April 23, 2020
Dear Family and Friends,
We wanted to let you know that we are eagerly waiting for the day when we can return to Ecuador. We were packed and ready to return when Ecuador surprisingly and wisely closed their boarders.
In Ecuador, the cost of Covid-19 deaths is high. Thankfully, our clinic staff and the surrounding community is currently safe, but lack of food is paramount. The clinic is closed for several reasons but one being government regulations. However, the water production is going full force. Our day guard, night guard and clinic custodian are assisting the 4 water technicians with production and deliveries.
A few weeks ago, the government locked down the citizens’ rights to be on the street (walking or driving) from 2pm till 5am the next morning. The government also said that no one could be out at all on Saturdays or Sundays – which meant that no one could grocery shop on the weekends – basically only mornings Monday thru Friday.
Friends, the following video link that was passed along to us is difficult to watch but it is what is happening in Guayaquil just 3 ½ hours from Floron where the clinic resides. The video is posted on YouTube from the New York Times news feed.
We covet your prayers for God’s protection for all that are working in the water production and for their families. To date no virus has been reported in Floron (suburb of Portoviejo) but several cases and deaths have been reported in central Portoviejo but nothing as severe or with as high a mortality rate as the city of Guayaquil in the video.
Know that we are praying for you and we are blessed in knowing that you are doing the same for us. Because of your support, our clinic staff has been paid their salaries, sincere thanks as we know many Americans are financially hit hard.
God remains in control; may we use this time to draw closer to God and His son Jesus Christ.
Dios los bendiga,
Richard, Elizabeth and the FYTA board