Dale and Susan Ellison in Trujillo, Peru

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

Lulu rocking it with her Rock Star Mickey

December post

2011-12-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

here is our dec 2012 newsletter:

http://e2ma.net/map/view:CampaignPublic/id:1351964.7678910930/rid=f0a6098c506217c62ee8c86a2108fba6

paste this into your browser

back in MS

2011-08-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

We are back in MS, residing in Brandon now, and our children are at Northwest Rankin schools, go Cougars??? strange coming from a Pearl Pirate.. All is well, we are just anxious to get our new routines down, and I am anxious to get back on the road, traveling and speaking again, telling the stories we have about Peru and trusting that God supplies the increase we need. Lulu, who had lost two of her front teeth several months ago in a fall, has officially lost the remaining tooth, too many bumps and bangs, so I put it out of its misery a few day ago. She will be toothless until her adult teeth grow in. Caleb is playing 9th grade football, liking it so far, and Jacob is enduring. Rebekah and Zachary seem to like their classes and teachers. We still plan to leave early January for Peru, so please pray our finances improve and our faith remains strong. btw, we are loving our new house, thanks Pinelake Church!
the photo is of Susan and I with my great Uncle Robert McGee and his daughter in College Station, TX

Springtime in MS

2011-03-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

We have enjoyed being back in Pearl, where Susan and Dale grew up. And we want to thank McLaurin Heights Baptist church especially for letting us stay in their missionary house. All the kids are in Pearl schools, really close by, in fact Caleb and Jacob walk everyday. Susan continues her excercise routines at the Courthouse gym, and Dale does a few days a week also. Meanwhile, Dale is calling and emailing, visiting supporting churches, and doing other work related to the medical ministry and economic development with the mission. God had been good to us, and we see now we really needed this time of refreshment. Here are some recent photos. One is of Rebekah and her latina friend from school, who also attends the hispanic service next door, where we go at times to keep up our Spanish. Also Jacob visited a vet for career day; He is interested now in being a vet.

End of the year post

2010-12-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

We are back in our native state of Mississippi, enjoying the holidays with family and friends. We have left Peru for a season, home again here to visit churches and supporters, raise more support and awareness, and refocus our minds and calling as we prepare to go back to Peru after a time and continue in the work. It is a shock moving between cultures, as we face conflicting emotions; sadness at leaving our friends in Peru, and joy with the happy reunions we find here in the states. But God is good and is helping our transition. We plan on placing our kids in Pearl public schools for the next term, and Dale will be busy making phone calls and lining up visits to churches and other places.....(he hopes to apply to grant institutions and foundations to raise money for the Arevelo hospital construction, please be in prayer about this!)
Here are some photos of our last days in Peru
Caleb's birthday party, Lauren's Christmas program at her school, Dale's last day at the clinic,

Springtime

2010-10-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's Spring here in Trujillo, but the weather makes it still seem like winter.
We had the annual Spring Parade last week, with baton twirlers from the states here
to march and show their skills, a long-standing tradition I have heard. Rebekah celebrated her 10th birthday last month as you can see in the photo. We have been struggling financially lately, but God has blessed us with sufficient cash to get us
through the end of the year, at which time we will take our furlough. We had hoped to wait until next fall, but we will move it up to get started on more visits and fund-raising back in the states. It will be great for the clinic because next month Marcus and Whitney will be here in Trujillo, and the clinic will be in good hands with Dr. Marcus around. Our church in Arevelo continues to grow and recently we installed a permanent stage and pulpit, more photos to follow, which is a real beauty. All areas of ministry from the men's group to the children's classes are well attended and well taught. We are so glad to see this church maturing and the members bringing visitors and family members along to visit.

Improvements at Arevelo church

2010-08-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

A team from Penn. is here now making us a new parking space in front of the Arevelo church where we attend as a family. They are mainly university students, here for two weeks. Rebekah went with me one day to help out, digging up sand and rock.
The clinic has two new interns here now, Daniel Johnston from Jackson, MS and Lydia Rice from Tupelo, MS. They are a big help and are working hard with us in the Wichanzao clinic. Here are some photos.

Fundraiser for Rocio Milagritos

2010-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today the family of Milagritos had a "pollada" or grilled chicken sale. For 6 soles you buy your ticket, and they deliver your food for you, a portion of chicken, some potatoes, and beets with lettuce. They sold 200 tickets!
Pictured are Milagritos her sister, and our nurse Cinthia. Keep praying for her as she battles cancer.
And remember to give to our clinic patient fund!

Medical campaings!

