back to Missions Page
Past Boliva Journals
Ecuador 2006
Friday, October 13, 2006 – Lynn Bell. We arrived at the church bright and early (well maybe it wasn’t
so bright – 5:15 am) for an anticipated departure of 5:30 am. Oh, Oh, a problem. Two of our members
were missing. A call was made to their house and we found out their alarm did not go off, but they would
be at the church shortly. They arrived and we departed the church parking lot about 20 minutes late. We
still had time to make it to Atlanta. The “black boxes” and our bags to be checked were loaded in the trailer
and our “carry-ons” loaded in the bed of Glenn Glover’s truck. We had a prayer before leaving and good
things because we did need Him to watch over us. While on the way from AUMC to the Atlanta airport,
the trailer with all the “black boxes” and bags to be checked, lost a fender, the trailer ran over it, and blew
a tire. We were ahead in the bus when they called ahead to give us the news. We continued along slowly,
while Blake and the others in the truck stopped to do a quick tire change—and to think we had wondered
why a tired had been loaded in the trailer at the back end!We have several members and the pastor from Stapleton UMC with us. Their pastor, Rev. Brian Cowley,
has been singing, “This is the Day That the Lord Hath Made” all morning. I mean at 5:30 am, when it is not
even day yet! We got off the interstate and stopped at a “takee outee” where most of the team purchased
a cup of coffee to go. When we got back on the interstate we were two miles behind the truck that had
stopped to change the flat. We were in great shape for time and all of arrived at the airport to unload at the
same time. Everyone checked in with their black box, made it safely through security and boarded the
flight to Miami. When we arrived in Miami, we had a few hours to spend, so half the group headed to a
Cuban restaurant for lunch and the other half did Mexican. After lunch we met at our designated gate and
boarded the plane for Quito. We’re on our way!!When we arrived in Quito, it was 55º and raining at 8:00 pm. We claimed our luggage along wit the black
boxes and headed out to meet SIFAT. They were waiting for us with smiles on their faces and happy to
see us. We loaded our luggage on one bus and the team on another and headed to the hotel. While we
were checking in, Brother George and Keith Foster arrived. The team is now all here. We will meet
downstairs for breakfast at 7:30 am. I’m going to bed now – Good Night!
Saturday, October 14, 2006 – Keith Foster. This morning was a glorious morning in the Kingdom.
We started with breakfast in the hotel. We then loaded the bus and headed for the day care centers.
As we drive, we climbed the hills surrounding Quito and soon were in the very poor area of Atacucho.
The area formed when farmers from the areas “squatted” on the land. They don’t own the land or pay
taxes, so they receive little help from the government. In the midst of the poverty was a bright and clean
building, “Little Seeds of God Daycare.” The children there were a great joy. They sang to us and we
received a brief history of the daycare/school. The next stop, in an even poorer neighborhood, was the
Mama Yoli daycare project. A four (sic–five) story building under construction. When complete, it will
house 250 children. While there, we filmed Bro. George’s greeting to AUMC. We then listened to several
testimonies from some moms that now make jewelry to support their families. We then returned to the
hotel for lunch.After loading the boxes, we were off to Santo Domingo. The drive was beautiful, even with the light rain.
We arrived at our new hotel a little late because of the rain and an interesting flat tire on a very busy road.
After dinner, we shared a devotional, heard from one for the locals we will be serving and planned the
service for tomorrow. Then off to bed.
Sunday, October 15, 2006 – Santo Domingo – Cathy Caruthers. We started our morning by
gathering for breakfast at 8 am. Everyone seemed to have had a restful night. After breakfast, we
loaded onto the bus and headed for Santo Domingo. We stopped at the Tsachila Village and attended
the 10 am Sunday Worship service. There were approximately 20 people from the Tsachila village at
the service. After the service, they demonstrated use of herbal medicine and how they prepare them.
