Mis Pensamientos

As expressed earlier by my sister, time is passing rapidly here. It’s difficult to believe that I have less than two months left. For most of the “winter” season I was looking forward to Solomon and Ray’s visit (so amazing!) and now that it’s past, well, my time here seems much shorter. My parents will visit in six weeks and then I’ll have only one week left to pack up my things, say goodbye, and travel back to the world of good and plenty.

Crazy!

We won’t even discuss reverse culture shock yet.  * Shiver *

Thank goodness mom and dad will be taking home many of my things so I won’t have to traipse through MIA alone loaded down with a year’s worth of clothes and whatever else I’ve collected. 

Just last week Kimmy and I packed up all our things and moved to a new house on the HCJB compound. A missionary family headed to the States for three months and asked us to take care of their house and gigantic dog, Baron. It took three separate trips spanning three days to pack up everything. Granted, a good chuck of that was food, spices, oils, and the like. We’ve been stocking up: petitioning visitors for peanut butter and baking soda, scouring the shelves at SuperMaxi in Quito for baking chocolate, and frequenting the hippie spice shops in Banos for ground mustard and cream of tartar. Cooking ingredients are like gold here. If someone has lemon pepper seasoning, it’s as awe- and envy-inspiring as blue diamonds. For real. So after we moved in, what did we do first?

COOKED!

We finally had a kitchen, a large, well-stocked kitchen, to ourselves. It was glorious. Honestly, I don’t even like cooking all that much, but realized I definitely missed it while living at Maria’s. Without even unpacking our suitcases we set to work making dinner and then invited one of the interns over to join us – just because we could.

Living at the new house makes Kimmy’s commute to work a whopping two minutes; mine’s a bit longer. It’s not such a bad walk, only fifteen minutes, but when it rains it’s rather miserable. Since Shell has a single-minded mission to re-do all their water and sewer systems, they tear up ALL the roads at once. Not kidding. It’s a maze around here. I’ve seen the same roads torn up twice in the span of seven months with only about a month of break in between. I might as well be back in Michigan. There’s dirt everywhere. Needless to say, when it rains I arrive to school covered in mud. It’s actually rather comical.

And speaking of school, I’m so proud of my little students! They’re really starting to learn English! They’re not afraid to experiment with new phrases and pronunciations, which makes my life much easier. The sixth and seventh graders are still writing to their American pen-pals. All of the girls (and some boys) attach little gifts in each of their letters: bracelets, pogs, keychains, pictures, trading cards. My kids have such generous hearts! 

My sixth graders working on their letters

In third and fifth grade, the students just finished writing mini-books. The fifth graders wrote their rendition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the third graders wrote a book about school supplies gone missing like the book Who Hid It? by Taro Gomi.  To show off their hard work, the fifth graders came and read their stories to my third graders. So adorable! The third graders plan to read their stories to the first grade this week.  

A fifth grader reading to two third graders

In other news, during the month of April the Lord gave me the opportunity to volunteer for a conference called Proyecto Jesus, run by local 20-somethings in Shell. A night of worship capped off a weekend of service, prayer, worship, and community-building with area churches. Never before had churches come together like this. The last night featured three bands and two speakers, and received around eighty people, some coming from two hours away. Though that seems like a small amount compared to the thousands that attend events CIY or SITS, the Spirit moved just as powerfully in the lives of many believers and unbelievers. We loudly worshipped the Lord together for all of Shell to hear! :-) 

 

During the time of planning for the conference, the Lord stretched me in new ways of reliance and comfort. We took the entire month of April to focus on prayer and fasting for the event. We met once a week for prayer meetings, and had a couple midnight vigils, prayer walks, and scheduled fasting, not to mention other planning meetings. My capacity for Spanish stretched and shook during this month. Maintaining a basic conversation in Spanish is nothing like expounding on Biblical text and ideas. Moreover, every time I wanted to say something, my words would get mixed up inside my mouth, even though in my head I knew how to say it correctly. More times than I wish to recount I found myself walking to the meetings debating whether to turn around and go home to spare myself from humiliation and just pray in the comfort of my own space and language.

