The days continue to be hectic...but this time back in the sweltering heat of the coast. First off, THANK YOU to all those who opened their heart to this cause for donating. It might have seemed like a far off story with people you dont know. Its hard to relate the emotion of the story through blog postings and wish you all could be hear to meet Jose and Rosa and see the on the ground reality...AND progress! There are countless things to donate to in this day and age; we're so grateful you chose to step up to our calling to help these two individuals that had been so neglected and left alone. Our received donations sum to a near $4,000! Incredible amount of support in such a short amount of time. We are wowed! And hope you all can be too with the miracles that are gaining momentum.
!
Jose will be back to Quito on sunday and checking into a very well respected hospital, Voz Andes. His surgery will probably take place on tuesday of next week, as exams will need to be carried out on monday. Half of the dontations, $2k is going to the surgery. The hospital is covering the remaining $3k...see previous postings if you want the whole scoop! The other $2k of donations has gone to the first Quito trip, the house project, food, and basic household supplies for when they move into their new home. They are going to have a basic but sweet setup once they get back from the hospital the following week. If all goes to plan, the house will be finished by this Saturday evening. The rest of the donations will also cover the second trip to Quito, post surgery rehabilitation, as well as Miguels salary...who has been so needed and has come through in so many ways.
We'll be back on the blog by friday or saturday. Hasta luego a todos!
Jeremiah
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Donations close tomorrow... only $640 to go!!
Hi everyone!!
We are back in Tabuga, checking on the housing, getting Jose signed up for an additional $240/mo bono for which he is elligble, and starting to buy living supplies for Jose and Rosa!
So far we have raised $3360!!! Thank you x 10 to everyone who has donated!!
To complete the project (surgery, the house, supplies, and sending Jose, Rosa, and Miguel to Quito one more time) we only need to raise another $640!
BUT, paypal takes 3-4 business days to transfer money into Jeremiah's account. Since we fly home next Monday night, we hope to have this remaining $640 by the end of tomorrow's business day.
If you or anyone you know is planning to donate, please keep that in mind.
Yay for a superspeed miracle!! Well done everyone.
love,
allison
We are back in Tabuga, checking on the housing, getting Jose signed up for an additional $240/mo bono for which he is elligble, and starting to buy living supplies for Jose and Rosa!
So far we have raised $3360!!! Thank you x 10 to everyone who has donated!!
To complete the project (surgery, the house, supplies, and sending Jose, Rosa, and Miguel to Quito one more time) we only need to raise another $640!
BUT, paypal takes 3-4 business days to transfer money into Jeremiah's account. Since we fly home next Monday night, we hope to have this remaining $640 by the end of tomorrow's business day.
If you or anyone you know is planning to donate, please keep that in mind.
Yay for a superspeed miracle!! Well done everyone.
love,
allison
Friday, August 12, 2011
Set date for Surgery!!
Jeremiah here, and: Great news!! After about 11 days of nonstop logistics, traveling, translating, hospital visits, blogging, investigating the whole story, etc. we finally have breached the peak of a seemingly insurmountable task. Sleeping in today was probably the best way to celebrate yesterday´s success. Yesterday´s success was odd and rather anticlimactic I think because we expected so much more so much earlier. We all were so drained and the negotiation at VozAndes was so quick and business-like that it was hard to be aware of the success itself and how incredible it was given how the day was so up and down with good and bad news. I guess Ill stop rambling:) and say the operation is going to happen!! and for the amount that we determined we could offer...$2000! They initially wanted us to cover 4k!
Let me go into the details. Wednesday night, we had to good fortune to put the word out in Tabuga to find the name of the hospital they had visited right after the hit and run happened. We needed either a police report( not possible, there are no police in this part of the country), a receipt form called 08 from a public hospital, or a paid services receipt if they had gone to a private clinic (again, not possible as they have no money) in order to prove it was a car accident so Jose would qualify the SOAT funding from the government. We were hoping to get around 2000 from this to offset the remainder of the surgery costs. We gave the name of the hospital to Voz Andes and they said they would look into it the first thing Thursday morning. I got a call from the Director as we were on our way in a taxi to check in on Jose and Rosa and bring them breakfast. Word was that the hospital did have records and that there was about $1100 of SOAT money that would probably be able to be used for the surgery. This was great news as it got us one step closer. They said they might have some reconditioned plates and screws that could be used and thus cover all the costs of the operation if we could provide that initial $2000. Awesome.
We got to Jose and Rosa who were in good spirits after a good nights rest. They kept asking when they could go home as I think they miss being away from the coast and Tabuga itself. Quito is like cold, distant planet compared to the tropical coast. They also always ask for Allison, ¨¿Donde está la muchacha?¨ because she has been out sick and hadnt been able to visit as much. I try to tell them she working hard on getting help from all our family and friends and resting up from being sick. I can tell they miss having her around. They seem to get a good chuckle in just asking about her. Miguel and I hung out with them for a couple hours, watched some shows on a tiny tv huddled all on the bed in their hostal. As it got closer to noon, we figured it would be good to head over to Voz Andes to get the latest news and hopefully transfer them back to the shelter at that hospital to help save money and would also allow them easy access to food at the hospital cafeteria.
After lunch, we got to the hospital around 1pm and found the social worker first. Terrible news hit us after the first 20 seconds in her office. Apparently, our initial information about the date of the accident that we had sought out early last week before going to Quito was totally off. We had heard 10 months by several people including Jose. So that's what we had to go with as there was no documentation from a police report and they had no hospital papers. It actually happened over two years ago and because we were now outside the 2 year limitation for SOAT funding, we wouldn't have access to that last critical amount of money. It was truly hard to hear we could be back to square one. The mountain had jolted forward but then settled back into the same exact place. In addition, the doctor to whom Jose had been assigned was going on vacation today and was not returning until the day we leave for home. I asked if he could be reassigned and she assured me no. Only place to go now was to request another meeting with the Director to see if their initial idea, of discussing with staff about our case and weighing it among their budget and other patients, could fund the remainder. Also, hopefully plead for a new doctor. We got a meeting an hour later at 2pm but finally got a chance to talk to him at 3. He came out of the elevator right by where we were sitting in the waiting room and without greeting said, ' ok if you have the two thousand you mentioned yesterday, we will take care of the rest and somehow make it work. Were not sure how its all gonna work yet, but well make sure the surgery gets done.´
Complete shock, didn't expect it. But, WOW, miracle granted! The only sticking point was getting a surgery date. The surgeon is available only the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of August before going on another vacation. So we set the date for next Monday, the 22nd which happens to be the day we fly home. We struggled to make this happen before leaving the country, but know we cant control the timeline of anything especially in this country. I sent Miguel home with Jose and Rosa today so they could rest back in Tabuga for a week before coming back for surgery. Allison and I are going to also rest up for a couple days and then also head back to the coast on Sunday to finish the home building process and get them essentials in the home and food, etc. Another huge goal of ours is to get Jose in the system to receive his qualified monthly assistance bono of $240 so they will have a sustainable income for their future once we are gone.
The surgery is a huge success and we couldnt have made it happen without your incredible support! There are still some costs to make it happen though, so we are keeping our donation requests urgent and needed. Traveling to Quito next week, staying in Quito for the surgery and rehab, and finishing housing costs will take another $1000 thanks to the last few hundred dollar donations yesterday. We have raised about $3000 so far!, and need just another $1000 to make this all happen. Please send this blog link on to other family and friends if you havent yet! Thanks for helping change the lives in a massively positive way for two wonderful people Mountain is moving, lets send it speeding!
Let me go into the details. Wednesday night, we had to good fortune to put the word out in Tabuga to find the name of the hospital they had visited right after the hit and run happened. We needed either a police report( not possible, there are no police in this part of the country), a receipt form called 08 from a public hospital, or a paid services receipt if they had gone to a private clinic (again, not possible as they have no money) in order to prove it was a car accident so Jose would qualify the SOAT funding from the government. We were hoping to get around 2000 from this to offset the remainder of the surgery costs. We gave the name of the hospital to Voz Andes and they said they would look into it the first thing Thursday morning. I got a call from the Director as we were on our way in a taxi to check in on Jose and Rosa and bring them breakfast. Word was that the hospital did have records and that there was about $1100 of SOAT money that would probably be able to be used for the surgery. This was great news as it got us one step closer. They said they might have some reconditioned plates and screws that could be used and thus cover all the costs of the operation if we could provide that initial $2000. Awesome.