They also performed cultural dance and showed various instruments they use for music. We visited
their gift hut and everyone bought items to take back with them.Our next stop was the Methodist Camp in Santo Domingo where they Methodist preacher and his wife
had made lunch for the team. Everyone enjoyed the lunch and fellowship. We arrived back at our hotel
and had just a few minutes to say goodbye to the construction team as they were headed back to Quito
to start their project in the morning. The medical team took a break to rest an hour and then got together
to make up VBS kits and medication bags for the week. We put together 300 VBS kits for the children
and had a wonderful fellowship with everyone. We said good night at 11 pm and retired to our rooms to
get ready for our first clinic day tomorrow in the first village.P.S – Bro. George Mathison delivered the message on Love from 1 John 5:7-11. This was the first ever church
service in their village. God is so Good was sung in Tsafiki (native Tsachila language), Spanish and English! Two
Tsachila leaders, Manuel and Henry, gave their testimonies. Afterwards, they decided they wanted a preacher of
their own and that maybe seminary would be good for Manuel, Henry or both. Praise the Lord! (Barbara Herring)
Sunday, October 15, 2006 – Quito – Gerald Many. This morning in Santo Domingo I wake up at 6:00,
wasn’t supposed to until 7:00 am. I don’t hear so good, so of course I woke Glenn up, but he said, no, no,
no, not until 7 am. I went outside and wandered around until time for breakfast. Scrambled eggs and
rolls, no bacon, ham or grits, no hash browns either. Oh well. We boarded the bus around 9:00 am, went
to Tsachila Cultural Village where we sang with the locals. George had a sermon on God’s love. We were
also entertained by the locals, was shown how they lived and ate, also some about their natural medicines.
We departed around 12”30 pm and traveled to the Methodist Camp for lunch. We had a rice dish with
beef and shrimp along with a fruit salad. Then we boarded up, went to the hotel, picked up our luggage
for our return trip back to Quito. We said goodbye to those staying in Santo Domingo and spent the next
2 ½ hours climbing the mountain, arriving in Quito about 3:30. So I thought now was a good time to do the
Journal because we still have an hour until dinner.
Monday, October 16, 2006 – Santo Domingo – Robert Fulgham. Today is our first day of clinic.
We woke up to a foggy morning. The temperature is pleasant, maybe in the upper 60’s. As we are
pulling out of the hotel going to the Tsachila community of Naranja, we get word that Pastor George
has been throwing up and is being taken to the ER for evaluation.The ride to the village is the longest ride to any of the villages of the Tsachila’s. We came here two years
Dinner was pretty good. We had beef tips with rice and French fries. For dessert, we had bread pudding.
ago. We are seeing a lot of UTI’s and some pulmonary infections. Everyone has parasites. Lunch was
really good, as usual. We had chicken in a mushroom sauce over rice, apples and cantaloupe in a sauce,
noodles with cheese, lima beans and a coffee flan. We saw about 150 patients. Most families had about
four children each. The infections we saw were tonsillitis, bronchitis, pharengitis, urinary tract infections and
various stomach ailments.
After dinner, Nancy had a very nice devotional. Afterwards, we talked about how the day went. Bible
School sounded like it was awesome. Every child was given a Bible. Some adults/parents were also there
intently listening to the Bible school. After we adjourned, preparations were made for the following day.
Monday, October 16, 2006 – Quito – Bro. Brian Cowley. This is Bro. Brian and it is Monday 5:30 pm.
As I wait for dinner, I sent email home to church members about our day. The day started with
breakfast – coffee, bread, strawberries, fresh squeezed OJ and eggs with bacon. Not huge portions,
but more than what half the world would be eating.The trip to the work site was interesting as you travel bumper to bumper. No line. No rules I can figure out.
But the change from city to poorer outskirts to “Oh, My God!’ is the most interesting part of the trip. We
arrive safely, then walked down the rain-rotted dirt roads dropping at a 45% angle. Afterwards, our bus got
stuck and had to be pulled out.With very few preliminaries, we went straight to work. The “real” workers to the 4th floor and me to the
women and children work on the ground. If you know me, you know why (fear of heights), not the obvious
too fat, too out of shape, too unskilled. OK, maybe those too!Lisa honored her great respect for heights, yet trusted God and began laying course after course of
concrete block right on the 4th floor edge. Jerry has already established himself as the “Maestro” with
a trowel, helping to show others. Glenn was assigned housekeeping, chipping away excess concrete
with a heavy concrete spade thingy (he called a spud). Then he swept it up. Denny arranged block,
assisted Brother Glenn with the heavy dohicky thingy, and laid block. I had the honor of unloading 800
concrete blocks, almost by myself. I also raised 200 buckets of sand five stories without a single complaint.Lunch was chicken wrapped in spinach and cheese and fried, accompanied by fried plantain, rice
and vegetable salad, with rice pudding for dessert. Dinner was baked chicken (notice a pattern?), but
with a choice of pound cake, black forest cake or Jell-O. Jerry’s devotion was wonderful as he shared
about “Hands” and we all added our thoughts.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 – Santo Domingo – Deborah Johnson. We awoke to a pleasantly cool
morning; not as foggy as yesterday. So far we have been blessed with good weather. Today we went
to Congoma Grande. With us were Dr. Angel, our dentist and Doris and Gabriela (Gabby), two more
doctors. They all arrived late last night. We are very excited to have them.Start up today was a little slower than yesterday. We had a few patients waiting. School was in session.
