When I was praying about going into full-time missionary service, one of the "costs" that I had to consider was the sacrifice of being away from my family. It has been a difficult time lately, feeling homesick, and missing the ones I love so much.
I just found out last night that my Mom, who is in a nursing home in Indiana, is "declining", as the nurse that I spoke to on the phone worded it, and will be placed in hospice care. I have so many conflicting emotions about this news - from sadness and frustration that I am so far away and not able to be with her, to peace, knowing that she will be happy and whole again soon, in the Presence of our Lord Jesus. I am torn about whether or not to make plans to come home sooner than I anticipate on July 23rd. I just don't know enough about what exactly is happening with my Mom - I only know that she is refusing to eat, and is "detached" - another word that the nurse used to describe my Mom's condition. I don't know how long she actually has to live, and I know that there is no way to predict that, even if I knew more about her physical condition. The nurse in me wants to know all the medical details, and the daughter in me just wants to be with her, helping her, and making her last days as peaceful and happy as they can be - neither of which I have the privilege to know and do right now.
As I have struggled with all of this, the knowledge that God knows all about this, and knew that this would happen while I am here in Africa even before I made my commitment to full-time missionary service, gives me some comfort. I know that He has some purpose in even this, and that He loves my Mom even more than I do, and has her firmly in His grasp. I am praying that my Mom will feel His Presence, peace, and comfort even more acutely in these last days, and that she will know how much I love her, and long to be with her. I have to trust His timing, knowing that He does ALL things well. I appreciate your prayers for me, that I will trust Him, and have His guidance and wisdom to know what to do as the days unfold, and I learn more about the details of what is happening with my Mom.
Another concern is the political unrest and violence that is happening in Kenya, and very close to home here in Nairobi. Last week, two buses were bombed by Islamic militant terrorists in Nairobi, and many people were injured, and several lives lost. Bombings also happened in Mombasa, which is a great distance from us, but my heart aches for the people of Kenya, as well as many other countries in Africa, who are experiencing this unrest and violence. I feel safe here in our compound, which is guarded by armed guards, and has a tall security fence and metal gate which surrounds our compound. The fence is also covered on the top by barbed wire, and our compound is in a remote area - not in the center of the city, which may make it a more desirable target for terrorists. Occasionally, I have to take some of our children in to Nairobi center for medical care, and I have to go to a mall close to our compound to do grocery shopping. I must confess that I have some trepidation about doing both of these things, but I feel confident that I am in the center of God's will, and am holding onto His many promises, and feel His peace that "surpasses understanding" in a very real way. I covet your prayers for my Kenyan brothers and sisters, and for me, as we trust Him in these troubling times.
On a more positive note, we were able to go to the Lion's Club Hospital in Nairobi last week, and take seven of our children and staff to see the eye doctor - some for the first time ever. Four of them needed glasses, and we were able to purchase the glasses for them. I pray that this will make a great difference for these dear people, and I thank God for the Lion's Club services that provide excellent care at an affordable cost. Two of our ladies were able to get bifocals, and they picked out some very stylish frames, so they will make quite a "fashion statement" when they sport their new glasses in a couple weeks!
I also heard from a dear friend of mine last week that her missions committee at her church, where her husband is the pastor, has invited me to come to give a presentation about the ministry to which God has called me to their church, which may lead to their church's commitment to prayer and financial support for my ministry. Her husband is also contacting other churches in their area to arrange for me to speak there as well. I am so humbled and grateful for this news, and support. Even if it does not lead to any financial support for my ministry, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my heart for the people of Africa with these churches, and for the opportunity to increase awareness of the needs here. I need $500.00 -$1,000.00 more a month to be fully funded, and am trusting God for this provision - however He sees fit to provide. It has been a hard, long, and frustrating road to raise this support, and I have run out of the options that I have been aware of to raise more support. But, God used this news from my friend this week to show me that He is in control, that He knows my needs, and is working to provide "abundantly above all I ask or think". And that, even when I can't see how He is working, He is working in and for me, and that I can trust His timing and love for me. He is good, loving, and faithful - always.