2010-07-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy past few weeks, with a lot going on down here,
Teams coming and going, and much fun visiting with them and ministering the
gospel at the same time. This photo was of a medical campaign in Cajamarca,
I was translating for Dr. Glover, and this nice couple came in, she was
shoeless and only had the use of one eye, and he was doing poorly himself, but they
were nice, and so grateful for the care they received..
Our friends from Kosciusko came and worked, and just yesterday the folks from TPC in
Tuscaloosa left after a week of medical work here in Trujillo, so today I can relax
some and prepare for all the follow up and catch up at the clinic...

Jacob is 12

2010-05-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Jacob's birthday, and on Saturday we took he and his friends to play paintball,
then came back to our house for pizza, cake and some gifts. And we added to our family a week earlier
by acquiring a kitten, mainly in hopes that one day he can deal with our rat family that lives in our sewage drains, and occasionaly enters our house to munch on our sofa. Jacob named him Levi, in honor of the Levis t shirt Caleb was wearing that day.
Switching subjects, Rocio Milagritos, the girl with cancer, has started her chemo and the oncologist gave her a fairly good prognosis. She has ovarian germ cell cancer, and has just finished her first cycle of treatment.

more shots

2010-04-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Us with Jack Vasquez, our friend and guide, in the treehouse, and later at a waterfall..

Moyobamba

2010-04-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Susan and I took a little holiday last week, visiting some friends in Moyobamba. Here we are enjoying our jungle river tour breakfast of eggs and patacones, (fried bananas), before canoeing up the river to check out the wildlife.
Also here is Alida, mother of Lenin and Ludvig, two brothers very much involved with the mission. We saw waterfalls, hot springs, cold springs, a lots of green, a drastic change from Trujillo. Thanks to Agnes and Kelly for keeping the kids.

happy b'day Lulu!

2010-04-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, while at the Bakers for team lunch, we celebrated
Lauren's 4th birthday...she is doing well,
surrounded by her friends

home visit

2010-04-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

We just got back from visiting Rocio Milagritos at home, actually not her real home, for she
lives several hours away in the mountains, now she stays at the home of some relatives, close to our clinic.
Julton, our new MD, cleaned her wound, and Sonia talked more with her family about the next medical visits and
their finacial situation. Right now they have paid their bills, the clinic contributing about $200 or so.
Hopefully soon we will know the official diagnosis and the plan for future treatment. Thanks for all who prayed, and please continue doing so..

After the surgery

2010-04-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, three days after the surgery, Sonia and I went to visit Milagritos at IREN, the new cancer hospital in town. She seems to be doing well, just a little bored, since she is in a room with 6 beds and only one other is taken. No tv and nothing to read, I left her with a pen and some paper and told her to write something or draw some pictures. Tomorrow Sonia and I will return to talk with her doctor and the social services person about how much the family owes and the prognosis of the girl. Sonia shared the gospel and prayed for her, and I took a photo. Tomorrow I want to make another so you can see her beautiful smile. Continue praying and give if you can.

Update on the chica

2010-04-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

The young lady had her surgery today, and Abel Vasquez and I donated blood, which was
subsequently transfused, and they requested more, so Agnes is on deck to donate.
They will next do the pathology on the removed tumor....
Please be in prayer...

Good times/Bad times

2010-03-31T15:09:00.000-07:00

Recently Julton Tomanguillo and Julie Rodgers were married here in Trujillo. Julie is a former intern from W. Virginia
and Julton is our new MD at the clinic, a young man recently out of med school. We went to their wedding and can
tell God will bless them and use them in a great way both here in Peru and in the states.
In the midst of this joy we have always the sick with us. The photos are of a young girl brought down by her father
from the mountains in need of health care. Sonia our OB nurse did the initial exam and sent the girl of 14 years for an ultrasound. The results were not good; she has a rapidly growing tumor on her ovary. You can see from the photos how much her abdomen is already distended. So we have collected some money, and Saturday I and Agnes will go donate some blood for her surgery on Monday. We expect the total cost of all her tests and hospitization to be about $1000, money which the clinic does not have. A television channel came out to film her and request donations, so I thought I would do the same. If you would like to help write a check to CMS and designate it "Clinic patient fund".
And please pray, the dianosis is not good for this young girl...even with the surgery.

Great news!

