Perspective from above the wind

Dear Ones,

The team has returned to US soil. However, due to baggage trouble in Miami, we have separated to take different paths to our final destinations. Linda and I are presently in Chicago, while Kim and Larry are in Dallas and Nick and Brandon are in Columbus. We all anticipate being home before day's end. We are all healthy, and filled with a renewed sense of God's grace and providence.

I thought I would conclude the telling of this year's Ecuador mission story by relating some thoughts about a bald eagle we saw on Sunday afternoon. After worship at the Galilee church in Otavalo, the team decided to visit Condor Parque ( something I had wanted to do for several years. ) True to it's name, there were several condors in residence there on the side of the mountain. Huge birds, they were there as the result of injuries sustained in the wild.

Although the condors were unable to fly, the highlight of our day was to observe a bald eagle in flight. A professional who works with these birds brought the eagle out to where we were seated. Over the next half hour, we were graced with the raw beauty and strength of this magnificent bird. Initially, as the trainer released him, the eagle would fly just a few dozen feet, and then quickly return to his master's arm. Finally, after several forays, the began to fly in ever-widening circles and ever higher spirals. For a few minutes, our view was blocked as he flew towards the sun, and his flight seemed to be over a mile in diameter. He concluded this seemingly effortless display by diving dramatically into the space just in front of us, finally coming to rest on his master's arm. The scene was was wild - beyond our control.

While watching, my mind focused on the idea of dreaming and seeing a dream through to it's end. Ecuador has been like that for some of us. But it is not yet complete. We are like that eagle in his initial forays. There are bigger dreams that have been dreamed, and that are yet to be dreamed. We need to speak them out, and share them with one another. And then we need to pursue them, through their completion.

What has God spoken to you? Of what do you dream (if at all)? Is your dream God-sized, God-given? Spend some time with Him today, and ask what dream He has for you, and for your "team".

Sitting in the airport,
Tim

Travel log from Kim

Hello everyone from Ecuador. Thanks for your prayers.

Some of this you already know from Tim, but here is a brief travel log of our trip. We arrived in Quito Sunday night. Things went very smoothly through customs. We received all of the luggage and no problems getting meds in. We did an extra step this year and notified the consulate in Houston with the list of meds and supplies. They did not even ask for the papers. Monday, we headed to a town Puyo (near Shell from End of the Spear). We stopped to see an awesome waterfall and the Nate Saint house and MAF airport. We had 8 hrs of driving also. We had a clinic in Puyo. This is a place and with missionaries that have not worked with medical mission teams prior. Both sides were sort of feeling out the other for possible future opportunies.

Chet and Katie Williams and Daniel Klassen were awesome and their heart for the Waorani and God was a blessing. Then on Wed we drove from Shell to Otovalo. Early Thurs we left for Rio Verde and had clinic Thurs and Fri. There is a new bridge across the river, so we went further into the mountains/jungle than we have ever gone before. The walk from where we previously had clinic to the missionaries home was a 4 hour walk. After the bridge was built, it was an hour walk. And now the road (using the word loosely) is extended and for them a 5 min walk. For us, it was 30-40 min including getting my boots stuck in the mud. We stayed in the jungle at the missionary home Thurs night. Saturday we were back in Otovalo and went to outdoor market that afternoon. Sunday (we were more like tourists than a medical mission team) we went to church at Iglesa de Galilea which is a church in Otavalo. The pastor there is Wilman, and we work closely with him on our medical and VBS mission trips. Then our team and Wilman´s family went to the condor (bird) park. The bald eagle we saw fly (trained to return) was named Gringo. (Gotta love it!) We then went to the mountains to Cuicocha (guinea pig) Lake but were swarmed by mosquitos so did not stay long. Today we went to Pijal for clinic and just returned this evening.

I am passing along a few stories later but I do not know if I can match Tim´s storytelling.

Thanks for your prayers. We will be headed back to the USA in 2 days and see you all soon.