Thank you for your prayers for me, and for your interest in the ministry to which God has called me. May God bless and keep you tightly in His grasp -
Nancy
One of My Favorite Photos
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
An Addendum to My Full-Circle Blessing Post
Hello, All:
I had the opportunity to talk to Faridah today while I drove her back from the market where the Baraka women are selling their crafts, and she mentioned that I had cared for her daughter a couple years ago. Faridah thanked me for helping her daughter, Chebet, to get the ultrasound and surgery she critically needed because of her severe uterine bleeding. She then shared with me that Chebet
had a baby boy in March - both baby and momma are healthy and doing very well!
What an incredible blessing to learn this wonderful news today! And, what an honor to have been allowed to have a small part in helping Chebet regain her health, and to be privileged to see this blessing come full circle in a way that I never expected! It was wonderful enough to hear that Chebet received the care she needed and is healthy, but to learn that she had a healthy baby as well is beyond wonderful! God is so good!
Thank you for your prayers for me - none of what I am privileged to do would be possible without you!
Love and blessings -
Nancy
I had the opportunity to talk to Faridah today while I drove her back from the market where the Baraka women are selling their crafts, and she mentioned that I had cared for her daughter a couple years ago. Faridah thanked me for helping her daughter, Chebet, to get the ultrasound and surgery she critically needed because of her severe uterine bleeding. She then shared with me that Chebet
had a baby boy in March - both baby and momma are healthy and doing very well!
What an incredible blessing to learn this wonderful news today! And, what an honor to have been allowed to have a small part in helping Chebet regain her health, and to be privileged to see this blessing come full circle in a way that I never expected! It was wonderful enough to hear that Chebet received the care she needed and is healthy, but to learn that she had a healthy baby as well is beyond wonderful! God is so good!
Thank you for your prayers for me - none of what I am privileged to do would be possible without you!
Love and blessings -
Nancy
Monday, April 21, 2014
One African Woman's Story
A few days ago, one of the ladies in the Baraka women's group came to see me in the clinic. She had an eye injury, for which there was really nothing I could do, but when I asked her how it happened, her visit took on a whole different purpose other than medical care.
The woman, I will call her Grace, to protect her privacy, told me that she is a widow whose husband died from HIV/AIDS. Grace, as well as one of her three children, are also HIV positive. In Grace's tribe, when a woman's husband dies, she has the option to be "inherited" by her husbands' family. This means that her husband's family can choose her next husband, and basically control her life - as well as her children's lives. In fact, in her culture, the children belong to the father, not the mother. In some situations, the woman essentially becomes the slave of her mother-in-law and her family.
Grace told me that she received the eye injury in an altercation with her husband's family. The family has been trying to coerce her to do some things that she does not want to do, and have actually kidnapped her son in order to persuade her to participate with their requests. Grace has refused their requests, and has chosen not to be "inherited" by her husband's family - both unpopular and untraditional behaviors. She feels trapped in this situation, and although she has tried to find help to get her son back by talking to the village chief, has not been able to resolve the situation. Grace feels that the chief is against her, as well as her husband's family, and feels very powerless and hopeless.
Of course, as I listened to Grace relay her story to me, I thought of all the ways that a woman in America could deal with a similar situation, and all the legal and social service resources that would be available to her. I was tempted to encourage her to do whatever she needs to do to get her son back, then pack her belongings and move far away from her husband's family. Simple enough, right? Unfortunately, not.
There are no such options as domestic abuse shelters or legal aid for women in Grace's village. The cultural ties of family and tribal influence are stronger than you or I can understand, and Grace will not, and in fact, cannot, successfully go against them. Grace also lacks the financial resources to obtain legal assistance, or move to a new home.
And, as much as I want to be able to help Grace, I cannot get involved in a family dispute, no matter how much I would like to. I will never understand all the cultural rules and social conventions, and could, in my western ignorance, actually make things worse for Grace by trying to give her advice. So, although it goes against my desire to do more to help her, all I can do is try to listen to her, encourage her, and pray with and for her.
This has been a good lesson for me, and has reinforced my belief that the motivation for missionary work, especially medical missionary work, must not be to fulfill my own needs for validation and self-importance, because of a misguided "savior complex", but must always consider what is best for the person or people God has called me to serve. Sadly, I think that many of us in ministry confuse these two things, and may be motivated by a need to be loved, rather than to love, and to be served, rather than to serve. We must be willing to be painfully honest with ourselves and with God, and seek His wisdom in all circumstances - to "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all our ways - then He will make our paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6) - especially in a foreign country and culture!