2010-03-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was supposed to be the final inspection of our clinic by the ministry of health. Early in the morning I arrived at the offices and awaited Dr. Raul our chief doctor. When he arrived the secretary in charge of inspections said that a final inspection was not necessary and that she could sign the papers that day! So hopefully by the next two week we will officially receive our license to operate as a clinic and be completely legal! It really is miraculous seeing that this lady told a few weeks ago that she did not know when we would have our final inspection since the inspection team is not functioning right now...the previous delay between inspections was a year and a half/! But we feel God intervened and moved this lady to sign the papers..

time for some rest

2010-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

Being back in the states for two months was very encouraging for us, and refreshing. We saw many of our family and friends, made some visits and relaxed quite a bit, especially since it was so cold, we stayed inside a lot and took it easy. Glad to be back here again in Peru, though, working and keeping busy. Susan is teaching the kids, and they now spend afternoons at the pool, since it is summer here. I am at the clinic or Casa San Agustin a lot, catching up with my admin stuff or plotting out the future for our medical ministry. The photos are our kids at grandparents, us in Starkville for a basketball game, and finally back in our house in Peru.

christmas 2009

2009-12-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

here in MS, we've had snow, and time to visit some friends and other folks,
a special time in Corinth with the Bradfords was nice for us and our kids
see our picasa photo page for more!

back in Pearl, MS

2009-12-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Last night after visiting with Paul Adams and family we came back to Pearl, to our mission house, and the kids played out back in the snow. We are having a nice break and enjoying our time with family and friends.

some recent photos

2009-09-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

headin home

2009-09-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Not for good, just a vacation of sorts with family and friends.
We depart Peru Nov. 16 and return Jan. 21 or 2010. That makes two years here without a visit back to dear ole Mississippi. We hope to visit some supporting churches, spend the holidays with family, and raise some more money. We have lost some support due to the economy and such. Our last team left last week, so I am ready for a break for a while. But even now we are thinking about the big Memphis IPC group coming next Feb. Things are well at the clinic, but my partner of a year and a half, Lora Karraker, just left, so I have to stand on my own two feet now. She was a great help in the admin side of things. Our kids are almost ready to start a new year in home school, but probably we won't start until we get back in January. Hope to see some of you then.....

Winter in Peru

2009-08-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Winter is almost over here, and Spring is just around the corner, according to the locals.
We are ready to see the sun again, because winter here generally means cool temps and lots of cloudy days when we rarely see the sun. It is calmer here now as the "summer team" season is over and we are just business as usual. That means we are focusing mostly on the clinic operations and I even managed to find time to buy a car. Lora Karraker will be leaving at the end of Sepember, and lately she has been cranking out the ideas and policy changes to help make the running of the clinic top notch. Susan and I are still searching for cheap tickets to get us back home this November. We plan to stay 2 or 3 months to visit family and friends, and also raise more money, as our support level has fallen lately. We hope to visit some new churches and old, giving reports and raising more support. The kids are very excited, as November will mark our 2 year anniversary in coming to Peru.
Hope to see most of you there!

drs. dale and dave

2009-06-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

In the months of April and May we had two visiting doctors. The first was Dale Hansen from Memphis, who is now in his radiology residency. Dale came for a month and helped us everyday in the clinic. He was referred to us by the IPC in Memphis group. Then in May David O'byrne came to us from Guatemala, where he was studying Spanish. He met Alleen Mclain there and she convinced him to visit us. Here is a photo of Dave with the crew, and of Nila with our functioning electrocariogram machine.

some perspective

2009-05-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last night Dr. Marcus and Whitney Ueltschey from Tupelo, MS left after spending a week with us. We had a few days of free health care out in the neighborhoods, and spent most of the time in the clinic. With the addition of Dale Hansen, a young MD from Memphis, we saw quite a few patients. Also, another young MD from New Zealand showed up, and he might stay around a month or so to help us. So, obviously God is blessing us with help and support. However, April 24 we were robbed at gunpoint at the clinic around closing time. It has happened before, and we took some extra measures at security, such as a metal gate a few feet inside the main entrance which locks. After eating my lunch I exited and did not pull the gate closed behind me, when just outside were two men with guns, they pushed me back inside and rummaged around for 5 minutes or so looking for money. They took one of our laptops, about 400 in soles, Dr. Dale's watch and wallet, my cell phone, and not much more. Really, they could have done a lot better, but obviously they were not thinking clearly. Anyway, my point is God is good.
Just when we get discouraged and wonder if its all worth it, he sends more people, more patients, more money, and we know we must continue. (later that same day I got an email notifying that a large donation had been sent in to the medical ministry!)