We got to Jose and Rosa who were in good spirits after a good nights rest. They kept asking when they could go home as I think they miss being away from the coast and Tabuga itself. Quito is like cold, distant planet compared to the tropical coast. They also always ask for Allison, ¨¿Donde está la muchacha?¨ because she has been out sick and hadnt been able to visit as much. I try to tell them she working hard on getting help from all our family and friends and resting up from being sick. I can tell they miss having her around. They seem to get a good chuckle in just asking about her. Miguel and I hung out with them for a couple hours, watched some shows on a tiny tv huddled all on the bed in their hostal. As it got closer to noon, we figured it would be good to head over to Voz Andes to get the latest news and hopefully transfer them back to the shelter at that hospital to help save money and would also allow them easy access to food at the hospital cafeteria.
After lunch, we got to the hospital around 1pm and found the social worker first. Terrible news hit us after the first 20 seconds in her office. Apparently, our initial information about the date of the accident that we had sought out early last week before going to Quito was totally off. We had heard 10 months by several people including Jose. So that's what we had to go with as there was no documentation from a police report and they had no hospital papers. It actually happened over two years ago and because we were now outside the 2 year limitation for SOAT funding, we wouldn't have access to that last critical amount of money. It was truly hard to hear we could be back to square one. The mountain had jolted forward but then settled back into the same exact place. In addition, the doctor to whom Jose had been assigned was going on vacation today and was not returning until the day we leave for home. I asked if he could be reassigned and she assured me no. Only place to go now was to request another meeting with the Director to see if their initial idea, of discussing with staff about our case and weighing it among their budget and other patients, could fund the remainder. Also, hopefully plead for a new doctor. We got a meeting an hour later at 2pm but finally got a chance to talk to him at 3. He came out of the elevator right by where we were sitting in the waiting room and without greeting said, ' ok if you have the two thousand you mentioned yesterday, we will take care of the rest and somehow make it work. Were not sure how its all gonna work yet, but well make sure the surgery gets done.´
Complete shock, didn't expect it. But, WOW, miracle granted! The only sticking point was getting a surgery date. The surgeon is available only the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of August before going on another vacation. So we set the date for next Monday, the 22nd which happens to be the day we fly home. We struggled to make this happen before leaving the country, but know we cant control the timeline of anything especially in this country. I sent Miguel home with Jose and Rosa today so they could rest back in Tabuga for a week before coming back for surgery. Allison and I are going to also rest up for a couple days and then also head back to the coast on Sunday to finish the home building process and get them essentials in the home and food, etc. Another huge goal of ours is to get Jose in the system to receive his qualified monthly assistance bono of $240 so they will have a sustainable income for their future once we are gone.
The surgery is a huge success and we couldnt have made it happen without your incredible support! There are still some costs to make it happen though, so we are keeping our donation requests urgent and needed. Traveling to Quito next week, staying in Quito for the surgery and rehab, and finishing housing costs will take another $1000 thanks to the last few hundred dollar donations yesterday. We have raised about $3000 so far!, and need just another $1000 to make this all happen. Please send this blog link on to other family and friends if you havent yet! Thanks for helping change the lives in a massively positive way for two wonderful people Mountain is moving, lets send it speeding!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Mountains take a long time to be moved.
Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. But, moving mountains does take time. That is what we are learning.
This morning´s update from the hospital: After helping Jose and Rosa get dressed and ready, the team was at the hospital by 8:35. When the trauma doctor starting seeing patients (9:35), they were indeed first in line. But, after a brief conversation, they were told tomorrow to get the first prelim test. After pushing and getting the head nurse who helped us yesterday, they finally agreed to do the test and give us firm appointments for the remaining tests Monday. They also told them that there was one additional xray that needed to be obtained from a private clinic.
Once making contact with Jeremiah, we decided it was time to talk to the Executive Director at Vozandes, the private hospital we started at. Jeremiah left Miguel enough money for their lodging, meals, taxis, and the private clinic. But we assumed that Miguel et al would just go home after lunch, since it had been such a long morning. Turns out they got the xrays today, so no more public hospital visits until Monday! (If at all...) The clinic tried to make Miguel wait for 2 hours for the results, but he insisted immediate service. And won.
So once Jeremiah and I met up, we spent some time preparing what we were going to say, we decided that although we all still raising enough to cover the home ect and surgery (like I explained, this morning we announced that we still need $1500 even if the surgery is at the public hospital), we were going to tell this man that we had raised $2000 for the surgery. Our plea was to therefore get him to have the hospital cover the rest ($2000 on them, $1000 on social workers, $2000 on us, making a total of $5000). As we entered the hospital, it felt like we were going to war. We saw the social worker who wouldn´t even say hello back to us. We went straight to the executive office, where I earlier met the Medical Director.
··yesterday, we announced a need for $1500. Today, that might have changed to $2000. Still, today we raised an additional $840!!! Thank you all donors!!! We are almost at the $3000 mark and are only $660 to $1160 away!!!··
We told the receptionist that we needed to see the Executive Director. She asked why, and Jeremiah explained the story, in perhaps the most eloquent way yet. She told us that if the social worker and Medical Director said that they couldn´t help, then they couldn´t help. Jeremiah said (in Spanish), ¨I believe otherwise. I believe the Executive Director has the power to change this decision. He is a pastor, yes? And this is a Christian hospital, yes? There are verses from the book of Jeremiah all over your website, your walls, and my name is Jeremiah and believe we came here first because we thought you would be able to help when public system hasnt been able to. Please let us see the Executive Director.¨She looked pretty emotional and told us that if we had a seat, she would ensure that we spoke with him.
35 minutes later (light speed compared to other progress so far!), the Director, came by. I was in the bathroom! When I got back, I thought I was going to have to break down the door to be a part of the conversation, but everyone helped me to his office, no problem.
Before I got there, Jeremiah began to explain ours and Jose and Rosa´s story. He also explained that a friend of Jeremiah's brother that is associated with the organization that helps fund the hospital on an international level and recommended we come there. He explained that we were offered a $1000 discount but that we didnt have the remaining 4k and told him what had all happened at other hospitals since we left.
Once I came in, I had to listen for a bit, to gage how it was going. The director was more compassionate than the medical director, explaining that Vozandes does indeed give about 1 million dollars worth of medical care to the poor every year. I told him that that statistic is exactly why we came, hoping they would help. I thanked him for all that they do for the poor, and asked him to consider adding Jose and Rosa to the list of lives they have changed. I told him that we both understood, and have seen suffering, world wide. But still, we believe that God, the Universe, put Jose and Rosa in our lives for us to help them. Jeremiah explained that if they didn´t get help before they leave, they never will. He agreed. I told him that when we met Jose and Rosa, we took a step in faith. We have friends and family that are walking with us, but still, we NEED someone HERE to answer our prayers, our cry for help. After listening, he finally told us that he wanted to help, but needed to talk to a committee to see if they had the money... and that he would let us know tomorrow their decision. As he was getting up, I told him there was something else on my heart to share.
I told him about the conversation I had on Monday with the Medical Director. I tried to be as diplomatic as possible, and admitted that I don´t know that man´s own story or why he responded that way. But I told him that as a hospital that seems to base itself on biblical principles, and scripture from the book of Jeremiah, I hope that mine and Jeremiah´s emotional attachment would help our case tomorrow, and not hurt it. He seemed to be very receptive, also saying that the Med. Dir. is not a bad man, but that yes, I was right. We shook hands and left his office.
After taking a short 20 minute break on the sidewalk, to regroup in the shade, we headed home. After a few steps, we heard someone calling Jeremiah´s name. We looked up, and it was the Director from the window of the 3rd floor, motioning us to come back. We took each other´s hands and braced ourselves, as we went back to his office. He told us to get in the elevator with us and come down to social work. On the way, he explained that Ecuador has a law that covers $2500 in medical car for victims of car accidents. As Jose was only stitched up the first time, he most likely did not use all of that coverage up. He took us into the social workers office and she clearly was surprised to see us, and this time with our new friend.
He had her explain exactly what we need to obtain to prove that Jose has indeed not received those funds. If we can do that, and provide the additional money that we said we had, they will do the surgery, and soon! Ideally, we will track down the receipt from someone, Jacinto, a distant relative, who knows. But if nothing else, if we can just get the name of the hospital that Jose went to 10 months ago, the hospital would call and get all the information they need.
So, Miguel is currently calling every number we have in Tabuga, trying to get the information. Turns out Jacinto has been calling from Cabinas this whole time, as he doesn´t have a cellphone. If we can´t get the name of the hospital tonight, Miguel is taking the overnight bus back to Pedernales to find Jacinto.
The director told us that if somehow the first hospital ¨spent all of that money,¨then he will work with us to find another way.
Potential Outcomes, we think, are:
1. name of hospital tonight, Jose admitted tomorrow
2. name of hospital tomorrow, Jose admitted tomorrow or Friday
3. no name of hospital or records, but still the director will get the hospital to cover at least $2000.
4. no name of hospital or records, we stick with the public hospital and keep trying to expedite as many steps as possible.