I send you my love and gratitude for your prayers for me. And, to continue the celebration of Easter yesterday, will take the opportunity again to rejoice that He is risen - He is risen indeed!
Nancy
The woman, I will call her Grace, to protect her privacy, told me that she is a widow whose husband died from HIV/AIDS. Grace, as well as one of her three children, are also HIV positive. In Grace's tribe, when a woman's husband dies, she has the option to be "inherited" by her husbands' family. This means that her husband's family can choose her next husband, and basically control her life - as well as her children's lives. In fact, in her culture, the children belong to the father, not the mother. In some situations, the woman essentially becomes the slave of her mother-in-law and her family.
Grace told me that she received the eye injury in an altercation with her husband's family. The family has been trying to coerce her to do some things that she does not want to do, and have actually kidnapped her son in order to persuade her to participate with their requests. Grace has refused their requests, and has chosen not to be "inherited" by her husband's family - both unpopular and untraditional behaviors. She feels trapped in this situation, and although she has tried to find help to get her son back by talking to the village chief, has not been able to resolve the situation. Grace feels that the chief is against her, as well as her husband's family, and feels very powerless and hopeless.
Of course, as I listened to Grace relay her story to me, I thought of all the ways that a woman in America could deal with a similar situation, and all the legal and social service resources that would be available to her. I was tempted to encourage her to do whatever she needs to do to get her son back, then pack her belongings and move far away from her husband's family. Simple enough, right? Unfortunately, not.
There are no such options as domestic abuse shelters or legal aid for women in Grace's village. The cultural ties of family and tribal influence are stronger than you or I can understand, and Grace will not, and in fact, cannot, successfully go against them. Grace also lacks the financial resources to obtain legal assistance, or move to a new home.
And, as much as I want to be able to help Grace, I cannot get involved in a family dispute, no matter how much I would like to. I will never understand all the cultural rules and social conventions, and could, in my western ignorance, actually make things worse for Grace by trying to give her advice. So, although it goes against my desire to do more to help her, all I can do is try to listen to her, encourage her, and pray with and for her.
This has been a good lesson for me, and has reinforced my belief that the motivation for missionary work, especially medical missionary work, must not be to fulfill my own needs for validation and self-importance, because of a misguided "savior complex", but must always consider what is best for the person or people God has called me to serve. Sadly, I think that many of us in ministry confuse these two things, and may be motivated by a need to be loved, rather than to love, and to be served, rather than to serve. We must be willing to be painfully honest with ourselves and with God, and seek His wisdom in all circumstances - to "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all our ways - then He will make our paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6) - especially in a foreign country and culture!
I send you my love and gratitude for your prayers for me. And, to continue the celebration of Easter yesterday, will take the opportunity again to rejoice that He is risen - He is risen indeed!
Nancy
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
A Blessing That Came Full-Circle!
Hello, Everyone!
It's been a few weeks since my last post. Let me catch you up on some things, and share a wonderful blessing, too.
The kids have been sick with a respiratory virus that presents with a high fever, cough, and slightly stuffy nose, but only lasts for a day or two, thank goodness. But, they are pretty miserable for the first day when the fever is high, so I have had to pass out a lot of Tylenol and motherly comfort! They seem to be fine now, just in time for their two-week school vacation! They have this week off, then will do community service at their school next week. How many of our kids would be glad to do that on their vacations?!
The Baraka woman that I spoke of in earlier posts that we have taken to Kijabe Hospital for treatment of infertility is doing well. She had extensive bloodwork done, and it was found that one of her hormonal levels is abnormal, for which she is being given medication. The medication is working, which is very hopeful. Praise God for this good result! Please keep praying for her - it would be so wonderful for her to be able to have a healthy pregnancy and a baby of her own!
I was speaking with Ginger, the woman who leads the Baraka women's sewing ministry, about one of the women in the group named Faridah. Ginger told me that Faridah loves me because I "saved her daughter's life" a couple years ago when I was here. Well, I was dumbfounded, since I couldn't remember anyone who was critically ill that we ministered to during that trip. But, she told me that I helped her adult daughter who had a gynecological problem and needed an ultrasound, but had no money to get one. I remember giving some money to a woman who had severe abnormal vaginal bleeding, and needed medical help, but did not know how serious the situation was, and never heard the outcome of her testing and Dr. visit. I met the woman when we were doing a clinical day in the Kibera slums, and had no way to follow up with her before we left Kenya. So, this woman was Faridah's daughter, and it is a great blessing to hear that her daughter is fine, and whatever help I was able to give was timely and effective in relieving her problem. I have not spoken to Faridah about it, since things like this are very personal, and I don't want to intrude on her daughter's privacy. But I hope that we will have the opportunity to talk sometime, and I can learn more of the details - I am very curious to know what transpired!