The children greeted us with smiles and “Buenos Dias.” We had a little trouble setting up the generator
(sic compressor) for Dr. Angel, but Vincente rescued us by “hot wiring” the generator and soon Dr. Angel
was filling and pulling teeth. The doctors and nurses set up in the building across from the dental and
pharmaceutical areas.In the pharmacy today, we also had sunglasses and reading glasses. The patients were very intrigued
and excited about the glasses. We had several repeat customers who came to ask for glasses for other
family members.The ladies in the VBS department were busy with 44 children. You can always find Miss Barbara and
Ashley on the playground with the children. Barbara is multi-talented. She can jump rope, throw a mean
Frisbee and make paper flowers. Ashley always has a child on her shoulders or is surrounded by
several children. Gale is the class translator and we hear that soft-spoke Carole has a booming classroom
voice.Did I mention that Lynn worked with Dr. Angel? She did a great job. They even sat together at dinner.
We left the village at 4:00 pm and headed to the hotel. We had a slight delay as one of our team members
lost her roll-up piano. But it was recovered. We returned to the hotel at 5:30 pm. Some of us ventured out
to a nearby “pasteleria” to buy postage. To end the evening, our Baptist sister, Gale, delivered our devotion.
All boxes and bags are packed and ready to go for tomorrow.P.S. At approximately 9:30 pm, we had a blackout at our hotel. A few brave souls ventured outside their
rooms to see what was going on. We chatted until all was restored by 10 pm.P.P.S. Oh, and Gale found her glasses! We truly had a blessed day.
P.P.P.S. Not only that footnote, but one that I, Barbara, will add because Deborah would not mention this
herself. Nanny de Cobo, our Ecuadorian guide, friend, SIFAT worker and interpreter asked a family about
their new born baby and what they had named their 2-week old baby daughter. Much to her surprise, the
baby had not been named. Nanny pointed to Deborah and said, “She has a pretty name.” The family like
it and decided to name their new baby girl after the pretty American eyeglass provider. So this Tsachila
family now has a daughter named after our very own team member—Deborah. That was such a thrill
for Deborah!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 – Quito – Glenn Glover. The day started, unfortunately, as the day
before with another team member struck with bacteria in the GI tract. Dennis (and Brian) got little sleep
during the night. Dennis was somewhat better by morning, but weak; so he decided to stay at the hotel.
When the rest of the team returned after work. Dennis was looking better and ready for dinner.The ride to the worksite through Quito was, as always, interesting. We commented several times that
we couldn’t understand how there are not more wrecks. The Ecuadorian drivers often make three lanes
out of two; busses get so close to us that you think you could not slide a piece of paper between! We
saw a car pulled over by a policeman but we could not imagine what it would take to get pulled over!We finally turn “up the mountain” towards Atacucho. The terrain, the stores, the housing and obviously
the income change quickly. The streets are narrow with switchbacks, on which even buses have to wait
on one another. The houses are variable from reasonably nice homes (probably drug lords) to hovels
that barely stand on the side of the steep mountain. Dogs and children wander the streets; the dogs are
skinny and the children are beautiful, but obviously also malnourished. We finally arrive at Mama Yoli’s
House, the daycare center SIFAT is building in the middle of this poverty. The bus stops one block further
up the hill today, after getting stuck on the steep mud street yesterday. We make our way about two
blocks to the work site greeting smiling children’s faces with “Buenos Dias” and “Hola.”With Dennis in recovery, Bro. Brian decides to fight his inner demon (fear of heights) and proceeds to
fourth floor with Lisa, Jerry and Glenn to lay block. Brian and Jerry pair off to lay lower courses, while Lisa
and Glenn tackle some higher course of block. Brian does well until Jerry starts a new course of blocks
at floor level. There is nothing between him and the open air but a line of “mud.” A good day for Brian
and Jerry as many block are laid in place.Lisa and Glenn had a good, albeit slower day. By mid-morning they had to move to “scaffolding” – if you
can call two boards lying across two stacks of block “scaffolding.” Working high on the wall certainly
slows down the progress. There will be some different muscles sore tonight. They hope to “top out”
the wall on the west end of the building.Lunch was again provided by Alexandria – meatloaf, English peas with carrots, potato salad and pound
cake for dessert. Near the end of the meal, we found out that Alexandria’s newborn niece, Lucinda, was
ill and still in the hospital. We gathered in a circle and prayed for Lucinda’s recovery.After lunch we had the opportunity to visit two local homes. The first was the home of Elita. Elita lives
in a two-room house with her husband and five children. She is pregnant and due any day. She had
experienced circulation problems earlier in her pregnancy, but had had relief after a previous SIFAT team
laid hands on her and prayed for improvement. Cecelia invited her to our church service on Wednesday.
