Day 6 - Scenic Loss of Power at Rio Verde

"By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”
Ezekiel 47:12

Dear friends and family,

On day 6 (Monday), the team returned to see Awa patients at Rio Verde. (The night before we experienced the loss of all electrical power in the area. We had devotion time by flashlight -- the singing was strong -- and then contemplated how dark the world can be without light.) the trip to the village is always scenic, and this year the team was treated to some great views of the Rio Verde.

 We saw about 60 families of varying size at the clinic that day.  Problems included back pain, headaches ( including migraine), gastroenteritis, sciatica, cerumen impaction, small cuts, plantar fasciitis, warts, asthma, pneumonia, and probable tuberculosis.

We also saw patients we have seen before, including an older couple who have two young children with Down's syndrome.  They have done a great job in raising the older son and younger daughter, despite having had no access to resources.  This year, however, the team was joined by a pediatrician from Otavalo who attends a church pastured by one of our friends.  We asked Dr. Jose to see these two delightful children, and he helped direct the couple to some available training locally to address the daughter's inability to walk.  Shelia and I enjoy seeing this courageous family.

As the team drove back home that night, I reflected on how circumstances had improved for this Awa community.  Their road was better, they had light available with the introduction of electrical power, and through the lives of Kevin and Kathy Bruce (as well as others) God had brought them the life and hope found in Jesus.  The scripture found in Ezekiel 47 seemed very prophetic and pertinent.

Encouraged by what He is doing,
Dr. Kim and Dr. Tim