I don't share this to pat myself on the back - I was just in the right place at the right time - but to praise God for His mercy and goodness! It isn't often that we get to learn the results of the help we give, especially when we do field work in locations that we may not visit again. We pray that God will bless whatever kindness or medical help we offer, but have to be content not knowing the outcomes of most of our efforts this side of heaven. But God gave me the gift of knowing this happy outcome, and I thank Him for His sovereign hand in Faridah's daughter's life, and for this blessing of knowing that I was able to help her get the help she needed. All glory goes to Him!
Thank you for your prayers for me, and the ministry to which God has called me. Please continue to pray for me, and for the people God brings along my path. As you can see in this small example, you may never know how God uses what you say and do, but sometimes, it ends up being something very significant! May we be ever mindful of our "God appointments", and always ready to be His hands and feet for those who need His love and healing!
Love and blessings to you -
Nancy
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
So, What Is a Typical Day for Me?
Hello, All:
A dear friend of mine wrote to me the other day, and one of the questions she had for me was:
"It's hard to imagine what your life is like now - what is a typical day for you?"
Wow - how can I answer that? I have been trying to figure out what a typical day is like here since I arrived! Each day brings new challenges and learning experiences, and, while I have developed some sort of routine, it is subject to change at any moment! But, here is my schedule for a day that does not have any "monkey wrenches" thrown at me:
Monday through Friday:
5:00 AM - Wake up to crowing roosters and active children - no need for an alarm clock! Take a shower, have devotions, eat breakfast.
6:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Clinic hours for the children before they leave for school, then hours for the staff and Baraka women.
12:00 - 4:00 PM - Free time - may use it to go shopping, rest, prepare for the Baraka women's Bible study, assorted errands and the unscheduled request for medical assistance. When my Ugandan friend Andrew, who is a nurse, was here the last three weeks, we conducted physical exams on each of our 82 children, then the staff who desired a check-up. Our spare time has been spent compiling a well child and sick child exam form, converting it to a Word document, and entering all the data from our recent check-ups onto a flash drive so the medical information can be accessible to anyone who comes after me, and to eliminate random nursing notes left in notebooks and pieces of scrap paper in assorted places on the compound.
This spare time is also often used to take a sick child to the clinic to be seen by a physician. I also use this time, on occasion, to do health education classes with the staff regarding hygiene, first aid, and a bladder training program for the children who are wetting the bed.
4:00 - 6:00 PM - Clinic hours for the children returning from school, the Baraka women, and any staff who need assistance.
6:15 - 6:45 or 7:00 PM - Devotions with the children and staff (7 days a week).
7:00 PM - Dinner time and relaxation - often interrupted by children complaining of a headache or stomach ache - usually the two complaints. Even though I have told the children repeatedly that calling on me after 6:00 PM is for emergencies only, and have discussed what a true emergency is,
our definitions of what an emergency is are still vastly different! Often times, they just need reassurance that they are really okay, and a reminder to drink more water, and not run and play in the hot sun right after eating. When I tell them this, however, I get the look that says "What kind of nurse are you, since you are refusing to give me medicine?!" It's taking some "de-programming" to convince them that they don't need a pill every time they have even a vague and minor complaint!
9:30 or 10:00 PM - Devotions and lights out!
Friday afternoons - Bible study with the Baraka women.
Saturdays - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Clinic Hours - time off after 2:00 PM - again, often interrupted by children complaining of stubbed toes, or the customary stomach ache or headache!
Sundays - Church at 9:00 AM, grocery shopping and/or dinner out after church - free time the rest of the day - again, subject to change! Sunday evenings - Bible study group with the high school girls where we usually have a cooking or make-up session, eat, laugh, and try to work in a Bible study or more serious discussion about topics that they are concerned about. So far, we have learned how to make bread pudding and potato salad - this Sunday will be home-made pizza dough and making personal pizzas - woo-hoo!
