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Second Village Visit Trip
Hey!
Yep, I’m finely back in
Venezuela! There have been so many adventures going on
around here these last few weeks but, I’m
afraid I won’t be able to share them all.
In these next few pictures I
will try to give you a small sample of what is going
on.
On our way to Awarauka we passed over some of the other villages that we were at a few days before. I couldn’t help smiling when I remembered all those we had helped at Pampatameru.
Down here you have to learn a whole new way of thinking, especially when it comes to transportation. So here we are loading up our “bus” so we could get on the “highway” and help the next “city” which had about two hundred and fifty “residents”!
We were able to see more than 150 patients on
this trip!
Once we arrived in Awarauka we
were joined by the doctor from Uriman.
This little girl came crying to
us because
A few days into the trip we found out that the doctor from Uriman had about sixty immunizations ready to be used. We called Bob Norton, and soon he came bringing the shots for us.
Ouch! I hate shots!
Several friends have asked me how this year’s
program compares with last year’s. I’d say that this year
has been considerably better since there are more buildings
up and running. We also have more specialized equipment such
as this stove.
It has been so neat working with the people down here! This FEAST was prepared for us by some very grateful friends and family of some patients we had helped.
These deep-fried flour patties are known as dumplings and are a favorite among the natives. They are traditionally served with butter and cheese. If you are fortunate enough to have a meal like this you may also get to try some of the oatmeal pudding sitting at the far end of the table. (Note, it doesn’t taste like oatmeal at all!)
On our way back from breakfast we found this
beautiful partially made hammock. We tried, for some time,
to convince them to sell it to us but
they said it wasn’t for sale!
All too soon we were on our
way back to base. Our last afternoon in Awarauka we were
surprised by the sound of an AN 2 coming in to land! After
the Engine was shut off I ran around to help unload. It was
neat getting to know the pilot and hear about the air strips
he flies into. I mentioned that I am very interested in
flying an AN 2 and that I was needing a ride to Santa Elena.
Imagine my surprise when he agreed to take me, and two
friends for free! The next few hours were a dream come true
as we took off and roared over the Tepuis and jungle.
Sadly, there are parts of the jungle that aren’t pretty anymore. The natives in this area are in the habit of burning everything. As a result the forest is disappearing quickly.
We also saw vast expanses of jungle and
savanna which have been destroyed in search of gold and
diamonds.
Even though I don’t like what mining does to the environment, I did enjoy studying how it works. The guy on the far right is breaking up the big dirt clumps. Then, the guys in the middle power wash the dirt down to the bottom of the pond where it is pumped up to the silt box.
The silt box is where most of the natives get
their money as mining is about the only source of income out
in the middle of the jungle.
I miss being home and visiting with my friends spread throughout the country. After thinking about it for a while I think I know just how to solve the problem of you guys being spread all over the place. I think all of you should come live here and in the neighboring communities. I just know you guys would love it down here! There is so much work to do and so few dedicated to helping! There is a job ready for all who are willing! We can use any talent or skill you have.
In any case I’m glad to be here and
enjoy working with the IRR team and flying
Thank you for your prayers and support! They make a world of difference to me! ~ Daniel ~ |
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Daniel's Awesome 2006 Venezuela Adventures