When told to bring her children, Elita began to cry. Her younger children are with her mother until after
the baby is born. The team also laid hands on Elita, as Bro. Brian prayed for continued good circulation
and a health new baby.We then walked up the street to an older couple’s home Dehlia and Segundo. Cecelia said that when
SIFAT first came into the community, that both Segundo and Dehlia were sick and had no food to eat.
SIFAT helped them through their illness and obtained food for them. He is unable to work, but she makes
the only money they have by making and selling necklaces. She has also been able to buy a freezer and
sells ice cream to the neighborhood children. They were both sweet, humble people. We again formed a
circle with hands joined as Bro. Brian prayed for better health, long life and support by family and friends.
The workday was good – the chance to interact and pray with people in the neighborhood was outstanding.
Stories told by Cecelia make it obvious that SIFAT has made a difference in Atacucho. Many people have
become Christians and participate in Bible studies. Cecelia says that whole feel and temperament of the
community has changed. It is indeed an honor to work with SIFAT and the people of Atacucho to help
improve their lives. May God bless our efforts.We had an excellent dinner of fish tonight (the only chicken was in the soup). We ended the evening in
Lisa’s “suite” with a devotion led by Lisa. She talked and led a discussion of God’s purpose with our lives
and metaphors for tools that God might use to “shape” our lives. We discussed how we could reach out
and help other people find the purpose in their lives. It was an excellent and very thought provoking devotion.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006 – Santo Domingo – Carole Birchfield.
We traveled to the Tsachila community of Chiquilpe today, but as I am the first member of the Bible
School team to write in the journal, I would also like to refer to special moments of our first two days.
In Naranja we had between 50 and 60 children in the classroom ranging between the ages of 3 to 16.
Outside hanging in the windows and often participating, we had perhaps 20 more. A major element of
confusion was caused by parents coming to get their children to go to medical and dental clinics. All in
all, however, things went well. The children were attentive and were thrilled with their Bibles, sunglasses
and bracelets. One very endearing thing about the day was that a young father attended class with his
daughter and when the children were reluctant to respond, he would lead the way.Tuesday at Congoma Grande we had a fabulous day! The children were so mannerly and the classroom
very organized. Barbara said this was the result of the influence of the teacher Rosa. We were all deeply
impressed by Rosa’s son, a high school student, who is a teacher’s assistant. It was obvious how much
the children loved him, especially five-year-old Syndie. Centeras, Rosa’s son, was very loving and gentle
with all the children. Ashley told us she saw two little boys reading John 3:16 over and over during playtime.
They had just marked that passage in Bible School.Wednesday in Peripa (???) proved to be a good day, but a difficult one. There were so many children,
we had to have two sessions. The first and second graders grew a little restless and we were concerned
that our Bible material may have been a little too difficult for them. It was thrilling for the team members to
see that Lizbet was doing well and seemed to be so happy (Lizbet is the little Tsachila girl that AUMC
members paid for heart surgery that saved her life). It was a very hot day, but the children, especially
the boys, enjoyed jumping rope. All of the children enjoy singing and hearing Ron play his flute. The
medical team, but especially the dentist, was very busy today. Several children came into the classroom,
holding cloths to their faces because they had had a tooth pulled. Lynn reported that the children were
so brave – not even a whimper.After dinner and devotion, Nanny walked with us to use the phones to check on our families. We then
returned to the motel and made bracelets and packed our Bibles and other materials for tomorrow.
