Friday started with a HUGE spider crawling up our wall. I am talking HUGE! The kind of spider that you think you can kill from a distance, but the closer you get the bigger it gets and the hairier it looks. We still have spider legs sprinkled on the floor because they were that gross to pick up. I also learned that lukewarm showers, may not sound so terrible, BUT in reality are traumatizing. The moment you want to get out, it starts to get warm so you decide to stay a little longer in hopes that it will turn to a nice warm shower and then it turns ice cold again. Pure evil!
Over the past several years of my life I have felt led and guided by God in my daily practices, but since being here I’ve felt truly surrounded by angels. I have felt them as I talked to my patient who was feeling overwhelmed about being a single mom, or another woman who has been out of work for a month and doesn’t know how she is going to afford food or another woman who just lost her husband after 50 years of marriage. Obviously, I had no clue what advice I could give them because I have never been any where near their situations, and I’m not sure I said anything profound, but I tried. As I tried to think of what to say – and prayed to say something that would be helpful – I truly felt God’s love for them, but in addition I could almost envision angels surrounding these good people and holding them up. I am convinced more than I have been in the past – that God not only hears our prayer’s but he gives us miracles – even in the worst circumstances.
– Lizzie
Lizzie,
Your description of the experience is spot on… Challenging but so rewarding. I appreciate hearing you took care of the spider so when I’m there in July there will be one less . It’s so wonderful to see familiar faces and know the incredible service that is happening.
Jenni, Melinda, & Carla your missing out on our highest volumes yet & lots of snot!! We miss you!! Take care & be safe my friends.
Xoxo,
Amy
Oh WOW, that story made me just write “bring BUG SPRAY” on my list for July!! And my first order of business when I get there in July will be to pull the bunk beds away from the walls :) Great post Lizzie! You are so right about being surrounded by Angels…its humbling to see how much they endure yet their hearts are so resilient. Great learning experience for all of us.
Keep up the good work!! I hope you all are enjoying Antigua today!
Heather
I love Lizzie’s story (not the spider one, though that was a bit hairy) about the people she is encountering. I’m sure many of you can relate, but I know particularly that the crew from Oasis of Hope Center in Grand Rapids, MI can because it sounds like a typical day there. No matter what level of country you serve in, everyone has similar stories, and they all have only one remedy: an encounter with the love of Christ and the message of Hope inherent in that experience. The 26 cases of medicines you brought along are wonderful, but without the Love of Christ that you smuggled through Customs, your trip would not be as kingdomly successful as I believe it will be.
God Bless y’all!
I love you mommy I miss you! Love_Claire
How is Guatemala? Are you having a good time? I LOVE YOU and miss you!!!! Love, Elin
Hi mommy I miss you. I love you! You’re the best mommy. Love Caleb
I miss snuggling with you and having you rub my belly. Love daddy…I mean beau
I love and miss you and I am so proud of you! Love Corey
Hey dad! Hope you’re having a great time so far. Excited to hear about how God uses you all throughout the week. Drew sold his car today! Yay! The only downside is the woman was probably on meth….hahaha ;) but really though. The upside is, he sold it for more than you thought he would…$980! We are packing and getting ready for the big move.
Paige here..nothing new for me, except that I am the match maker at work. I totally helped with the start of young love between two of my high schoolers. HA! Love you Dad, and so excited to hear all the fun, crazy, and radical stories of the work you all are doing down there. Praying for strength and refreshment.
Love,
Paige and Brooke
Good grief! I thought spiders like that only existed in Africa. I am not sure I would be able to breathe let alone sleep after that. So glad I didn’t know about this spiders before I went.
I love how God reveals himself to you. I am certain he has or will reveal himself to reach one of you and I look forward to reading the blogs.
Love you guys! Praying for your safety.
Love, Victoria
Don’t rush to come home! Most of Michigan is closed down due to the bitterly cold temperatures. Send your warm air this direction!
Zac it is good to see you smile! Looks like you are making more friends! I am so proud of you son! I miss you and I love you!