Either way, between Jeremiah and Miguel´s success this morning and afternoon, and our conversation with the director, we feel the mountains finally being jolted, and about ready to start moving.
¨Es una situacion muy dificile, pero no es imposible¨ --Miguel
(It´s a very difficult situation, but not impossible.)
Let´s prove Miguel right!
PS as I finished the post, Don Eduardo, Tabuga´s tienda owner and icon, called with the name of the hospital. Jeremiah called the director and he said they would get the information they need first thing tomorrow morning. Here come the plate tectonics. We hope.
This morning´s update from the hospital: After helping Jose and Rosa get dressed and ready, the team was at the hospital by 8:35. When the trauma doctor starting seeing patients (9:35), they were indeed first in line. But, after a brief conversation, they were told tomorrow to get the first prelim test. After pushing and getting the head nurse who helped us yesterday, they finally agreed to do the test and give us firm appointments for the remaining tests Monday. They also told them that there was one additional xray that needed to be obtained from a private clinic.
Once making contact with Jeremiah, we decided it was time to talk to the Executive Director at Vozandes, the private hospital we started at. Jeremiah left Miguel enough money for their lodging, meals, taxis, and the private clinic. But we assumed that Miguel et al would just go home after lunch, since it had been such a long morning. Turns out they got the xrays today, so no more public hospital visits until Monday! (If at all...) The clinic tried to make Miguel wait for 2 hours for the results, but he insisted immediate service. And won.
So once Jeremiah and I met up, we spent some time preparing what we were going to say, we decided that although we all still raising enough to cover the home ect and surgery (like I explained, this morning we announced that we still need $1500 even if the surgery is at the public hospital), we were going to tell this man that we had raised $2000 for the surgery. Our plea was to therefore get him to have the hospital cover the rest ($2000 on them, $1000 on social workers, $2000 on us, making a total of $5000). As we entered the hospital, it felt like we were going to war. We saw the social worker who wouldn´t even say hello back to us. We went straight to the executive office, where I earlier met the Medical Director.
··yesterday, we announced a need for $1500. Today, that might have changed to $2000. Still, today we raised an additional $840!!! Thank you all donors!!! We are almost at the $3000 mark and are only $660 to $1160 away!!!··
We told the receptionist that we needed to see the Executive Director. She asked why, and Jeremiah explained the story, in perhaps the most eloquent way yet. She told us that if the social worker and Medical Director said that they couldn´t help, then they couldn´t help. Jeremiah said (in Spanish), ¨I believe otherwise. I believe the Executive Director has the power to change this decision. He is a pastor, yes? And this is a Christian hospital, yes? There are verses from the book of Jeremiah all over your website, your walls, and my name is Jeremiah and believe we came here first because we thought you would be able to help when public system hasnt been able to. Please let us see the Executive Director.¨She looked pretty emotional and told us that if we had a seat, she would ensure that we spoke with him.
35 minutes later (light speed compared to other progress so far!), the Director, came by. I was in the bathroom! When I got back, I thought I was going to have to break down the door to be a part of the conversation, but everyone helped me to his office, no problem.
Before I got there, Jeremiah began to explain ours and Jose and Rosa´s story. He also explained that a friend of Jeremiah's brother that is associated with the organization that helps fund the hospital on an international level and recommended we come there. He explained that we were offered a $1000 discount but that we didnt have the remaining 4k and told him what had all happened at other hospitals since we left.
Once I came in, I had to listen for a bit, to gage how it was going. The director was more compassionate than the medical director, explaining that Vozandes does indeed give about 1 million dollars worth of medical care to the poor every year. I told him that that statistic is exactly why we came, hoping they would help. I thanked him for all that they do for the poor, and asked him to consider adding Jose and Rosa to the list of lives they have changed. I told him that we both understood, and have seen suffering, world wide. But still, we believe that God, the Universe, put Jose and Rosa in our lives for us to help them. Jeremiah explained that if they didn´t get help before they leave, they never will. He agreed. I told him that when we met Jose and Rosa, we took a step in faith. We have friends and family that are walking with us, but still, we NEED someone HERE to answer our prayers, our cry for help. After listening, he finally told us that he wanted to help, but needed to talk to a committee to see if they had the money... and that he would let us know tomorrow their decision. As he was getting up, I told him there was something else on my heart to share.
I told him about the conversation I had on Monday with the Medical Director. I tried to be as diplomatic as possible, and admitted that I don´t know that man´s own story or why he responded that way. But I told him that as a hospital that seems to base itself on biblical principles, and scripture from the book of Jeremiah, I hope that mine and Jeremiah´s emotional attachment would help our case tomorrow, and not hurt it. He seemed to be very receptive, also saying that the Med. Dir. is not a bad man, but that yes, I was right. We shook hands and left his office.
After taking a short 20 minute break on the sidewalk, to regroup in the shade, we headed home. After a few steps, we heard someone calling Jeremiah´s name. We looked up, and it was the Director from the window of the 3rd floor, motioning us to come back. We took each other´s hands and braced ourselves, as we went back to his office. He told us to get in the elevator with us and come down to social work. On the way, he explained that Ecuador has a law that covers $2500 in medical car for victims of car accidents. As Jose was only stitched up the first time, he most likely did not use all of that coverage up. He took us into the social workers office and she clearly was surprised to see us, and this time with our new friend.
He had her explain exactly what we need to obtain to prove that Jose has indeed not received those funds. If we can do that, and provide the additional money that we said we had, they will do the surgery, and soon! Ideally, we will track down the receipt from someone, Jacinto, a distant relative, who knows. But if nothing else, if we can just get the name of the hospital that Jose went to 10 months ago, the hospital would call and get all the information they need.
So, Miguel is currently calling every number we have in Tabuga, trying to get the information. Turns out Jacinto has been calling from Cabinas this whole time, as he doesn´t have a cellphone. If we can´t get the name of the hospital tonight, Miguel is taking the overnight bus back to Pedernales to find Jacinto.
The director told us that if somehow the first hospital ¨spent all of that money,¨then he will work with us to find another way.
Potential Outcomes, we think, are:
1. name of hospital tonight, Jose admitted tomorrow
2. name of hospital tomorrow, Jose admitted tomorrow or Friday
3. no name of hospital or records, but still the director will get the hospital to cover at least $2000.
4. no name of hospital or records, we stick with the public hospital and keep trying to expedite as many steps as possible.
Either way, between Jeremiah and Miguel´s success this morning and afternoon, and our conversation with the director, we feel the mountains finally being jolted, and about ready to start moving.
¨Es una situacion muy dificile, pero no es imposible¨ --Miguel
(It´s a very difficult situation, but not impossible.)
Let´s prove Miguel right!
PS as I finished the post, Don Eduardo, Tabuga´s tienda owner and icon, called with the name of the hospital. Jeremiah called the director and he said they would get the information they need first thing tomorrow morning. Here come the plate tectonics. We hope.
Banging our heads on the doors of Justice, but no one will answer. Yet.
Dear all,
After rethinking the subject header for this morning, I think it might be a bit hasty. People have been answering, as in you all. I think what I am trying to say is that no one here, with decision making power at least, is answering our cry for help.
But, there has already been a lot of bad news, so I will start off with the good stuff...
As Jeremiah mentioned yesterday, the day before (Monday) was our biggest fund-raising day yet! We have passed the $2000 mark!! Thank you to all who have donated! Each time we log into paypal, we are amazing at who all has donated. We have received donations of all sizes, and every dollar can help so much!
Each donation has greatly helped, and moved us, but I want to say a special thanks to a few people. First, our family. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles have been at the core of this project. You all have given more than we expected, and have been rocks for both Jeremiah and I throughout this process. Thank you for contacting your networks and helping in all the ways you have. But especially to the moms, please do not worry too much. You both have hearts of gold and are being tremendously helpful. Thank you.
Also, one of my biggest role models, a former camp counselor, gave an extremely generous donation, after me simply posting the blog on her wall. In case she wishes to remain anonymous, ¨Shelby,¨your support and note really gave me hope in this situation. We haven´t been in touch for maybe 10 years(???) and you gave without any hesitation. You give me hope.
Then, the friends. Wow! Some of you aren´t even employed, and you all have been so amazing. Donations, ideas, words of encouragement. Again, it is you all that inspire us not to give up.
And then, people we don´t even know. Donations appeared from friends of friends, from the unknown. That is where some serious magic lies. Thank you.
