Caleb's Surgery

Caleb had to go in for a small surgery Friday morning. He was actually looking forward to it since he knew he’d be getting a new toy after the operation. (I know, I know, you’re not supposed to bribe your children…what’s a mom to do?) He did great and was so proud of himself for not crying, even when they put the IV in. He’s a little sore and walking kind of funny, but we praise God that he came through well.

Would You Want to Know?

There are many instances of "The Clash of the Cultures" as we go through our days.  For instance, the main grocery store in town decides not to open on time, people put mayonaise on pizza, etc.  However, at times it becomes more difficult to accept the Ecuadorian way.  According to medical ethics that I have learned and practiced over the past eight years, every person has the right to know everything about their own health.  This is not exactly true in Ecuador.  A few cases in point:

1) A few weeks ago I saw a patient in the hospital who was dying from metastatic stomach cancer.  She presented with some horrific symptoms, including a severe build-up of fluid in her abdomen (ascites).  The patient's family knew of her diagnosis, but nobody had told her that she was dying of cancer.  In this case, I was able to share the news with her.  She was extremely grateful for my honesty with her so that she could face her last days without the fear of the unknown.

2) A study done a few years ago in the major cancer hospital in Ecuador (the word "cancer" is in the hospital name) revealed that 40% of patients in the hospital did not know that they were there being treated for cancer.

3) Today we sent home from the hospital an elderly lady who presented three days ago with severe shortness-of-breath and a large mass in her neck.  We diagnosed her with terminal thyroid cancer.  The family, which consisted of eight children, insisted that we not tell their mother of her diagnosis.  According to them, if we were to tell her, she would die of a heart attack on the spot, leaving their other sibling (who was away in France) without the opportunity to visit her mother one last time.  The family was very heated in their discussion of this matter.  Even though the children admitted that their mother would probably want to know of her own diagnosis, they believed that they could better decide what was in her best interest.  After many prayers were lifted up with the family, with the patient, and with other doctors, we decided to tell the patient, "If you have questions about your diagnosis, please ask your children or return to the hospital.  We would like you to know as much as you want to know."  This decision definitely went against my American ethics.

These differences present some deep challenges, but they offer great opportunities for us to appreciate the diversity of God's people.  The tough cases are also opportunities for us to mentor the Ecuadorian medical residents spiritually.  I was encouraged today by the spiritual maturity that the resident doctor showed in the treatment of this situation.  Be praying for the residents.  Many of them are trying to figure out who God is.  Others are learning how to introduce their patients to Jesus.  One of the main reasons that the Lord led us here is to help them along the right path, no matter where they might be in their spiritual and professional lives.

Thank You, Papa!

We had a wonderful time during our parents' visits.  The kids soaked up grandpa and grandma time and Kristina enjoyed the extra help while she fought with first-trimester sickness. While Papa Roth was here he and Caleb worked on a project for Jael.  We had wanted to buy her a kitchen set for Christmas but when we saw the price tag for the imported ones they had in Quito was over $300 we figured it wasn't quite in our missionary budget :)  Papa worked longs hours to finish a refridgerator, stove/oven set, and cabinet.  The kids have already had hours of fun with it and like to set up "Caleb's Cafe" where Daddy and Mommy can come for a bite to eat.

Centro Yuu

One of our primary goals in coming to Ecuador was to be able to get involved with the ministries of a local church. One often hears stories of missionaries who come into an area and, in trying to serve others, they promote dependence and helplessness. We’ve been really excited about the church that we attend here because the people there were already actively serving others and telling them about Jesus before we arrived. All we had to do was to join in with the fun.

Centro Yuu is a Shuar community here in Ecuador about 2 hours’ drive away from Shell. People there live in little shacks made with wooden planks thrown together and straw for a roof. They don’t have a clean water supply, and their electricity source is practically a little extension cord spliced into about 50 branches. About five years ago, a medical team first set foot in this community for an outreach. Since then, many people in the community have opened up their hearts to Jesus.  They are nearing a number large enough to plant a new church. Our little church in Shell has been working hard to partner with Cento Yuu during this process. Each weekend a couple from our church heads out to the Yuu to help in worship services for young and old.

A couple of weekends ago a group of us got together and brought Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child gift boxes to the kids in Centro Yuu. It was amazing! During the process, we presented the Gospel to the kids and explained to them that they were being given these gifts to remind them of the gift of Jesus that God has given all of us.  We're also planning a medical brigade to Centro Yuu within the next couple of months.  Join with us in praying that many people in this community will be thirsty to know more about Jesus' love.

 The road to the jungle is only for the strong of heart and for those with a good sense of humor.

The group from our church, including some visitors, was excited to serve.  Faces you may recognize include Steve, Lori, and Caleb Patee, Tim Roth, and Matt and Amy Kappen.  Pastor Angel is the gentleman in front.

Serving the Lord is a job for young or old, thin or with a bit of baby fat.

These kids aren't going to wait until next Christmas to open their gifts.