Last Monday, during our free campaign, I gave out ticket number 50, to the last patient we had time to see, and she begged me to see her mother, who could not walk.
So Whitney and I walked with her to her house to check it out. She is a 75 year old with advanced Parkinson's perhaps, or severe arthritis, who lays in bed most of the day. Sitting next to her is her husband, 85, and completely blind. This lady, with children of her own, basically stays around the house to keep her aging parents. Whitney showed her some PT exercises to help her mother, and later Percy our chaplain found a wheel chair to donate. It is a very sad case for me, a home with no joy or happiness. So I thank God for the chance to help them a little and worry not about my small misfortunes. We hope to follow up with this family in the future, and minister to whomever God sends our way.

Los equipos part II

2009-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, March 31, Bill Bradford and I went to the offices of the Ministry of Health again, and after a few hours of waiting we signed the papers and took possession of the machines. I will try to post a photo showing our "new equipment" as it arrives at the clinic. We hired two men with trucks to load and deliver the equipment, one being a member of the Wichanzao church, who only accepted a minumum payment. We now have one sonogram machine, one EKG, and 4 kidney dialysis machines, along with three hospital reclining chairs, and a med cart. Most of the items were found covered with dust and a little rusty, but I hope we can soon have at least the first two operating. Praise God for his goodness and help in this process.

On another note, today a lady of 32 years came in with two children, and I have never seen the likes. Her eyes were completely yellow with jaundice. She had a surgery years ago and now it seems her liver is not functioning well. Unfortunately we cannot help with these types of cases where more serious surgery is needed. It is always sad to tell people we cannot help. Percy our chaplain prayed with her and we can only advise her as to other options in the public health care system.

Los equipos

2009-03-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

I thought, for posterities sake, I would try to chronicle the process of importing medical equipment to Peru. Many of you know the story, but here is an attempt at a written account, because hopefully tomorrow it will all be over.
When we came in late Nov. 2007 our container that followed was loaded with our personal belongings as well as several medical machines and supplies. In late Dec. we were allowed by customs officials to collect our personal items, but all the medical goods were put in storage. We have a written contract with the ministry of health (MINSA) stipulating that they will help us be exonerated from import duties on our medical goods if we split 50-50 all the stuff. The next six months were spent by our Peruvian friends negotiating with MINSA and customs all the paper work needed. Finally last June, I think, of 2008, we received word that the goods were being released into the hands of MINSA, and soon they would split the goods with us. By this time, many of the products had expired, as all was donated, and most with short dates.

Well, over the next six months MINSA dragged their feet, and finally last December we had a meeting where they told us they could not abide by our contract, because they had promised customs that all the goods would stay in the public healthcare system, making our contract void. So we only had the right to designate to which public health centers the goods would be allocated. Needless to say, we were a little disgruntled. Dr. Rebaza, the minister of health, then suggested that the only solution would be to formulate a new contract, designating our clinic as a public health center, passing under the supervision of MINSA, and during the duration of that new contract, we could then import more equipment. However, many of our Peruvian friends warned us not to do this, because once we enter that realm of government control, we risk all, perhaps starting an irreversible process of complete take-over.

So we were going slowly, talking to a lawyer about helping us come up with the language of this new, short-term contract, when early March, we get another phone call, requesting another meeting. Now, it seems, the winds have changed, and they will abide by the original contract, and we have met several times since to divide the remaining equipment( I say remainining because some stuff have expired and two pieces have been taken already and put into use in Bella Vista, a clinic a few miles down the road). Now, the latest is tomorrow, the last day of March, we go at 9am to sign the papers, and then legally the goods are ours. We can then hire a truck to transport the equipment to our clinic here in Wichanzao.

Here ends the tale to date. Perhaps soon I can post some photos of the machines in operation.

pastoral visits

2009-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Today I went to visit some patients at their homes with our new clinic chaplain, Percy Padilla. We have a policy that those without income who live in extreme poverty can get discounted or free visits with our doctors. They patient fills out an economic survey, and later the clinic administrator is supposed to visit the home to verify the information. So today Percy and I went to make some visits. One of the ladies we found at home is called Maria, and she lives in a partial house with 6 children. She is a diabetic and has visited us for many years. The house has few walls, with a mud brick enclosure and tin roof. The kitchen is open and there were ducks and chickens all around. Percy presented the gospel to her and her husband and we encouraged to visit the clinic when they we in need. My impression of her husband is that he probably does not work, as he was still in bed when we arrived, and he looked like an alcoholic. She undoubtedly has a very difficult life, with very little income.
Also Christy, our clinic psychologist, told me that this week she had some very troublesome cases, some involving sexual abuse. It's sad to see the despair on some of the faces, but I know God alone can provide relief in such dire circumstances.

