4 hour Hike Into The Mountains

It took Alayna and me 4 hours to hike into a remote tribe way up in the mountains of Mindoro. I am so very proud of Alayna for completing this most difficult adventure. We saw some amazing sites on the way up but this was definately one of the most intense things I've ever done. When we arrived at the village we wasted no time jumping into a nearby river. We didn't bother taking any of our clothes off as they were already soaked with sweat and rain. We spent that afternoon doing medical check-ups until dark. We then ate our rice and canned tuna on banana leaves then ever so exausted went straight to bed. Our sleeping conditions were less than desirable as it rained all night long. Not sure what made us more wet the sweat from the extreme humidity or the leaky roof of the nepa hut that we slept in. The following morning we did more check-ups until noon and then started our 4 hour hike back down and out of the mountains. We saw over 90 patients in the 2 days we were there. Needless to say Alayna and I were pretty sore for a few days. Be sure to go to our web albums to see more pictures of our adventure.

Who's Older

Which one of the two girls standing do you think is older? Yes, thats right, you know I'm trying to trick you! Anessa would NOT be considered a big kid back home but, when standing beside this filipina girl, Anessa seems to be quite a giant. The little girl beside Anessa is 1 week older.

Go, I wish you well!

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or a sister is without cloths and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
(James 2:14-17)

Is she Precious or what!

"Smile"

"Ngumiti"

Important Life Lessons

Some days we don't seem to get a lot of home school done but there is no doubt in our minds that our children are learning many Important Life Lessons during our time here. Our children are learning how to read and write but more importantly they are learning hands-on about giving to those who are less fortunate.

Visit from Home

Barry and Marlys came for a visit a few weeks ago. We had a great time exploring some of the surrounding sites with them. Wish they could have stayed longer.


More photos and short video of our time with them at Our Web Photo Album. You may also want to check out some new photos in the Mission Medic and Bagong Po-ok albums.

Broken bone and hernia . . .

Marife is 44 years old. Several months ago, a doctor told her that the pain in her lower abdomen was caused by a hernia. Surgery at a cost of $600 USD is the only cure. She has no hope of being able to pay that. Last week, she came to our medical clinic to request help. Our reply is that we will see what we can do. We asked her to inquire at the provincial hospital as to the cost there. It would likely be lower than at the private hospital they had initially gone to. For now, we pray and wait.

John Mark came to see Curt last week. The seven year old had broken his arm ONE MONTH ago! The only care he had received was herbs and ritual by a tribal healer. The bone still obviously misaligned was causing him pain and he could not move his arm at all. Curt consulted with the local doctor on the case. It was recommended that John Mark will have to see an orthopedic surgeon in Calapan. John's mother expressed that they had no money to pay for the drive to Calapan let alone pay for medical care. We are arranging for this to happen and are thankful for Philippino friends who are willing to travel with John Mark and his mother on the long, bumpy road to Calapan. John Mark’s mother was in tears when she realized that someone was going to help her son.

Moms & Babes!

Here's the pictures some of you have been waiting for. Just follow the "Our Web Photo Album" link and have a look. As our time here continues we will be adding photos from time to time, so keep checkin in.

Curt in Action!

Just in case you were wondering here's some proof that I really am getting some Mission Medic experience! Our good friend DJ (girl in cap) is helping me communicate with my patient.
Sometimes all I can do is tell the patient that they really do need to go see a doctor. Other times it's as simple as cleaning a wound and explaining the importance of keeping it clean.

Holding the Fort in Manila for a time!

We spent our first 2 weeks of 2007 in Manila. One of those days we went to Fort Santiago an old Spanish fort near Manila Bay. Click on 'Our Web Photo Album' link to the right to see a bunch more pictures of our time in Manila.
Coming soon: pictures of some babies that Veronica helped come into the world including some pics of her time at Fabela Hospital

Skating in the Philippines!

Wow, who would have thought that we'd get to go skating while in the Philippines! Mall of Asia is where Curt and the kids found a full size skating rink. We also went skating at Mega Mall yesterday and so that means that we've gone skating on every ice rink you'll find in the Philippines.

Manila

A couple of views of Manila from the rooftop of the place where we are staying while Veronica is getting some crazy midwifery experience at Fabela. We are being told that Fabela is the largest maternity hospitol in Asia, an average of 80 births a day. Yes that is correct 80 babies every day. It's a baby factory! Veronica is coming home with some very interesting stories. During the 9 days that Veronica is at Fabela the children and Curtis are getting to experience some of the interesting things that Manila has to offer like Mega Mall for instance, tommorrow they're going to the zoo.