We are all thankful things are going so well.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006 – Quito – Lisa Pierce. Although there is a 60% chance of rain today,
the sun is out and it looks like it could be a pretty day. Breakfast was, of course, great with a buffet this
morning of eggs, bacon, bread and fresh fruit. I personally felt as though my coffee the night before had
been spiked with extra caffeine. I simply could not sleep. And the city of Quito doesn’t really sleep either.
The dogs are nocturnal. As soon as I could doze off, they would start barking. I was very annoying.Today, Pastor Brian will do an afternoon worship service. Yesterday, Cecelia spent her afternoon going
to tell everyone to come. We arrived at the work site with children and families waving. Definitely well
received and we feel so blessed to be a part of this. Daniel was already there with his bright smile and
he was beginning the cumbersome process of making mortar.Dennis was back with us, so he partnered with Jerry building courses around each edge. Glenn and I
continued to go up with our wall—all the way to the top. So, there is a technique as you get to the top;
the thin slit between the top block and the ceiling. The mud has to be just right; not too wet or too dry.
Using a flat board and trowel, you section out the mud into ½” thick slices. Using the back of your trowel,
you “sling” it into the space. Nothing really technical, just aim and sling. I watched Glenn for a while;
decided I wouldn’t get it if I didn’t work at it. And off we went.Brian kept everyone fully stocked with plenty of mortar, block and also was a mixer. I find mixing to be
the toughest job. My back begins to ache just when I think about it. We all are trying to be so cautious
because we are at dangerous heights with no safety equipment. Me heart nearly stopped when Daniel
climbed a makeshift sawhorse at a corner lentil to measure for block distances. I had to run and go the
other way.Lunch is always a treat. It is a hot lunch; so refreshing after being exposed to the cool air all morning.
Today it was salad, tuna lasagna, bread and peach custard. Yummy! The little girl that sits on the knoll
is four. I don’t remember her name. Her mother is a worker pulling up buckets of sand. She has lovingly
commanded her daughter to sit there and not move. She doesn’t!! Amazing. But it also makes me a
little sad because she has nothing to play with or occupy her time. I hope to bring her some paper and a
pen to draw with tomorrow.The afternoon service was great. Pastor Brian did an awesome job and had a wonderful audience.
There were nearly 30 adults and 30 children. We also had an interpreter named Hadid. She is Roberto’s
daughter (??). Brian spoke from 1 Peter 3:18 to the children. He reminded them that they are children
of the king and very special. To the adults, he spoke of the purity of God and how we are to maintain pure
lives. I was blessed to be able to do a few songs and sing with the children. Cecelia then served them
cake.As we were preparing to leave, Jerry and me played with a few of the children and spun them. They all
hugged us as they got ready to leave. It was very special. The ride home was a bit longer, but we were
able to see new sites. We learned that “carbon” means “roasted” and “pichino” means “kabob.”Dinner was another dish of chicken, rice and mixed vegetables. Glenn branched out by ordering some
hot chocolate. All I can say is how much I’ve learned. I choked up while I was singing realizing how
precious the scene was--people now hungry to hear about Christ. The thing is, they had to learn to trust
Cecelia, SIFAT and the work teams. God is doing such a great work in all our lives!We heard that the other group had a great day and continue to see many people at the medical clinics.
Our lives are blessed and I pray we can continue to be a blessing!
Thursday, October 19, 2006 – Santo Domingo – Barbara Herring. Wednesday night as we were
packing up for Thursday’s Bible School in the “upper room” of the hotel, Rodrego, the 15-year old waiter
from the restaurant, came up to observe and help if needed. Then we saw the security guard who had
come at the beginning of the week to check out what was going in the boxes. We were relieved when
he finally approved. He always was curious and continued to be watchful. Ashley and Barbara were
alone and almost finished when the waiter and the guard approached us. The guard spoke no English
and we spoke no Spanish. However, through sign language and Rodrego’s help, we were able to discover
that the guard wanted to see our literature. It was in Spanish so he immersed himself in the reading.
