A place to look back to ....I'll go back to November. November 18th to be exact. That is when my friend's Grandma had hip replacement surgery and I went to the hospital to be with the family. Unbeknownst to me at the time, is how involved I would become the following 4 weeks. Virgina (Gigi) has been one of my most faithful prayer supporters over the years....going back to when I first went to the missions field in 2001 and continuing through Moody and in South Africa. It never failed when I would come home from school and pop into church, that she would come up to me with a big smile and hug to let me know she was praying for me. (and even once asking if I had found "the right one!") Hah! I can't even begin to express what a blessing and encouragement it is to know that you are being covered in prayer. Gigi surely had me covered! (and still does)
Because Gigi developed a reaction to something they gave her, she needed to be "cared for" 24/7 those first few weeks. My friend and her mom were the only ones available to do this, so my thought? "I'm not doing anything....I don't have a job and I am not tied down to anything-I'll make myself available!" (and I have no doubt that this is exactly where God wanted me to be at this moment)
A lot of different situations arose and came throughout the 4 weeks-but I remember writing in my journal about it all. One excerpt read:
I love spending time up here. (hospital/rehab center) It hasn't always been easy, but it has been such a blessing to me. The emotional and physical stress has been hard at times, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I have felt fulfilled for the first time since leaving Africa. I think You (God) are confirming that you want me in full-time ministry. Spending time with Gigi has brought such joy to my heart. I love sitting next to her bed and holding her hand when she sleeps. Sometimes she'll be the one to reach for my hand; other times it will be me reaching for hers when she is distressed or uncomfortable. I love praying for her. I love being able to read the Word of God to her-today was Psalms and Song of Solomon. Thank you God for using me now.
Another time that I'll never forget was riding in the car with my friends mom to the hospital. It was well past our bedtime, and it was going to be a long night with minimal sleep. The cd was playing hymns and praise songs, and we started singing together...wow. There was a sustaining peace and comfort that could only come from the Lord that evening. What an amazing God we have!
Looking back, I'm grateful. Grateful to God who allowed me to serve Him in this way. Grateful for new relationships and strengthened old ones. Grateful for a family that welcomed me into theirs. Grateful for Gigi, who has taught me what a prayer life should be like. Grateful for this amazing opportunity. All glory to Him!