So... what will happen with all of this money!!!??? Well, yesterday morning, Jeremiah and I talked to James in Tabuga. Property has been secured and construction is ALREADY UNDERWAY!!! Jaciento has a half sister, from a different dad, who happens to live in Tabuga. She agreed to donate space for Rosa and Jose to live. They are going to have a home!! And, a side note about Jacinto. According to James, he is blowing all of our expectations away! He is extremely motivated to getting this house built, as well and as quickly as possible. I can´t wait to see the finished product. So back to the money... the money we have will definitely cover the 5x5m house and labor (now estimated at $800, after explaining that we want it to have internal structure and a tin, rather than palm, roof), all the living supplies Rosa and Jose need (a water hookup and sink, a stove and gas, flat-wear, cooking-ware, sheets, etc), and hopefully all of Rosa, Jose, and Miguel´s expenses while in Quito. That part is a little bit complicated, because at this point, we don´t know when we will get back to Tabuga. Although the private hospital staff wanted to operate YESTERDAY, but as you all know, they couldn´t due to financial issues, now dealing with the public sector is costing us much more time and therefore money. Still, we can get really far with the money raised. Our gratefulness is NOT lost in the midst of the frustrations down here.
However, as Jeremiah explained, we still need at least $1500 more, to pay for medical supplies. Right now, the team is at the hospital. If our case is somehow expedited (is that the right word??? oh grammar...), then that might be all they charge us. However, yesterday, they will trying to tell us that the entire process might take 2 months, due to backups in surgery and PT (keep in mind that the private hospital told us that Jose could be operated on and walking again in 5-10 days). What´s more, as of yesterday, they would not lodge Jose before or even after the surgery. And as you might have guessed, they won´t put up Rosa at all. Jeremiah and I fly out in less than two weeks, and can´t push back the date. We don´t have the personal finances to change our flight, not to mention school starts for him soon after we get back. We cannot leave Rosa here to figure this all out herself. Staying in a hostal and eating at restaurants would drain the money we've (you´ve) all raised. Not to mention an elderly womyn from the coast trying to get around in Quito is not safe, in any respect. Particularly when trying to help her blind cripple husband. Therefore, this time-line is unacceptable.
As we speak, Jeremiah and Miguel are fighting hard to change things. We´ve got one director on our side, thanks to an amazing English speaking nurse I found in the parking lot yesterday. Unfortunately, neither of these womyn have direct decision making power in the trauma surgery dept.
Several people have sent us links for other organizations that might be able to help. Thank you! The fact that you all are spending time at home researching this is SO UPLIFTING! I am going through each link, trying to see what we might be able to get, in regards of help. However, thus far, all organizations I have been reading about are either not in Quito or public. After being turned away from the #1 hospital in Ecuador in terms of helping the poor (the 1st public hospital we tried on Monday), we worry that the same might happen there. Still, any org with a phone number we are going to call. Second, a trip anywhere besides home is just not possible for Jose and Rosa. They are so tired. As you can imagine, traveling is very hard for the elderly, not to mention when it is on a public bus. When you add Jose´s conditions to the mix, they just don´t have another trip in them. Unless we have a guarantee from someone in terms of surgery, and price, we can´t put them through another trip.
They are loosing hope, I can tell. Yesterday they said that they knew no one would help them because no one has so far. Please help them not loose hope!
To do that, there are several things you can do.
1. Pray for us all to find the help we need, and to not quite until we do.
2. Keep tuned and please keep spreading the word.
3. If you can, and haven´t already, please donate. We at least need $1500 and if things don´t go well today, we might need $4000 to go back to the private hospital, where at least the doctors, nurses and surgeons are passionate about Jose´s case.
Now, a few stories from yesterday.
At lunch, Jose started crying. We asked what was wrong and he said he missed his kids. Come to find out, all but one of Jose´s children have passed away. We didn´t know what to say, but before we came up with the right words, he was laughing at the cook, who was yelling out in a really funny way every time there was an order up. Jose has the best attitude I´ve ever seen.
Also, while waiting in the hospital, a family befriended Jeremiah. 3 kids, one 7 year old, one 10, one 12, were very interested in helping me with my Spanish pronouciation and understanding Jose´s story. Diana, the 7 year old, sat with me for almost the whole day, going back and forth between giving me legal and medical advice for Jose and Spanish lessons. She was 100% accurate in all of her advice... and obviously all her Spanish.
And lastly, a little bit about Jeremiah and Miguel. After all we could get was moved up in the Q for tomorrow, I really started to loose faith, in myself, in us, and in a surgery happening for Jose. But then, I got to overhear Jeremiah talking to Miguel. He was explaining that we couldn´t give up, that we wouldn´t take no for an answer. He said that we are going to push and push and push until we get Jose proper care. There was so much strength in his words, in his eyes. Although he was talking to Miguel, his message reached me too.
Still, I felt discouraged. Then, for the first time, I got to hear Miguel tell Jose and Rosa´s story. Seeing his face, hearing his voice, watching him show the xrays, and explain the story, I know that he won´t give up either.
So, yep, yesterday I lost a little hope. But, God, Jeremiah, Miguel and you all are carrying me through. I know we can do this.
I´ve thought a lot lately about a quotation my friend Ted talked to me about last year, from Rumi. I think I´ll end with that.
¨Don´t go back to sleep, fight for what you need.¨
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers,
Allison
After rethinking the subject header for this morning, I think it might be a bit hasty. People have been answering, as in you all. I think what I am trying to say is that no one here, with decision making power at least, is answering our cry for help.
But, there has already been a lot of bad news, so I will start off with the good stuff...
As Jeremiah mentioned yesterday, the day before (Monday) was our biggest fund-raising day yet! We have passed the $2000 mark!! Thank you to all who have donated! Each time we log into paypal, we are amazing at who all has donated. We have received donations of all sizes, and every dollar can help so much!
Each donation has greatly helped, and moved us, but I want to say a special thanks to a few people. First, our family. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles have been at the core of this project. You all have given more than we expected, and have been rocks for both Jeremiah and I throughout this process. Thank you for contacting your networks and helping in all the ways you have. But especially to the moms, please do not worry too much. You both have hearts of gold and are being tremendously helpful. Thank you.
Also, one of my biggest role models, a former camp counselor, gave an extremely generous donation, after me simply posting the blog on her wall. In case she wishes to remain anonymous, ¨Shelby,¨your support and note really gave me hope in this situation. We haven´t been in touch for maybe 10 years(???) and you gave without any hesitation. You give me hope.
Then, the friends. Wow! Some of you aren´t even employed, and you all have been so amazing. Donations, ideas, words of encouragement. Again, it is you all that inspire us not to give up.
And then, people we don´t even know. Donations appeared from friends of friends, from the unknown. That is where some serious magic lies. Thank you.
So... what will happen with all of this money!!!??? Well, yesterday morning, Jeremiah and I talked to James in Tabuga. Property has been secured and construction is ALREADY UNDERWAY!!! Jaciento has a half sister, from a different dad, who happens to live in Tabuga. She agreed to donate space for Rosa and Jose to live. They are going to have a home!! And, a side note about Jacinto. According to James, he is blowing all of our expectations away! He is extremely motivated to getting this house built, as well and as quickly as possible. I can´t wait to see the finished product. So back to the money... the money we have will definitely cover the 5x5m house and labor (now estimated at $800, after explaining that we want it to have internal structure and a tin, rather than palm, roof), all the living supplies Rosa and Jose need (a water hookup and sink, a stove and gas, flat-wear, cooking-ware, sheets, etc), and hopefully all of Rosa, Jose, and Miguel´s expenses while in Quito. That part is a little bit complicated, because at this point, we don´t know when we will get back to Tabuga. Although the private hospital staff wanted to operate YESTERDAY, but as you all know, they couldn´t due to financial issues, now dealing with the public sector is costing us much more time and therefore money. Still, we can get really far with the money raised. Our gratefulness is NOT lost in the midst of the frustrations down here.
However, as Jeremiah explained, we still need at least $1500 more, to pay for medical supplies. Right now, the team is at the hospital. If our case is somehow expedited (is that the right word??? oh grammar...), then that might be all they charge us. However, yesterday, they will trying to tell us that the entire process might take 2 months, due to backups in surgery and PT (keep in mind that the private hospital told us that Jose could be operated on and walking again in 5-10 days). What´s more, as of yesterday, they would not lodge Jose before or even after the surgery. And as you might have guessed, they won´t put up Rosa at all. Jeremiah and I fly out in less than two weeks, and can´t push back the date. We don´t have the personal finances to change our flight, not to mention school starts for him soon after we get back. We cannot leave Rosa here to figure this all out herself. Staying in a hostal and eating at restaurants would drain the money we've (you´ve) all raised. Not to mention an elderly womyn from the coast trying to get around in Quito is not safe, in any respect. Particularly when trying to help her blind cripple husband. Therefore, this time-line is unacceptable.
As we speak, Jeremiah and Miguel are fighting hard to change things. We´ve got one director on our side, thanks to an amazing English speaking nurse I found in the parking lot yesterday. Unfortunately, neither of these womyn have direct decision making power in the trauma surgery dept.
