Jean, from Quito... I had not heard his voice since June, from Mexico!!!
That afternoon, after work, I took the metro, as usual to go home but I could as well have flown on a Magic carpet for all my elation. After supper, I was answering emails from friends when I receive an email from H.H.Brown Canada sending me a photo of a new shoe they have designed with Jean's walk in mind and saying could I bring a prototype with me to Quito.
I hardly slept that night... wonder why???
Now, a few days before I leave to meet my "very special walker" I want to thank you all for your support, your prayers, your good thoughts and specially all the love you are sending to us. Jean is joining me in wishing you a "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy New Year". We want you to know that our thoughts of love and peace are with you always!
Till next time...
Luce