Back in Ecuador

I had a wonderful time at home with family and friends. It was great to have Pablo at home with me again, and to celebrate our engagement with family and friends. I was able to do some wedding planning, and also fundraising for Santos Pamba Christian School. However, on December 26th we were in a car accident and taken to the ER! Pablo got whiplash and I sprained my neck and back. We stayed at home after that and recuperated. I started physical therapy, which I have continued here in Quito. I am still in pain and have not been able to work. My lower back has been too painful to go back to school and teach. I have been stuck at home and resting. I have been reading a lot and wedding planning, which is keeping me busy. I am also working on finishing up my online masters class. Pablo has been taking good care of me- even going grocery shopping for me! Friends have been visiting me everyday, which has been encouraging. It has been stressful leaving my class with a substitute for so long, but I know I need to focus on recovering.

Going to the doctor here has been quite a cultural experience for me. I was going to the hospital close to my house for physical therapy. My physical therapist was seeing 4 patients at the same time as me! It was very frustrating. I changed physical therapists this week because I felt she wasn't giving me quality care. I am very happy with my new physical therapist. She is encouraging and told me that in 10 sessions I should be feeling better! She is using different techniques and I can tell that my muscles are starting to relax more. I am hopeful! Please pray for me. I am hoping I can return to at least working half days next week. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your prayers!