Monday, June 13, 2011

This is update 1. Written by Jen

I'm grinning from ear to ear.
- So are Sheri, Manaal, and Hanna (the lovely ladies serving with me on this trip).
- So is the pastor of "La Roca Nigeria," a new church plant in a slum on the outskirts of Guayaquil. We spent the afternoon with him.
- So are the people we met as we walked around Nigeria today.

Why?

Because we're doing exactly what we were made to do:
Serve God by loving people.

Nigeria (Spanish pronounciation "nay-hay-ri-uh") is poor. Really, really poor. Like a poor part of Africa plopped on the outskirts of one of Ecuador's nicest cities. Standing water, trash, and feces in the muddy streets force you to watch where you're stepping. In our brief visit today we met children with lice & scabies, hepatitis, diarrhea, and unexplained fevers. We sat and talked to moms and were treated to snacks and drinks in each home. I love watching medic teams get EXCITED the harder the circumstances get - when our feet get dirty and our clothes start to stink (it is 90 F with heavy humidity here), grins just seem to get bigger. 

Answers to prayer:
 - I asked you to pray for quick bonding with our translators and local church leaders. This happened today. We're excited to be working together.
- I asked you to pray for smooth travel. Our overnight flight left us tired, but we had no delays or problem, all our bags arrived, and we got them through customs with minimal hassle.

Please continue to pray:
- For good reception as we visit families in their homes and build relationships while meeting medical needs
- For health and safety
- For wise decisions and direction as we prepare for a larger medical team the last week. In particular, please pray for our meeting with the school director in Nigeria tomorrow, and for connections with Guayaquil hospital leaders.

Thank you!

Jennifer

No comments: