Yesterday was clinic in Chuchipaca. It was short and sweet--only 10 patients. Sheri and I saw some good cases and prayed with people in need and people rejoicing for their improved health. We were all dragging a little as we came to the end of a really busy week, so it was good to get home early.
Friday was a great opportunity to go out with some friends/elders from two local churches who are part of an organization of leaders interested in building up new or struggling churches. Tomas Panjoj and Francisco Aware invited us to go with them to the town of Chuisiquel for a bible study and clinic day. It was a 3 hour drive to this town high up in the mountains. We saw volcanos and other mountains and deep valleys on the drive up.
The iglesia de Cristo there has been around for about 12 years and has 30 members. Unfortunately (or fortunately according to them), many of their men are in the States working which leaves the congregation a little on the weak side. The women speak a little Spanish but don't read. But, we met several faithful and extremely hospitable members who welcomed us in and served us coffee and rolls before we got started.
After Tomas and Francisco presented a good lesson on the Church as the body of Christ and the members living stones, we got started with clinic. There were lots of young moms (married at 13). One 30 year old woman from the church has been sick for 7-8 months with cough, fever and weight loss (HIV negative thank goodness), but suspicious for TB. Her husband is in the States and "has changed and probably won't be coming back". Another 40 year old lady was 43 weeks pregnant with her 11th child, with high blood pressure and baby in breech presentation--they wanted to know if they should go to the hospital. I tried several different ways to tell them she was in grave danger and should go "TODAY, RIGHT NOW, WITHOUT DELAY". But they said they would appreciate a note to take with them tomorrow. They didn't want to upset the activity of the day. And yes they had a son with a pickup to take them. You can be their doctor, but you can't be their mom!
Anyway, it was a great day, very long, and tiring having left at 5:30 and arriving home at 7:00, but we felt blessed to be a part of God's work with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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