Please be keeping Ecuador tightly in your prayers as the Constitutional Assembly will be considering the new draft of the Communication Law here in the next few days (or week).
There are 2 sides to this story --- one which begs for ethical and responsible journalism (not slander and defamation of character) - and the other, which begs for freedom to report news without prior censorship. From what I can distinguish (sometimes is very little) each side has reasonable arguments.
As I´ve been living and working as a health professional in Ecuador for the past (almost) 6 years, I do believe that we need evangelism in the professional realm --- that is to say,, we desperately need professionals who are sold out for Christ, who are willing to stand up to some terrible pressures and to fight for ethical and proper treatment of patients, clients, etc. --- proper in God´s eyes... accountable to God for telling the truth, timely and proper decision-making, use of power, etc. We desperately need Christian grown-ups, in ALL walks of life.
I pray that this pending debate would be a "call to arms" for Christ-followers in Ecuador. An opportunity instead of a threat --- the opportunity to pray that God would reveal those spiritual warriors in the professional world here, that He has been preparing all along. Pray that Ecuador would become the country that God intended for it to be...
thanx for joining me in loving Ecuador :)
m
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thank you MOST Ministries and Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
It´s my good pleasure to thank the team from MOST Ministries, under Carly´s gentle supervision, that screened and provided eye-glasses for (together with Vista Para Todos) around 500 people in Cotacachi, Otavalo and Zambiza (I believe there were just over 100 served at Zambiza alone). And it was a wonderful and detailed touch on the part of Vista Para Todos to give the team the opportunity to personally meet the person who received the wheelchair they were able to donate. It was a very touching experience for all of us.
I´m grateful, too, for kind words and encouragement --- and the many hugs --- I received from team members. That little bit of human kindness goes a very long way! It was fun to be able to share Ecuador with this team, the people, the stories, and all of the quirks that I´ve fallen in love with --- and to see them fall in love, too. Thank you to the team for being open, and willing and sharing all of that with me.
I pray that the relationships formed here would be blessed by God, for eternity :)
Michelle
I´m grateful, too, for kind words and encouragement --- and the many hugs --- I received from team members. That little bit of human kindness goes a very long way! It was fun to be able to share Ecuador with this team, the people, the stories, and all of the quirks that I´ve fallen in love with --- and to see them fall in love, too. Thank you to the team for being open, and willing and sharing all of that with me.
I pray that the relationships formed here would be blessed by God, for eternity :)
Michelle
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Street Ministry
I´m happy to let you know that a friend of mine who used to attend República (the church I attend here in Quito) has a new job - courtesy of our Mayor Augusto Barrera and the City of Quito... they´ve divided the city into zones and established houses in each sector where parents who work on the streets can leave their kids during the day/night and provide some level of care. We met this week, and she was asking me about "my" kids in the Iñaquito zone. Turns out she was told by those who know, that the kids in that section are particularly dangerous - getting involved in drugs and such early on. It doesn´t surprise me that God would have worked me around towards those guys.
I´m going to see if I can get back in touch with her and/or her organization to see if some type of mission collaboration would be possible with them. It´s a very interesting possibility, don´t you think? :)
Our God really IS an awesome God.
Will check in sometime the first week of July to let you know how the MOST Ministries visit went. Thanx for remembering us in your prayers :)
Michelle
I´m going to see if I can get back in touch with her and/or her organization to see if some type of mission collaboration would be possible with them. It´s a very interesting possibility, don´t you think? :)
Our God really IS an awesome God.
Will check in sometime the first week of July to let you know how the MOST Ministries visit went. Thanx for remembering us in your prayers :)
Michelle
Monday, June 14, 2010
Privileged to know...
I think it´s a special privilege when God gives us glimpses here and there of different little (and maybe even sometimes big) ways He has been using us; after all, I don´t think He´s obligated to :)
Dr. Vallejo (the ENT who did the technical edition of the book) told me last week that the Dysphagia Team, complete with the whole medical team involved with a particular patient, was put to the test --- and came out successfully through accurate documentation and case management. Dr. Vallejo said it was because of what I´d taught them all.
thank you to each of you who made it possible for me to be here, to teach them that.
And I bumped into Paty the other day, she also mentioned that case to me --- and that she´s personally consulting the Lord for wisdom when she sees that she´s over her head on a case.
thank you to each of you who made it possible for me to be here, to model that.
And there´s a young lady who sells pirated movies and such, who I befriended without buying, who had been in a convent for several years, left for confusion and deception, and now tells me she has recovered her own personal relationship with the Lord as we´ve talked on the sidewalk a little at a time here and there over the past (almost) 6 years.
thank you to each of you who made it possible for me to be here, to talk her through that.