Busy February

2009-02-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

We have been working hard this month, today ending a two week medical tour.
The week of 16-20 we hosted 22 folks from Independent Pres. in Memphis. They consisted of MD, nurses, dentists, and support staff and we spent each day offering free health care in various part of Trujillo. Each day about 50 people in all would work together to attend the medical needs and also the spiritual needs of the needy here in Peru.
This week, the 23-27 we have had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Ron Morton and Pam and Cassie Doolittle. We have spent most of the time in our clinic, with one day out on a campaign, and Dr. Morton today is at Belen hospital seeing outpatients and will give a lecture on asthma also.

Thanks to all involved, and let's pray God uses these times to grow his church.
Another plug for our family, we are collecting money to buy a vehicle. All interested parties please make your donations to CMS and specify that it's for the car fund.
All seven of us in a taxi can be quite uncomfortable.

Rain in Trujillo

2009-01-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we visited Cajamarca, a large city in the mountains, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Second Presbyterian church, or Los Rosales church. It rained everyday, but we were expecting that because it is the time of year. We adjusted quickly to the altitude, and took some entertaining side trips to some farms and archaeological sites. However, upon returning to Trujillo we found it had been raining for four days, a very unusual event. Thankfully our home held up fine in the rain, and nothing was damaged.

We hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, and are enjoying the new year. We are busy now getting back to home schooling, pushing ahead in the work in the clinic, and planning for future teams to come and work with us. My dad and stepmom are coming in a few weeks, along with my uncle Ralph. In December my mom came for a brief visit, that was nice. Another bit of news, we have opened a seperate account at CMS for a vehicle fund. If interested please note in your giving that the money is for the Ellison car fund. Thanks!

We are encouraged now with the ministry here. All of our fellow missionaries are back after some traveling over the break. Also Twin Lakes team from Jackson came and had a great week of summer camp for about 130 Peruvian children from our churches. Our kids went also and had a blast. Thanks Twin Lakes and First PCA in Jackson!
Remember to check out our photos at www.picaseweb.google.com/daleinperu
blessings,

a day away

2008-12-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Monday the 8th of December, was a national holiday in Peru. So our clinic staff went to a small
village a few miles out of town, where there are some places to eat and swim. It's a little hotter and brighter there, getting away from the coast some changes things a lot. We played volleyball then had lunch, climbed a hill, then came back to town. I was pretty sun-burned and covered in dust. But we had a good time.

Thanks Orland Park crew

2008-11-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

Last week the folks from Chicago came down to build some more on the pastoral house for Wichanzao church, and also Dr. Dave Beezhold helped us in the clinic and one day we went to a community named Palmeras I. We worked several hours and the good doctor may have set a record, seeing 42 patients in about 4 and a half hours. (most of the kids had the same symptoms, some type of virus going around, he said)
Here is a photo of Elizabeth, who helped us in triage, and Dr Beezhold with Lora seeing patients.

Another day in Clementina

2008-10-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the youth and young adults of the three churches organized an afternoon in Clementina doing outreach. It is great because this was not the mission's idea, and we had hardly any involvement. They had a young medical student( in his last year) seeing patients with mild complaints, they passed out clothes and shoes which had been collected weeks before, and played games with the kids. Here are some photos. God is blessing out folks with vision and zeal for reaching out to others.

Jail time

2008-10-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went with another missionary, not part of Peru Mission, to visit the women
prison here in Trujillo. It is located a few miles past our clinic in an area called Milagro. Micah Tuttle goes every Wed. to teach a bible study along with some women of his church. I was surprised at how small it seemed. There were about 10 ladies, mostly middle aged, who came to sing a few songs and listen and participate in the study of Mark. Afterward I briefly shared my testimony along with two other Americans. It was a very low security facility, and the inmates were wearing street clothes. But everyone was friendly and welcoming. Next door is the men's prison, which Micah says is very different. Much larger and more hostile. However, one of the ladies expressed the desire to visit our clinic, and it seems when they need medical attention they just tell the guards and one of them accompanies her to the health care facility. So, perhaps we can become the clinic of choice for these inmates one day.
We will see.
Otherwise things are well. Susan is teaching again after a brief hiatus while her parents were here. The kids are doing good with school, and enjoying Dorcas, our Pervian helper who teaches them Spanish, art and music.

