Sickies, Taxis, and Babies

A lot has been happening in our family over the last several days; some good, some not so good.

Sickies
Since coming to Ecuador, our family has suffered through some minor sickness or another: altitude adjustments, tiredness, stress, colds, and congestion. As one or two seem to start recovering, another one gets something new. Well, Levi, being the competitor that he is, decided that he was going to win. During the week, while playing soccer outside with the neighbor kids, he apparently cut is finger near the cuticle. Since it was late by the time we called him in, he got himself ready for bed and went to sleep. The cut was not noticed until the next day when it was completely infected and caused his finger to swell. We treated it and saw that the infection was under control and did not think much about it. A few days later, Levi's lips started to get chapped and it is only our guess as to what happened next. Our guess is that over night he rubbed his cracked lips with his infected finger and the infection spread.

If you look closely, you can see white crusties (infection) on Levi's lower lip...and yes, if you are sick you get special privileges, like playing games on the iPod all day!

We spent the next day taking care of him (instead of blog writing!). We were planning on taking him to see a doctor on Monday, but when he woke up, the infection in both places was almost gone. It seems that his body was finally able to deal with it. However, due to all of the stress in his body during this time, he also developed a rash. :-\

Levi resting in peace.

Now that Levi seems to be doing better, we are waiting to see who will fall next.

Taxis
Taxis are our mode of transportation when walking would not be acceptable. We only use a taxi once or twice a week, and we really appreciate the low cost of using them. Probably the main benefit that I get out of the taxi service is getting to talk with the taxi driver. In fact, it is one of my best times for Spanish discussion and practice. Two of my friends learned "street" Spanish mostly by walking around and talking with people on the street. At the time, I was completely amazed at this and wondered how they ever really learned that way. Now, as I semi-freely converse with the taxi drivers, I realize that I am not only gaining confidence in my Spanish, but also learning "street" Spanish as my friends did before me.
(You would be so proud of me mom, the other night I learned a new word from my taxi conversion: embriagado.)

Though having our own vehicle would be a wonderfully nice convenience, there are too many other irons in the fire to worry with it at present. We are looking and considering our options though and hoping that the Lord will open up a feasible way for us to obtain one in the near future.

Babies
This week we visited a birthing center to scope out some options for the delivery of our baby. We found one that we are both very pleased with. The Dr. is a certified gynecologist and is part of a medical clinic where there are various other specialists that work closely together, complete with surgery. However, he has a very hands off philosophy when it comes to birthing which we really appreciate. From discussions with people here, it seems that there is a huge difference in thought processes about labor and delivery here depending on if you are in the city or the country. Here in the city, having a baby is often treated as an illness which you should throw every medical aid into "curing". We are very glad to have found a clinic that thinks differently. :) The Dr.'s wife is also his nurse and works as a doula at the clinic. Alesha liked her a lot and found her Spanish very clear and easy to understand - which at this point in our learning makes a HUGE difference!

The family who recommended the clinic to us was also kind enough to drive almost an hour to come pick us up and introduce us, as well as sit through the appointment, watching the kids so we could both go down stairs and tour the clinic. They were such a blessing! Our God does indeed supply our needs...and in this, even lots of wants.

Enjoy!
Taylor & Alesha