I´m privileged to know the people I know here, that God would use me in so many tiny ways that are just about imperceptible to the naked eye, and to be able to see the many wonderful things He can continue doing in my ABSENCE --- watching out for "my" street kids, watching out for my family in the States, taking care of the work He did with me in sowing an entire playing field,,, etc. etc. etc. It´s a privilege to be in His service.
Wishing all of God´s best to you as you continue in His plan for you! your friend in Christ, michelle
Dr. Vallejo (the ENT who did the technical edition of the book) told me last week that the Dysphagia Team, complete with the whole medical team involved with a particular patient, was put to the test --- and came out successfully through accurate documentation and case management. Dr. Vallejo said it was because of what I´d taught them all.
thank you to each of you who made it possible for me to be here, to teach them that.
And I bumped into Paty the other day, she also mentioned that case to me --- and that she´s personally consulting the Lord for wisdom when she sees that she´s over her head on a case.
thank you to each of you who made it possible for me to be here, to model that.
And there´s a young lady who sells pirated movies and such, who I befriended without buying, who had been in a convent for several years, left for confusion and deception, and now tells me she has recovered her own personal relationship with the Lord as we´ve talked on the sidewalk a little at a time here and there over the past (almost) 6 years.
thank you to each of you who made it possible for me to be here, to talk her through that.
I´m privileged to know the people I know here, that God would use me in so many tiny ways that are just about imperceptible to the naked eye, and to be able to see the many wonderful things He can continue doing in my ABSENCE --- watching out for "my" street kids, watching out for my family in the States, taking care of the work He did with me in sowing an entire playing field,,, etc. etc. etc. It´s a privilege to be in His service.
Wishing all of God´s best to you as you continue in His plan for you! your friend in Christ, michelle
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pending
Would like to take a minute to let you know of the following (BIG) adventures that are pending for me:
- meeting with Fernando and Dr. Vallejo re: book publication, number of copies, and manner (Dr. Vallejo is super-excited about being the "Director of the Dysphagia Clinic at Vozandes", the "Technical Editor" of the book, and about having it officially and publicly launched to the medical community :)
- packing the house for planned move (don´t know where) in October.
- waiting confirmed response from Freddy (apt. owner) to confirm my stay in the apt. until end of Sept.
- waiting response from dysphagia therapists in Chile for my pending visit there.
- waiting response from several companies and a friend here regarding our plans to do medical translations.
- waiting notification from missions and ministries in Quito re: paid participation in translation activities.
In the meantime,
- meetings planned re: help for my Street Kids
- am preparing to receive MOST Ministries team (19-25 june)
- am preparing written hand-outs, powerpoints, workshops for Ricardo and Rocio at Nuevos Amigos
Thanx for remembering me in your prayers as my Lord leads me lovingly through each step in this transition process... Michelle
- meeting with Fernando and Dr. Vallejo re: book publication, number of copies, and manner (Dr. Vallejo is super-excited about being the "Director of the Dysphagia Clinic at Vozandes", the "Technical Editor" of the book, and about having it officially and publicly launched to the medical community :)
- packing the house for planned move (don´t know where) in October.
- waiting confirmed response from Freddy (apt. owner) to confirm my stay in the apt. until end of Sept.
- waiting response from dysphagia therapists in Chile for my pending visit there.
- waiting response from several companies and a friend here regarding our plans to do medical translations.
- waiting notification from missions and ministries in Quito re: paid participation in translation activities.
In the meantime,
- meetings planned re: help for my Street Kids
- am preparing to receive MOST Ministries team (19-25 june)
- am preparing written hand-outs, powerpoints, workshops for Ricardo and Rocio at Nuevos Amigos
Thanx for remembering me in your prayers as my Lord leads me lovingly through each step in this transition process... Michelle
Monday, June 07, 2010
State of the Union...
Just a quick update to give you a general idea of the nature of things in THIS half of the world to date:
Good news:
* It´s exciting to see "simulacros" being organized for disaster management... that hasn´t been a typical approach in the past 6 years that I´ve seen. It´s encouraging to see Quito and surrounding areas coming together (in the rescue services, at least) to practice disaster planning and dress rehearsals for potential earthquakes and volcano eruptions. The city of Quito is sending out professionals to review buildings for earthquake-readiness, for example. I´m grateful to the Lord to see the pro-active people (who were ALWAYS here, but mostly hidden) coming to the forefront - and apparently in positions of authority - taking responsible steps towards general safety and handling of difficult situations, as a team.