But I kept going, at times not even knowing why.

At the end of one particularly challenging night, I turned to some of my friends and exasperatedly asked them, “Why am I always the only white person here?” (As if having other English speakers there would make my Spanish better . . . Yeah, I know, it’s irrelevant.) To which one responded, “Because they don’t want to get involved with us. They don’t care.”

Wow. Really? That’s what they think?

At first their comment really threw me off. Why aren’t the other missionaries helping? Were they invited to help and said no? Do they even know about it?

After mulling it over for a while (and letting the Lord cleanse my thoughts) I realized that I had asked the question out of fear and frustration, and so doing, opened a door for an equally negative, bitter response.

It seems to be the constant struggle for missionaries to know when and where to serve, and when to say, “No.” Because of my schedule I’m able to help out with the Ecuadorian youth more than other people, so that’s my calling. That does not apply to everyone. It’s obvious the doctors, pilots, and teachers care about the people of Shell, but most of them are married with kids, making extra curricular activities nearly impossible. My friends were thinking only within the scope of this project and thus were blinded.  My question did nothing to help that. We later talked that night about the role of missionaries in Shell and they agreed that the missionaries all help out in different ways, just like the people in the church. Praise God that He can fix my mistakes.

May I choose my words more carefully during these next few weeks and be incredibly intentional in my conversations.

I cannot wait to see you all when I return. Thank you soooooo much for all your prayers, donations, and letters this past year. You're such an encouragement to me. Please let me (us) know how to pray for you. 

Abrazos,

Kristin

It's Almost May?! What?!

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!

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. 

Cafe del Cielo in Banos

Quito friends-last group photo in Quito airport

  To end the blog here's one last picture taken yesterday from outside our front gate:

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

Creation

Realization One: There's rain in Ecuador!

When I came to Shell, I knew I was going to live near the rainforest. Naturally, I pictured Fern Gully -- green trees, bright flowers, talking bats. . . What I didn't process was the word "rain" in rainforest. I didn't realize that it would rain here at least twice, if not three times a day.

I know, I know, that's pretty obvious.

Over the last seven months I've gotten used to typically dreary skyline. It's become predictable, even. Magically it always seems to rain around 2p, which is a perfect time to take a nap! (School finishes at 1p here). Then at night, there are these occasional fantastic thunderstorms! It rains so loud that I can't even hear the person across the table.

But truth be told, the most amazing part of living with the continual presence of the gray, cloudy skies is when the clouds finally part and colors spring to life. Vivid blue skies, white puffy clouds, forest green mountains, and golden sunshine. On special nights we can watch the mountains envelop the sun in the deep hues of an orange, red, pink, and purple sunset. 

God's creation is so amazing!

Realization Two: The mountains are volcanoes!

I knew that Ecuador was situated amidst the Andes, so I expected to be living somewhere surrounded by mountains. What I didn't realize was that within these mountains there are THIRTY volcanoes. Yes, thirty. And that's just on the mainland. The Galapagos Islands have their own fourteen. Crazy!

From where I live, on a clear day, I can see the snow covered Sangay. Usually that only happens in the morning, so it's kinda like a pick-me-up on my way to work.

After it erupted in November, I could see Tunguarahua shooting ash for weeks. I'd wake up and there would be a layer of ash on cars and gates. My phone company even sent me a few different texts advising me to wear a mask while walking outside. Kimmy, however, got to see it actually erupting as she traveled past it at night on her way back to Shell from the coast. So cool!

This weekend in the north of Ecuador, my friends and I drove past Cayambe on a beautifully clear day on our way to Otavalo. Then, on our way back to Shell, the Lord granted us the most beautiful sight. In the cloudy land of Ecuador, the Lord swept away the dreariness and revealed three volanoes to us at the same time! Cotopaxi , Chimborazo, and Tunguarahua (<-- it's a different link. Check it out! ) That's a viewing distance of at least 85 miles!

