Since I have been here, it has been overwhelming at times. Not only is there a lot to do, but emotionally, it has been a difficult couple of weeks for me. I am reminded that the power of prayer and faith in God is greater than anything I or anyone else can do. It is not until I completely surrender myself to God (through integrating Him in everything I do) that He can use me and work in ways unimaginable to me. I am still working on that though. Sometimes I finish my day and think “I never talked to God today”—bet things could have gone a little smoother if I did. I want to be so passionate for God that I cannot go a day without relying on Him and spending time with Him. That has not been easy for me this year.
The orphanage currently has 10 infants and 44 toddlers and school age children. There is a wide range of disabilities among the children. A few children/infants are not able to respond appropriately or communicate due to disorganized brain activity and/or brain structure (secondary to various diagnoses). Other children have unique congenital disorders, such as a single heart ventricle or chromosomal defect. Some children have cerebral palsy or orthopedic problems that require special devices to improve mobility. There are others who have no physical or developmental handicaps. Overall, many of the children have emotional and spiritual needs because they have endured abuse or negligence in the past.
Below are just some random pics of the kids! :)
The boys got a little hyper with the camera :)
Samy and Jhony, chillin after bathtime--I love Samy's hair, all combed back! Handsome fellas!
Snack time!
I have been working closely with another nurse, Mary Jane, to try and organize health care at the orphanage. We are the first full time nurses the orphanage has had and many of the children have special medical needs. There is a pediatrician and Ecuadorian nurse that visit occasionally, but unfortunately, there is so much to keep up with! We are all needed!
Since we have been here, A LOT of the children have had bad skin infections due to staph bacteria erupting in the orphanage. Unfortunately, the kids rarely receive showers with warm water, and usually they each take 2 minutes or so (unless it is freezing, then it is- jump in and jump out). Therefore, hygiene is a big factor. We have been doing countless amounts of Clorox baths, along with giving the children antibiotics occasionally. We are thankful to be moving in a week to the new orphanage!!! I am praying sooo much that this situation will improve. They will have warm water, longer showers, and soap dispensers!
Javier, Edy, and Pablo--Pablo is a little big for his tub :)
This past month we were able to update weights, heights, vision, and hearing. For the new orphanage, we are trying to implement a more organized system so the children have consistent care from the caregivers and problems are communicated well. We just finished making medical folders for each room in the new orphanage in order to improve quality of care and continuity of care. We REALLY hope it will help!
After we get moved in, the next big chore is to organize all of the kids’ medical charts. I CANNOT WAIT until every child has a pretty medical folder I am excited to get them going!
Please pray for the BIG MOVE this week. Patti Sue and the babies are moved in, but all of the rest of the kids move in to the new orphanage on Saturday! Please pray it goes smoothly. It has been a very stressful time for many. Please pray that everyone is able to get rejuvenating rest and strength from God. Also, please pray for these infections…maybe the Lord can take them all away when we move!
THE NEW ORPHANAGE!!!
I hope the Lord blesses you (in whatever way that may be), so you can bless others with guidance, knowledge and strength from the Lord.
Ashley
The new orphanage sounds like a definite improvement. Prayers going up for you all!
ReplyDeleteYou guys know Carlos, he was an orphan at the old orphanage in town. That is soo cool seeing the finished product of the new orphanage. I was with a group who went last summer I think or some time ago and helped with the very beginning of the building process. I miss those kids.
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