So, there you have it. As always, this schedule is subject to change if we have to make an emergency run to the clinic or hospital for a sick or injured child. And, when a child is sick who needs closer attention, I will keep them in the infirmary we have established next to the clinic and upstairs from my apartment. I care for them during the day, and will often designate an older child or caregiver to stay with them during the night, knowing that I am available for an emergency should it arise.
I hope this helps you understand a little bit better what I do with my time here. There is never a dull moment, and sometimes I grump about never having uninterrupted time to myself, but I often get hugs and "butterfly kisses" from a sweet child, and that makes it all worthwhile!
I hope you are seeing the promise of Spring turning into reality after this long winter. I am sending some warm Kenyan sunshine your way, along with my love and prayers for you.
Feel free to leave me a comment - I love hearing from you!
Love,
Nancy
A dear friend of mine wrote to me the other day, and one of the questions she had for me was:
"It's hard to imagine what your life is like now - what is a typical day for you?"
Wow - how can I answer that? I have been trying to figure out what a typical day is like here since I arrived! Each day brings new challenges and learning experiences, and, while I have developed some sort of routine, it is subject to change at any moment! But, here is my schedule for a day that does not have any "monkey wrenches" thrown at me:
Monday through Friday:
5:00 AM - Wake up to crowing roosters and active children - no need for an alarm clock! Take a shower, have devotions, eat breakfast.
6:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Clinic hours for the children before they leave for school, then hours for the staff and Baraka women.
12:00 - 4:00 PM - Free time - may use it to go shopping, rest, prepare for the Baraka women's Bible study, assorted errands and the unscheduled request for medical assistance. When my Ugandan friend Andrew, who is a nurse, was here the last three weeks, we conducted physical exams on each of our 82 children, then the staff who desired a check-up. Our spare time has been spent compiling a well child and sick child exam form, converting it to a Word document, and entering all the data from our recent check-ups onto a flash drive so the medical information can be accessible to anyone who comes after me, and to eliminate random nursing notes left in notebooks and pieces of scrap paper in assorted places on the compound.
This spare time is also often used to take a sick child to the clinic to be seen by a physician. I also use this time, on occasion, to do health education classes with the staff regarding hygiene, first aid, and a bladder training program for the children who are wetting the bed.
4:00 - 6:00 PM - Clinic hours for the children returning from school, the Baraka women, and any staff who need assistance.
6:15 - 6:45 or 7:00 PM - Devotions with the children and staff (7 days a week).
7:00 PM - Dinner time and relaxation - often interrupted by children complaining of a headache or stomach ache - usually the two complaints. Even though I have told the children repeatedly that calling on me after 6:00 PM is for emergencies only, and have discussed what a true emergency is,
our definitions of what an emergency is are still vastly different! Often times, they just need reassurance that they are really okay, and a reminder to drink more water, and not run and play in the hot sun right after eating. When I tell them this, however, I get the look that says "What kind of nurse are you, since you are refusing to give me medicine?!" It's taking some "de-programming" to convince them that they don't need a pill every time they have even a vague and minor complaint!
9:30 or 10:00 PM - Devotions and lights out!
Friday afternoons - Bible study with the Baraka women.
Saturdays - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Clinic Hours - time off after 2:00 PM - again, often interrupted by children complaining of stubbed toes, or the customary stomach ache or headache!
Sundays - Church at 9:00 AM, grocery shopping and/or dinner out after church - free time the rest of the day - again, subject to change! Sunday evenings - Bible study group with the high school girls where we usually have a cooking or make-up session, eat, laugh, and try to work in a Bible study or more serious discussion about topics that they are concerned about. So far, we have learned how to make bread pudding and potato salad - this Sunday will be home-made pizza dough and making personal pizzas - woo-hoo!
So, there you have it. As always, this schedule is subject to change if we have to make an emergency run to the clinic or hospital for a sick or injured child. And, when a child is sick who needs closer attention, I will keep them in the infirmary we have established next to the clinic and upstairs from my apartment. I care for them during the day, and will often designate an older child or caregiver to stay with them during the night, knowing that I am available for an emergency should it arise.
