Gracias a Dios

Amigos,

First, I have to apologize...I know I'm well short of my once-weekly update...but better late than never!  The last few weeks have been keeping me busy.  I've gotten to do a little bit of everything at Damien House--observe wound care, clean the chapel, empty out closets, and visit with the patients.  Last week, I also got to work with a young man named Jonathan on a project that he started several years ago.  The project uses a computer application to test sensory nerve function, which is often compromised by the effects of Hansen's Disease.  The hope is that our tracking of finger point perception levels from this test can be compared with results from years past in order to determine the severity of nerve damage.  A medical group from the United States is coming in late September to perform nerve decompression surgeries, so this project might serve as helpful information for the physicians in the months and years to come.  So far, we've had some problems with the computer program, but I hope to keep working on the project before the medical group arrives.

Last weekend, we got to spend some time with our RdC community mates out in Mt. Sinai, which was so much fun!  First we went downtown and saw the new Batman movie (all in Spanish! and no subtitles).  Thanks to Ana, Coli, and everyone else who helped with the dinner too--it was so good!  On Sunday, we got up early and went to mass at San Felipe in Mt. Sinai.  It was an outdoor mass, and it was fun to see all the dogs roaming through the pews and Mike jamming out on the guitar!  After communion, the priest called all the children forward to receive a blessing.  Seeing the eager smiles and joy on each of their faces was so cool to me.  I'm looking forward to heading back to Mt. Sinai next weekend with our first retreat group who is coming in from Santa Clara in California!

And now I guess I should get around to explaining the title of my post.  Hebrews 13:15 says,

''Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name''.

When I greet most of the patients at Damien in the mornings, I ask how their night or weekend was.  Without fail, it seems, most all of them conclude their response with ''Gracias a Dios'', or ''Thanks be to God''.  No matter how their day is going or what kind of struggles they are dealing with, they always remember to give thanks to God.  Hearing this phrase so often is a simple reminder for me to give thanks in all circumstances.  Even though I'm adjusting within a new culture, stumbling through Spanish, and missing family and friends from back home, I'm finding a lot of joy in these gentle conversations and reminders.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and thanks again for all your support!  Talk to you soon!

Poco a Poco

We´ve been in Ecuador for a little over 2 weeks now!  Our time here so far has been filled with orientation, visiting worksites and neighbors, and struggling to learn as much Spanish as I can.  It´s frustrating to not always be able to communicate with people in our community.  However, all the neighbors we´ve visited have been incredibly welcoming and supportive.  They´ve all reminded me that ¨Poco a Poco¨ (¨little by little¨), I'll learn the language, be able to communicate and find my way around.  What a great reminder of patience and determination!

I also found out my worksite assignment this past week!  In the mornings, I will be working at Padre Damien House in downtown Guayaquil.  Padre Damien is a hospital and house of dignity for individuals dealing with Hansen´s Disease (formerly known as leprosy).  I will potentially have the opportunity to assist with wound care for the patients and follow the doctor around for his daily check-ups with patients.  Perhaps most importantly, I will have the chance to spend time and build relationships with the patients.  I´m really excited about working at Damien!  More to come on this as I start work!  In the afternoons, I will be helping out (along with two other housemates) at an after-school program in the neighborhood.  The first part will involve academic activities and homework help.  Then it's time for ¨recreo¨(recess!).  Soccer is huge here in Ecuador, so I'm hoping to develop some skills!

That's it for now.  I hope everyone is doing well.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers!  Thanks for all your support!