Leo & juvenile arthritis

Okay, you've met the two older siblings, Karen and Jaime. Today it's time for you to meet Leonardo Andrés Quiroz, best known as Leo. From the two previous posts, you know that his mom lives in Spain and that he is in grandma's care. Leo's dad lives in Italy and as far as I know they get to talk about once a month by phone. I'm not sure when he last saw his father. By the way, this picture was taken while we were waiting for Jaime's graduation to start!

I have known Leo for about eight years and have been able to help with his studies the last few years. However, I had a huge surprise when I visited them in September and found Leo unable to get out of bed and with his knees extremely swollen. His grandmother told me that this happens every now and then and that it had been happening for the last seven years. I never knew! Leo never said anything. I was shocked.

Grandma took him to see doctors in Guayaquil and Esmeraldas on several occasions to find out what was happening to his body. The doctors said it was an infection and prescribed antibiotics. I asked as many questions about the symptoms he's experienced and then consulted doctors at HCJB's Vozandes Hospital in Quito. He came up a couple of weeks later for a complete check-up and blood work. It was confirmed that he has juvenile arthritis. We were both in shock now!

I thank God for providing a treatment plan that is working well. Please pray that Leo's body would continue to respond to the medicines and the guidelines that his doctor has given him. Pray too that Leo would use this physical challenge as an open door to share with his classmates and others. Thank you!

Karen's graduation!

Yesterday you met Jaime. Today, let me introduce you to his older sister, Karen Párraga. Karen should have graduated two years ago, but due to a number of different circumstances wasn't able to do so. Hats off to Karen for persevering and not giving up. Way to go Karen!

As I told you yesterday, Karen's grandmother has had responsibility for her, Jaime and Leo, one of their younger brothers, for a number of years now. She is one amazing woman and I'm so thankful for her. I'm also very thankful to God for giving me the unique opportunity to walk alongside Karen during her last years of study. What an honor to see her graduate!

I would also ask for your prayers for Karen as she considers options for future studies and a career.

A Photo a Day!

Wow! It's been a long while since I've been here on the blog. Using Facebook quite a bit, but I can't say as much there as I would like! A missionary colleague (Nick Johnson) shared a great idea the other day and I want to put it into action, at least on the days that I have access to the Internet!

The idea is to share a photo a day. Now Nick's a photography hobbyist and I'm sure has some really cool cameras. I use a simple automatic camera designed for radio people! So don't expect high quality oooooohhhhh aaaaaahhhhhh type photos. In fact my first photo to share with you didn't even come from my camera! Still, I hope you will enjoy seeing a bit of my life and those that surround me in pictures.

To start off this new venture, I would like to introduce you to Jaime Sotamba. Jaime's an amazing young man. He graduated high school on January 19. I've had the incredible blessing of being able to help with his school studies since at least the sixth grade if not a year or two before. His father died when he was 7 years old. His mom has lived in Spain for about the last 9 years. His grandmother has cared and provided for Jaime, his older sister Karen and one of his younger brothers since the mother left. Mom comes back now and then to visit and bring them presents. She has a total of four children by four different men. I finally got to meet her. Frankly, I'm still not sure what to think except to say that if anyone really needed to know Jesus, it's her. And I really thank God for grandma!

Jaime had a whole lot of reasons to give up, but he didn't. In fact, he excelled! He was class valedictorian! To say that I am proud of him is an huge understatement. God has done a great work in this young man and will continue to do so. Here we are at his graduation. There are even more photos on Facebook if you want to check them out.

Thanks for praying for Jaime as he makes decisions for his future studies and career. And thanks for letting me tell you about him.