Foot washing, socks and shoes is where I started today. What a humbling experience. It really reminded me of Pastor Betsy's Maunday Thursday service during holy week.One of the most gracious (and slightly uncomfortable) things you can do for a person is to clean their feet. A dirty, stinky, filthy part of the body. Especially in a community where water is sparse, along with bathing. I truly felt as if I was walking in the footsteps of Jesus. That sounds a bit corny, but washing someones feet in the United States is just not the same as washing the feet of the Ecuadorians.
After a bit I was able to go back to clinic and help with prescribing. It is difficult but a lot of fun being able to use my knowledge so practically! I then got the chance to work in triage with Lorna. Cleaning ears... not my favorite. The first big chunk that flew out nearly made me loose it. Blap! We worked together wonderfully though; saw lots and lots of patients. We had a few rough patients that broke my little heart. There was a wonderful one though. This 47 year old mother of nine came in complaining of a stomach ache. After asking some questions we decided to do a pregnancy test. When we told her that she was pregnant with her tenth child her face filled with joy! In a community with so little and a family that is already pretty full, it was so so heart warming to see the love, joy, and excitement in this woman's face. In the last hour the line for clinic became PACKED!!! We stayed and saw people almost two hours past when we were supposed to stop. It got to the point that we had to choose who was going to be seen and who had to be turned away. That was so hard :(
After dinner we had a big debrief/vent session. People shared about their difficult moments, along with their happy moments. Alex, one of the Army people shared a story about heating water. For washing feet we need warm water. The community had provided a stove, which didn't work. So, water has to be heated the old fashioned way, by fire! The problem is that up in Pachancho there are no trees or wood. She asked the kids to gather up sticks for her to build a fire. They were taking such a long time, so, naturally, she went looking for them. When she finally found the children they were out by the cemetery trying to drag a whole tree. HAHA, so big that she had to get two other Army people to help carry the tree! Oh my gosh we laughed and laughed..
Another great story from the day, Pastor Ramon worked in spirtual clinic all day. He said the entire day was packed to the max. Many of the community members accepted Christ today. One gal was only 17 years old with a brand new baby boy. The father was totally out of the picture. Pastor shared the gospel with her and she was moved to tears. They spent over an hour together. By the end of their time together she had accepted Christ.
Tomorrow we go to a new town that is not as far up the mountain, it should be warmer! Yea!
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
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