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7/23/17

Off we go! The team met at the airport at 3:45am. SpokaneàSeattleàAtlantaàQuito. All of the bags made it.

7/24/17

We stayed the night in Quito since we got in so late and the drive to Riobamba is so long.

In the morning a group went for a stroll to the big park in Quito. Then it was on the bus for the long journey to Riobamba. Not too long distance wise, but still takes forever. Once we got to the new casa of One Heart Global Ministries, we began unpacking. It took us many many hours to get everything unpacked and repacked.

The new one heart building is beautiful! It is only partially finished but great already! I cannot wait to see the final building.

7/25/17

Up early for the journey to Basan. This village in between Basan Grande and Cebadas; villages we have been to in years past.  Set up was seamless. We were able to see over 60 patients in our short day.

Cheryl has been teaching the women how to crochet rugs out of plastic bags. She told the ladies that she would be back next year and give a prize to the person who had the best one. She asked what they would want if they won the prize for best rug. One said a bible, one said a cell phone, and one said a gringo husband.

7/26/17

Today was our second day is Basan we were able to see over 100 patients today.

I had Andrea as a translator again today in clinic. She is a rock star. She has a nursing background. When I teach her something, like why it is important to drink more than 1 glass of water in a day, she picks it up and is able to teach people without me needing to tell her again. It would surprise most people that we taught almost everyone why it is important to eat and why it is important to drink water.

We were able to pray for a number a people that we saw in clinic. It was extremely touching and powerful.

Currently, we have bombarded a small sandwich shop to pirate their internet.  Naturally, with 25 people all jumping on the internet at the same time we killed it. We are now working in shifts to use the internet.

Also, sorry for no pictures in the blog. The internet is too slow...

Are you ready?

Here we go! Less than a week until we leave for the beautiful country of Ecuador. We will have 17 U.S. team members. Ranging from three states and 5 cities.  Our team is made up of students, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retired veterinarians, and MRI technicians. Quite a diverse crew! Once we arrive in country our numbers will double. We will acquire translators, the military, Ecuadorian doctors, cooks, and family of our Ecuadorian friends.

We will be in three different villages and plan to see over 600 people.

Thank you all who have donated to our trip already! Your school supplies, socks, undies, coats (so many coats), towel, monetary donations, and your prayers are so very appreciated! If you still want to give we always need prayer.

Please pray for travel mercies. Please pray for the work we are setting out to do. Please pray that the Ecuadorian hearts and the hearts of our team will be open to what the Lord has planned for each and every one.

Matthew 28:19-20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost

Back to Quito

Back to Quito!!! Our group gets smaller and smaller with each hour that goes by. Most of the military has left us. Only a few remain. Translators are dropping left and right. Soon there will be no one left!

We made a stop at the middle of the earth, the center of the world, 0' 0' 0'
I think it was a great time had by all. WIth a couple of mesumes and lots of interactive displays, we all had fun.

Dinner was at a Waffle House tonight. Oh my... We all rolled back to the hotel because our bellies were so full!!!

Pachancho

Oh Pachancho my love!!! So good to be back. We have been in in this community for 5 years now. The change that I have seen in my time is staggering. Selfishly, I am sad that they do not need the medical team as much in years past.

It was a super speedy set up. Even for the veterans, this was the first time any of us have been in the new church. Oh my goodness, flushing toilets that you would actually want to sit on. It is such a beautiful structure. Well designed and nicely insulated.

Pachancho is about 14,000 ft above sea level. That means that even though we have been here for 10 days, it is still difficult to breath that high up. The wind is whiping. It is super cold. But, we have this amazing church to keep us warm.

It is such a blessing to see the transformation of this community from surviving to thriving.

Cebadas Day 3

Our last day in the village of Cebadas. It was an extremely busy day all around. This was hands down our largest group of people yet. AND! The best part, we did not have to turn anyone away.

Many people were able to see providers, many children were taught about nutrition/hand washing, and many people were prayed for/ministered to.

There were two patients today who's ears were so impacted an otoscope wouldn't fit into the ear. You would not believe how much stuff, smelly stuff, came out of their ears.
    ****Side note - Aparently, the pictures I have been posting here are not appearing. Once I get back
             Into the U.S.A I will repost with pictures for your enjoyment

Our surgeon, nurse anesthetist, and the amazing assistants were able to fix a very large hernia on Pastor Aurelio. It took quite a while. He was awake for the entire procedure and prayed blessings over all the helpful hands after the surgery. Even though I was not apart of the procedure in any way, it warms my heart that we were able to serve someone who gives every part of his life in service. Pastor Aurelio and his wife are amazing and inspiring!

Two more birthdays today! And, since there were so many on our team this year, we had a party tonight. Piñata's, cake, confetti, and dancing. It was so much fun!!

Cebadas Day 2

Here is a quick update from one of yesterday's stories. The woman who had the skin cancer removed from her face came back. She wanted to speak with the pastor in Cebadas to see if she could come on Sunday to speak to the congregation. She said that in the attempt to get the cancer removed, she spent over $300. That is literally an Ecuadorian fortune! She heard the ad on the radio that we would be coming. Her family discouraged her from coming since all of those other doctors told her no. She came into the clinic a non believer and left as a Christian. She said it was a blessing from the Lord that we were here and able to help her.

Cebadas Day 1

Short bus ride this morning; only one hour! The past few days we have been stopping in this village to switch buses. It is very nice to have a shorter drive. Set up was easy today since everyone has had one set up under their belts. Plus, this church is a bit bigger, making everything a little better.

There were three surgeries today: a hernia repair, skin cancer removal, and removal of a rotten tooth.
The woman with the skin cancer was so greatful. She had gone to three doctors but none would remove it.

In pharmacy this morning, the soldiers learned how to counsel on vitamins and deworming medicine. They were so excited that it was funny.

I find it amazing how little things can make such an impact on people. A woman with vericose veins came into clinic today. I gave her a pair of compression socks to help with the pain and swelling. It made such a hughe impact on her; she was so very greatful and so very happy.


Miss Randi celebrated her birthday today! Luckly for her she did not get the traditional face cake :)

Tonight Ecuador plays Columbia. Most nights at this time, the noise level is silent. Tonight the living room is filled with screams and screeching.