When finished, he asked for more, so we gave him a color book on the creation. When finished with that,
he seemed still unsatisfied. I offered him a Bible and he gladly took it. He read some, and told us that his
sister was an “evangelico.” After reading more in the Bible, he stood, walked across the room and
extended his hand, shook mine and smiled (for the first time), turned and left. We pray his new Bible will
make the difference in his life.At breakfast, we had the usual hot cross-buns, eggs and fruit. At the end of the meal, Dr. Angel gave his
testimony, which was touching and we all boarded the bus to spend our day in the Poste Tsachila village.
On the way, we stopped in downtown Santo Domingo and all of got off the bus with bread and a Bible to
give to a man who was sitting in a wheelchair with an opened and attached umbrella to keep him out of the
sun. We discovered he was a beggar and tried to survive by the money people would leave him. He had
cerebral palsy. Dr. Angel prayed with him after telling him about God’s love. I hope our brief encounter
made a difference in his life.We ventured on into the jungle and the Poste community. We got off the bus and waited as
Dr. Contreras talked with the school principal. They claimed they did not know we were coming. We
were told the children were busy taking tests and they shouldn’t be interrupted. This one teacher seems
not to be happy with us coming. He has always put up a road block. But we honored his decision and
went to the Methodist Campground instead. Pastors Mr. and Mrs. Vivas were very glad for us to spend
the day with them. Mr. Vivas got inside his truck and went around the neighborhoods with his megaphone
announcing to everyone that we were there to do an eyeglass clinic, medical clinic, dental clinic and to work
with the children. They came in full force. We probably had about 150 adults and 75 children. There was
not much of a way to teach Bible School. The families all needed and wanted medical and dental care, so
they pulled the children out of Bible School to go to the doctor. Since they were coming and going so
much, we did very little teaching. We did give all of our Bibles away and needed more. The sunglasses
were a big hit in every village. So were the “Admit, Believe and Confess” bracelets.Urlanda took us walking through the village. These people were not Tsachilas, but very poor Ecuadorians.
They are the ones the Vivas’ work with on a regular basis at the Methodist Campground. We saw one
little boy about 2 years ole playing with his daddy’s machete. We were so afraid he would hurt himself,
but his mother caught him just in time and took it away. Deborah had a wonderful eye clinic. She would
have the ones that could read, read from the Bible (The Lord’s Prayer). She said they were so happy to
show off their reading skills that they would go way on past the Lord’s Prayer and read until Deborah would
stop them. There were many happy people after getting glasses to improve their vision. During the week,
she issued about 200 pairs of reading glasses. Vincente played children’s Spanish songs on the bus’s CD
player and that seemed to liven up the day. They were familiar church songs—only in Spanish. The
children were sick with fevers, colds, viruses and one child had to have here hair cut off and washed by
the doctors because she had head lice. These were the dirtiest children we saw all week. However, we
loved on them just the same. Might be why several team members got sick!Barbara gave the devotion after dinner at the hotel on the four-year history of God’s hand moving among
the Tsachila villages. Doris and Gabby, our two female Ecuadorian doctors, came over to help pack
Bibles for the next day. We discovered that Doris is not a Christian, but would like to begin going to
Bible Study with Nanny and Gabby. We will pray for her conversion. Nanny asked Gabby to join the
team and said her friend Doris might like to come too. We believe the experiences of the week will
change Doris’ life.
Thursday, October 19, 2006 – Quito – Dennis Caruthers. Our morning started with a beautiful
cloudless sky. My roommate, Bro. Brian, seemed a little under the weather. We had a buffet for breakfast,
yet Bro. Brian didn’t eat. The conversation all around was pleasant.This morning on our way to the work site, we stopped at a home-ran day care center. The center was
called “Little Bees.” Seeing the children and talking to the women committed to running the center was
truly an amazing experience for me. The homeowner had given up every room in her home except for
one for her and her daughter to live in.After leaving the day care, we proceeded to our work site. Greeted by our fellow workers, we stowed our
gear and set right into the business of laying block. The remainder or our morning proceeded quite well.
I felt like we had a considerable accomplishment by lunch.Alexandria arrived with lunch right on time. The lunch was delicious as always. We had salad,
tilapia fish, rice, fried pears and juice. She is a great cook! Bro. Brian’s condition hadn’t got any better.
