Weight Loss + Hair Loss = ????

This past week we had our first experience with the medical profession in Ecuador.  Both Elder Lewis and I have experienced some weight loss since arriving in Ecuador.  We have jokingly attributed it to the "Quito diet."  However, within the past 3 weeks I've also had significant hair loss.  Hair in my brush, hair in the sink, hair on my pillow, hair everywhere!!  Frankly, I don't have that much hair to loose, but for some reason it has been falling out at an accelerated rate.  In addition to the weight loss and hair loss, I also began having some SERIOUS tummy trouble and itching.

With those symptoms, I did my due diligence and conducted an internet search -- plugging in the symptoms with the hope of discovering whatever life-threatening disease I might have. 😉 My Conclusion: thyroid problems or a parasite.  By Wednesday, Feb. 12th I was feeling pretty weak and we decided it was time to see a doctor.  Since we don't speak enough Spanish to navigate the medical profession, we enlisted the help of the office Elders to make an appointment with Dr. Andrade.

Dr. Andrade did a full panel blood screening, and the basic stool and urine tests.  Test results: HEALTHY!  But in reality, I continued to have tummy trouble through Saturday night.  Finally, on Sunday, I started to feel more normal and I was able to keep some food in my stomach.  We still don't know what the problem was, or is, but I'm scheduled to see a dermatologist on Wednesday, and then a nutritionist.  In the meantime, I'm glad Elder Lewis can scratch my itchy back and I'm wondering what granddaughter I might tap for wig hair.

Hospital Metropolitano in Quito, Ecuador.  On a clear day you can look between these two buildings and
see the Cotopaxi Volcano.  (See below.)

This was our view on Wednesday evening.  A glimpse of Cotopaxi!

Right now, our rating of the medical profession in Quito is positive.  We were well cared for and we are hopeful that we can get to the bottom of my hair loss and itchiness.  I have to mention that we took the Elders with us for the appointment on Wednesday, but when we went back to the medical complex for blood work on Thursday, we went by ourselves.  We knew the language barrier might pose a problem, but we felt like we could find someone to help if needed.

We entered the lab, took our number, and waited a few minutes before we were called to the counter.  The woman behind the counter, who was checking us in, did not speak any English!  However, an older woman who was registering for some lab tests at the desk next to us immediately noticed the language challenges and asked us if she could help.  We welcomed her help and we felt that it was a sweet blessing (tender mercy) that came at exactly the right moment.  With the woman's help, we were able to get registered and complete the blood work in a short span of time.

Last week, we were invited to join the missionaries for three teaching appointments.  The first one was on Tuesday.  We met with a husband, wife, and their 30-year old daughter.  The husband and wife were having some marital challenges and the missionaries asked us to share how the gospel of Jesus Christ has helped us manage the challenges we've encountered throughout our 43+ years of marriage.  We were blessed with some very helpful promptings, and we felt like our thoughts were additive to the missionaries' discussion and appreciated by the couple.

On Thursday, we went with the AP's (Assistants to the President) to visit a less-active member who has been struggling with health issues and desired a priesthood blessing.  Her first name is Sandra and she speaks good English. I've met Sandra before and welcomed the opportunity to get to know her better.  She requested that Elder Lewis give her a priesthood blessing and that he do so in English.  Again, the Spirit was present and Elder Lewis was impressed with the inspiration needed to administer the blessing.

On Friday morning, President Barlow sent a referral to the mission office and asked that the office missionaries follow up on the referral and determine how they could be of service. The referral was from a Utah woman whose Ecuadorean friend (a member of our faith), who also lived in Utah, was in Quito visiting her family.

While in Quito, her 20 year old nephew committed suicide.  The Utah friend was hoping that the missionaries could contact the family, give her friend a blessing, and see if there was anything else they could offer.  The Elders made the contact, set up an appointment, and then asked us if we would accompany them.

We arrived at the family's home with plans to see and visit the Ecuadorean woman from Utah.  After we were comfortably seated in their living room, we were surprised when 7 other family members came into the room, pulled up a chair, and formed a circle.  They were very welcoming, but the pain and grief in their faces was visible and our hearts ached for them.  They kept saying, "We just don't understand!"

Losing a loved one is a painful experience, but I can only imagine the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.  The Elders and Elder Lewis gave the woman we had gone to see a blessing of comfort.  After her blessing, another family member came forward and requested a blessing.  With the exception of the Grandfather, all who had come into the room received a blessing. The Elders then share a message about Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation.

Unfortunately we couldn't verbalize our condolences, but I hope our few words and warm embraces let them know that we cared for them and that we were willing to mourn with them at this difficult time.

Life can be "muy dificil!"  We are extremely grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and we know that He "has suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; that he has taken upon himself the pains and sicknesses of his people; that he has loosed the bands of death; that his bowels are filled with mercy; and that he knows how to succor us according to our infirmities." (See Alma 7:11-12)

Love to all!
Elder & Sister Lewis