Folding gauze, having conversation, & embracing the sweetness of our Father

Today was just a super sweet day. The friends we are staying with, his little sister is also here with us this week. So Lizzy joined us this morning at the hospital and then the orphanage this afternoon. She did a great job playing with kids and simply spreading joy, despite the fact she knows little Spanish. Lexi went to work in the outpatient clinic while I went over to the ER. The morning was very calm. So guess what we did?! Folded gauze. After about 30 minutes I could tell I was growing disappointed at the fact that nothing exciting was happening. I wanted to get to take care of people. But I caught myself as soon as that thought process began. It was my prayer coming into this trip that the Lord would throw all my plans away, leaving only His, so only He is glorified. And that’s what He did today. I am so thankful I quickly turned to Him in prayer as I continued folding gauze. The flesh in me did not fly across the world to fold gauze, but the Christ in me did.

I then decided I would go check on my little boy with the femur fracture who had surgery yesterday. The smile on his face when I walked in the room melted my heart. We talked a little and I could tell he was so bored. To give you some insight to our inpatient rooms- there are 3 of them. A pretty big room with lots of beds in them. No fancy pedi floor with child life specialists and games. Poor Jose was so sad to be stuck there. So we chatted a little and then I decided to go track down something for him to do. Yesterday during his surgery, I asked him if he went to church with his family, and he said no. So this is where I struggle. I can communicate with people about church and God, but my broken Spanish just doesn’t quite get the crux of the gospel across to them like I wish it did. So I have been praying a lot about that. Anyways, looking for something for Jose to do…I come across a children’s storybook Bible in Spanish. PERFECT! So I may not be able to speak the gospel myself, but I was literally able to bring it to him and in his own language. God was so faithful in that moment.

A couple patients rolled into the ER, but then I decided I better go track down Lizzy. The white girl who speaks no Spanish that I left stranded somewhere on the hospital grounds. She was playing soccer and coloring with kiddos outside. Having a great time! I joined her for a bit and struck a conversation up with our hospital security guard. We talked for maybe 15 minutes, about lots of things, but the coolest part was when we talked about the Lord- whom he does not know. Benito is such a sweet man and now a dear friend. I am in awe in God’s faithfulness when it comes to my Spanish. It’s not like at home where you can speak mostly English and they get some of what you say. There’s NO English here, which should make things impossible. But with God, all things are possible. It says this somewhere in Matthew. I have read it 100 times. I don’t think I believed it until now.

After lunch we headed to the boys orphanage again. I was so excited to cast Adrian so that my mom can make him an orthotic. It was so cool to teach all the other boys about what we were doing. I also love that they got to see us helping Adrian. The orphans have fun when people visit, but I want them to know how truly loved they are. Because of my mom, we were able to show them that well today. Isn’t it so crazy that she is bracing kids around the world without even physically being there?! If there’s a need, you can count on her fulfilling it. Always. The sweetest moment was when we were through and I got to wash Adrian’s feet. I had a bucket of dirty water, and with that I used my hands to clean the plaster off this sweet child. I never truly understood the Biblical significance of this act of service until today.

Last thing today was going on a beautiful hike with Kayla and Cameron. Holy cow I have never seen country as gorgeous as this. I have also never had such a hard time breathing, being that we are at 14,000 feet. But every step was beyond worth it. I cannot wait to post all the pictures once I am home. God has shown us His beauty in so many ways this week. This evening it was so evident through His creation. I cannot even begin to imagine the beauty of the Kingdom to come.

Tomorrow we will be at the hospital in the morning and a baby orphanage in the afternoon. Not sure how they will ever get me to leave. I have already asked and sought out how to adopt from here. Wish I were kidding.

Lord, take us where your love is needed. Where ever and whatever that means, take me there.