He skipped lunch. When he did that, I knew something was wrong. After lunch, he retuned back to our
hotel, going to bed immediately and staying there for the remainder of the day. When we came in, I gave
him some medication. He never got out of bed the remainder of the evening.We had an uneventful ride back to the hotel where we parted to prepare for dinner. I had a little problem
getting into my room. Bro. Brian was so soundly asleep, I could not wake him, so I asked the front desk
to send maintenance with a key to let me in. A hot tub was in order; so I enjoyed my luxury, came out and
gave Bro. Brian some medication and proceeded to dinner. We had an excellent meal of shrimp, rice,
bread and salad with pineapple juice. We sat for at least an hour enjoying each other’s company and
conversation. When then retired to Lisa’s room to hold devotion, which I gave on this particular night.
Afterward we reviewed some of the pictures on Glenn’s laptop. We then parted company for the evening.
Friday, October 20, 2006 – Santo Domingo – Gale Walker. As Carole and I were getting up, she said
she had not felt well during the night as was afraid she was getting a “bug!” At first she didn’t want to take
phennigran because she wanted to go to the village and didn’t want to be drowsy – however, she agreed
to take half of one at Nancy’s suggestion. Dr. Contreras examined her, wanted her to take the other half
and started her on an antibiotic – she immediately began throwing up. Sharon gave her a shot at
Dr. Contreras’ orders. She remained at the hotel, with Lynn staying with her.The rest of us went on to the Peripe village. The children were still in class when we arrived, and when
they were finished with schoolwork, they were eager to come with us. It was necessary for us to revise
our teaching plans, since Carole wasn’t with us. With a class of 27 children and only one-half day to be
with them, we concentrated on the Story of Jesus and his life and related to them the plan of salvation.
We gave them the ABC’s of becoming a Christian bracelet and explained “Admit, Believe and Confess”
to them. They liked the bracelets very much. Another story that we had time to teach was the story of
Noah and the Ark. Most of them seemed to understand and enjoyed the activity that we did that
reinforced the main premise of the story – obedience to God.
We were able to do the fun activity of flower-making with them (with Ashley’s help). When they were
given the balls we brought them, they eagerly took them outside to play. As best I could surmise,
the medical team saw around 30 patients—ailments ranging from problems stemming from obesity
to throat problems.The trip back to Quito was difficult for Carole to begin with, but she was able to go to sleep after another
dose of phennigran. The scenery in the Andes Mountains viewed in the sunlight was magnificent.
Dr., Contreras checked Carole’s blood pressure and because it was too low, decided she needed I.V.’s
at the hospital when we returned. He took her there and I went on to dinner, which was to be hosted by
Roberto (Dr. Contreras) and Monica, after being told that Carole and Dr. Contreras would not be able to
return until after 8:00 pm.The restaurant, which was named “Mosaica” was beautiful and the food was fabulous. We witnessed
one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. The restaurant on a hill overlooked the city of Quito
with the beautiful Andes in the background. The lights of the buildings and churches there were spectacular.
Carole slept well after being sent home with three medications. We’re hoping she’ll be able to make the
trip to the Center of the World
Friday, October 20, 2006 – Quito – Glenn Glover. The morning found Bro. Brian in better shape.
His fever broke about midnight. I gave him DayQuil and he stayed at the hotel to recover—by the time
the team arrived back at the hotel in the afternoon, he seemed back to his jovial self.Dennis and I asked Edwin about the “hanging” stairs (landings hang in mid air with no vertical support).
We received that explanation and a LOT more about the structural components and the layout of the
building. We looked at the plans and many parts of the building and ended up on the top floor where
the short walls and floor were finished. This floor will have a fence installed on top of the wall and will
become the playground. We also learned that they plan to start the church adjacent to the daycare
next March.We had another good day laying blocks. We determined that by day’s end we had placed about
750 blocks (almost 900 according to Edwin – maybe we will use his estimate!). At first this did not
seem like a lot, but work times were restricted from 8:30 am – noon and 1 pm – 3 pm. I think SIFAT
had figured out that if Americans worked 8-9 hour days, as were are accustomed, at 10,000 ft of elevation,
we would all be dead by the end of the third day!We finished the portions of the outside walls on 4th floor that they had planned for us for the week. We
then started on the interior walls. Edwin Contreras, the engineer, said the five-person team had laid
more blocks then many teams of 10 or more! We were small, but efficient!Just before lunch, four women from Sister to Sister (Hermana a Hermana) gave each team member
a flower pin as a token of their appreciation. We prayed for the women and children of Atacucho and
what they are doing to improve their lives. The afternoon went quickly as our work came to a close.