Love, Kim

Finishing the last regular clinic in Pijal

Dear Ones:

The team has finished their days of regular clinic as of today. We saw about 120 people in the Quichua community of Pijal. Kim saw many interesting cases, while I saw a lot of hyperactive kids. One interesting case involved a seven year old girl who would awaken several nights a month with hallucinations. Her gaze would be fixed on something, and she could not be redirected by her family. She would have no recall for the events. In the end, we decided she was experiencing absence (petit mal) seizures, but when you are here you also wonder about demon possession.

The team is tired, but contented. We believe that God has directed each of our steps and the events of each day. The people have been encouraged, and in many cases helped. We will be returning to Quito tomorrow, after seeing the local pastors and their families in the clinic at the Galilee church here in Otavalo tomorrow. We will be flying out of Quito early Wednesday morning, finally landing in the Cincinnati airport (after going through Miami and Chicago) at about 7:30 pm on Wednesday night.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and encouragement. Linda`s foot has held up very well, and she attributes that to your faithfulness and God`s power. We look forward to seeing each of you in the near future.

I will close today with some more stories from the past week (to be posted in the email that follows this one).

In Awe of His Orchestration and Grace,
Tim

Viejas at clinic in Pijal

We saw many Quichawa and local people in clinic here today. Several old women came and not only told of their medical problems (usually pain) but also told me that the government should do more about their health and their land and offer more support. Some told me how their kids were already fighting over the inheritance even before she had died. My interpretors today told me just to start examining them because they would find more to talk about.

It was interesting to here the story of their land from their standpoint. We saw older people in this community that any other community I have seen in Ecuador in years past. Several were 70s-80s. They all are doing relatively well except vision and arthritis. Overall it was a great internal medicine day for me. One woman that broke her hip 11 years ago never had surgery but was frustrated because all the doctors did for her was give her pain medicine but did not offer anything else. She walked with a limp since her broken leg was shorter than the other. I discussed that even an operation now would probably not offer her much benefit for the risk of surgery and the pain/rehab. Several other similar stories came up today when surgery was recommended prior but not done and they wanted other options now. (Eye surgery needed for congenital eye muscle problem, gallbladder surgery recommended for abd pain, prostate surgery recommended for enlarged prostate due to difficulty voiding.)

I tried to encourage when I could but did not offer much in the way of new solutions. It gave me a new perspective on "missed oportunities." How often does God open doors or present situations for us to be part of His work? There have been many times immediately after it happens that I thought, there was another chance for me to join God in what He is doing. Ask (and follow) for God sized tasks and opportunities.

Sunday Lessons in Otavolo

Worship this morning was awesome. I had to concentrate much more on the words and what they mean because I am not able to sing words I have to translate while thinking about something else. Wilman preached out of I Corinthians 1.

Three problems that exist that prevent us from pursuing the cross:

1. Problem of division within the church
2. Lack of decision to follow Christ (Can we identify the church as different than the world?)
3. Not recognizing that without Christ we are nothing

The point that probably really hit home was when Wilman reminded me that the reason we do not hear or learn from God is because we are always talking. (Ouch!) Again I am reminded of one of God´s goals for me is to rest. I am always busy doing and talking, but I do not do much waiting and listening. That was the highlights of what I got out of the Spanish sermon (my own translation). Sheila´s birthday was Sunday, so they sang to her and gave her flowers. (Another story how they did that for another day.)

Other interesting things I learned that day that make you say hmmmm...: We did not get to see the condors fly because "there is not enough wind." I got batteries for the camera that did not work. I looked on the package and says "not for use in digital cameras or other high draining sources." Overall a fantastic day or rest and celebration.

Safe Return from Pijal

Back in the comforts of Otavalo

Dear Ones,

The team has returned to civilization, back in the comforts of Otavalo.

It has been a great four days spent with the Waoroni and the Awa. The travels have been long (8 hours on Wednesday and 4 hours today).

