Twizzler Tuesday*

This morning I opened a note written by one of the GA’s (mission organization for girls) at Crievewood Baptist Church.  It read “May you be blessed by the Lord.” Psalm 11:15.  It made me wonder: if God were to choose to gift us today with a blessing, what would it look like?  The question so intrigued me that I asked several team members this morning for their response.  Instead of answers like “a hot shower, or a big hamburger!”, I heard these answers- “I would see God’s love revealed to someone else”; “I would recognize that we were able to do more for someone than our limited resources should allow us to do”; “I would get to share the gospel with someone”; “I would be reassured that I was supposed to be on this trip this year”; and, “I would have eye contact with someone when they were genuinely expressing thanks to God for our presence here today.”

Remarkably, all those blessings and more were witnessed today.

Irena, a 70 year old woman and her caregiver came to see us today. Irena’s face reflected the hard life she has lived.  She is blind, among other things, and was eventually led to Debbie’s medical station.  At home, Debbie works in a heart clinic.  As Debbie was examining her, Irena suddenly became very pale, grabbed her chest and vomited.  She was having a heart attack.

Irena

Debbie, Jorge, Irena, James, and Irena's caregiver

Debbie quickly recognized the situation and alerted James (our lead doctor). Medication and other emergency treatment were quickly administered.  She was closely monitored for over an hour by a team of medical personnel and additional care was given to her.  Jerry, one of our pastors, prayed with her (via interpreter), and other team members prayed for her from their various stations.  Her caregiver was counseled on proper nutrition for her elderly patient.  Money was collected so Irena and her caregiver could pay for a taxi ride home.  Final prayers were lifted on her behalf as she left the clinic. Irena prayed for herself to be healed.  And we all believe that she will be - one day.  But for today, she is still on this earth with all of her physical ailments.  Irena touched us.  She confirmed our reason for being here on this day.

Dr. James and Irena

Squeeze Applesauce for Irena from Jorge

Katherine gives nutritional advice to Irena's caregiver

Jerry prays for Irena as she leaves for home

The other named blessings?  They were here today, mingled among the 600 patients who attended the clinic.  These are just too numerous to describe in detail in this blog.  Some we recognized, some we probably missed.  But they were here.

*Twizzler Tuesday- Beth Anne, a team member who was not able to join us this year, started the twizzler tradition.  Twizzlers (a chewy candy) are shared with team members on the day thought to be the toughest.  Given the emotional highs and lows of today, and the lateness of the hour when we finally finished (after 6:00), Jean passed the bags around!