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