The team, though, remains healthy and unharmed. We have had much fellowship with the ministry teams here, including an exclusive overnight stay at the missionaries home in the jungle at Rio Verde. The muddy walk up the mountain was quite a slog, replete with knee and elbow

deep plunges into the quagmire. Photos of the fallen to follow. We saw about 200 Awa during the two days of clinic at Rio Verde. Problems included the usual fare of headaches, backaches, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, skin rashes, roundworms, and arthritis. We were welcomed and thanked many times. The team was humbled. Dr. Kim has been a warrior, often times serving as her own translator. Her insights and care have been exemplary. Linda has had some life-changing affirmations of her role here, including strong encouragement from Katie Williams (missionary, mother and wife in Shell, working with the Waoroni). Linda has been free-lancing, just spending time sitting and talking with the Wao and the Awa. She struck up some great relationships, and the people opened up to her in some remarkable ways. She will need to share her stories with you herself.

(One big deal that I forgot to mention above was that we crossed the new bridge on the Rio Verde, and went several miles beyond on the new road up to the actual village of Rio Verde in the jungle. A great new frontier for our team.)

We miss each of you, and love you very much.

With gratitude,
Tim

Mother of two special needs children in Rio Verde

She came with her other older children and two youngest (age 4 and 8). She was seeking answers what would make her 4 year old walk. She was concerned because she was not walking or talking. By observing them it was clear they had Down´s syndrome. What can I say to a mother who is here in Ecuador caring for special needs children that will be a lifetime commitment? Her 8 year old son with Down´s began to walk when his younger sister was born. We had to tell her that they would be slow to learn and possible never talk. I discussed signing but it was not well received. However, at the same time, I think the child probably eventually will walk because she was able to support her own weight. I cannot imagine the task of a mother caring for them in the jungle/mountains.

With God, are you handling the tasks set before you? Sometimes we see those in need and probably hinder (or baby) them somewhat such that they may not reach their full potential (even if that is not the same as everyone else). But at the same time, they will need more care and encouragement than others. I think the youngest child will do more when forced to walk or stand instead of being carried. How often do we look at our own circumstances and think we cannot do it or prefer to be carried? It was many emotions in one event.

The Young Widow at Rio Verde

She came into the school (converted for the day into a makeshift clinic) with her four young children (ages 6, 4, 3, and 2). The baby was on her back, and she carried her sleeping three year old son. She had the usual complaints of headache, backache and fatigue. Her countenance was somewhat depressed and discouraged. During my examination of her four children, one of them (the 4 year old) took a liking to me, and followed me around. Sheila held the sleeping 3 year old in her arms. Then, this 21 year old woman asked Sheila if she would be willing to take the little boy home to the US with her. Shocked, Sheila asked her why. The mother told Sheila that her husband had suddenly died two years before, and that she did not believe that she could take good care of her children any longer. She felt over-whelmed. We spent quite a long while exploring options with her, but none of them seemed close to adequate. We did encourage her to visit and get to know the Awa church, hoping that encouragement and hope could be known in that way. We provided meds for her and her children, prayed for them, and then she departed into the jungle.
Tim

The Trail of Mud

For the past six years, the team had never even been near this side of the Rio Verde. Then last summer "The Bridge" was built across the river, at the bottom of the hill. So this year, we were whisked across the river in the back of a pickup, and arrived at the village of Rio Verde at about midday on Thursday (last week). We had a very busy day in clinic, and saw about 90 patients. Then, as everyone turned to go home, we all anticipated the unique experience of staying overnight with the Williams and the Shaubs (Kathy Bruce`s inlaws, who also are missionaries) up on the hill. The missionaries built this home three years ago so that they could be living amongst the Awa. They built with the help of the Awa, but did so with their own hands. A remarkable feat, considering the jungle environment and the limited supply of resources.

So, this was our team`s unique opportunity to live like real missionaries, if only for about 12 hours. Better yet, Doug Williams was going to drive us most of the way up the hill in his 4-wheel drive truck. However, it had rained a lot (which is saying a lot, here) last week, and the trail was `slightly muddy`. Doug is a great driver (besides being a full fledged jungle man), but his truck was no match for the mud, what with half a ton of team members in the back of his truck. We got stuck -- completely stuck in a quagmire. He ordered most of us to walk on ahead up the remainder of the hill to their home (a mere 200 yards or so). Wasn`t as simple as that, however. We all slogged in ankle deep mud all the way up. Thankfully, we all had boots. But, poor LInda slipped and fell up to her elbows and knees into the thickest mud ever. I tried to rescue her, but it took an intrepid mission intern (David) to actually accomplish the task. Finally, we made it, laughing most of the way (mixed with a few tears and a lot of sweat).