Several people have sent us links for other organizations that might be able to help. Thank you! The fact that you all are spending time at home researching this is SO UPLIFTING! I am going through each link, trying to see what we might be able to get, in regards of help. However, thus far, all organizations I have been reading about are either not in Quito or public. After being turned away from the #1 hospital in Ecuador in terms of helping the poor (the 1st public hospital we tried on Monday), we worry that the same might happen there. Still, any org with a phone number we are going to call. Second, a trip anywhere besides home is just not possible for Jose and Rosa. They are so tired. As you can imagine, traveling is very hard for the elderly, not to mention when it is on a public bus. When you add Jose´s conditions to the mix, they just don´t have another trip in them. Unless we have a guarantee from someone in terms of surgery, and price, we can´t put them through another trip.
They are loosing hope, I can tell. Yesterday they said that they knew no one would help them because no one has so far. Please help them not loose hope!
To do that, there are several things you can do.
1. Pray for us all to find the help we need, and to not quite until we do.
2. Keep tuned and please keep spreading the word.
3. If you can, and haven´t already, please donate. We at least need $1500 and if things don´t go well today, we might need $4000 to go back to the private hospital, where at least the doctors, nurses and surgeons are passionate about Jose´s case.
Now, a few stories from yesterday.
At lunch, Jose started crying. We asked what was wrong and he said he missed his kids. Come to find out, all but one of Jose´s children have passed away. We didn´t know what to say, but before we came up with the right words, he was laughing at the cook, who was yelling out in a really funny way every time there was an order up. Jose has the best attitude I´ve ever seen.
Also, while waiting in the hospital, a family befriended Jeremiah. 3 kids, one 7 year old, one 10, one 12, were very interested in helping me with my Spanish pronouciation and understanding Jose´s story. Diana, the 7 year old, sat with me for almost the whole day, going back and forth between giving me legal and medical advice for Jose and Spanish lessons. She was 100% accurate in all of her advice... and obviously all her Spanish.
And lastly, a little bit about Jeremiah and Miguel. After all we could get was moved up in the Q for tomorrow, I really started to loose faith, in myself, in us, and in a surgery happening for Jose. But then, I got to overhear Jeremiah talking to Miguel. He was explaining that we couldn´t give up, that we wouldn´t take no for an answer. He said that we are going to push and push and push until we get Jose proper care. There was so much strength in his words, in his eyes. Although he was talking to Miguel, his message reached me too.
Still, I felt discouraged. Then, for the first time, I got to hear Miguel tell Jose and Rosa´s story. Seeing his face, hearing his voice, watching him show the xrays, and explain the story, I know that he won´t give up either.
So, yep, yesterday I lost a little hope. But, God, Jeremiah, Miguel and you all are carrying me through. I know we can do this.
I´ve thought a lot lately about a quotation my friend Ted talked to me about last year, from Rumi. I think I´ll end with that.
¨Don´t go back to sleep, fight for what you need.¨
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers,
Allison
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
4am Wakeup Call
This is Jeremiah, finally making a round at this blog. Allison and I are both exhausted from yet another day that seems like 5. I hadnt imagined that taking this on would be so tough and with such little sleep. Yesterday, we wound up visiting 3 hospitals. The first of which was mentioned in the previous post, the next two were state run public hospitals. We had hope for one called Eugenio Espejo, as weve heard that it has the best possibility for people with no means. But, we were denied and told to return the next morning at 5am. Getting Jose into and out of taxis and rushing around all over town in the entire day took a toll on all of us. We arrived at the last of the 3, another public hospital, and were told by the emergency room that we again had to wait till the next morning. Their shelter was full and we couldnt get Jose and Rosa a bed there no matter how much we pleaded. So now, we had no hospital to stay in and no shelter for them to sleep as the night began. Quito is at 8000 ft or more....so it gets pretty cold at night especially for two seniors that are used to the tropical coast. I scoured the local barrio, which was rather sketchy, looking for a hostal. The only one had a buzzer but no one to answer. So we hoped in another taxi and told the driver to go to the nearest hostal. It was a few miles away and had a steep staircase, as where we are staying is full and very far from the hostpital. It seemed our only option at the moment so we settled for a room and carried Jose up two flights of stairs. Yesterday ended really late and today started really early, 4am or so.
We were told to go back at 5am to hospital number 3 so we tried but couldn´t get Jose and R osa there till 6am. I can only explain what it was like there as being a madhouse. Hundreds of people were already in line since who knows when, many of whom were yelling and fighting to get their ticket number before others. I thought a serious fight was gonna break out a few times. The line was ridiculous and most the people looked rather healthy. We soon found that it was for all types of care...general, pediatric, trauma, etc. We knew our case was special but fighting the system has been a huge obstacle this entire trip. They keep trying to tell us Jose is a normal patient because the accident didnt happen this week, but we know better. I think they tell a lot of people this to discourage them so they go home. But we wont.
Somehow Miguel and I were able to state our case to the right people and we got moved up in line to a special window and finally got our ¨turno¨ number to be seen. By around 10am, we finally saw a trauma doctor then to be sent to get Xrays which took another few hours. After getting the xray sheets, we went back to the trauma office just as all the doctors left. Apparently they only do consultations in the mornings. We were told to come back tomorrow again at 5am and get another turno. This in a nutshell is the public medical system. Groulling long waits with little time for quality doctor visits.
We had been told that each day may require a different exam, xray first then blood and so on ...each taking a day or more for results. This could turn into weeks or more before possible surgery and we just dont have this kind of time or money. Jose and Rosa and getting worn down from all the moving around and the exhaustion of chaotic hospitals. Also, everyday we spend in Quito costs us that much more with hostals for them, taxis, food, exams among others which we would rather spend on their housing or actual medical care. I knew we couldn't give up so we kept going. It´s getting late and there is so much more to say about what happened the rest of the day, but I´ll just leave it on a note that thing improved with the amazing actions that Allison took in the afternoon despite all of us and Jose wanting to throw in the towel. I´m sure she will be on the blog sooner or later to finish the days news, maybe tomorrow or so. In short, we do have a priority appointment first thing tomorrow morning at 8am with the trauma department!
In terms of budget, we will have more answers tomorrow to see if subsidized care will be given to Jose or not. That being said, we still need to be able to cover medical supplies of $1500. Amazing donations from yesterday have given us enough for the new house currently being built and for basic living supplies, food and the rest of the costs for being in Quito! But please keep them coming, we definitely need more support be it financial for the surgery, emotional or words of encouragement. There are a lot of cool amazing sub-stories that went on in the day but those may have to wait. Thanks again to all!! None of the could be done without you. Hopefully next time I will be a bit more rested and can fill in on more of the details. Good night!
Niño Grandote (a nickname some tabuga kids gave me)
We were told to go back at 5am to hospital number 3 so we tried but couldn´t get Jose and R osa there till 6am. I can only explain what it was like there as being a madhouse. Hundreds of people were already in line since who knows when, many of whom were yelling and fighting to get their ticket number before others. I thought a serious fight was gonna break out a few times. The line was ridiculous and most the people looked rather healthy. We soon found that it was for all types of care...general, pediatric, trauma, etc. We knew our case was special but fighting the system has been a huge obstacle this entire trip. They keep trying to tell us Jose is a normal patient because the accident didnt happen this week, but we know better. I think they tell a lot of people this to discourage them so they go home. But we wont.
Somehow Miguel and I were able to state our case to the right people and we got moved up in line to a special window and finally got our ¨turno¨ number to be seen. By around 10am, we finally saw a trauma doctor then to be sent to get Xrays which took another few hours. After getting the xray sheets, we went back to the trauma office just as all the doctors left. Apparently they only do consultations in the mornings. We were told to come back tomorrow again at 5am and get another turno. This in a nutshell is the public medical system. Groulling long waits with little time for quality doctor visits.
We had been told that each day may require a different exam, xray first then blood and so on ...each taking a day or more for results. This could turn into weeks or more before possible surgery and we just dont have this kind of time or money. Jose and Rosa and getting worn down from all the moving around and the exhaustion of chaotic hospitals. Also, everyday we spend in Quito costs us that much more with hostals for them, taxis, food, exams among others which we would rather spend on their housing or actual medical care. I knew we couldn't give up so we kept going. It´s getting late and there is so much more to say about what happened the rest of the day, but I´ll just leave it on a note that thing improved with the amazing actions that Allison took in the afternoon despite all of us and Jose wanting to throw in the towel. I´m sure she will be on the blog sooner or later to finish the days news, maybe tomorrow or so. In short, we do have a priority appointment first thing tomorrow morning at 8am with the trauma department!