Moving again

2008-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Next week the Ferguson family will leave us and return to Texas to begin the
next phase of their adventure. They will prepare to become church planters in
Calgary, Alberta Canada. Shortly after we plan to move about 100 yards into
their house; for a few reasons. Their house is bigger, the rent is about the same, and
the landlord seems more reasonable, and the house is more secure. We will miss having
the Fergusons here, but God had his plans for us all.
Last week the Second Pres. team from Greenville, SC was here doing some sanding,
painting, and electrical work at the church in Arevelo. Also a RN named Sharon came and a future nurse? called Maria. They helped us in the clinic some and also two Fridays ago when we went back to the market for another campaign. Below are some photos. Thanks Sharon and Maria and all the folks from Greenville.

A day off in Peru

2008-07-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today is Monday the 28 of July, the Independence day in Peru.
So we are going to the beach with the Bradfords for lunch in a few minutes.
Things have been slow at the clinic, but the construction continues
on the second floor. Bob Peck is here these weeks putting our doors on and
hopefully soon we can move on up there and start using our new space.
Last Friday we had a little campaign at the central market in Wichanzao.
It was supposed to be from 9am until noon, with a MD, basic triage of weight, blood
pressure, temp, and some free meds to give away. At nine we were still in the clinic
packing up and no doctor had arrived, so I called Dr. Raul, our Friday doctor.
He says he has meetings that day so Dr. Mario will be coming instead. Dr. Mario shows up about 9:30 tired, because he had worked the night shift before, and did not know
we had a campaign scheduled for that day. But being the great guy that he is, he willingly agrees to help out, until about 12:30. About 1:00 we start packing up
but Mario did not finish his patients until 1:30, and then we were all hungry.
Things went so well we decided to do it again this Friday. The Lord is blessing us in our attempts to reach the community, even when we plan or coordinate as well as I would like; more and more we are attracting new patients and becoming known and trusted in the community. In fact the church has been offered some more property in another neighborhood, and Pastor Juan plans to open a small chapel there for preaching. His Truth marches on.

A busy week with All Saints

2008-06-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday night and we just finished a medical campaign with a group from All Saints in Austin, TX. Drs. Morgan and Williamson and nurse Catherine were busy all week helping us in the clinic
while three others were destroying some old parts of the house next door to the clinic so we
can expand there, and also sanding and painting our soon to be finished second floor.
I feel many folks were helped and we even spent one day out in a very poor settlement
called Palmeras 3.
We had one very sad case however. Ronald, a taxi driver and member of our church, brought us
a family with a twelve year old boy in the back of his station wagon. The boy had a large tumor
on his femur which has been growing for about a year. It is an osteosarcoma if I recall correctly.
Dr. Morgan explained that there is really little hope at this stage and helped to prepare the parents for the child's imminent death and prescribed some pain meds for him.
Sometimes we face difficult situations where we can only do so much. It is difficult but
we trust in the Lord's goodness and mercy to be evident where his gospel is proclaimed.
Pray for people like this who are suffering and pray that we can provide comfort and hope
in the Lord.

May is over

2008-06-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

May was a busy month, and now that June is here we are ready for another busy month.
Before I forget, here is Rebekah with Olivia Baker. The Bakers are on furlough for a year or so
mostly back in Texas, but traveling around too. We have been staying occupied with more school, some traveling, and
meeting new people. This week we have three gentlemen from Virginia. One, Dr. David Davis, will be
working in the clinic the next three days.
Two more teams are coming this month, doing some construction and also some more medical work.
Blessing in the Lord to all

Clinic paint job

2008-05-03T18:32:00.001-07:00

I just realized that my last post from two weeks ago did not get posted.
I must have closed my browser before it finished uploading or something.
Anyway, as the photos show below the clinic got a new coat of blue paint.
Back in mid April Drs. Pete Forney and Mike Coker were here from Texas.
Dr. Forney is a Gyn and he did a few surgeries in a local hospital and attended
patients in the clinic. Dr. Coker is a vet and he helped me scrape off the old paint
and together with my three oldest children, and Sam, Gillian, and Heather, some current PM interns,
we painted the upstairs and downstairs of the outside. Thanks to the docs for
visiting. Right now we are open for the summer, so if you are a MD and looking
for a fun-filled week at Wichanzau, come on down.

upstairs in the hallway

2008-04-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

2008-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

2008-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

2008-04-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our first Easter in Peru was a nice one, except for Caleb who was a little under the weather.
The Arevelo church where we attend had a breakfast before the worship service and about 90 people came.
Later for lunch the missionaries, interns, and some guests from Lexington, VA met at the Bakers.
After that there was an egg hunt for the kids. Lauren was not sure what to do, but she did enjoy the candy
inside the plastic eggs. Hope all of you had a joyous day in the Lord.

