My time in Ecuador has almost come to an end. We leave Sunday morning for Quito, Monday we’ll travel to the Peruvian border and Tuesday we’ll travel to our new ministry location. More details to come. Before I head out for month two, I thought you might like to meet some of the people that I have met during my time in Huaticocha.
Braulio
Braulio (pronounced Brow-lee-oh) was the first jungle boy our team met. At our first team planning time, this skinny kid showed up to see what the gringos were up to. Our relationship with him has continued to grow during our month here.
Despite his slender frame, Braulio is 15 years old. As is typical of most Ecuadorian kids, they look 2-3 years younger than they really are. Each morning he has come to the work site with us to move rocks, mix cement and machete. Often, he’ll disappear into the jungle and return with cacao or sugar cane for us to munch on. It’s always wise to have a jungle boy around- they always provide handy tips and lots of laughs.
Pastor Ivan talks about when Braulio was a young boy he was always mad. His family doesn’t attend church but Braulio began attending the weekend services. The Lord slowly worked on his calloused heart and he came to know the Lord. Now he’s full of smiles and laughs and is known to pull a practical joke or two! Oh, he wanted an English name, so we figured Bradley was the closest.
Gaden
Isn’t she beautiful? I first met Gaden on the way to the river for our free day. She lives in Huaticocha and like most kids on summer vacation, hangs out at Nancy’s store watching whatever is playing on the tv. When she found out we were going to the river and she was invited to come, she hopped into the waiting truck with little deliberation. Not need to check with mom or dad; they just assume their kids will be home for dinner.
What has stuck with me about this 9-year-old girl is her response to a question Nancy asked her after our time at the river. She came back to buy some supplies for dinner when Nancy asked who her mom was. Gaden rattled off her mom’s name and when Nancy didn’t recognize it she asked who her father was.
“No se.”
No se. I don’t know. That was her reply. This sweet, precious girl has no idea who her father is. Her answer didn’t seem to faze her but it broke my heart. The little girl I had just taught how to swim in a river had no daddy to return home to. No one to tell her she’s beautiful. Sadly, this is the reality of many children in these small villages.
Luis
I met Luis as we were waiting for the truck to come pick us up from Nueva Esperanza, the community on top of the mountain. Like everyone else in the jungle, he was sportin’ his sweet rubber boots and was headed into town to sell some produce.
I don’t know much about his story but he’s a jovial man. I also don’t want to give Ecuadorian men a bad rap as you might be thinking after reading Gaden’s story. As we drove the 3 miles on the bumpy gravel road to Huaticocha, he was the first one out the back of the truck to help fellow travelers load their produce and their family (we often ride in truck bed converted to carry cattle- stylish I know, but an effective mode of transportation in the jungle).
So, chivalry is not dead- even in the jungle. It is common practice for the men to carry the load and take the burden off the women. I’m for it!
Health Update
Many of you have sent messages and have been concerned about my quad after pulling it in a soccer game a little over a week ago. I’m pleased to say I’m back to normal and have full mobility. I took time to rest and stretch and only have the slightest pain if it’s fully stretched quickly. I’m sure I’ll be fine- I just might take a break from the soccer games for a while!
While my quad has recovered, my stomach has not. Much of yesterday, I macheted at the worksite with stomach cramps and lower back pain. It wasn’t unbearable, just consistent pain. I was relieved when it stormed so heavily that students didn’t show up for English classes in the afternoon. I moved my sleeping mat and bag into a separate guest room with a more supportive bed for the night. It wasn’t very restful as much of the night was spent tromping out to the bathroom (the #2 bathroom is located in the backyard). I almost resorted to sleeping with my headlamp on so I could get to the bathroom faster…
This morning did not bring relief. Ivan excited announced that we wouldn’t be working today (Hallelujah!) but instead we’d be doing a house visit to Nueva Esperanza. That’s right, that’s the community on top of the mountain, only a 1.5 hour hike in the boiling lava hot sun with boots on. Not going to happen. I quickly assessed the team and only 2 of our 6 were healthy enough to make the trek. We shared this with Ivan and decided not to go (there was not way I was going to make it…it would be like hiking up one of the bluffs at Devil’s Lake).
So, I’ve spent most of today passed out in my bed (didn’t realize how tired my body was), in the bathroom or reading. Not to worry, I’ve been pumping the fluids and found some very bland cracker things at the store to eat. I’m quite certain it’s from all the greasy food we’ve been eating (they fry everything). Nancy’s convinced I’m sick because I was sun burnt and then it rained. Yeah…I don’t think so. But, after a day and hopefully a night of rest, I should be back to normal. I’m going to attempt to steer clear of the extra greasy foods for my last 3 days here. Upset stomachs- planned on having it happen, just not fun when you’re dealing with it. Thanks for your prayers!