In terms of budget, we will have more answers tomorrow to see if subsidized care will be given to Jose or not. That being said, we still need to be able to cover medical supplies of $1500. Amazing donations from yesterday have given us enough for the new house currently being built and for basic living supplies, food and the rest of the costs for being in Quito! But please keep them coming, we definitely need more support be it financial for the surgery, emotional or words of encouragement. There are a lot of cool amazing sub-stories that went on in the day but those may have to wait. Thanks again to all!! None of the could be done without you. Hopefully next time I will be a bit more rested and can fill in on more of the details. Good night!
Niño Grandote (a nickname some tabuga kids gave me)
Monday, August 8, 2011
If link isnt working...
Some people are having trouble with the donation link...
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=x65w9y4pwpEWrMgZ0xOfi1ZJ3o6p8kE97NaP33oBZra5HfYm--ZLudGwYGK&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d1e83f46a36995b3856cef1e18897ad75
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=x65w9y4pwpEWrMgZ0xOfi1ZJ3o6p8kE97NaP33oBZra5HfYm--ZLudGwYGK&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d1e83f46a36995b3856cef1e18897ad75
Medical care DENIED
Greetings all,
Today's update is not the news for which we had hoped. We arrived at the social worker´s office right around 8am. She said that before she could offer us any aid, we had to get xrays. So, after having to pay $20 (finally discounted to 9 after lots of effort) to see the surgeon general and $20 for xrays, the surgeon assured us that the surgery was possible and indeed necessary. The total cost of the 240 minute operation would be $4900 and some change. After hours of pushing and pleading, all she would offer us was $1000, leaving the remaining four grand up to us. The staff (including the head doctor) was shocked. They sent us up to the director´s office, but the secretary tried to send us straight back to social services. At that point I went back to find Sonia, the nurse who has been helping us. She assured me that we had the right to meet with the director and made some calls. Still, no one would tell us whether or not we could meet him, or when. I just starting asking every white man I saw (because we knew the director was indeed a Caucasian American) if they were the director, and finally I caught him, about to go into the bathroom.
I asked for 5 minutes of his time. After beginning to explain, he clearly had already heard about the situation and told me that he couldn´t help. I pulled out the xrays, to show him the break. He said ¨oh my, this needs to be operated on. And now. But, you either need to work harder on fundraising or go to a public hospital.¨I told him that Jose had already been to a public hospital when the accident happened in the 3rd largest city in Ecuador and this was how they left him. He replied by telling me that ¨when we help situations like this, the family rolls up in a Mercedes to pick them up.¨I told him that we have seen their family, they have nothing, including the compassion to help. I told him that I know there is a ton of suffering in the world, but that God clearly put this couple in our lives and we cannot walk away until we receive help. I also told him that we felt God called us to go to his hospital, and that their website led us to believe they would help. When he issued the final ¨no,¨I teared up and he told me in a patronizing voice that I had ¨become emotionally involved,¨and that he would pray for me to be able to disconnect from the situation. I told him it was Jose and Rosa that needed his prayers and walked away.
Needless to say, we are heartbroken.
Jeremiah and Miguel are currently taking Jose and Rosa to the public hospital. The social worker said that if we check them in tonight and come back at 5am we MIGHT be seen tomorrow. Even if the surgery is ¨covered¨ there, she said that no hospital, private or public would buy the plates and pins, which somehow total to $1500. After discussing this with Jose and Rosa, this same price was given to them 10 months ago and is the reason that they didn´t fix the leg.
Friends, allies, if you can give, please do. If you have already given, thank you! and please get someone you know to give. Donations of any size help both financially and emotionally (as it always lifts our spirits to see another donation). Please believe me that we are going to fight tooth and nail to get all costs covered. Every step of the way, we have explained that any dollar someone charges us is one less dollar this couple can have towards a house and the bare essentials of life. Still, we know we need more money.
As for the specific prayer of today, please pray that Jeremiah and Miguel find Jose and Rosa lodging at the hospital for the night.
still, love wins,
allison
PS I just added the pictures, one of their sweet faces, one of the leg, and if you scroll down to the bottom, you will see Jeremiah, Jose, Rosa, and me.
Today's update is not the news for which we had hoped. We arrived at the social worker´s office right around 8am. She said that before she could offer us any aid, we had to get xrays. So, after having to pay $20 (finally discounted to 9 after lots of effort) to see the surgeon general and $20 for xrays, the surgeon assured us that the surgery was possible and indeed necessary. The total cost of the 240 minute operation would be $4900 and some change. After hours of pushing and pleading, all she would offer us was $1000, leaving the remaining four grand up to us. The staff (including the head doctor) was shocked. They sent us up to the director´s office, but the secretary tried to send us straight back to social services. At that point I went back to find Sonia, the nurse who has been helping us. She assured me that we had the right to meet with the director and made some calls. Still, no one would tell us whether or not we could meet him, or when. I just starting asking every white man I saw (because we knew the director was indeed a Caucasian American) if they were the director, and finally I caught him, about to go into the bathroom.
I asked for 5 minutes of his time. After beginning to explain, he clearly had already heard about the situation and told me that he couldn´t help. I pulled out the xrays, to show him the break. He said ¨oh my, this needs to be operated on. And now. But, you either need to work harder on fundraising or go to a public hospital.¨I told him that Jose had already been to a public hospital when the accident happened in the 3rd largest city in Ecuador and this was how they left him. He replied by telling me that ¨when we help situations like this, the family rolls up in a Mercedes to pick them up.¨I told him that we have seen their family, they have nothing, including the compassion to help. I told him that I know there is a ton of suffering in the world, but that God clearly put this couple in our lives and we cannot walk away until we receive help. I also told him that we felt God called us to go to his hospital, and that their website led us to believe they would help. When he issued the final ¨no,¨I teared up and he told me in a patronizing voice that I had ¨become emotionally involved,¨and that he would pray for me to be able to disconnect from the situation. I told him it was Jose and Rosa that needed his prayers and walked away.
Needless to say, we are heartbroken.
Jeremiah and Miguel are currently taking Jose and Rosa to the public hospital. The social worker said that if we check them in tonight and come back at 5am we MIGHT be seen tomorrow. Even if the surgery is ¨covered¨ there, she said that no hospital, private or public would buy the plates and pins, which somehow total to $1500. After discussing this with Jose and Rosa, this same price was given to them 10 months ago and is the reason that they didn´t fix the leg.
Friends, allies, if you can give, please do. If you have already given, thank you! and please get someone you know to give. Donations of any size help both financially and emotionally (as it always lifts our spirits to see another donation). Please believe me that we are going to fight tooth and nail to get all costs covered. Every step of the way, we have explained that any dollar someone charges us is one less dollar this couple can have towards a house and the bare essentials of life. Still, we know we need more money.
As for the specific prayer of today, please pray that Jeremiah and Miguel find Jose and Rosa lodging at the hospital for the night.
still, love wins,
allison
PS I just added the pictures, one of their sweet faces, one of the leg, and if you scroll down to the bottom, you will see Jeremiah, Jose, Rosa, and me.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Checking in
Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for the support thus far. Today we raised another $140! We estimate that the rest of the money is needed by Wednesday or Thursday, so if you are planning to give, please keep that in mind.
So today has been a good, relatively calm day. As you know, the morning was dedicated to emails and fundraising. Later in the afternoon, we all went to the hospital to visit Jose and Rosa and drop off supplies. They are doing great! They said that they have had no problems at all getting food and especially enjoyed the hot coffee. In fact, they said that the portions are so big that they were too full from breakfast to even want lunch. Rosa told us she got lost one time trying to find the cafeteria, but that the guard helped her no problem. They were smiling and laughing almost the whole time we were there.
And, although the outcome of this situation is still so unknown, we got concrete reassurance that we have already helped. Today, Jose told us that his pain is so much better now, thanks to the pain medicine.
They allowed us to take photos to share with you all, but unfortunately we having technical difficulties on this computer, so somewhere in the midst of meeting with the social worker, the photos will be up tomorrow.
goodnight to all,
allison
So today has been a good, relatively calm day. As you know, the morning was dedicated to emails and fundraising. Later in the afternoon, we all went to the hospital to visit Jose and Rosa and drop off supplies. They are doing great! They said that they have had no problems at all getting food and especially enjoyed the hot coffee. In fact, they said that the portions are so big that they were too full from breakfast to even want lunch. Rosa told us she got lost one time trying to find the cafeteria, but that the guard helped her no problem. They were smiling and laughing almost the whole time we were there.
And, although the outcome of this situation is still so unknown, we got concrete reassurance that we have already helped. Today, Jose told us that his pain is so much better now, thanks to the pain medicine.
They allowed us to take photos to share with you all, but unfortunately we having technical difficulties on this computer, so somewhere in the midst of meeting with the social worker, the photos will be up tomorrow.
goodnight to all,
allison
Quito!
Well, we have made it to Quito! Let´s start at the beginning....
