10 Days in Ukarumpa

Hello!

Wow it's hard to believe I have only been in Ukarumpa for 10 days. I have seen so much and I have done so many new things since I have been here.

Work in the Clinic

Our clinic is staffed with 4 doctors, 2 dentists, 1 pharmacist, 2 lab techs, x-ray tech, clinical manager, housekeeper, building maintenance man, assistants to all these depts, and me the physiotherapist. We are equipped to see patients from the Center and in the villages.

My current caseload has been the missionaries on center which here are called ex-pats. These past 10 days as far as the clinic goes, I have met all the staff, had a meeting with the manager, and managed to work in some physical therapy appointments. I have seen about 7 patients in all. I must admit it is nice being my own "boss" and I have access to and Ultrasound machine, a partly working TENS unit, and some ice packs. I have transformed the overhead cervical traction unit into shoulder pulleys because that is more of a need. It has been a great journey thus far in the clinic.

Ukarumpa Village

I had the opportunity when David Smith, WA volunteer coordinator, returned from conference to tour Ukarumpa Village with some other new folks. I arrived early Friday morning to begin what I thought was tour of the center(thinking for orientation) to my surprise and delight we were going out to the village. I was approached kindly by the coordinator's wife that i should have worn a skirt (Here in the center pants are acceptable) , but we came to the conclusion that my shirt was covering plenty and not to worry. Most times when I'm being a bit of a rebel I realize it, but here I am trying to obey all the rules and sheesh i'm busted. As we started our hike into the village, I was thankful for the pants. We trekked through grass up to our hips. We saw lots of vegetation banana trees, coffee beans drying, and things of the sort. Many of the houses resemble my prayer cards. One room huts with fireplace in the center. We ran across many of the villagers and they were anxious for their pictures to be taken and very friendly. We were instructed to kindly greet them with "morning(soft g)". A few sights were quite interesting a preschooler carrying a bush knife as tall as he was, apparently here they learn young. David pointed out the former Starbucks :) One of the villagers had served coffe and then had customers, but it like some recently in the United States has shut down. I also saw an older man walking around with a bow and arrow. (NICE) He followed us around a bit, but was friendly. I have pictures of the trip and will post next time.

Living in Ukarumpa Center

My living accomadations are better than I anticipated. I am very comfortable and am glad to say I have slept soundly the last couple of nights. Thanks Dr Hodges for the Ambien. I tried first few nights without anything without success. My housemate is very delightful, humorous, helpful, and creative. Lilah has been here for 18 months and will be headed to Bible college sometime after June. In Australia it is a requirement to do long term missions. She has introduced me to life in Ukarumpa including bush dancing, Kath and Kim nights (Aussie thing), the weight room, and other events. There are a few singles on sight and they get together on weekends and play cards and other games. Nice mixture of nationalities.

Cooking

Yes ladies and gentleman, I have been cooking, not your box meals in the microwave oh no, cooking from scratch. There are no fast food restaraunts or any restaraunts of any kind for that matter. I have been encouraged if I want to eat I have to cook. I am happy to say I am quickly becoming a domestic diva. Tonight I made pancakes for supper and banana bread. My greatest accomplishment so far was my flour tortillas, of course, I had Lilah helping me in that arena. It's quite fun and at home never made time for it. When I get home I will be ready to whip you up something special.

Spiritually

There are opportunities to attend Bible Study and Church in the Center. I have participated in one that was at my house this past Tuesday night and tomorrow night I will attend the WA Bible Study. I have heard of some others, but really haven't heard of nights they are offered.

For me personally it has been a good time of studying and anticipating hearing God's voice. I have completed a book by Joy Dawson called Ruined for the Ordinary. This book was very encouraging and teaches different ways we hear God's voice. It encourages to not do so halfheartedly and to be aware of the ways Satan tries to throw us off and believe it's God when it is not. Also how to obey the voice of God. Really great. I have been able to journal daily and am enjoying how God is constantly telling me things one day at a time. That keeps me in His Word and on my toes. I studied a bit before I left on healing and am currently reading a book on healing by Jim Glennon. It has been quite an eye opener. I have wondered about this topic for sometime. Will let ya know how that book goes.

Overall, the last 10 days have been so encouraging to me as a person and a woman attempting to live for Jesus. I have had to rely on Him in ways never before reminding myself He is my Strength, Provider, Comforter, Partner, and Hope and so much more. I look forward to what next 3 months will bring.

Prayer Requests

I have been blessed with giving massages to a few of the folks here and was especially excited to work with Robert and Melody Harmon. They left for POC, which is a training for heading out to villages and village life. Pray for them as they are starting a whole new adventure.

Pray that I will find someone to assist me with language, I have a phrase book, but I know a person would really help the progression of learning for me.

I decided to spend some of my time working in the primary school on Wednesdays. Please pray for me as I work with these students that I will be aware of their needs and be the encourager they need and that the teachers will be less stressed.

Pray that I would spend my extra time wisely and in the way God intended. I can easily see how I could get comfortable with the same folks and I know I am here to encourage many instead of few, but also know when to say no so that the time I do give is quality.

Thank you so much for praying for me and supporting me. I am so blessed to be a part of this furthering of the gospel.

Angie :)