*Police at city and government levels are more visible now than ever, and are contributing to regulation of traffic, break-up of gangs, confiscation of weapons and drugs, etc. --- I´m seeing more news reports about successful police operations in general. There is also a large force out to help enforce "pico y placa" (to reduce congestion in the city during rush hour). I´m grateful to the Lord to see more organized efforts to address clear "wrongs" and injustices,,, to put things in good working order. It represents either a) a change in thinking, b) a change in attitude of those in charge, c) a change of priorities, or d) all of the above. Whatever the motive, the results are starting to look more positive.
*Face-lift: Quito is getting a face-lift in this past year. All of the malls are being re-done, complete with sidewalk cafés, security officers, new stone sidewalks, controlled and supervised parking areas, designated pedestrian areas and cross-walks, ... and the beauty and safety are being MAINTAINED over this past year :) The changes are phenomenal (you´d never believe it if you hadn´t seen it when I first arrived). They´ve taken out a couple of "redondels" -- the round-a-bouts to improve traffic flow, and the landscaping is also very beautiful. In all these areas, I´m seeing less grafitti, more security officers, more plants, trees, flowers and grass,, and more buildings that are "easy on the eyes". I´m thinking our new mayor is behind much of this organization and improvements I´m seeing here lately. Please keep him (Augusto Barrera) in your prayers. Join me in thanking the Lord for the peace and joy and comfort that come from the little details in life, that help you to relax a little and really enjoy your environment :)
Discouraging reports and concerns:
*The justice system seems to have so completely caved in, that all the positive efforts the police force is making are coming to naught ---- the successful operations, confiscation of truckloads of weapons and gangs of 5-10 people at a time are frustrated with the rapid RELEASE of prisoners, even those who are involved in weapons and murder cases. You can see the complete frustration and disillusion on the officers´faces when they´re being interviewed on tv. Please keep them all in your prayers -- as they literally face terrible life-death situations daily, are working on our behalf, see good results, then are completely undermined by lack of support.
*There is an increase this year in GUNS FOR HIRE, and related murders. Unfortunately, the latest news reports say that teens are answering the ads for quick money. Although the initial assassinations reported seemed (to me) to be between gang members or drug-related, there´s a growing national concern,,, and President Correa has issued the formation of a special force to investigate and interrupt this specific type of crime. Please keep us all in your prayers, that personal value could be restored and people would be more interested in dealing with each other again than settling for technical distance and simulated living.
* Tungurahua continues to erupt, showing lava flow and another strong explosion this weekend. Many people who don´t usually evacuate have agreed to evacuate this time; others insist on staying. I´m happy to see the organized city response this time (so very different from the 2006 eruption, that I can tell). I´m also encouraged to see people responding positively to the evacuation, and taking advantage of offered refuges. Thank you for your prayers for all of those involved directly with a potential full eruption, who could lose homes, cattle, crops, and lives; and for the rest, who will likely experience shortages and price increases for certain products following such an eruption. It would impact the entire nation.
God´s best to you all in your labor of love for Him.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Good news:
* It´s exciting to see "simulacros" being organized for disaster management... that hasn´t been a typical approach in the past 6 years that I´ve seen. It´s encouraging to see Quito and surrounding areas coming together (in the rescue services, at least) to practice disaster planning and dress rehearsals for potential earthquakes and volcano eruptions. The city of Quito is sending out professionals to review buildings for earthquake-readiness, for example. I´m grateful to the Lord to see the pro-active people (who were ALWAYS here, but mostly hidden) coming to the forefront - and apparently in positions of authority - taking responsible steps towards general safety and handling of difficult situations, as a team.
*Police at city and government levels are more visible now than ever, and are contributing to regulation of traffic, break-up of gangs, confiscation of weapons and drugs, etc. --- I´m seeing more news reports about successful police operations in general. There is also a large force out to help enforce "pico y placa" (to reduce congestion in the city during rush hour). I´m grateful to the Lord to see more organized efforts to address clear "wrongs" and injustices,,, to put things in good working order. It represents either a) a change in thinking, b) a change in attitude of those in charge, c) a change of priorities, or d) all of the above. Whatever the motive, the results are starting to look more positive.
