These past two months have been full packed…but in amazingly good ways. Our Lord truly blesses us and I am so grateful for this presence in my life…for I would be completely lost without Him.
In these past months I have been into the jungle, worked like crazy, made small weekend trips with friends, spent a week with two friends from the States who visited and all the while been taught by the Lord.
Right now I am in the processes of seeking what is next in my life. I have almost exactly 4 months left in Ecuador…which is crazy to think. I feel like for the first time I have no idea what is next for me. Although it’s a somewhat a freeing feeling it’s terrifying at the same time. I know there are many opportunities for me back in Michigan, here in Ecuador, and even in other countries/states. Please pray for this area of my life. I want my direction and decisions for what’s next to be from the Lord instead of from my daily emotion, which changes frequently.
About a month ago I had the opportunity to hike into the Amazon to spend three days with a Shuar family (one of the many tribal groups in Ecuador) It all came about through a new friend I met at the hospital, Nina! Every so often the hospital has med students/residents rotate through the hospital to shadow for the few days. They are with a state-side organization that organizes a 2 month program to experience healthcare in Ecuador. Part of the program includes this hike into the jungle. Usually it’s groups of 6-8 but it was only her-so she asked if I could go-and I of course jumped at the idea! Thanks to a few friends in Shell I was able to barrow a hiking backpack, sleeping bag, tent, ect. So early Monday morning I jumped in a cab to the bus station in the next town over, met up with Nina and we started our first trek which was a southbound bus. After 45 mins or so we found a small health clinic where our guides were waiting for us. Our guides into the jungle were a 22 y/o and her 12 y/o niece (who lived in the village we were heading to) we met up and off we went! The warned us ahead of time that the hike usually takes groups 4-6 hours…it took us 6 but the beauty of the hike was worth it. Despite the large quantities of mug, thick mud, the rainforest is lush and beautiful. It surrounds you till you feel like you’re the only one for miles. Once arriving in the village we headed straight to the river to wash up and cool off. During the next two days we spent time with the family cooking, exploring the village and hiking through the surrounding forest to a beautiful waterfall. The husband of the family we stayed with was the herbal healer of the community so during our hike he showed us all the medicinal plants in the area. God’s creation is truly amazing!
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| Helping with dinner! |
The hospital is going well. I have been on my own for the past couple of months and it has been great. Despite Spanish still being hard at times it’s nice to be on my own and have my own autonomy with patients.
The hospital here in Shell is a huge blessing for the surrounding area but at times I am reminded of how we are still so limited. Despite all the new healthcare issues back home, I think we take for granted the resources available. Just today we lost a little 2 year old girl who is now celebrating with Jesus. She had come in during the Easter holiday weekend because she had fallen into boiling water and had 50-60% body burns. I think how in the states we have burn units..even burn units that specialize in pediatrics. Not here. But I need to remember that the Lord is in control-always. He gives and he takes without us knowing why. But he is faithful and he is able and that's all we need to know.
Also during these past two months I was asked to be the madrina for a week long annual sports tournament between all the hospitals in the area. (basically I was the girl who represented the team/hospital-I didn't win -which I am actually thankful for...because I would have had to give a speech!) But I am so glad I decided to do it! It made me realize how much I love the people I work with. One of the exciting parts of learning more Spanish is being able to really connect and know others at the hospital.
A few weeks ago was our finally bible study with some of the girls in Shell. A group of about 15 of us have been meeting weekly for the past few months while going through a Beth Moore study. Our fearless leader and her husband have just moved back to the states after being on the mission field for 20+ years. Desi-we will miss you! To celebrate we had a small bible study dinner where we were able to share and reflect on the study and our lives. These girls have been such a blessing to me here in Ecuador. Their lives, stories, friendships and encouragement are just another testament of God’s unfailing love for me.
This past week Kristin’s boyfriend, Solomon and his cousin, Ray came to visit us for a week! Despite having a few flight issues and us all being a little sick, the four of us with our friends in Ecuador, had an amazing week! We spent time in Banos-a touristy city an hour north of us, a few days here in Shell and then ended the week in Quito. It was exciting to be able to share our home, passions and work to friends in the states.
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| Cafe del Cielo in Banos |
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| Quito friends-last group photo in Quito airport |
To end the blog here's one last picture taken yesterday from outside our front gate:
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| The volcano in Banos spitting out some smoke! |
Many blessings and prayers to all back home and elsewhere! Thank you for your love and support...you have no idea what it means to me :-)
-Kimmy
