Ecuador loves to celebrate! We have the national Independence Day, and we celebrate the independence day of each of the main cities. Today was the day to celebrate Cuenca's independence from the Spanish Conquistadors. We took a three hour walk to see a few of the main handcraft exhibits. Here are a couple photos from the day's events.
This bridge was a real bridge once, but a bad flood broke part of it off and it has since been preserved as a remnant of former days. It is known as the Broken Bridge. On holidays it is the site of art fairs and concerts. Today these were some of the paintings exhibited. So much to see and enjoy on an outing in our lovely city! Come visit us sometime!
This story actually began back in 2002 when Diana Sanchez , a medical student, became part of our outreach to university students. She has since graduated and worked for a while in a local private hospital. Often in her mind was the dream to continue her studies, perhaps in another country. Every so often an advanced education course is offered by the local university. In June she quit her hospital job and began to prepare for a comprehensive exam to be given by the university from which nine students would be chosen to receive a full scholarship toward a medical specialization. ONLY nine students could enter the course and those would be chosen according to their academic achievement. The test questions would be taken from six huge text books which the students needed to study independently in preparation to take the test.
While we were in the States during July and August, Diana used our house as a place to get away for quiet and concentration. Early in July she made a fresh commitment to God, saying that she really didn't know if He wanted her to move toward this specialization or not. As she rededicated her life, she told the Lord, "I will do my best to prepare for this exam. If you want me to pursue this degree, You open the doors. I can only prepare and present my resume, which isn't very much at this point. I cannot do this without You."
Diana gave it her best. She spent hours of study time, and got through the books once. She started on a second pass through the books, but there was not enough time to cover everything. The day before the exam she had reviewed four of the six. She picked up the next book and said, "Lord, I can't possibly review this whole thing. I will review chapters 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7." That same day I felt impressed to pray, "Father, You know what will be on that exam. If it is Your will for Diana to pass this exam, please lead her to review the parts You know she will need tomorrow."
Thursday, September 18, a hundred and fifty students sat for the exam. That evening Diana came to relate the day's events." Of all the exams I have ever taken, I was more calm for this one than any other. I knew I had given my best effort in preparation, and I knew I had put the whole outcome into God's hands. I was calm. Question after question I felt sure of the answer."
The test had ten questions from each of the six books. From the book she had had little time to review, the examiners had selected questions from the five chapters she had reviewed!! Diana's final score was 57 over 60!! She was one of the nine students granted a full, three-year scholarship. She was one of three chosen for a specialization in anesthesiology and intensive care. She debriefed the day with us, and then said, "This has happened only because God opened the doors for me. I want to again dedicate myself and this opportunity to study to God." It was a moment of great celebration for us with her.
October 1 was her starting date. She has been very busy with studies and the internship which is part of the study package. Besides a full scholarship, she is paid a regular wage for the hours on the floor.
Pray that as Diana continues with her chosen area of study, she can reflect the love of Christ to patients and family members whom she relates to. Often she is caring for patients in crisis moments. Pray that God will continue to open the doors He desires her to walk through and that she will be ready to walk through them.
Okay. Let me admit right up front that I am still getting the hang of this! There has been more than one frustration... from a very slow internet hook-up which has not allowed me to upload photos, to well,... I don't suppose you even want to know all the things that I'm still trying to get the hang of.
So, let's just say I'm sorry that it has been so long since we posted anything new and fresh. But I'm here this evening with a great connection, and so I'm going to do my best to get some news out to all of you!
Hope you are having a wonderful November 3 -- we did here in Cuenca today. It is actually our major city holiday -- the Independence of Cuenca. It goes back to when Cuenca gained her independence from the Spanish Conquistadors. And so each year it is celebrated in high style -- yep, even the president and vice president were here for the parade. We skipped the parade and visited various hand-craft and art fairs around the city.
So, here's a wish for better blogging days ahead! Thanks for your patience.
