a medical team

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the medical team. They will be here on Sunday. The majority have already (or are about to) leave their homes in Canada. They will meet up with the rest of the team tomorrow morning in Seattle, WA. Then they'll come down to Lima and Sunday morning will fly to Cusco. This year is the fourth of fifth year in a row that we've hosted them. Each year there are several new people, doctors and nurses. We also get to see some familiar faces, people that we love dearly and who love us too! 

Thanks ony to God we haven't ever had issues with the team bringing in a whole pharmacy worth of medicine. But each year it's a nerve-wracking time.... getting letters, signatures, official stamps, etc. For the last 6 weeks we have been trying to get these letters from the Red Cross and Ministry of Health. And if we weren't already aware from previous experiences (in trying to get residency for example, which we still don't have after 7 years, nor will we ever) that most official processes work backwards and in slow-motion, this one has gone above and beyond to test our patience. I will save you the details... Thank god, you say! 

So if you have ever been on a mission trip, a medicial mission trip, have ever lived outside your country or have just traveled here and there or have just been to the DMV, you may have experienced situations that test your patience and faith in humanity! Pray for us, that today (the deadline) we will get the last letter. 

And not only that we get the letter to the team in time for their arrival, but that when they pass through customs that the customs officials are in a good mood and approve the letters... and let them bring in all the boxes of medicine. 

And then not only that, but that on Monday morning when the clinic is scheduled to begin, that the Ministry of Health people show up on time to review all our medicines and that they allow the clinic to go ahead and start!

We are also receiving a team of five translators from Tacna, Peru. Pray they'll have a relatively comfortable, 18 hour bus ride -without any problems. We are looking forward to having them too!

And now to rest a bit. We spent the whole morning in the hot burning sun climbing up and down the stairs passing out flyers and sticking them to doors. I with a 20 or 25 pound baby on my back (it could have been 40 pounds for all I know.. I don't know how much he weighs). I realized a few things. I either must be out of shape or that kid is really heavy. And sweating (when not intentionally working out) is just gross.. i haven't done that in while.