To be honest, this has been a bad week. It’s been a week where children have
died. It’s been a week where we have
failed a new mom and her newborn. It’s
been a week where the realities of Haiti have seemed too much. It’s been a week where as much as I wanted
to, there was nothing else I could do.
It’s been a week where God chose not to step in, even though I thought
He should.
It’s been hard. It’s
been long. I’m tired and I’m sick, yet
neither of those changes anything that has happened. As I was dwelling on what a rough week it has
been, God reminded me of how much I have to be thankful for. That’s what I want to focus this blog
on.
I am thankful for two successful weeks of surgery. Overall, 85 major operations and over 30
minor cases were completed. Not only
were physical needs met, but every patient was also prayed over and poured
into. What an opportunity that is. My Aunt Debby was there for the second week
of surgery! I am so thankful she was able to come and see a little of what my
life is like as well as pour into her patients.
I am thankful to be surrounded by children who love me even
when I don’t deserve it. There is so
much love on this campus. Between the orphanage,
the Miriam Center, and the nutrition program I am showered with hugs and kisses
everyday. For Valentines Day, the
preschool had a party where they all dressed up. I loved being a part of it!
I am thankful to be in a country where I can openly share
about the gift of God. Even if my
message was rejected, I can only pray that seeds were planted.
I am thankful for the continuous opportunity to learn, for
both myself and the staff here. We have
had many opportunities to learn these past two weeks from nurses, doctors,
pastors, and so many others. We also
made some mistakes this week and learned from them. I am thankful though that
we were able to make changes for next time.
I am thankful that so many people loved Owens. His death hurts so many, but also shows how
loved he was. I am thankful for all the
people that poured into him his last couple of weeks and tried to help as much
as possible.
I am thankful for Lovemicka's life and the eternal impact she had on so many. I am thankful that she is no longer in pain and is rejoicing with our Savior.
Most of all, I am thankful that this life is only
temporary. I am thankful that there will
come a time with no more suffering or pain.
Revelations 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their
eyes. Thee will be no more death or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
