More work today - it's starting to come together and some of the projects we're doing are getting done, but unfortunately we're tired. It's been difficult to sleep for a number of reasons. It's warm, the beds aren't the greatest, and their is constant noise in the city. I promise that I'm not whining, but please pray for us that we get rest!
This morning I was greatly moved. I had the chance to go with one of the hospital pastors to each room and pray for the patients. It's something they do every single day for ever single patient. I got to pray with all sorts of people but I left reflecting on my own life. It is so hard to see children suffer. One of the services that this hospital provides for the poor is cleft palate surgery. I really didn't know anything about this until today. The hospital does 9 of these surgeries per day for free. Here's a picture I took this morning:
Fortunately for these children the surgery can completely take care of this problem - so even though it may be tough to see, it's not the end of the world.
But others are so fortunate. Through an interpreter I spoke to a family that I will never forget. I literally fought back tears as they explained that 2 of their children had leukemia. You heard me right - 2. We did the only thing we knew how to do in that moment, we prayed. Later, the pastor who accompanied me explained not only will they lose both their children (except for a miracle) but more than likely this would ruin them financially for the rest of their lives. Even with free blood transfusions from the hospital, transportation was a horrible problem for them. Enough to cripple their family completely.
This brought 2 things to my attention, both things that I already know but needed to be reminded of again. First, I am so blessed to have healthy children. I am so grateful and am truly bless in this area. Second, there are people who are truly hurting, truly in need, truly desperate in our world and we as Christians have a part to play. It is so easy to focus on my own life, my own issues, my own problems - all the while people are fighting w/ issues that make my stuff feel so petty.
God - help me see people the way you do, don't let me be the same!
Kyle
Praying for all of you Kyle. I pray that God will give you rest and comfort!!
ReplyDeleteReading this brought tears to me. I will add this to my prayers. My little's and I are praying for you all each day and for the people you come into contact with. Will add getting enough rest to our prayers. You are so right, seeing and hearing about things like you are seeing change our perspective in how we see our own stuff and lives. I will be praying for this family and the others going through things I can only imagine. May each of you be filled with all that you need so that you can do what God has called you each to do.
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