The last week of January I had the opportunity to help serve at our local church by translating for a medical team that came from the states.  Through an organization called Church Ministries International (CMI) our church in Puembo has been receiving teams for several years.  The team comes and sets up a medical clinic all week and treats patients from the local community.  While I was a little nervous (considering I'm not so great with blood and medical things...) it turned out to be a wonderful week.  Ivan was kind enough to take on Benjamin duty so that I could be available.  I was impressed by the level of planning and preparation that the Ecuadorian hosts did in order for the time to run smoothly.  Since they have built a relationship with many of the doctors and nurses who come over the years, it was a really beautiful picture of how "mission trips" can be done, focusing on longevity and genuine relationships.  I was also pleasantly surprised to see some Ecuadorian physicians there, donating their time and resources alongside the North Americans.  While it's great to have "outsiders" come and serve, it's even more rewarding to see nationals catch that vision and begin to minister to their own people. 

While the days were long, the time went by quickly as there was a steady stream of patients and I was mostly in triage, working alongside the nurses.  There's something really encouraging about being among a group of people with a heart to serve others.  On several occasions I had the chance to pray with some of the patients and not only minister to their physical needs but their spiritual needs as well.  Many assumed I was with the team and were surprised when I began speaking clearly in Spanish to them!

Sometimes we can get stuck in our routines and our "roles" and stay away from areas that make us uncomfortable.  When they announced at our church the need for translators, I could have very easily said "no".  I have a lot on my plate already.  I'm not particularly keen on medical situations.  But I decided to say "yes".  I was blessed by that decision.  I was able to get to know some other people from our church that I don't normally talk to.  I had the chance to speak English all day!  We were able to see God work in the lives of some of the patients.  Just a friendly reminder to be open to where/what God is calling you to step in to.  ;)

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