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. 

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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.

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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.

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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

The BIG Day!!

We are moved!!! Last weekend, the rest of the children moved to the new property! What an exciting, but crazy day. Due to the various infections at the old orphanage, all of the kids got clorox baths, lice treatments, and then traveled to the new property only in bathing suits and shoes. Unfortunately, lice was so bad in some of the girls heads, almost all the girls received a short hair cut and the boys' heads got buzzed. It became a Casa de Fe event...even some of the teachers cut their hair too, so the girls would not feel alone!

Greis getting her hair cut!

The boys all clean, in their bathing suits, and waiting for a ride to the new orphanage! :)

Lice treatments

The day after the move, on Sunday, a church service was held at the new property, with all of the kids and volunteers involved with Casa de Fe. It was also a time to celebrate Dwight's 30th birthday. Dwight has been head of the construction of the new property. He and Tandy have put so much time and effort into Casa de Fe...they are awesome!! We are sad to see them leave this week :( Who knows what the Lord has for has for their future...maybe they will return! :)

Church service at the new property!

Tandy and Dwight--a couple we are really going to miss!

It has been very nice to be in the new property.  Still a lot to organize, but we are getting there!!  All the children are in one place, which is wonderful!!  However, since this facility is eventually going to be a multi purpose facility, there is still a lot to cram into one building.  The building is currently housing all 53 kids, and is a school as well.  Therefore, it has taken time to figure out where physical therapy, medical care, social work, general office space, storage, and other items are fitting. The next structure being built is the school.  Once that is ready, it will open up rooms for the previously listed needs that are right now classrooms.  Overall, it is so exciting to be here!  What a blessing!!

The boys playing with their new toys!!

New toys/books, and tea party time! :)

Please continue to pray for the medical side of things.  There is so much I want to help with before I leave at Christmas (who knows...the Lord may provide me or another nurse to come back! :)), but it is coming so quickly.  Mary Jane and I are only 2 people, so obviously not everything can get done medically...especially without the Lord's help.  Please pray the Lord gives us the knowledge and strength to get as much done as possible...focusing on the essentials. 

Gabi, Ariel, and I after church.

Beautiful Shell, Ecuador.

I am really starting to love these kids so much.  Their smiles, energy, and determination amaze me.  Pray for their hearts, that no matter where they live, what they have been through, or what they do or do not have, that they realize God loves them more than anything.

Ashley

ME: I can do it all by myself! GOD: Okay. Let me see you try.

I guess I should first apologize that I am super behind in blogging. I cannot believe we have been here almost 2 months! It surely has been a busy two months! As with many experiences, through working at Casa de Fe Orphanage, the Lord has opened my eyes to more important things than the trivial items I dwell on sometimes.

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! 

                                                Greis and Kevin taking clorox baths!!!

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

October Highlights!

*Hiking through the mountains, climbing a volcano, AND viewing a waterfall in the same day. Love the beauty of this country!

*Watching a Korean break dancing crew (Last for One) and eating sushi with friends in Quito (oh how I missed you little rice rolls!)

*Learning some Ecuadorian recipes and getting one step closer to killing and preparing my own chicken by buying a whole dead one, cutting off its toenails, and frying it. Note that I said only the toenails. The feet are prepared here. Yummy!

*Jovencitas (young girls) Bible study on Friday nights with Daniella and the girls from Casa de Fe orphanage

*Learning Spanish worship songs

*Successfully shopping and bartering in Spanish!

*Flowers and a card from Solomon! -- via Kimmy

*The discovery of a coffee shop in Puyo (15 mins away) with mochachinos!!

*Zoos galore!

*Helping my students learn to play their marimbas for the parade next month. Although, nine girls playing their instruments in a small room for an hour helps me remember why I chose to teach English instead of music. :-)

*Meeting tons of new people to share life with here in Shell. God is so good!

Love you all,

Kristin