I hope this helps you understand a little bit better what I do with my time here. There is never a dull moment, and sometimes I grump about never having uninterrupted time to myself, but I often get hugs and "butterfly kisses" from a sweet child, and that makes it all worthwhile!
I hope you are seeing the promise of Spring turning into reality after this long winter. I am sending some warm Kenyan sunshine your way, along with my love and prayers for you.
Feel free to leave me a comment - I love hearing from you!
Love,
Nancy
Saturday, March 15, 2014
The Beauty of Africa - Its Scenery and Its People
Last weekend, I went to Amboseli National Park in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, with a Ugandan friend of mine who is visiting me from Lira, and another First Love staff member, Ginger. It was an overnight stay and a safari, and we were blessed to go on two game drives. Amboseli is known mostly for its abundance of elephants, and boy, did we see elephants! It was wonderful to see so many large males with long tusks - a sure sign that they are well-protected from poachers.
Our first glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro peeking through the morning clouds was a sight I will never forget - truly breathtaking! I can see why Kenyans are so proud of their treasured mountain - it is truly spectacular.
It was good to get away after a very busy and demanding week here. My Ugandan friend, Andrew, is a nurse who I have served with in medical ministry several times when in Lira, and he has been visiting me for a few weeks. It has been a blessing to have him partner with me to do the yearly physical exams on the kids - especially for the boys and male staff here who are more comfortable being examined by a male nurse. It was quite a chore to get all 82 children's physicals done in the last week, but with Andrew's help, we were able to complete the task. I was glad to examine the children individually, and get to know them a little bit better. We found two girls who have some irregular heart beats that would have gone undetected had we not done these exams, and will be taking them to the Dr. this coming week for further evaluation. Another little girl has sickle cell anemia, and we found that her eyes are a bit jaundiced, and her liver is somewhat enlarged, so we will take her to the Dr. as soon as possible this week, too. We will also be returning to Kijabe Hospital this week with the woman who is being seen for infertility, and may take the girl with sickle cell there, as well, if she is well enough to put off seeing the Dr. until the 21st when we go to Kijabe.
One little girl, Kendi, who I wrote about before, just about broke my heart this week. During her physical exam, I mentioned again how much it touched me that she wrote me the lovely thank you note for caring for her when she was sick shortly after I arrived in January. I also told her that I thought that God has something very special planned for her life, and has blessed her with some wonderful gifts and a beautiful heart. I then quoted some of the verses from Isaiah 43 where God is telling His people that He knows them, has called them by name, and that they are precious in His sight, and that He loves them. I told Kendi that He knows and loves her, and has called her by name, and that she is precious in His sight, and mine, too. Kendi then hugged me, and began to cry - big, clear tears that rolled down her face. All I could do was hold her - I had no words to say - and she held onto me for about 20 minutes, silently crying and hugging me. It was so precious. Kendi didn't explain what she was thinking, or what made her cry - I suspect she was missing her mother. But, I didn't feel that I should question her at that time - what she needed was just to be held and loved, and it was my privilege to do that. It was such an honor to share God's love, and mine, with her, and I hope she was blessed by our time together. What she can't fully understand is how much she touched and blessed me, too, and I am humbled by this gift of love to me.
Whenever I grumble that I have been interrupted during dinner for the third time in a week because of a little one's request for something for a headache or tummy ache, I remember Kendi, and the fact that all these children really need, in most cases, is a motherly hug and reassurance that they are loved. It's that simple - and that profound.
I have attached some pictures from our safari - I hope you enjoy them! Thank you for your prayers for me and the ministry to which God has called me. You are precious to me - and to our Father. In His love -
Nancy
Our first glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro peeking through the morning clouds was a sight I will never forget - truly breathtaking! I can see why Kenyans are so proud of their treasured mountain - it is truly spectacular.
It was good to get away after a very busy and demanding week here. My Ugandan friend, Andrew, is a nurse who I have served with in medical ministry several times when in Lira, and he has been visiting me for a few weeks. It has been a blessing to have him partner with me to do the yearly physical exams on the kids - especially for the boys and male staff here who are more comfortable being examined by a male nurse. It was quite a chore to get all 82 children's physicals done in the last week, but with Andrew's help, we were able to complete the task. I was glad to examine the children individually, and get to know them a little bit better. We found two girls who have some irregular heart beats that would have gone undetected had we not done these exams, and will be taking them to the Dr. this coming week for further evaluation. Another little girl has sickle cell anemia, and we found that her eyes are a bit jaundiced, and her liver is somewhat enlarged, so we will take her to the Dr. as soon as possible this week, too. We will also be returning to Kijabe Hospital this week with the woman who is being seen for infertility, and may take the girl with sickle cell there, as well, if she is well enough to put off seeing the Dr. until the 21st when we go to Kijabe.
