As the Tzu Chi medical mission started to wind down, volunteers made their way to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to provide medical care to the local residents. Volunteers were hopeful that they could help the underserved and underprivileged in that city as many residents sought to seek medical treatment.
Some of the locals were there for treatment for themselves while others brought family members, such as Andrea Solis who brought her infant daughter. Solis has worked on the streets of Guayaquil for 23 years cleaning car windshields, working hard to make ends meet. However, being able to pay for medical care is expensive, so she was grateful for Tzu Chi’s clinic.
I came to have my daughter seen because she’s sick. She's come down with food poisoning. She has welts on her body and her face. I think it’s good they’ve come to help us. The people need medical assistance.
Other local residents chose to attend and volunteer to give of their time and help others who are in need and less fortunate. The volunteers are there because their beliefs are in line with Tzu Chi to help those who are underprivileged.
Other residents including Segunda Jose Guano were there for medical treatment. Guano has been in a wheelchair for three years because of a car accident, and he is unable to walk . He was grateful for the attention given by Tzu Chi volunteers and received vitamins and medication for his headaches and dizzy spells.
For Aurora Gascón, a resident of Guayaquil, and an immigrant who has only been there for six months, the presence of Tzu Chi brought along deep emotions. She is new to the city and experienced severe back pain, leaving her unable to even bend over. Tzu Chi volunteers were able to provide much-needed relief for her.
Honestly, [Tzu Chi] treated me really well. I really like coming here...In my case, as an immigrant, I have met a lot of people that have been given a hand, while my family is back in my country, and they’re not doing well. [Tzu Chi] really deserves a place in heaven.
On the final night of the clinic, Tzu Chi volunteers gathered at a local restaurant for a year-end blessing and to deliver those blessings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen to local people and to those around the world.
Giving is not a privilege of the rich. We can use our own power and heart to help others.