 Realization Three: Extremes and constants

This is definitely a country of extremes. Rainforests and deserts. Elevations of 6268m (that's about 20, 564 feet) and 0m at sea level. Snow and heat on the equator. Yet that the same time, nothing changes! No seasons, no time changes, sunrises and sunsets at the same time (+/- a minute) everyday. Reliable constants (pretty sure that's a hyperbole).

I love living in this diverse country! You should come visit sometime. ;-)

Love,
Kristin

Hello again!

Hey guys!

It's been awhile since I've last written. Probably since November. Yikes. So glad that Kim's doing this blog with me or it'd be really empty. :-/

However, despite my lack of communication, I have often thought of all you reading this blog from time to time. I was reminded today of how thankful I am for our supporters, our friends and family who are praying for us through this new experience. Your prayers are so precious to me (us). Prayers of protection, provision, wisdom, growth, friendship, faith. We have been so covered by them down here! The Lord is truly faithful, amen? :-)

So here are some ramblings of recent-ish events:

Some of those amazing single ladies.
The teachers of Casa de Fe orphanage
with the girls I help mentor in a Bible study.

Yesterday a group of 27 people (mostly college students) from Minnesota came to Shell to work in the orphanage and various other locations. Their very first service to the community was to hold a brunch today for all the missionary ladies in the area. Such a blessing! As we enjoyed our meal and being served, we shared about how the Lord called us to the mission field and answered general questions. During the brunch I finally noticed how many single missionary women there are in Shell. Like, 15! As I discussed this with a friend, she pointed out that there's only one single missionary male here. One? I guess I never noticed before. But as I think of it, almost all of my friends who have gone off to foreign countries to serve have been single women (with the exception three amazing men serving in Haiti, Rome, and Geneva, of course). Why is that? 

Kimmy scaling the waterfall

Me coming down after her.

In other news, Kim, our friend Maria, and I repelled down some waterfalls in Banos two weekends ago. Besides bridge jumping, it's probably one of the more adventurous things I've ever done. Plus, it's actually much less scary than I expected, but the scenery is worth more than the rush. We hiked up a mountain (by far the most difficult part. I am so out of shape!) until we got to the top of a waterfall then traveled down it as it wound through the forested mountainside. There were coves with hanging vines, purple flowers drifting down the stream, and the exotic birds hovering in the canopy. Amazing!  Chalk that up to another adventure liable to increase my mother's stress level. :-)

We had to wear wetsuits because the water was so cold!

School keeps me fairly busy during the week. My 6th and 7th graders are loving the pen-pal program my friend and I set up. Her middle school Spanish kids in the States and mine exchange letters, pictures, and videos in English and Spanish. I love that my kids are still kinda disappointed if their pen-pal is of the opposite gender. No excessive hormone issues yet! Although, my girls loooove Camp Rock and Justin Beiber. Is that even how you spell his name? I have no idea. But regardless, my 7th graders starting to ask me in the beginning of every class a new word or phrase they've heard. We've defined "flirt" "player" "love you forever" "hello kitty" (which they're convinced means devil worshiping in Chinese -- isn't Hello Kitty Japanese anyway?) and "thriller" (the boys are obviously listening to Michael Jackson). Meanwhile, at the other end, my third graders get so excited to come to class with their new "My Little Pony" or "Spiderman" action figures and say the names or catch phrases in English. I love these kids. They make my day so much more interesting.

Lately, I have taken up giving English lessons every Wednesday to an Ecuadorian English teacher named Cathy (yep, English lessons for an English teacher). She's a sweet 25-year old woman with an adorable 4-year old son. To be fair, she knows quite a bit of English, but like many people, doesn't have a chance to practice it. She doesn't have time to come to Spotlight (the English practice meeting once a week) so most of the time we just talk. I'm really praying that through our friendship the Lord will reveal Himself to her and speak truth into her life. She's a single mom, struggling with the life-changing effects of having a child. She's having trouble balancing the responsibilities of being a mother with the desire to party every weekend with her friends. In all honesty, she's lonely and searching for something to make her happy. Please pray for her and me during our time together that she'll be able to find what she's looking for in the Lord.