When the alarm went off at 6am yesterday morning, Jeremiah and I were already tired. We aren´t the best at early rising. But we got things rolling and made our way to meet Miguel. We all got to Jose and Rosa's temporary home and they looked great. Rosa was worrying that she didn't have a dress to wear, but we reassured her that she looked wonderful. The day before, Jacinto gave them both haircuts and they had clearly picked out the best clothes they owned to make the trip.
We had to wait for about an hour for the bus, which was a little stressful. As we waited, we found out where some of their kids live... in the house ACROSS THE STREET! Knowing what to say here is difficult, because it is not our place to judge anyone. But their clear and complete disinterest in their family was very upsetting. Seeing them, and therefore being able to better understand the family dynamics has made us have to reconsider a lot, including whether or not to buy property, as I mentioned in the earlier post. At first we thought we would build the home on a free piece of land, but it turns out that land might be right next to these sons and we now think that placing Rosa and Jose more in the center of Tabuga, with neighbors to watch out for them, might be necessary.
Essentially one of them, looking very rough, walked right past his mother, not even looking at her, despite her attempts to get his attention. After the disturbing non-interaction with the sons, we finally caught a bus. That's right about when our angels started showing up. In a country full of crazy bus drivers and no willingness to wait for anyone, we got onto the bus with the kindest operators. The day before, the driver wouldn't even wait to go until Jose was seated, but today no one rushed us, and instead everyone helped. When we got to Pedernales, Jacinto, the son who accompanied us to the clinic, was there waiting to great us. He hugged his parents and they were clearly really happy he was there. He took them to the bank to get their monthly bono of $35, which was great timing because they have a little of their own cash for the trip... not that we want them to pay for anything, but I think it is empowering to not have to ask for small change when they want a snack, etc... We discussed the plans with Jacinto and he and Miguel exchanged numbers so we could keep in touch, and then we hoped on the bus to Quito.
Along the way, Jeremiah, Miguel, and I were able to get a little rest, which was such a blessing. But, when we weren´t sleeping, we caught glimpses of Jose and Rosa having fun buying snacks from the vendors that hop on and off the buses. The candies they sell on the bus are usually 10 or 25 cents, but they were just having so much fun being able to have a treat! Turns out, Jose has a great smile. We hadn´t seen him smile until lunch the day before, when he started laughing at how clumsily I was helping him with his fish. Hearing that laugh and seeing his smile has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey so far.When the alarm went off at 6am yesterday morning, Jeremiah and I were already tired. We aren´t the best at early rising. But we got things rolling and made our way to meet Miguel. We all got to Jose and Rosa's temporary home and they looked great. Rosa was worrying that she didn't have a dress to wear, but we reassured her that she looked wonderful. The day before, Jacinto gave them both haircuts and they had clearly picked out the best clothes they owned to make the trip.
We had to wait for about an hour for the bus, which was a little stressful. As we waited, we found out where some of their kids live... in the house ACROSS THE STREET! Knowing what to say here is difficult, because it is not our place to judge anyone. But their clear and complete disinterest in their family was very upsetting. Seeing them, and therefore being able to better understand the family dynamics has made us have to reconsider a lot, including whether or not to buy property, as I mentioned in the earlier post. At first we thought we would build the home on a free piece of land, but it turns out that land might be right next to these sons and we now think that placing Rosa and Jose more in the center of Tabuga, with neighbors to watch out for them, might be necessary.
Essentially one of them, looking very rough, walked right past his mother, not even looking at her, despite her attempts to get his attention. After the disturbing non-interaction with the sons, we finally caught a bus. That's right about when our angels started showing up. In a country full of crazy bus drivers and no willingness to wait for anyone, we got onto the bus with the kindest operators. The day before, the driver wouldn't even wait to go until Jose was seated, but today no one rushed us, and instead everyone helped. When we got to Pedernales, Jacinto, the son who accompanied us to the clinic, was there waiting to great us. He hugged his parents and they were clearly really happy he was there. He took them to the bank to get their monthly bono of $35, which was great timing because they have a little of their own cash for the trip... not that we want them to pay for anything, but I think it is empowering to not have to ask for small change when they want a snack, etc... We discussed the plans with Jacinto and he and Miguel exchanged numbers so we could keep in touch, and then we hoped on the bus to Quito.
After 6 hours, we arrived in the Quito bus terminal. During the bus trip, Jeremiah and I were trying to decide which hospital to go to. The original plan was to go to a public hospital, but Jeremiah´s brother´s friend told us about a faith based private hospital here in Quito that gives free services to the poor on Saturdays so we decided to check it out.
We hoped off the bus and got the bags. Jose was worried about the bags and asked to feel one to make sure we had indeed retrieved them. Once he felt them, we were ready to go. So, we walked out to the taxi, and in the sea of crazy taxi drivers, an older driver approached us and asked where we needed to go. After listening, he helped lift Jose into the car and we were off.
Upon arriving at the hospital, our confidence in free service was a little shaken by the receptionist. Once Jose was seen by a nurse, she was shocked at the leg, but said that it wasn´t possible to fix. She said it was too expensive. But finally Miguel was able to get into the room and he and Jeremiah worked hard to explain their entire situation. Hearing that they were homeless and that only one son was making ANY effort to help astounded them. You see, homelessness in Ecuador is unheard of. No matter what someone´s situation is, family always takes you in. The doctor assured us that even in the context of all of the tragedy he sees, their situation is a true anomaly. After seeing how Jose gets around, in that when he has to walk, he actually steps on the broken leg, he said that the surgery is essential for his safety. The entire time all of this was going on, Jacinto was checking in, and I am starting to feel his love for his parents more and more. I am so thankful for that.
Jeremiah and I were afraid that they would assume that they didn´t need to help financially because we are gringos, but boy were we wrong. The hospital has put them up in a cozy little room, with tons of blankets, hot water, and bathroom.They are giving them 3 meals a day, at 0 cost! At 7am, noon and 6pm. Rosa walks to the cafeteria and gets their food. We introduced her to all the guards along the 4 minute walk from the room to the cafeteria, and they are happy to help if she gets lost or anything. They will stay there at least until Monday. After getting all of this sorted out, we said our goodbyes for the night.
For the first time, I felt ready to hug Jose. He was all cozy in his bed, and I hugged him the same way I hug my grandfather, Bill, when I say goodnight to him. I just couldn´t let go. Tears started rolling down my face and he told me he was happy and that everything was OK. While that was going on, Rosa told Jeremiah that he is so happy that he wants to cry, but that he doesn´t want to cry in front of me. Tears are flowing just as I retype the story. It was one of the most special hugs of my life. And really made me miss my granddad. Thank you Nana and Bill for all of your support with this! It is lessons from people like you two that have led me to take on this endeavor! I love you more than you will ever know and cant wait to see you in September.
So, Jeremiah and Miguel have a lot of studying to do. Jeremiah has had his nose in his dictionary all week and I know he will do great. However, because Jose is currently considered 75% disabled, there is a good chance that we will have to pay for 25% of the surgery. That is why we have including the additional $600 in our fundraising goal.
After leaving, a bad headache set on and before I knew it, I had what I thought was a migraine. Jeremiah helped me get comfortable and then went on a quest for food, as we thought maybe that would help. Although I missed him while he was gone, it was my first time alone with God since all this has happened. I started talking with him and weeping. The tears and prayers seemed to release all the pressure in my head that was causing the headache! I started saying the Prayers for the People, but with my own modified requests. Later today, I hope to post the prayer so that anyone interested can join me in sending these intentions to the divine.
Also, those who know me already know how I feel about this, but everyone, please take my spiritual comments with whatever interpretation you prefer. This experience isn´t tied to any one faith, but just a recognition for hope and justice. If the term God makes you feel uncomfortable, then try swapping it with whatever words you believe in, whether that is the Universe, hope, or even luck.
So, back to the story. We are so thankful for how smoothly yesterday went and are getting ready for tomorrow. Because I am the least helpful when it comes to Spanish, I will be working primarily on the fundraising and Jeremiah and Miguel handle the social worker etc.
We are about to go visit Jose and Rosa, so I don´t have much more time. Jeremiah is out trying to track down a small radio they can listen to in their room and we are going to deliver that, some warm socks... it is cold in Quito!... and maybe some other small treats.
Later today, I will post an update and PHOTOS!
much love,
allison
ps If anyone is having trouble with the link to donate, please email me, ascherbe@gmail.com. We are having a bit of difficulty with forwards deactivating the link but are working on it.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
La historia (the story)
Greetings to all (mine and Jeremiah`s family, our friends, and our extended humyn family,
My name is Allison and I am writing from Tabuga, Ecuador. My partner, Jeremiah and I, have been living here for 2 months. I have been working on 2 different organic farms, and Jeremiah has been completing a conservation internship.