Done traveling for a while

2008-03-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

We went to Lima last week to finish getting our identity cards for the kids.
Now we can stay here for four years, with some minimal paperwork done yearly.
It feels good to know we don't have to make anymore trips soon.
Lauren is not a good traveler, and I am too cheap to get us a decent hotel.
I have started working at the clinic now and things seem to be going fine.
Hopefully this week we will collect the equipment from customs and start setting some
of it up at the clinic. My dad's sunday school class has offered to replace the computer that was stolen last month.
Also we have picked up some more support from another church. God proves himself faithful everyday,
sometimes I just fail to notice. Spanish is still a struggle, and I predict another year
before I feel like I can carry on in a conversation well. You know me, I can barely
keep one going in English, much less Spanish.
dale and the family

some challenges

2008-02-23T06:38:00.000-08:00

February has been a difficult month. We traveled to Ecuador to fulfill our visa obligations for the children's resident visas, but found the country shut down for two days when we arrived
for a national holiday. So our 2 day trip became a four day trip. It was full of bus rides and vomit from Lauren. However, Guayaquil is a nice place.

Then last week our house was visited by some men early one morning. They broke through our front door and took our new desktop computer and monitor while Caleb and Jacob watched through
bleary eyes. It was about 5am. I came downstairs and escorted them to their taxi, slowly realizing
we had just been robbed.

The heat is hot, and sleeping is getting harder. Our fears of another break-in combined with
the weather have made for some long nights. We would appreciate prayers for our encouragement, faith, and joy. The good news? God is on his throne and is renewing our hope in Him.
nos vemos,
dale

Been a little busy

2008-01-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

We moved in our house Jan 5 and we are still unpacking some.
It takes a while to find where to put all our stuff, and we were constantly
running out of closet space or shelf space. I have bought many small tables and
bookshelfs from the part of town called the "mayorista"
It is a little dirty and smelly in places, but the prices are good.
It's like a game to see how many tables and shelfs you can stack up on top
of a taxi and tie down.
The Twin Lakes group has come and gone and it was great.
The Peruvian kids had a blast, and the missionary kids did too.
Our kids are adjusting well; probably better than me and mom.
Happy New year to all and keep praying for us.

A few photos

2007-12-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

We have been using taxis a lot lately, but today we all walked down to the Plaza de Armas, or the town square.
It has been perfect weather here, with a cool breeze and mostly sunshine. They say the weather should be
continually getting warmer though. Still a few weeks away from moving into our house, so we are having some school with the kids and I am going one flight downstairs and "working" some in the Peru Mission office.
To see all our photos, usually when we get a weekend away, go to this website
www.picasaweb.google.com/daleinperu
Here are photos of Zachary at the square, a shot from our balcony looking at the traffic,
and one from the inside.

Peruanas?

2007-12-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

I am updating from an apartment in downtown Trujillo while we wait for our house to be ready.
Thanks to Brad Ball for securing a place for us and other folks who plan to come here and need some housing during
the transition. We arrived in Peru late Tuesday night and spent Wedneday and Thursday finishing the process of getting our resident visas and green cards. So now we are official. Hence the title "peruana" the word for peruvian.
After several years and another child it is strange to finally be here. But again just a testimony to God's faithfulness and sovereignty. Maybe in a few days I'll post some photos of Trujillo and such.
But enough of this English, where did I put that spanish grammar??......

Fall Fun

2007-10-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today, Saturday the 27th of October, we spent at my mom's to celebrate my 38th birthday.
It was a good day, watching the kids play with their cousins, and watching MSU beat
Kentucky in Lexington. I am graying more in my hair lately, possibly due to
some stress or just genetics. We are now planning to leave for Peru November 27.
Our support has grown enough to leave and we are hoping for some more these next
few months. This coming Thursday we will ship our container.
I will be glad to get that behind me.

We are thankful that God has blessed us with a place to stay, more financial support,
lots of medical equipment to take, and spiritual refreshment.
Pray this next month as we continue to home school our kids and make final
plans to move. Happy thanksgiving to all

Change of plans, again

2007-09-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

It seems like we are always getting ready for Peru, but never quite getting there.
Once again we are in Mississippi and not leaving for Peru when we thought we would.
A few weeks ago I found out our account was lower than expected, so we have put off
departing until November. We need to raise about $10,000 quickly, and also get about $1000 more in monthly support. I am most to blame, or all to blame, for not paying attention to our finances enough. Please be in prayer that God will move in the hearts of his people to supply our lack.
Meanwhile we are in a guest home the Jackson area and Susan has started homeschool.
Last week someone donated 5 kidney dialysis machines to the mission! What a tremendous blessing.
We seem to be slowly but surely filling up our container with medical supplies to make our clinics in Peru top notch.
It is great being home, but we kind of miss the routine of language school, and our friends we made. Thankfully MS is cooling off now; so we missed most of the brutal summer heat.
I am visiting churches and making more phone calls, mailing out letters, and getting our container ready to ship ( which is a big ordeal).
We trust God to lead us in his perfect will, and for the grace to follow.
dale

