Ecuador Day 1 - 6.21

We had another flight delay out of Miami, but again witnessed a powerful display. From the large glass windows of the airport, I sat, read, and watched an incredible lightning storm. And we still made it to the capital of Quito. After another 1:45am bedtime, we had a short but great sleep at Hotel La Reina Isabel. The equatorial country does not need the Daylight Savings hour, so, although directly below Virgina, we were one hour behind EST. My prayer for patience and gentleness saw answers throughout the entire trip. When the inefficient, seemingly unproductive, and unnecessary events arose, I was reminded of God's presence, and His work in me.
The drive "up" to Riobamba took 4 hours and 15 minutes, and most of us slept. After arriving at Hotel Chimborazo, we settled in our rooms for the week. Dad and I were in room 213 - "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him" (Phil. 2:13). What a great reminder and encouragement every time I entered the door.
Still not having reached our work destination, we boarded a new bus, and drove up even higher to the small, unmapped village of Calshi.
Situated on Mt. Chimborazo, we were about 10,000 ft. above sea level.
A small church graciously let us set up our clinics in their school/church/kitchen buildings, and we traveled about 45 minutes each day for the four days we provided dental, medical, pharmaceutical, optical, and therapeutic care. Each person that came first heard the gospel before having their secondary needs met. Over 1000 people received care, the most important being spiritual. Although I don't know totals, our physical therapist was able through an interpreter to lead two patients to the Lord! That is the ultimate reason we went.