So besides all of that, I've been passing my time here with good friends, food (so much food!), and laughter. So thankful for this time! So until next time, please keep praying for us and know that you're in our hearts and minds.

Much love,
Kristin

Life's Recent Stories

I’m back in Shell after a long and beautiful Christmas in Michigan with many friends and family, and I am loving my time in Ecuador more than ever. Christmas break was a breath of fresh air, a time to reunite with friends-to pick up right where we left off, a time of encouragement and encouraging, and a time of sharing in God’s love, spirit and direction in our lives.

For the past week or so I had no idea what to write about…But today I heard God loud and clear…so here are…..

A collection of stories:

Sunday night was slow at the hospital…an 8 hour shift and only 3 patients. It was just me and the other nurse but the nurse I worked with is different from the others…she talks a lot..and to me, even though she and I both know I only understand maybe 50%-75% (on a good night J)  But that doesn’t slow her down and she’s patient and repetitive until I understand her story or explanation or advice. And I thank her for that. Sunday night, during our may hours of nothing do to but organize charts and fold gauze (which I must say-I have become a pro at!) she told me stories of years past in the hospital and of past missionaries who she worked with and dearly loved.  She even pulled out an old photo album that just happened to be in the nurses’ ‘kitchen area.’ We went through the album twice, pausing at each picture, explaining each person, where they are now, and how special they were and are to her. She explained how in years past it was different here and she longed for those days. She retold her memories of a beautiful community of Ecuadorian and missionary women gathering together weekly to share a meal in each other’s homes, and live out and study God’s word together all while sharing life of family, kids, struggles and joys. Her recount was beautiful yet broke my heart as we both wondered why things had changed. But we both knew that God wasn’t finished in Shell. We had hope for the future…and at the end of the conversation with a smile on her face she said she needed my picture in that album. 

________________

I was having a not so pleasant morning. I was at work and could tell I was grumpy/frustrated and 1pm, the beautiful time that meant I could go home, couldn’t come fast enough. I think I was tired from working the past few days, I think I had a cold and I think it was a morning where my Spanish was just not going very well. It was during my first couple of weeks back to Shell after being home in the states and I knew that was probably playing a part as well. After 1pm report I rushed back to the changing room to grab my things and go but before leaving I found a text message from a good friend in Ecuador wishing me a good day. As simple as it was it stopped me dead in my tracks. It felt like a breath of fresh air-as if God was saying…you are not alone-I am and always will be providing for you. But God wasn’t done... I arrived home shortly after to find two random emails in my inbox (and one was sent at the EXACT time as the earlier text!). The first was from an amazing friend and surgeon I work with in Africa. Someone who through the years has become a blessed friend and mentor and has shown me a true example of what it means to really trust in the Lord for EVERYTHING. Her email was short and sweet but exactly what I needed: “I’m praying for you. let me know of specific concerns to bring before Abba.”  The second was from someone at my church back home who recently, with his wife, have become Godly mentors and friends for my sister and I. The first part of the email read: “Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you today, and praying that you are able to be used and withdraw all that God has in store for you in Ecuador.”How amazing is our Lord?! Even writing this now am I utterly amazed by God’s perfect time, grace and love. It was humbling and perfect. To my three friends, thank you. Thank for the Christ-like example you live out and thank you for the impact you have on mine and so many people’s lives. And to my Lord, thank you. Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself; for providing daily for your children, for loving us when we are so undeserving.