Leaving Los Ticos

2007-08-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

It's over now, all but the crying.
We have our graduation ceremony in two days, and then fly back to
Mississippi for a month. It has been a great time here in
San Jose learning a lot of Spanish and making some great friends.
God has helped and blessed and provided for us and our children,
but we are ready for the next step. These next few months will be hectic and stressful,
moving around a lot and making a lot of visits with friends and churches.
We hope we don't loose too much Spanish while away from latinos.
Remember to pray for us and keep us posted on your lives also.
hasta luego
dale

Watch this slide show about Peru Mission

2007-07-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpQAj5Z4hRA

hope it works
dale

Graduation time

2007-06-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Rebekah graduated from kindergarten and is now ready for first grade. She has a ceremony at our school's chapel. The boys
did not have a ceremony but are glad to be finished with school, and now they are in summer camp. The schedule is much the same, but classes are different; less homework, more playtime, and more games. Susan and I are being tested weekly, and learning as much as we can until we finish in August. Last month we had our 15th wedding anniversary and three birthdays. Lauren is climbing now and has a big fat lip to show for it; she tipped over in a small chair Sunday and lost a little blood on our back porch.
more later,
dale and family

Zachary's cake

2007-05-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Susan made a cake and put some animals on it, representing Noah's ark.
Notice how Zachary refuses to look at the camera.
Notice also how Rebekah is always looking at the camera.

Birthdays galore!

2007-05-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

Lauren started us off on April 19 when she turned one.
She seems to be the only Ellison who doesn't like chocolate cake.
Jacob followed May 7, and then Zachary on the 13th.
Susan will finish the month with a birthday on the 24th.
We had a 10 day visit home to MS a few weeks ago and we enjoyed it much.
Now we are back at language school, hard at work, and staying very busy.
We have had a lot of sickness recently, but praise the Lord today we are feeling
pretty well. I hope we can stay healthy for a while.

For those praying please pray that our studies go well, that we all work hard and
encourage each other, and grow as a family in the knowledge of the Lord.
dale

the first is over

2007-04-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

It has been a while,
but we have been studying hard and learning much.
Next week we return to the states for a short visit between the semesters,
and start school again May 9th. We have seen our support grow some these past few months and
rejoice to see God working. Pray for our continued growth spiritually, and with the Spanish language.
Next September we will be in Peru, ojala, y si Dios quiere.
dale

a day in the life

2007-02-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

This week at ILE we are taking a little break from Spanish class and focusing on
worship. We have no homework and classes are a little shorter. The school has
brought in an evangelist from Texas and everyday we have chapel instead of just on Tuesdays
and Thursdays. Also we meet at night and there is childcare provided. We are focusing on
worship and hearing a lot of encouraging words about how to be prepared for the struggles
we will face when we leave here and move on to our fields of service. The man is a Southern
Baptist, so I feel right at home in a lot of ways, having grown up in that denomination.

Our language is coming along fairly well and we are not tired of school! Thankfully.
Many of our classmates seem to be struggling right now with the language and culture, but
God is helping us and we are enjoying it very much.
Pray for our progress, and pray for our spiritual encouragement.
Leaving our home church is difficult, but we know God will meet all our needs.
All you bloggers our there, please write and remind me of your blog address.
I have changed computers and no longer have bookmarks.
Hasta luego
dale

a photo

2007-02-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

I will try to post a photo on this site.
Here goes.
This is Caleb getting ready for morning
assembly at school.

where is my old blog?

2007-02-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

I can't figure out how to attach our old blog to the new one.
Also sometimes it is in English and sometimes in Spanish.
but I guess that will be good for me to practice using both.

new blog?

2007-02-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

this new blog is driving me crazy!
we are in san jose and in language school
so I really don't have time to learn a new blog
pray for me, and pray for us
dale

new blog?

2007-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Blogspot changed and I seem unable to post on the old site.
So anyway, we are in San Jose now in language school.
The kidos are with us in Sojourn Academy, just down the hill from our school.
They are doing well with adjusting, but having to work hard to keep up
with their classes. Susan and I are studying a lot also.
I have put some photos on this site
www.picasaweb.google.com/daleinperu

try it
dale