One little girl, Kendi, who I wrote about before, just about broke my heart this week. During her physical exam, I mentioned again how much it touched me that she wrote me the lovely thank you note for caring for her when she was sick shortly after I arrived in January. I also told her that I thought that God has something very special planned for her life, and has blessed her with some wonderful gifts and a beautiful heart. I then quoted some of the verses from Isaiah 43 where God is telling His people that He knows them, has called them by name, and that they are precious in His sight, and that He loves them. I told Kendi that He knows and loves her, and has called her by name, and that she is precious in His sight, and mine, too. Kendi then hugged me, and began to cry - big, clear tears that rolled down her face. All I could do was hold her - I had no words to say - and she held onto me for about 20 minutes, silently crying and hugging me. It was so precious. Kendi didn't explain what she was thinking, or what made her cry - I suspect she was missing her mother. But, I didn't feel that I should question her at that time - what she needed was just to be held and loved, and it was my privilege to do that. It was such an honor to share God's love, and mine, with her, and I hope she was blessed by our time together. What she can't fully understand is how much she touched and blessed me, too, and I am humbled by this gift of love to me.
Whenever I grumble that I have been interrupted during dinner for the third time in a week because of a little one's request for something for a headache or tummy ache, I remember Kendi, and the fact that all these children really need, in most cases, is a motherly hug and reassurance that they are loved. It's that simple - and that profound.
I have attached some pictures from our safari - I hope you enjoy them! Thank you for your prayers for me and the ministry to which God has called me. You are precious to me - and to our Father. In His love -
Nancy
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Baraka Women's Group - A Blessing to Me!
Our Baraka women's group meets every Friday afternoon for a Bible study which I am privileged to lead. Barak means blessing in Swahili, and it has been that to me - and so much more!
Many of the women in the group are HIV positive, and live in the Kibera slums. They come to the program that First Love has to learn different skills to enable them to develop their own businesses and provide for their families. The main program that First Love provides is a sewing skills course where the women can learn to sew and establish their own tailoring business.
We have been doing a study of II Corinthians by Max Lucado. I chose this study because I felt it would be easy enough for them to understand, and because I appreciate the way Lucado applies the Scriptures in a very human and compassionate way. It has been a learning experience, for me, however, these past five weeks, as I have struggled to adapt to the way the women learn and understand how they are comfortable expressing themselves. They speak English quite well, so it is usually not a problem in communicating with them. But, it takes a LONG time to establish trust, and to have them share anything verbally! They are just beginning to answer questions that I pose to them, and to pray out loud, although it is still a challenge to get them to respond very readily. I have prayed many times for wisdom beyond my own to know best how to relate to these dear women. We're getting there!
Yesterday the study was on II Corinthians 6:1-10, and while there are many parallels between Paul's sufferings and those that the Baraka women face, I chose instead to focus on the example that Paul and Christ set for us as servants in ministry. As with any group of women, it seems, there are squabbles, petty jealousies, competition, and general interpersonal difficulties in ours as well, and I thought that it might be meaningful to have the group wash each other's feet, as Jesus did for the disciples as a way of expressing His love to them. It was interesting to contemplate how we felt in being the one to wash the other's feet, and also to be the one receiving the washing. There were conflicting emotions, as you can imagine, and some laughter as well, but I felt that this simple exercise served to break the ice between us, and several of the women told me that our time together yesterday was a blessing to them. That is the first time they have said that to me!
The woman who leads the sewing ministry, is from Atlanta, Georgia, and we have become good friends. Her name is Ginger. Ginger has served in this ministry for several years, and has gotten to know the women fairly well. She has been interviewing the women individually in the last week, asking about their lives, families, goals and struggles, and I hope to learn more about the women as she shares their stories with me.
