Dirt Tunnels

Dirt Tunnel

Verse of the day: “God can give you more blessings that you need.  Then you will always have plenty of everything—enough to give to every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Today we went up and down over many cobblestone mountain roads in a taxi-bus with minimal shocks until we eventually got to San Agustin.  However one mountain we went straight through via a dirt tunnel.  This tunnel also had a couple extra walking paths cut through the mountain which we didn’t get to explore, but I would have loved to if we had the time!  Today was my busiest day yet with many patients. I unfortunately did not get to see them all which was frustrating to me however this village is a little bigger so we will be there 2 days.  Those I didn’t get to see agreed to come back tomorrow.

Teaching English

This was the first day we had a translator but he was only one man and those who didn’t speak Spanish were 5, so we had to share his gift!  He is Pastor Nestor who led church for us the first Sunday I was here.  He is a man of many talents as he has not only learned English, but now also has a small 1 room school house out back of his house where he teaches English.  He is also a police officer, a tour guide, and a pastor! He is very kindhearted and energetic fellow who was a pleasure to have with us today! After lunch he invited us to see his home—a few large hills, a puppy eating a cow head, a 1 month old donkey, and a crossing a crick later, we made it.  But the view from his home was worth it and he was very excited to show us!  You can see Ruminahui well, which is a mountain in the shape of a local indigenous face (I think it looks like Abe Lincoln, haha).

1 month old donkey

Puppy Chow!!

View of Ruminahui from Pastor Nestor's house
L-->R: me, Susana, Nestor, Mary Louise, Jim, Sarah, & Paul

Let me introduce you to the new team members. They are a family of 4—a mother and father and their son and daughter-in-law.  In this small world that we live in, they are from very close to my hometown in PA and work with my aunt and uncle!  It’s nice to have some farmer friends around J There is 1 nurse and the rest are general helpers.  This was a huge help as Susana is now the only doctor since Bert and Sameer were only here the first week. So they were able to cover vitals, the pharmacy, and help with health education and praying with people.  Paul was able to lead a short devotional a couple of times while people were waiting. They are also excellent at entertaining the kids after they were treated or while their parents were being cared for!

Paul leading devotion while patients are waiting

lil dance party

And the party goes on!! Town wide dancing, fireworks, candy covered apples, and chickens on sticks ready for roasting!  There was a small separate parade that we followed home to the neighborhood just behind our camp tonight—perfect timing!

Chicken. It's what's for dinner!