*Face-lift: Quito is getting a face-lift in this past year. All of the malls are being re-done, complete with sidewalk cafés, security officers, new stone sidewalks, controlled and supervised parking areas, designated pedestrian areas and cross-walks, ... and the beauty and safety are being MAINTAINED over this past year :) The changes are phenomenal (you´d never believe it if you hadn´t seen it when I first arrived). They´ve taken out a couple of "redondels" -- the round-a-bouts to improve traffic flow, and the landscaping is also very beautiful. In all these areas, I´m seeing less grafitti, more security officers, more plants, trees, flowers and grass,, and more buildings that are "easy on the eyes". I´m thinking our new mayor is behind much of this organization and improvements I´m seeing here lately. Please keep him (Augusto Barrera) in your prayers. Join me in thanking the Lord for the peace and joy and comfort that come from the little details in life, that help you to relax a little and really enjoy your environment :)
Discouraging reports and concerns:
*The justice system seems to have so completely caved in, that all the positive efforts the police force is making are coming to naught ---- the successful operations, confiscation of truckloads of weapons and gangs of 5-10 people at a time are frustrated with the rapid RELEASE of prisoners, even those who are involved in weapons and murder cases. You can see the complete frustration and disillusion on the officers´faces when they´re being interviewed on tv. Please keep them all in your prayers -- as they literally face terrible life-death situations daily, are working on our behalf, see good results, then are completely undermined by lack of support.
*There is an increase this year in GUNS FOR HIRE, and related murders. Unfortunately, the latest news reports say that teens are answering the ads for quick money. Although the initial assassinations reported seemed (to me) to be between gang members or drug-related, there´s a growing national concern,,, and President Correa has issued the formation of a special force to investigate and interrupt this specific type of crime. Please keep us all in your prayers, that personal value could be restored and people would be more interested in dealing with each other again than settling for technical distance and simulated living.
* Tungurahua continues to erupt, showing lava flow and another strong explosion this weekend. Many people who don´t usually evacuate have agreed to evacuate this time; others insist on staying. I´m happy to see the organized city response this time (so very different from the 2006 eruption, that I can tell). I´m also encouraged to see people responding positively to the evacuation, and taking advantage of offered refuges. Thank you for your prayers for all of those involved directly with a potential full eruption, who could lose homes, cattle, crops, and lives; and for the rest, who will likely experience shortages and price increases for certain products following such an eruption. It would impact the entire nation.
God´s best to you all in your labor of love for Him.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Mama Tunguraghua (Burning Throat)
Those of you who have been following my entire stay in Ecuador may remember the eruption of one of our most active volcanoes here in July and August of 2006 - which involved pyroclastic flow, and covered a large area, affecting primarily Baños (a popular tourist spot with hot springs and such).
On Friday morning, Tunguraghua took geophysicists and others by surprise with a new and very strong eruption, and has continued spewing lava, rocks, and ash through the weekend. In the midday news report today, scientists are saying that they "cannot rule-out" a much larger eruption. They stated that the energy present in the volcano to date, is much more than it was in 2006... and they are figuring at least 3 possible scenarios (one of which, being that there may be no further developments). They moved the alert to its highest possible level today, and are currently under voluntary evacuations.
Prayer request for the people of Cotopaxi province, and all those who live in Baños and the skirts of the volcano. Their homes, cattle and crops are all affected by just the ash alone (which continues spewing while "the colossus" (one of its names) continues re-adjusting internal pressures). This volcano has a history of significant damage in the 18th and 19th centuries here, where whole towns like Riobamba were buried. There was talk after the 2006 eruptions that the whole area should be cleared of homes/farms and made a national park... maybe they´ll start considering that option again.
Thanx for your prayers for the people of Ecuador.
Your friend in Christ,
michelle
On Friday morning, Tunguraghua took geophysicists and others by surprise with a new and very strong eruption, and has continued spewing lava, rocks, and ash through the weekend. In the midday news report today, scientists are saying that they "cannot rule-out" a much larger eruption. They stated that the energy present in the volcano to date, is much more than it was in 2006... and they are figuring at least 3 possible scenarios (one of which, being that there may be no further developments). They moved the alert to its highest possible level today, and are currently under voluntary evacuations.
Prayer request for the people of Cotopaxi province, and all those who live in Baños and the skirts of the volcano. Their homes, cattle and crops are all affected by just the ash alone (which continues spewing while "the colossus" (one of its names) continues re-adjusting internal pressures). This volcano has a history of significant damage in the 18th and 19th centuries here, where whole towns like Riobamba were buried. There was talk after the 2006 eruptions that the whole area should be cleared of homes/farms and made a national park... maybe they´ll start considering that option again.
Thanx for your prayers for the people of Ecuador.
Your friend in Christ,
michelle
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