Dinner and the rest of the evening was quite an experience, but I don`t have time to share it all. What I did want to share was Doug Williams response to my question : "What difference, if any, has the team`s efforts made for the Awa over the past six years?" After mulling the question over for a time, Doug recounted a story of a prominent man in the Awa community. The man had two daughters who had been tragically lost to drowning in a river 3 years earlier. A few months later, the man asked Doug where his daughters are today. Doug admitted that he struggled to answer the man, not knowing the daughters`spiritual condition. Finally, though, he realized that both daughters -- like many of the Awa who are not Christians -- had come to one of our medical clinics in the early years of the mission. And, like all who attend those clinics, they had indeed heard the gospel presented by either Doug or Kevin Bruce. So, he was able to give at least some potential comfort to the man, saying that they might be in heaven, ready to greet him someday should he choose to go there as well.

That one thought carried this tired sojourner through the rest of that unique night of adventure, somewhere in the Western hills of the Andes.

With peace and contentment,
Tim

Ministering to the Waoroni

Dear ones,

Peace and grace to all from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Day 3 was our first day of seeing people in clinic. We set up in a home here in puyo, which is being used as the church for the Waoroni people in this area. We had a roomy set up on the third floor, including the terrace on the roof. Shelia Duncan and I saw children as well as adults, Kim saw adults as well as children, Nick fitted folks with glasses, Leah and Brandon ran the pharmacy, and Linda provided health education as well as remarkable dialogue with the patients. Too many highlights of the day to recount here, but some included were a lunch for all 120 people, financed by River of Life and prepared by the ladies of the church. Great food and fruit juice beverages. Shelia and I were afforded the privilege of providing care for the grandson of Mincaye, the Wao featured in the movie ¨The End of the Spear¨. We saw about 120 people. More importantly, as stated earlier by our missionary host Chet Williams, was the establishment of relationships with the Waoroni people. We got to spend time with them, look into each others faces, and communicate through translators. We saw all many of disease and trauma, much as described in Matthew 15 regarding Jesus and those brought to him for healing.

The mission people here are and have been remarkable. Their faith and lives are deep in the lord, and they live their love for the waorani on their sleeves. Life can be hard here, but they smile a lot. Chet´s wife Katie is raising three very beautiful children, and the two of them are in charge of running several different ministries. Chet works for Youth World, which brings teens from churches down here to learn about life through working and living in the Amazon, etc. We met two interns while here, as well as his summer assistant Daniel. Daniel has a strong interest in health care, and spent a lot of time with our team. He is from Canada. While here, we have experienced a terrific mixture of different groups of Ecuadorian Indians, Americans, and internationals. The body of Christ is wide and strong here. The team has been richly blessed. Breakfasts at our hotel (the hostal of San Patricio) have been wonderful, and our sleep has been deep (secondary to exhaustion from working and sweating all day).

We are traveling by bus today all the way to Otavalo. This will be a 5 or 6 hour journey, passing through many mile long tunnels through the mountains, driving alongside wide sweeping rivers, elevating from jungle terrain up to the bare cliffs of the Andes. As we travel, we plan to recount the experiences of the last three days, along with explaining their significance. Linda said that yesterday was one of the best days of her life. She will tell more about that today.

We love you, and hold you close in our hearts.

Love,
Tim

Western Edge of Amazon at Dawn

Mepo

He was one of the Waorani people from the jungle but currently a worker at the new church in Puyo. (He was the photographer with my camera while I was seeing patients) He has a huge heart and compassion for people. In their culture, it is very difficult to be a believer. There is persecution and harassment from community and family members. Unfortunately, as believers, God does not promise protection but only relationship and eternity.

We returned after clinic from dinner and left him at the church where he is living. We found out the following morning that when he went outside to take out the trash from clinic, he was beat up by a drunk and went to the hospital. Mepo will have to answer questions and take ridicule due to us coming and the fight that ensued because he was doing good. The Waorani culture will kill you with a spear if necessary. However, it is very unusual for the emotion of anger in their culture. Getting hit or in a fist fight is one of the ultimate insults. Mepo did not want to tell us goodbye because he was embarrassed about getting beat up. Please pray for Mepo and the Waorani believers.

The Grandson

Many of you have heard of Mincaye. He was one of the Waoroni who speared and killed Nate Saint and the four other missionaries in 1956 in Ecuador. Later, he heard the gospel and believed unto Christ. His life changed, and he now serves as a missionary alongside Steve Saint (Nate's son).

His grandson (also named Mincaye) visited us in clinic while we at Puyo working with the Waoroni at their church in a home there. He was a joyful man in his thirties, and had recently strained his back. As we worked with him, it was very evident that he was a close friend and co-worker of Chet Williams, the missionary with Youth World here in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Chet later told us that young Mincaye and his family had experienced great trauma these past twelve months, including the loss of his 18 month old daughter who had fallen into the Pastaza river and drowned a few months before. In addition, a young Wao woman had committed suicide in his home, his aunt had died of pneumonia, his uncle had lost an eye due to snakebite, and his wife had been gravely ill late last year (but did recover).

Despite these tragedies, though, his faith, joy and determination to share the gospel with his people have remained strong. His life is a strong reminder to us all of the faith and grace that enables us to live above the circumstances of our lives.

His smile was contagious.

Tim

The Old Man in Puyo

He was about 70, slightly built but upright. His clothes were old and dirty, and he didn´t smell great. But he was deliberate, and had a peaceful bearing about him. Sheila and I thought him to be homeless, judging by the old sack he was carrying, along with an old book. His replies to our medical history-taking were only 1 or 2 words long. We thought him to be impoverished not only of income, but possibly of mind as well. It took longer than usual to deal with him. After about 20 minutes, I gathered his medications and was preparing him for discharge from the clinic. Just before turning to go, however, he asked in Spanish if we could pray. He then held our hands, and subsequently delivered one of the most eloquent (according to Sheila) 7 minute prayers that we had every heard. After closing with an amen, he embraced each of us with minute long bear hugs, and tearfully expressed his gratitude. As he departed, I was strongly reminded of the passage in Matthew 25: "...inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto ME..." He left the two of us speechless.

Tim

Arrival in Quito

Dear family,

Grace and Peace to each of you today.

Our team arrived in Quito, Ecuador last night. Everything went perfectly smoothly and safely. No problems this year with customs and security. Chet Williams and his great assistant Daniel met us at the exit, and our adventure got underway. Though a small team this year, we still have heavy loads of supplies. As we checked into the Howard Johnson´s last night, we were glad to have a place to rest.

Today was a very informative bus ride to the distant town of Shell. The beauty of Ecuador and its rivers is remarkable. We stopped at a 200 foot waterfall along the way, and climbed our way to its top. The views below of the Devil´s Cauldron were spectacular. Later, we visited the Nate Saint House. A legacy to one of the missionaries killed here in the fifties, the house is now being torn down to be replaced by a new guest house and meeting place. Likewise, the Mission Aviation Fellowship is being turned over to an all Ecuadorian staff. So, this is a time of transition and change in these parts. We talked the night away with Chet, and have been deeply impressed by his embodiment of Jesus Christ as he and his family love and minister to the Waoroni people.

Tomorrow, we will be working all day with the Waoroni in a home here in Puyo. Pray that God will give each of the team the compassion, sensitivity, discernment, skill, and spiritual maturity to be ambassadors of Christ to these dear people.

Also, thanks for your prayers for Linda. Despite a rugged walk to the falls, she says that her foot is feeling better. God is good!!! Keep praying for her, and for me and Kim. Please also know that the effects that each of you have had on our lives is being carried forward to impact the lives of people here. Thank you!

Impressed by His unfolding plan,
Tim

Words from Dr. Kim on departure

Hello everyone!

