Just yesterday I made the decision to return as VVF Team Leader with Mercy Ships in January of next year....here are a few moments that happened this week that helped sway me:
Every day at handover the nurses gather together in a big circle. A few weeks ago a patient or two started joining us. Then something amazing happened. Every day a couple more join us, to where now there is 6 or 7 ladies interspersed between the nurses. They bow their heads with us when we pray, and today for the first time one of the patients actually prayed out loud with us! I had my head bowed and eyes closed listening intently to the prayers of the nurses; first a prayer in Dutch, then a prayer in French, and then, to my surprise, a prayer in Susu, the local language. My heart was filled with joy and awe at a God who is doing amazing things.
It’s like a constant slumber party on the ward. It has the vibe of 20 girls having a sleepover. They like to lay in bed, chat with each other from across the room, and giggle unceasingly. I am surrounded by constant hair braiding, and nail painting... I love it!
You’re never too old to sit on someone’s lap. Today at worship time I peaked around the corner to find a 60+ year old patient sitting, like a child, on the translators lap! It was such a sweet moment of embrace, and comfort. Everyone needs to be held in loving arms at least once in their life, it was probably hers.
The dress ceremony. A time of utter joy and celebration, rejoicing and fun. The joy is infectious, and spreads to all...even those who are not dry. It’s an amazing phenomenon.
The amount of back rubs and head rubs I get on an hourly basis. I have the unfortunate requirement of sitting in front of a computer most of the day. BUT that does not mean I don’t get love and attention every time one of the ladies walks by my desk. Inevitably they stop, rub my back for a bit, and keep on moving. Awesome.
Every day at handover the nurses gather together in a big circle. A few weeks ago a patient or two started joining us. Then something amazing happened. Every day a couple more join us, to where now there is 6 or 7 ladies interspersed between the nurses. They bow their heads with us when we pray, and today for the first time one of the patients actually prayed out loud with us! I had my head bowed and eyes closed listening intently to the prayers of the nurses; first a prayer in Dutch, then a prayer in French, and then, to my surprise, a prayer in Susu, the local language. My heart was filled with joy and awe at a God who is doing amazing things.
It’s like a constant slumber party on the ward. It has the vibe of 20 girls having a sleepover. They like to lay in bed, chat with each other from across the room, and giggle unceasingly. I am surrounded by constant hair braiding, and nail painting... I love it!
You’re never too old to sit on someone’s lap. Today at worship time I peaked around the corner to find a 60+ year old patient sitting, like a child, on the translators lap! It was such a sweet moment of embrace, and comfort. Everyone needs to be held in loving arms at least once in their life, it was probably hers.
The dress ceremony. A time of utter joy and celebration, rejoicing and fun. The joy is infectious, and spreads to all...even those who are not dry. It’s an amazing phenomenon.
The amount of back rubs and head rubs I get on an hourly basis. I have the unfortunate requirement of sitting in front of a computer most of the day. BUT that does not mean I don’t get love and attention every time one of the ladies walks by my desk. Inevitably they stop, rub my back for a bit, and keep on moving. Awesome.
The ladies. period. end of story. I love them---they’ve captured my heart. I know there will be new and different ladies in the Congo, but I know I will love them just the same. There is something special about a lady with VVF...God has blessed them for sure.
On another note, I get to accompany a patient home to be reunited with her husband on Valentine's day!! How sweet, huh?! Except, no mama-papa business for them--strict doctors orders!
Stephanie, I am so happy for you! You are such a blessing to these women.
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