Una Siesta

Last week definitely took a toll on my energy levels. The week was filled with early mornings making breakfast and late night meetings with the other merge translators. I continued to translate for the doctor on two more occassions once more in Cayambe and once in Oyacachi to finish up the medical caravan. In cayambe, we were able to see around 250 kids ranging from checkups to malformations from birth to sores all over the body and lots of parasites. It was difficult to know this is normal for the kids and probably will continue to be a reality. It was neat to learn from such a talented doctor who really had a passion for helping people less fortunate than he. On wednesday, I went to the regular schedule of the merge team because there was no medical caravan that day. We got to help replant green onions in Izacata near Cangahua as well as share a small time with the fellow workers of the minga (a volunteer group from the community that works on projects for everyone). We then headed to Cayambe so the team could see the Delps ministry. If you get a chance, check out the Santiago Partnership online. I think they have a website and facebook page. They are doing some really cool things for kids in Cayambe and surrounding area. Thursday, I headed out with a group of men from the team to help construct a church building. We were building cement walls on the second floor along with some master masons from the cangahua area. I like to think I saw some of the stereotype workers of a mission trip. The old guy who is trying to work harder than everyone and giving advice whether or not it was needed. The calm pastor who is giving spiritual guidance and answering deep questions while mixing cement. The young woman wearing chacos and trying to translate kids songs into spanish. And of course, The guy joking around all the time to keep things light but also working his tail off because he just loves it. A small VBS was put on in the afternoon with a craft time at the end. Before I knew it, I was mobbed by 75 children looking for craft supplies as I yelled in futility "espacio, forma un linea" trying to regain order. It was nice to see kids going home with a small craft and feeling incredibly thankful for the nice gift they recieved. Friday, we headed to oyacachi to see 120 kids in this small indigenous village 1.25 hours from the nears village/town. The day was long, water and food were short, and Esther (Delp's Baby) was not enjoying the bumpy two track up the mountain. All in all, finishing the medical caravan started weeks before was incredibly rewarding. High fives and hugs went around as 80% of the kids in the communities were seen. A number very satisfactory for this type of work. Since friday, things have been much more low key. Went to a birthday party, played in the big park in Quito, got some shawarma, and got a good night sleep. I have been translating documents for the covenant church and cleaning out some really old storage facilities which may not seem like much but something that often gets pushed to the side. On thursday, I will be heading to quayaquil for a few days with some other missionaries to help them out and see their work. Im not sure exactly what the next few weeks will hold for me. I know God has got something planned and I may have heard a rumor of an opportunity to go serve in some indigenous villages in the amazon. I heard one of the more memorable and convicting sermons on Sunday. The main idea was the bad habits in our lives need to be fixed today not tomorrow, God not only wants this for you but also wants to help. This may seem like a sermon you've heard before but this is where it gets interesting. Have you ever heard a pastor call out the congregation for showing up late to church, eating too much and being a little chubby, not stewarding money well, lust, and playing too much futbol or sports? I hadn't. These are things considered to be off limits in the church but probably among the most pertinent things that need to be received in the church. Who wants to talk about weight, lust, money, or even too much sports talk? She challenged the church to dream bug, work diligently, and know that overcoming these habits is possible. The message was well recieved and there wasn't a point of controversy from the congregation. I think its time things got brutually honest in the US. After a sermon like that and living here for a month, I think I could change a lot about my life back home. If you have a free hour or two, its probably a better idea to put down the soda and remote. Ive been thinking about things i could use that time for. Why not walk door to door asking for small donations of food or medical supplies or clothes which could be given to an organization or missionary you know? I know I could pray more and why not do that while exercising. Just some thoughts I had. I keep hearing a phrase in my head "those who believe they can and those who believe they can't are both usually right." I believe I can and we can do amazing things. Thanks for putting up with my thoughts. a couple funny moments happened as well. I told one mom to put needles on the kids hands so he wont pick his nose during the night, meant to say gloves, oops. During one night in my room with the other merge translators, I started talking in my sleep pretty urgently. They didnt know english well enough to know what i was saying and thought I was trying to call out for help or something. One of the translators was always on facebook at night, so many good natured jokes came from that habit. Even got to hear a gringo impression from one of the merge workers which was quite hilarious. See ya y'all in 'bout a week from Guayaquil. Yeeeehaaaaaa partner!