Here I am on the way to the airport on the way to Ecuador. Last week Mike Brady asked if I had anything else to add. I could not believe all I could come up with is “I’m excited.” I am actually sort of overwhelmed with emotion. It is some like the anticipation of going to camp because we will see people that I have not seen since 2006 and 2007. The renewal of relationships offers deep joy. As usual, when I have gone to Ecuador, we are going someplace the team has not gone before which could be frightening if we really thought about it, but God always opens new doors for us to walk through.

Here is a schedule of our nighttime locations:

• 6/20 & 6/29 – Quito
• 6/21-6/23AM – Shell
• 6/23 – Otavalo
• 6/24-6/26 – Lita/Rio Verde
• 6/26 PM – 6/29 AM – Otavalo

We have already had much prayer covering our preparation to go to Ecuador. Last year the team had issues going thru customs with the medicines in Ecuador. This year we submitted all of our license and DEA info to the consulate in Houston to try to prevent problems thru customs. This was a huge risk since neither of the physicians are licensed to practice in Ecuador, and we do not work with physicians in the community. The consulate could have denied our request, and I think our mission would look very different. However, our request to go was approved.

Our team is small which allows us to travel to several sites in Ecuador. We go as physicians to serve as physicians, but I really do not feel like that is our main role (others may not agree with the opinion). For lack of a better analogy, I feel like we are the “circus show.” We work with established missionaries in every community that we visit. We act in part as a mechanism to recruit locals (and some from far away) to come hear the Word and establish relationships with the missionaries. I am sure some come just to see what the Americans look like. We feel like another major role is to bring encouragement to the missionaries that are there. I feel our third role is to treat the patients that come with the love of Christ and medical care as we can.

I just want to share some about the missionaries we will be working with. Chet and Katie Williams are the missionaries in Shell and affiliated with Mission Aviation Fellowship Youth World. This is the first time we have worked with this team. The River (local church in Lexington) is sponsoring a community meal (as recommended by the missionaries). We will be working with the Waorani and Puyo people. The believers here have had many recent difficulties: Gilberto and Silvia lost their 2 yo daughter in a drowning 2/2010 and Raynaldo and Blanca had a friend commit suicide. (This is the area Steve Saint speaks of in End of the Spear film.) The missionaries in the Otavalo area are local Ecuadorians. Wilman and Clemencia Varela are the ministers of Galilea Church (along with Roberto). Wilman was involved in a multiple vehicle accident in 2008 and suffered ankle injury that did not heal correctly and now has seizure disorder as result of injury. This has brought physical and financial hardship. Washington and Julie Pozo are also in this area (local from Ecuador but work with Liebenzel missionaries). Washington has been ill with an undiagnosed problem causing a large amount of wt loss. Doug and Dorkas Williams are missionaries with Liebenzel that are originally from the US. They work with the Awa people and are very much a vital part of that community. Rio Verde is way up the hill. However, we are excited to go there this year and anticipate a different setting because they have just completed a foot bridge over a large canyon there.

Pray for us and our trip. Until the whole world hears!
Kim

Words from Tim and Linda on departure

Dear Ones,

Grace and peace to the saints at Tatesbrook, and to our beloved.

Our team has been blessed with a safe and smooth departure this morning from Cincinnati. We are now in Miami, and hope for arrival at about 8pm tonight in Quito. We will be met by Chet Williams and other missionaries from Shell. Tomorrow we travel to the western edge of the amazon, where we will have lunch at a waterfall. Afterwards, we will start seeing the Waoroni at a school converted to a clinic.

Enroute today, I have been reading "the signature of Jesus" by Brennan manning. It is about "radical discipleship". Early on, manning is writing about faith. He says "each next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of the influence of God in the present moment". Already today the is talking about what God has done, is doing, and will do. It is exciting to be on the edge of His action and revealed purpose.

Blessings to all of you. Continue to pray for Linda's foot. We will stay in touch.

Buoyed by His grace,
Tim and Linda

Kim, Tim and Linda leaving on Sunday

Please keep the Tatesbrook trio and all traveling with them in your prayers this week as they prepare to spend ten days in Ecuador again this summer. Only our God knows just what He has in store for them on this trip.

I was able to stand in the back of the sanctuary this morning as our body gathered around them and prayed together. On a day where we celebrated faith and talked of discipline, our three faithful traveling ministers teach us with action.