A bit more background

To see the initial details of our trip, please click here.
For more background information about our visit and introduction to the mission last summer, please click the link on the sidebar that reads 'Visit in summer 2008'.

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As for a few additional details, this is what I can think to add.

Location: Mainly, we will be working in Tuis de Turriabla. The town is too tiny to be noted on Google Maps or Google Earth, but if you check out La Suiza, you in the general neighborhood. It's just a 20 minute walk down the road from there.

Type of Work: Really, the trip has a three-fold purpose and we will mainly be working through a currently established mission organization in the area (Voz Que Clama --> VQC). With them we will:

1. Help serve the resource and spiritual needs of rural indigenous communities. These communities are located hours (by foot) into the mountains. They have no amenities, no doctors, no services. If anyone requires help, they must make the long journey out into the more urban areas (such as Tuis, which is only 3,000 people), but once they get to these areas, they have no place to stay nor money to afford accommodations. These indigenous mainly deal in trades of goods, money as a commodity is not common in their culture, which makes coming to the 'urban' centers confusing, especially because many only speak their indigenous languages.
   
2. Help serve the Residence of the mission house. VQC offers a home to those with physical and mental disabilities who have been cast out by their home community due to spiritual superstitions regarding disabilities. Further, because resources are limited and hard physical labour is a large part of life, those with disabilities are deemed a burden to their society and can be left for dead. The mission currently has 7 residence residing with them; they are offered 24 hour care and a liaison with the government to receive social services they otherwise would never to able to connect with.
   
3. Help serve the community of Tuis. The community of Tuis is comprised mainly of labourers and coffee farmers. The people are generous, warm, and friendly. The mission works to bless these people with biblical teachings, sermons, as well as opportunities and encouragement to help others within their community and the mountains. Not unlike Canada, negative prejudices exist against their native people and the mission is helping overcome these barriers.

In general, we will be working along side already established projects, but will also be looking for opportunities to put our skills and knowledge to work in new areas. With Tom's background in rehabilitation engineering (engineering devices for those with physical disabilities to help them lead more independent lives) and my educational background in infection and nutritional concerns in indigenous communities of Central America, we are hoping and relying on God to put us to good use in this community. We are currently in continual discussion with the mission about specific projects, but all involved realize that the majority of the details will be worked out while 'on the ground'. Our church in Montreal has been more than generous in their encouragement and logistical support. We are currently working to partner with Lakeshore Church, but the logistics and legalities are immense.

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P.S. > I'm always trying to think of things to post on here, but I'm not positive as to what the readers (if there will be any!) will want to hear about. Please, feel free to post questions (simply click 'comments' and add your question to the comment box on the right hand side). Feel free to remain anonymous in questions or comments if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Thank you!