What a week in Ukarumpa

This week has been so full of exciting things and I once again am reminded how blessed I am for this opportunity in another country.

Lilah and me went to visit with Mandy Pherson and her kids while her husband is away in one of the villages for 3 weeks. Mandy is so much fun to visit with. One of the cutest things, Mandy's daughter Ella asked her mom before we came when the customers were coming. She is I think 4 years old or younger, she is very cute. Mandy has 2 older boys as well.

On Tuesday I worked at the clinic and then visited with the Wycliffe Associate folks for a potluck and Bible Study. They do this every week. I visited with Marsha, who is the music teacher at the primary school. She is heading up the 4-6th grade musical and asked how I could help. I declined the backdrop/set design and costumes because let's just be honest that is not an area I have been given much talent. Marsha was like well how about choreography? I was like yes. I love it, so now I am going to help out with that. Later in the Bible Study we studied Romans 6. It was a good discussion, I was exhausted by the end of the night.

Wednesday was half day of primary school volunteer. I started my day with 1st grade math. Good times, then headed to help out at the library. I then assisted Lilah, asst principal and art teacher with kindy (kindergarten) art classes. We worked with modeling clay. The kids were very cute and creative. That night I went to David and Anne's house (WA volunteer coordinators) and worked with David on some massage techniques. He showed me some trigger points and the book to go along with it. We worked on Anne on the dining room table. Lots of fun.

Thursday wasn't quite so busy at the clinic. I was very tired so was thankful for a slow day. Since I did not have many patients, I watched and X-ray and also counted meds for the pharmacist. I went home after that and was in bed by 8:45pm (that hasn't happened since I was 6 years old haha!) . I did not sleep the night before, was tired of taking Ambien to sleep and tried it, but tossed and turned all night Wed night, was given some Melatonin (non prescription and easier on the body) , supposed to aid with sleeping. I also added another mattress to my bed to help.

Friday morning I woke up very refreshed. This was the first night I had slept well without my prescription medication and I was so thankful. Glad to have slept for I had a full caseload. I had 6 patients and spent about an hour with each. Sonya and I met together for lunch, we had been trying to catch up with each other all week so it was nice to talk and have real quality conversation. Those of you who know me, know this was something that rejuvenated me for my top love language is quality time. We shared some things God was doing in our lives and asked for accountability and prayer. Very good for me. Friday evening, Lilah and I headed to the Parkers for hamburgers and movie. It was lots of fun to get to know this family. They have 2 boys and a girl. The youngest is Dan, we enjoyed looking at a cake decorating book (he even goes to sleep with this book) and he picked some we could make together soon. :)

Today I slept in a little and just relaxed this morning. I headed to meet the group to go to the drop in center at 130pm, they joked with me because when I arrived it was on time and no one else was around. They laughed and were like you know she has not been here long showing up on time and such. Ha! We headed about 3km out of the center and set up for kids to arrive. I loved loved loved playing with the children all afternoon. The center provided guitar lessons, tambourine lessons, drawing, table tennis, Frisbee, and soccer for the children. I did a little of all of it. It was probably one of the best times I have had since I have been here. The kids just love hanging out with us. Technically this center is for kids 12 and up, but they all want to be involved so when asked some will say they are 12 years old when they may not even be 5 years old, it is quite hysterical to me. We need more volunteers to have enough for all ages, but today worked out nicely and wasn't a problem. Tonight we had some folks over for dinner and a round of Spoons, one of the all time best card games. We had a blast and I just enjoy being around folks and being relaxed.

This has been my week, very full! It has been such a blessing to help the folks in pain with their issues and see them coming back feeling better. It has been great to hear how people are praying for me and my time here. I am so thankful to be sleeping soundly. I am thankful for new friends who love Jesus and who love to serve in His Name! This coming week I will be going out tomorrow morning into a village for church service. On Monday will be visiting a new Bible Study with girls some my age and some older. I also will be working with another couple on massage techniques. Thank you for your continuous prayers. God is doing some amazing things here!!