We thanked each Ecuadorian worker and they thanked us in return. Group pictures were taken and
handshakes and hugs were exchanged. We wandered up the mountain to meet our school bus to the
hotel. While waiting, we interacted with three young girls, one with good English; several dogs and a
puppy and watched a street vendor walk by selling eggs and mandarin oranges.
The Santo Domingo team arrived after 5 pm and settled into their rooms at the Hotel Tambo Real.
The meal was chicken and beef kabobs (pichinos), with baked potato wedges and green beans in
The clouds had lifted and they had beautiful views of the Andes on their return trip. We met at 6:15 pm to
travel to a restaurant for dinner. As we wound through the streets of Quito, the beauty of the city’s lights
awed us. We arrived at the Mosaica Restaurant to find we had tables on the balcony with a gorgeous
view. There was still light from the setting sun that illuminated the dust from the erupting volcano south
of Quito (safely south). The sky glowed red. The statue of Mother Mary and the Basilica were particularly
interesting highlights.
tomatoes. Excellent!! A bowl of ice cream topped off a very special meal. Monica Contreras presented
each team member with a gift of thanks. Team members thanked SIFAT for their great work and thanked t
he team and others for their and spirit. Bro. Brian prayed a prayer of blessing on SIFAT and all the work
they do. Ron Rooks closed the day with a very thoughtful devotion. He noted at the end of each mission
trip that he had a sense of peace. All agreed. Buenos Noches!
Saturday, October 21, 2006 – Ashley Kickliter. Today we got to sleep in about an hour and a half later
than we normally do—it was great! My mom and I went down about 8:00 am to use the computers until
breakfast at 8:30. For breakfast we had rolls, ham, eggs, juice and I got hot chocolate. Sharon and
Carole didn’t come to breakfast. Sharon wasn’t feeling well and Ron said she wasn’t going to the Center
of the World with the group and Ron stayed with her. Carole was feeling much better, thank goodness,
she just needed more time to get up and going. After breakfast I got on the computer for a few minutes
until it was time for our day trip to Center of the World.We had to all squeeze in a smaller van than what we were used to and I was told to squeeze in the back.
It was about a 40-minute drive to Center of the World and after a few minutes, I had to move to the front
because I was feeling sick. I took some medicine and felt sick the whole way there. After we got the
Center of the World Museum and got some fresh air, I felt better. We went to many interesting sites at
the outdoor museum with a very nice lady guiding us. First we went into a replica hut with replica clothes
and food. Then we saw a replica of a burial tomb. Our guide told us that the Indians before the Incas
would drink a potion to make them sleep, be buried under ground and when they woke up, they would
die of suffocation. It was very interesting.Next we saw sundials and calendars of stone. Then we did experiments testing the middle of the world.
Our guide balanced an egg on a nail head (Glenn was the only other person that could do it). Next, she
showed us the spinning water of changing from northern to southern hemisphere (the water went straight
down on the equator line). We did a few more experiments then went inside some old Indian huts.
One was a replica and one was real (150+ years old)! We also saw animals and “shrunken heads.”After the museum, we went to Center of the World Park. My mom and I shopped and then we all gathered
for a group picture before lunch. We went to a delicious restaurant. We had empanadas, soup and pork
. It was very good! We got back to the hotel around 3:30-3:40. My mom and I took a nap while some
others went to the market. We had dinner at 6:30—soup, pork and peach dessert (very yummy)! Then
we went to devotion. We sang, Sharon talked to us, we all shared and then had communion. It was
wonderful. We gave Nanny a book and some money for all her hard work. We then had to tell her
goodbye. We will miss her very much. It was a great day. Buenos Noches!
Sunday, October 23, 2006 – Nancy Kickliter. We had to rise early, have our bags packed and be in
the lobby by 5:15 am. We were all on time, even Barbara!! We arrived at the Quito airport and went
through baggage check in and customs with no problem. Several of us purchased roses in the Quito
airport to take home. The roses here are beautiful, many colors. The price was $12 for 25 long-stemmed
roses, which they pack in a carry-on box for you. Our flight left at 8:15 am for Miami. We arrived in
Miami and went through the baggage claim and customs process again. We had a layover of about 3
hours before our flight to Atlanta.
By now we are all a little tired, but we are all together. From Atlanta we will return to AUMC, sort our
luggage and say our “good byes.” It was truly a wonderful trip.