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