This is the largest wetland on earth. During the rainy season (December
to May) water levels rise from three to five meters. Most dwellings are built on
stilts far away from the riverbank, yet some houses still get flooded out. The
native people have resided here for over a thousand years, living much today as
they did then. They have no electricity, no "formal" schooling, and receive
medical attention only when a boat docks on their shores. Their method of
transportation is a dug out canoe. If a medical emergency occurs, it can take
two days of travel to reach the closest medical help. People often die from
infections due to a lack of antibiotics. Children in this region have a 50% chance of
seeing their 18th birthday and the average life expectancy is early 40s.
Jay met Howard Hicks under very unusual circumstances. In 2008,
Jay was scheduled to go to Brazil for his yearly mission trip with Dr. Lin.
As God would have it Jay was not allowed into Brazil and was redirected to the
American Consulate in Argentina for a new Brazilian visa and entrance into the
country. At the hotel there in Buenes Aires he searched for an American Mission
group to "hang out" with. He quickly discovered Howard Hicks working
through the International Mission Board and agreed to meet. What a
blessing! Howard is busy doing God's work there.