Last week, our work ended and we set off to travel for 3 weeks before going home to the USA. We made it as far as the bus stop before God let us know that our plans had been changed.
While waiting for the bus earlier this week, we ran into a couple we had met our first day. They are 85 and 80 years old, have hardly any teeth and are from the coast (where a localized version of Spanish is already hard to understand for us non fluent speakers). That said, the first time we met them, we didn´t understand what they wanted... The womyn, Rosa, chased us down and was asking for something, so we just assumed they were just begging for a few bucks.
Turns out, we misunderstood... in a big way. Rosa was trying to explain that Jose, the husband, had been hit by a car and had a broken leg. We didnt realize this until this last Monday when we saw them for the second time. Before I continue, let me explain that we realized it was broken when he lifted his pant leg, exposing what I first thought was a lowly-placed knee. Once he fully exposed his leg (and actual knee), we realized that he has 2 completely snapped bones. Its one of the most severly broken legs I could imagine. When we spoke at the bus stop, we thought it had happened a month ago, right when we had met. But after many confusing conversations, it turns out Jose has been living with a broken fibia and tibia for TEN MONTHS, beyond residual back, hip and neck pains from the hit and run. The first doctor they went to stitched the skin and said that resetting the bone was impossible, due to costs and no access to plates and screws. So, Jose, who is also blind, has been trying to function with an incredibly broken leg, without even any pain medication.
Yesterday we took Jose to another Clinic, to at least get a perscription for pain medication. We were able to secure enough for a year! Even more exciting, the doctor told us that a corrective surgery was possible, mostly free, and actually much more beneficial for his safety in the long term.... if we can get to Quito. Jose has a strong heart and pulse, circulation in the leg and foot and can handle the surgery. So, Jeremiah, Miguel and I are leaving tomorrow. As the man is completely blind, getting there on public transit will be difficult, but I know we can do it.
However, in the midst of all of this, we have learned that truly helping Jose and Rosa is beyond mine and Jeremiah's direct means. It turns out that the home we thought they were living in isn't theirs-- they've been squatting there and the owner, who lives out of town, has found out and came by last week, telling them they must leave. This, combined with the fact that they litteraly own nothing beyond a few clothes, and a bed (not even sheets or a chair for the man to sit in) is tragic. We asked how they eat, without having a water hookup or a stove or pots and they just pointed to a few rotting passion fruit and a small fish skeleton. It took all my strength not to cry during lunch, when they put the bone from the soup in a plastic bag to take home for later and consumed the other food in an instant. They are so hungry. I know that so many are, but for some reason, we are called to help them.
The obvious question is what about family. We have done a lot of investigation and all but one of their sons are drunks and live in a different town. But one, who is the ¨best of the bunch", happened to hop off a bus in front of the house right as we were leaving to the clinic. He asked where we were going with his parents and without much time to discuss much more, we all took the next bus. Only in the clinic were we able to introduce ourselves, and I think he was in total shock as to what was going on. Apparently he comes to visit when he "can" and I believe God had him happen to overlap with our visit. He wants to help build their new home and is so thankful that thanks to us, he might have the means to really do it. Because of the complicated family history, we are struggling a lot with how to make this all happen the best way possible.
So, we have a lot of fundraising to do. We have already raised about $1000, but need at least $1700 more. In total, the surgery is $2500, all or part of which might be free. We are hoping not to have to pay for more than 25%, so that is about $600. Then, the trip to and from Quito (bus fare, Miguel-our local aid and alley helping actually DO this- $12/day salary, his food and lodging) $200, their new home and labor $600, possibly $500 for property (we thought a free piece of land was available but issues with its safety in regards to their sons is now in question), and basic living supplies $800. The house, supplies and whatever the costs of surgery are add up to quite a bit. But I truly believe God put this family in our lives and know that we can do it. If you are able to be apart of this solution, please donate via the paypal link Jeremiah set up. If all you can give is prayers, then pray. For Jose, for Rosa, for Miguel, for his son to prove us wrong, and for Jeremiah and me. We really are struggling emotionally with the constant flow of decisions and challenges. I dont know if Ive ever needed divine guidance more. So, yes, please pray and if you can, please donate, no matter what the size.
link to donate: paypal
Also, please help get the word out.
Thank you so much.
God bless and more soon.
Love,
allison and jeremiah
My name is Allison and I am writing from Tabuga, Ecuador. My partner, Jeremiah and I, have been living here for 2 months. I have been working on 2 different organic farms, and Jeremiah has been completing a conservation internship.
Last week, our work ended and we set off to travel for 3 weeks before going home to the USA. We made it as far as the bus stop before God let us know that our plans had been changed.
While waiting for the bus earlier this week, we ran into a couple we had met our first day. They are 85 and 80 years old, have hardly any teeth and are from the coast (where a localized version of Spanish is already hard to understand for us non fluent speakers). That said, the first time we met them, we didn´t understand what they wanted... The womyn, Rosa, chased us down and was asking for something, so we just assumed they were just begging for a few bucks.
Turns out, we misunderstood... in a big way. Rosa was trying to explain that Jose, the husband, had been hit by a car and had a broken leg. We didnt realize this until this last Monday when we saw them for the second time. Before I continue, let me explain that we realized it was broken when he lifted his pant leg, exposing what I first thought was a lowly-placed knee. Once he fully exposed his leg (and actual knee), we realized that he has 2 completely snapped bones. Its one of the most severly broken legs I could imagine. When we spoke at the bus stop, we thought it had happened a month ago, right when we had met. But after many confusing conversations, it turns out Jose has been living with a broken fibia and tibia for TEN MONTHS, beyond residual back, hip and neck pains from the hit and run. The first doctor they went to stitched the skin and said that resetting the bone was impossible, due to costs and no access to plates and screws. So, Jose, who is also blind, has been trying to function with an incredibly broken leg, without even any pain medication.
Yesterday we took Jose to another Clinic, to at least get a perscription for pain medication. We were able to secure enough for a year! Even more exciting, the doctor told us that a corrective surgery was possible, mostly free, and actually much more beneficial for his safety in the long term.... if we can get to Quito. Jose has a strong heart and pulse, circulation in the leg and foot and can handle the surgery. So, Jeremiah, Miguel and I are leaving tomorrow. As the man is completely blind, getting there on public transit will be difficult, but I know we can do it.
However, in the midst of all of this, we have learned that truly helping Jose and Rosa is beyond mine and Jeremiah's direct means. It turns out that the home we thought they were living in isn't theirs-- they've been squatting there and the owner, who lives out of town, has found out and came by last week, telling them they must leave. This, combined with the fact that they litteraly own nothing beyond a few clothes, and a bed (not even sheets or a chair for the man to sit in) is tragic. We asked how they eat, without having a water hookup or a stove or pots and they just pointed to a few rotting passion fruit and a small fish skeleton. It took all my strength not to cry during lunch, when they put the bone from the soup in a plastic bag to take home for later and consumed the other food in an instant. They are so hungry. I know that so many are, but for some reason, we are called to help them.
The obvious question is what about family. We have done a lot of investigation and all but one of their sons are drunks and live in a different town. But one, who is the ¨best of the bunch", happened to hop off a bus in front of the house right as we were leaving to the clinic. He asked where we were going with his parents and without much time to discuss much more, we all took the next bus. Only in the clinic were we able to introduce ourselves, and I think he was in total shock as to what was going on. Apparently he comes to visit when he "can" and I believe God had him happen to overlap with our visit. He wants to help build their new home and is so thankful that thanks to us, he might have the means to really do it. Because of the complicated family history, we are struggling a lot with how to make this all happen the best way possible.
So, we have a lot of fundraising to do. We have already raised about $1000, but need at least $1700 more. In total, the surgery is $2500, all or part of which might be free. We are hoping not to have to pay for more than 25%, so that is about $600. Then, the trip to and from Quito (bus fare, Miguel-our local aid and alley helping actually DO this- $12/day salary, his food and lodging) $200, their new home and labor $600, possibly $500 for property (we thought a free piece of land was available but issues with its safety in regards to their sons is now in question), and basic living supplies $800. The house, supplies and whatever the costs of surgery are add up to quite a bit. But I truly believe God put this family in our lives and know that we can do it. If you are able to be apart of this solution, please donate via the paypal link Jeremiah set up. If all you can give is prayers, then pray. For Jose, for Rosa, for Miguel, for his son to prove us wrong, and for Jeremiah and me. We really are struggling emotionally with the constant flow of decisions and challenges. I dont know if Ive ever needed divine guidance more. So, yes, please pray and if you can, please donate, no matter what the size.
link to donate: paypal
Also, please help get the word out.
Thank you so much.
God bless and more soon.
Love,
allison and jeremiah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)