Day 6 - Letter from Kim

Hello again!

Here I have just a few minutes because it has been somewhat of a crazy evening. We arrived back from Azabi (literally I think the end of the earth). Initially, we were not well received; we waved and no one waved back. However, after Sat to Mon, when we left, they invited us back again.

Time stands still here. There were several older patients who had no idea how old they were. There were 2 that stick in my mind. Both were Quechua and at the approximate age of 80 had never had a pair of shoes. Their feet were worn and toes really spread out. They complained of foot pain (imagine that). We had bought boots because there was a lot of mud. We gave them both a pair of boots (from our own) and both needed new glasses. (We have an instrument that measures globe of eye and auto refractory.)

One of the women came back to my "exam room" and thru translators said "I look good." Loved it and it made me laugh.

The kids were great. Lots of Azabi stories to tell. The scenery was beautiful. This was the first year there was a road to Azabi. Needless to say, it was treacherous. We got the truck stuck a few times. The cabin where we stayed was a great witnessing opportunity there as much as the village people. Lots of people heard about Jesus and 8 accepted Christ as their Savior in the last 2 days. We received gifts of fruit and eggs.

Tomorrow we leave again for 3 days and 2 nights, so again I will not have internet access. We are going to Lita and Rio Verde. Everyone the last 3 days was treated for intestinal worms. One woman reported she actually vomited up about 10 in worm (probably a tapeworm). Most just say they have abdominal pain or saw them in their stool.

Clean water is definitely appreciated. So far I have not had any diarrhea or stomach problems. Lots of hand sanitizer and bottled water.

We have met some awesome people who are doing missionary work and starting new churches here in Ecuador. Some of them serve as my interpreter. Some of my Spanish is coming back but it is still very rusty!

Lots of love from Ecuador!
Kim