—- I started speaking English when I married my husband of 42 years. I am a mother of two children.  

My husband was a career military man and I was his wife throughout this journey which, although not an easy life, was a life full of memorable experiences. 

My husband's military career took us to live in different countries and experience new cultures. We moved every 18 months, living in hotels, base housing, and apartments. In many of the places I lived, I was the only Hispanic in the group of wives.  During our military life, I dedicated myself to work, volunteering, studying, teaching myself to sew, knit, cook, and anything else that would keep my mind busy.  It was as a military wife that I learned the importance of a helping hand, the importance of integrating into the community in which I lived, because when my husband had to leave for his job he knew that even though he was absent there was a community ready to lend a helping hand.

When I thought I knew everything I needed to know to live in the community I became a mother and I realized that being a mother also leads to unique experiences that I was not prepared for.  I was blessed to be a stay home with my children and be a mom and dad while my husband was away working. My volunteering at this stage of my life was in the school environment, I taught and was in charge of Sunday school, helped organize church and school events, I also got involved with girl and boy scouts, and everything that comes with being a mother. At this stage of my life, I also learned how hard it is to be alone but this time with the responsibility of having children, and once again I learned how important it is to have people around me to turn to for guidance. 

My professional life as a teacher taught me to be a leader, to work in a group, and that from each person in our path we have much to learn.  Sadly for me, I had to leave a profession I love due to a stroke. However, it was that same stroke that reminded me to keep a positive mind and that I must never forget to see the glass as half full and not half empty.

Each stage of my life led me to both intellectual and spiritual growth. It taught me the blessing of a good friend and the importance of knowing the community. 

Although I have always been dedicated to helping the community I never had the opportunity to meet people from my home country. So I decided that it was in my power to change that part of my life, it was then that with the support of my husband I formed the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas.

 "What I thought I could give to the members of this group does not compare to how much they have contributed to my life. Once again and in another stage of my life I am looking forward to a future hand in hand with extraordinary women I’ve met in this group”

Patricia García -Groce

I have 3 wonderful children and am a very proud grandmother to my 12 grandchildren.

During my 8-year stay in Jakarta, Indonesia, I was twice President of the Hispanic Ladies Club. We worked very efficiently and our main objective was to help each other since we were so far away from our countries and family, it was in this place where I had the opportunity to talk and be friends with Spanish-speaking people.

The club also made it a priority to help and get involved with the Indonesian community and our biggest contribution was to 2 orphanages.

I have been a member of the Asociación de Damas Ecuatorianas en el Norte de Texas for 6 years and I enjoy very much the harmony and friendship of my dear compatriots which make me feel closer to my country.

Martha M.

This group is important to me because it is my way of connecting with my beloved homeland. It represents the family that remained on our Ecuadorian soil and that I always miss. In this group of ladies, we share the same identity, fears, and dreams.

My life has changed since I belong to the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas because I no longer feel so far from Ecuador.

I have friends who speak the same language (dialect, who understand me if I say ñañita…jijij), who share with me the customs, stories, and tastes for national food. Without exaggeration, I can say that I have the sisters that life gave me because they listen to me, advise me, reproach me if necessary, laugh and cry with me, celebrate my triumphs and support me spiritually when I need it.

CARLA V

When I was first invited to the meeting, I was happy because I knew I would meet people from my native country. On the day of the meeting I felt very excited because it was more than meeting Ecuadorians, it was going back to my roots, talking about common places, the sayings, the unique jokes, and the delicious food, I felt transported to my beautiful Ecuador.

It was at the ASOCIACION DE DAMAS ECUATORIANAS EN EL NORTE DE TEXAS where I found the part of me that was missing, I realized that I was not the only one who missed Ecuador. I saw that we all carry our country in our hearts.

MARITZA A

I belong to the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas since its inception, being an active member.

For me, this group meets all my expectations, it is like being in my country, since we try to preserve our customs, traditions, gastronomy, and most importantly, there is brotherhood and equality between us.

FRANCISCA P.

I like being part of the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas because from the first day I felt like family. We are all from the same country and I feel that all the girls are very sincere and very cooperative in every way.

It is a very organized group that has projects and goals, activities, and very good ideas.

The people who run the group are very professional. Thank you all for contributing your grain of sand so that the group continues to be active and may God continue to bless us so that the name of our country remains high.

ELIZABETH T.

I have been part of the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas since its inception. This group means "Brotherhood" for me since being outside our country we are ready to help each other. We are a group of women who know how to understand silences, smiles and moods without feeling offended, far from envy, and jealousy, we know what it means to accept without judging. In addition, the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas represents for me to maintain my roots and the constant communion of my compatriots.

I will continue to support the Association group within my capabilities and possibilities.

Elsy A.

I have always been blessed because during each change in my life God put me and continues to put good people along the way who have helped me integrate into the community.

I have belonged to the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas since its inception.

I have received a lot of love from all this wonderful group which I would call the sisters that God gave me far from my country.

Mirna V.

I met this wonderful group of women full of inspiring stories with hearts overflowing with love and honesty. I have been a member since the begging.

Diana M.

In the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas, I have found a little piece of Ecuador that I loved and I always have in my heart.

Thank you, my dear ladies.

Mery V.

At a multicultural meeting, I met Patricia Groce and I was moved when she told me that she would like to meet more Ecuadorians here in north Texas. This is how little by little the word spread among us Ecuadorians and we began to meet until it became the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas. Belonging to this association is like being in Ecuador since we can share our gastronomy, but the most essential part is to have friends with whom to share happy times and sad times. To be around women from the same country allows us to speak using words from the areas we grew up in and that only other Ecuadorians understand.

I have found a group where we understand and take care of each other. In addition to being there for each other in the good and bad times  (I am a witness to their unconditional support).

I feel supported and very happy to be part of the Association of Ecuadorian Ladies in North Texas and I like being part of social work, which is one of the goals we work for since it allows me to be an active part of the community.

Although my heart is hurt by the loss of my husband, in 2018 they never left me alone, I felt their love.  Today I live with my two children who fill the days of my life and we continue working on the dreams that together with my husband planned for our family.

Iris M.