_________________

Last night was rich and beautiful. A girls night of pasta, spinach salad, crisp garlic and bruschetta breads, dim lighting, Billie Holiday and 5 beautiful women. We finally found a night where the three of us girls living at Maria’s were free for the night. (Myself, Kristin and Maria-a new friend here for the month!) So we decided to have a full out Italian night. Ibet was free and offered up her place for the event and two of the hospital interns, Cris and Betina, were able to come as well. One of my absolute favorite things is to share meals with others. Just the feeling of preparing food together and sitting around a giant table and enjoying friendships, community, and fellowship is beautiful and Holy. It’s something I really miss from our house in Dearborn Hghts. We spent so many hours in that kitchen and around the table or in the backyard on the tire swing eating, sharing in each other’s lives and just purely living in community with each other. Last night was a reminder of that and hopefully one of many more to come.

 ________________

Much love and many blessing to you all!

-Kim 

Time is passing!

It's quite amazing how quickly time passes-actually, it's terrifying if I really look at it. Even though I am still young, I see and feel how fast time is going. For example, I graduated 2 years ago! For some reason that is just crazy to me. I have my journal here from the past few years. Kristin gave it to me as a high school graduation gift. (yeah, I’m not an everyday journaler-so it's the same one) Every so often, I start from the beginning and read through the years. Each time I am moved by the strong presence of God leading and directing my life and providing my needs-even if I don't see it until years later when I'm rereading. I think what I’ve noticed the most while reading today is how God has always provide a loving community of friends, regardless of where I am or the phase of my life. I have and am truly blessed.  This really has nothing to do with my blog but it’s been on my mind lately so I figured I would share! :-)

In 2 weeks the three of us will be back in Michigan, home for Christmas and home to be reunited with friends, family and the English language :-) Anticipating the holidays brings back lovely memories of past Christmases and new years with friends,...God is so GOOD.

Really quick before I go on about my last couple of weeks here I want to show some pictures from our Thanksgiving in Shell!! I actually had two Thanksgiving dinners! The first was with our Spotlight group.(a group that meets twice a week to learn English). The second was during my surgery trip to San Lorenzo!

 During the week of Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to travel to the Ecuadorian/Colombian border city of San Lorenzo. I went with the hospital’s ophthalmologist, his family and our friend who is the ophthalmology technician. We spent the week doing cataract and other various eye surgeries. Although Ecuador is a small country, its diversity culturally and economically is astonishing. During the 12 hour drive we went from our small city of Shell on the edge of the rural jungle up through affluent areas of Quito and it’s suburbs with gated communities/homes, malls and KFCs and finally up to the coastal region near the Colombian border where the poverty, crime and danger are not hidden. Because of the danger in SL and our busyness in the OR we were only able to leave the property twice and kept our time after dark to a minimum. But I really enjoyed SL and could see myself living and working there if the opportunity presented itself in the future…only God knows!

Beautiful view from the clinic rooftop in San Lorenzo

-Side Note: on the way home we had a beautiful view of Volcano Tungurahua doing what she does best…unfortunately the pictures don’t give the view justice.

The week after San Lorenzo was a bit crazy for me. Before leaving, I received an email with a possible opportunity, with a relief org. partnered with HCJB, to fly with docs from Ecuador to Haiti for the cholera epidemic-we would fly out the following Saturday(Dec. 4^th) for 2 weeks! The past couple of months have been really hard being here in Ecuador with such hardship and suffering in Haiti. Part of my heart is still there and it breaks every time I read the news or speak with friends who are there helping. So when the opportunity arose I was thrilled! But the Lord had other plans and due to the quickness of the trip and other details, this opportunity didn’t work out. BUT other trips are hopefully being planned for January where I hopefully can help! Along with the uncertainty of Haiti, I also had my first week in the inpatient area of the hospital! Prior, I had been helping in the clinic trying to improve my Spanish. Starting on the floor is a huge change yet rewarding to be finally helping as a nurse. Spanish is still difficult, but the Lord is already providing wonderful nurses and aids that are patient and willing to help and teach, despite my broken Spanish. :-)

Well I'm I hope I get to see and catch up with many of you in a few weeks!! Thanks so much for your prayers and support! Much love to you all-Kim