With their permission, I will share some of their stories and pictures with you, so you can get to know them, too, and pray for them. The products that the women make - aprons, purses, travel bags, stuffed animals, etc., are beautiful, and are sold in the store that we have here on the compound, and are shipped to churches in the US to be sold there, and support the ministry here.
First Love is exploring ways to expand this enterprise, and it will be neat to see how God works in the coming months and years to bless this ministry.
Thank you for your prayers for me, and for these precious women. You are a baraka to me!
Nancy
Many of the women in the group are HIV positive, and live in the Kibera slums. They come to the program that First Love has to learn different skills to enable them to develop their own businesses and provide for their families. The main program that First Love provides is a sewing skills course where the women can learn to sew and establish their own tailoring business.
We have been doing a study of II Corinthians by Max Lucado. I chose this study because I felt it would be easy enough for them to understand, and because I appreciate the way Lucado applies the Scriptures in a very human and compassionate way. It has been a learning experience, for me, however, these past five weeks, as I have struggled to adapt to the way the women learn and understand how they are comfortable expressing themselves. They speak English quite well, so it is usually not a problem in communicating with them. But, it takes a LONG time to establish trust, and to have them share anything verbally! They are just beginning to answer questions that I pose to them, and to pray out loud, although it is still a challenge to get them to respond very readily. I have prayed many times for wisdom beyond my own to know best how to relate to these dear women. We're getting there!
Yesterday the study was on II Corinthians 6:1-10, and while there are many parallels between Paul's sufferings and those that the Baraka women face, I chose instead to focus on the example that Paul and Christ set for us as servants in ministry. As with any group of women, it seems, there are squabbles, petty jealousies, competition, and general interpersonal difficulties in ours as well, and I thought that it might be meaningful to have the group wash each other's feet, as Jesus did for the disciples as a way of expressing His love to them. It was interesting to contemplate how we felt in being the one to wash the other's feet, and also to be the one receiving the washing. There were conflicting emotions, as you can imagine, and some laughter as well, but I felt that this simple exercise served to break the ice between us, and several of the women told me that our time together yesterday was a blessing to them. That is the first time they have said that to me!
The woman who leads the sewing ministry, is from Atlanta, Georgia, and we have become good friends. Her name is Ginger. Ginger has served in this ministry for several years, and has gotten to know the women fairly well. She has been interviewing the women individually in the last week, asking about their lives, families, goals and struggles, and I hope to learn more about the women as she shares their stories with me.
With their permission, I will share some of their stories and pictures with you, so you can get to know them, too, and pray for them. The products that the women make - aprons, purses, travel bags, stuffed animals, etc., are beautiful, and are sold in the store that we have here on the compound, and are shipped to churches in the US to be sold there, and support the ministry here.
First Love is exploring ways to expand this enterprise, and it will be neat to see how God works in the coming months and years to bless this ministry.
Thank you for your prayers for me, and for these precious women. You are a baraka to me!
Nancy
Friday, February 28, 2014
A Trip to Kijabe and CURE International Hospital - God's Love in Action!
There were baboons to greet us!
I didn't know that we would see some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen in Africa to this date!
The mountains were covered in mist as we arrived early in the morning, but by the afternoon, the mist had burned away, and we could see the beautiful landscape more clearly.
The entrance to the hospital is quite obscure. I am so glad that our driver, John, knew the way - I would NEVER have been able to find it on my own!
We were warmly welcomed by the staff in the Pediatric outpatient ward. Phoebe, an 11-year old girl with Cerebral Palsy, is being followed by the orthopedic docs and PT staff to evaluate her present and future plan of care. My friend Jane, pictured below with Phoebe, has truly been "Jesus with skin on" to her!
The young woman I asked you to pray for regarding possible treatment for 6 years of infertility is pictured with me below. We will return in a few weeks for further evaluation by the GYN team, and probable surgery. Please continue to pray that this will lead to the fulfillment of her dream to become a mother soon!
As we left the hospital, we needed to drop off some sewing machines at a nearby children's home with whom we have collaborated. The children were so sweet, and hugged and kissed me - some right on the lips!
As we headed home, we rejoiced in God's goodness that this wonderful hospital is so close to us, and is located in such a beautiful part of Kenya. We felt ministered to by the staff, and by the beauty of God's creation!
The mountains were covered in mist as we arrived early in the morning, but by the afternoon, the mist had burned away, and we could see the beautiful landscape more clearly.
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