A Tough Month…
It all began with some wheezing that Jonathan began to experience shortly after moving into our home in late March. After a month of it progressively getting worse, we took him to the doctor and found out that he was reacting to the black mold that had developed on the ceiling in the upstairs bathroom. The doctor explained that it would only get worse along with the health of the entire family if it were not remediated. She also said that Jonathan could develop asthma if we didn't deal with the problem. The recommendation of several healthcare workers both here and in the States is that we should move as soon as possible. Not what we wanted to hear. We really are enjoying our home, otherwise.
In early May, Bryan contracted a parasite in his stomach and got extraordinarily sick for 4 days. Upon going to the doctor he learned that the high altitude in Quito has given him high blood pressure, despite having lost about 30 pounds. The good news in this is that the parasite medicine worked quickly. However, Heather started to take the medicine as a precaution and quickly developed an anaphylactic reaction, which doctors said would only get worse if she were to take it again. Parasites are everywhere in Ecuador, and the general population here takes the medication every 6 months to prevent the level of sickness Bryan experienced. It's easy to get an infection. If she can't take the medicine, then that's a real problem.
The cost of living here is much higher than what we were told before we started raising support. The actual cost of living is more than double what we were told to raise in support. With this in mind, we are projected to run out of support funds around April or May of 2016, based on our current support levels. Unfortunately, we have learned that many other families have faced the same issue, and many have had to return to the States earlier than projected. In light of these challenges, we are committed to continuing the ministry to which God has called us as long as we are here.
Due to our multiple health and financial issues, we may have to come home earlier than anticipated. If we are unable to stay much longer, our preference is to go back to Montana. Our home, dear friends and hearts are there. Our belongings are there. We are beginning to explore job opportunities in Western Montana. The only other option that we have talked about is going to be near our families in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. However, we do not have ANY job leads there. If any of you reading this know of someone who is looking for a meteorologist/former meteorologist or generally a hard worker who works well with anyone, please let us know. I will be happy to forward a resume. To our Montana friends, if any of you know of a lower cost rental in a safe area that is available or is coming open this summer, please let us know.
Please pray for God to give us wisdom and encouragement. Please also pray for an immediate or near-immediate provision.
These serious challenges have been sobering and unsettling as they have unfolded in the last month. We ask you to lift us up in prayer. These are hard words to write.
