Quenaweno y Compasion

As many of you know, I had the opportunity to take another trip into the jungle, this time to a Huaroni community called Quenahueno.  It's located on the Curaray river, not too far from where the 5 missionaries were killed in 1956.  Our purpose was to perform check ups on children that are sponsored through Compassion ministries.  We partnered with Compassion a few years ago and were able to perform the required check ups and it was a great experience for us.  Accompanying me were Dra Paulina Roldan, a third year family practice resident, and Jonas Lopez, an Ecuadorian missionary with Compassion.  We left on a Tuesday and were able to do all that we needed to do in 2 days.

Jonas and I on the banks of the Curaray River

This was out first trip with Compassion ministries this school year.  There are over 40 communities and 1300 kids that need these checkups, so we'll be busy for the foreseeable future.  The plan was to fly in and see the sponsored kids and with the remaining time, also see those adults that wanted an exam and other children who aren't sponsored by Compassion.  Compassion has had a presence in the jungles of Ecuador for decades and really made a difference in the lives of many of these kids.  Jonas, the missionary standing with me, was a sponsored child many years ago.  As you can see from the picture, Quenahueno is a small community and we had no problems getting in or out.





While there, we had a fun time with the kids.  All seemed to be in good health and eager to interact with us to some extent, albeit from a distance.  There was one boy in particular, Omar, who was as quick as a whip.  He helped to unpack our things, carry medicines, and was familiar with many of the bible stories that we discussed.

Omar

Paulina Roldan examining an infant.

Jonas sharing the Word.

Soon it was time to pack up our things and head back to Shell.  Our time in Quenahueno was enjoyed by all.  Next week I head to another Huaroni community which is much bigger, Toñampari, and hope to have more pics to share with you.