Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
"There comes the baffling call of God in our lives also. The call of God can never be stated explicitly; it is implicit. The call of God is like the call of the sea, no one hears it but the one who has the nature of the sea in him. It cannot be stated definitely what the call of God is to, because His comradeship is with himself for His own purposes and the test is to believe that God knows what He is after. The things that happen do not happen by chance., they happen entirely in the decree of God. God is working out His purposes.." Oswald Chambers: My Utmost for His Highest
Tonight Eduardo and many other children around our neighborhood came to AMOR projects and hung out inside our fences and out of our house just because they needed a place to go. Today I saw children under the age of five years old playing in the trash for fun. Yesterday I saw a poor 10 year old boy with an infected burn all the way up his leg. The day before that I saw a 3 year old child who had no chance of learning to walk or talk because of fever.
It's easy to ask Why God?
Why is it so hard for the people here in Peru when we have it so easy in America?
Why are children dying simply because they don't have Tylenol or clean water?
Why, when we pray for the boy that can't walk, is he still sick?
What is the call of God?
What is His purpose for me?
What is His purpose for us and for all the pain of this world?
It's not fair to blame God for the suffering in this world- for that was never God's intention for us- it is a result of sin. Nonetheless we will never be able to comprehend God's plan and calling for all of humanity until it is time for heaven. With faith, we will learn to stop questioning God for all the things that don't make sense to us, and learn to simply follow step by step in his footsteps both the joys and the trials, parties and the pains.
"If we are in communion with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purposes, we shall no longer try to find out what His purposes are. As we go on in the Christian life, it gets simpler, because we are less inclined to say "Why did God allow this and that?" Behind all that lies the compelling of God. "There's a divinity that shapes our ends." A Christian is one who trusts the wits and wisdom of God, and not His own wits. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and leisureness which ought to characterize the children of God."- Chambers
Friday, September 6, 2013
Waterfalls and Swimming
Today was my favorite day here in Peru! We traveled 3 hours by van to Aguaytia where we got to see many waterfalls and go swimming. We saw the beautiful jungles of Peru and swam in freezing cold water. It took about 3 hours to get over there and we took two separate vans. When we got there we had a short hike to this huge roaring waterfall. We actually climbed up it, slipping all the way, til we could stand directly underneath the falls. The water beat against us, taking our breath away, and I definitely experienced God's power there.
The water was exactly what I needed today. The jungles were deep and lush. My friend Kaity and I had a really great talk about life, mission work, and everything in between shouting out in awe "We're in Peru."
Tonight when we arrived back to AMOR we had an amazing worship service harmonizing together with songs like Traveling Light and then a great worship talk by Bernice. Bernice spoke about living together and working together with other believers. She talked about how we should always look for the best in other people, talking about their strengths, and never about their weaknesses. It was a really inspirational and uplifting day- making me think how blessed I am to be here experiencing Peru with so many amazing people.
This is the waterfall we swam under- so much fun!
The water was exactly what I needed today. The jungles were deep and lush. My friend Kaity and I had a really great talk about life, mission work, and everything in between shouting out in awe "We're in Peru."
Tonight when we arrived back to AMOR we had an amazing worship service harmonizing together with songs like Traveling Light and then a great worship talk by Bernice. Bernice spoke about living together and working together with other believers. She talked about how we should always look for the best in other people, talking about their strengths, and never about their weaknesses. It was a really inspirational and uplifting day- making me think how blessed I am to be here experiencing Peru with so many amazing people.
This is the waterfall we swam under- so much fun!
This is a group picture of our AMOR team. Raph and John John are in the front. Then from the left: Seth, Ian, Dr. Happy Michael, Esther, Bernice, Megan, Nelly, Me, Jeremy, Molly, Ron Hawkins. Up top is Becca, Caitlyn, Lisa, Arianna, Stephanie and Kaitlyn. I love these guys
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Laugh
I laughed all afternoon: sometimes in my head, sometimes out loud with my great friend Kaitlyn.
It was one of my favorite days in the clinic- since I've been here- and it's all because of an attitude change.
Dr. Quack- well that's what we call him here- gave my friend and I a pep talk about our Peruvian experience. Kaitlyn was expressing to him our feelings about being here: how we were starting to really miss our family and just some things about American life back home. He didn't empathize with us at all- instead he said Grow up, your a woman now. And as harsh as that sounds, it's really true and really smart advice.
Anywhere we go, anything we do, we always have two options. Option number 1 is to make the best out of each and every situation- using the opportunity to learn no matter is the situation is pleasant or unpleasant. Option 2 is to make excuses, complain, or feel sorry for yourself because of the situation.
Kaitlyn and I decided that from now on we would approach all Peruvian challenges with laughter. Because we are family together, we will never be here again in Peru, and we will never have an opportunity like this year to learn so much Spanish, so much medically, and really rely on God- we have to make the best of it.
We don't want to go home and be like "Ya I spent that whole year wishing I was back in America". I'm definitely not going to let that happen! Instead I'm going to serve and work with my eyes wide open, ready to learn and grow, trusting in God, and being thankful for everything I have and every opportunity I have been given.
Hahahaha- I had a great, very funny day and tomorrow Dr. Happy is taking our entire group to go see some waterfalls for a special adventure. It's 3 hours a way and we're renting another bus. We get to go swimming there as well =)
Psalm 126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
I don't know how your day went. I don't know how your life is going right now. Maybe your having an amazing time at college, or a terrible time at work, maybe your lonely, or maybe you just got a new job. Whatever your going through, trust me- you have something to be thankful for and something you can laugh at. When you laugh at your hard times, smile and hug the people you have with you that love you, and realize how blessed you are just for being healthy- you will love your life and live your days with so much more joy.
I pray that you realize how much you have and how good you have it and I pray that you laugh with someone who loves you and smile like an everlasting rainbow.
Job 8:21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.
No matter what you are going through, you have a choice. Will you smile, frown, cry, or laugh?
It was one of my favorite days in the clinic- since I've been here- and it's all because of an attitude change.
Dr. Quack- well that's what we call him here- gave my friend and I a pep talk about our Peruvian experience. Kaitlyn was expressing to him our feelings about being here: how we were starting to really miss our family and just some things about American life back home. He didn't empathize with us at all- instead he said Grow up, your a woman now. And as harsh as that sounds, it's really true and really smart advice.
Anywhere we go, anything we do, we always have two options. Option number 1 is to make the best out of each and every situation- using the opportunity to learn no matter is the situation is pleasant or unpleasant. Option 2 is to make excuses, complain, or feel sorry for yourself because of the situation.
Kaitlyn and I decided that from now on we would approach all Peruvian challenges with laughter. Because we are family together, we will never be here again in Peru, and we will never have an opportunity like this year to learn so much Spanish, so much medically, and really rely on God- we have to make the best of it.
We don't want to go home and be like "Ya I spent that whole year wishing I was back in America". I'm definitely not going to let that happen! Instead I'm going to serve and work with my eyes wide open, ready to learn and grow, trusting in God, and being thankful for everything I have and every opportunity I have been given.
Hahahaha- I had a great, very funny day and tomorrow Dr. Happy is taking our entire group to go see some waterfalls for a special adventure. It's 3 hours a way and we're renting another bus. We get to go swimming there as well =)
Psalm 126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
I don't know how your day went. I don't know how your life is going right now. Maybe your having an amazing time at college, or a terrible time at work, maybe your lonely, or maybe you just got a new job. Whatever your going through, trust me- you have something to be thankful for and something you can laugh at. When you laugh at your hard times, smile and hug the people you have with you that love you, and realize how blessed you are just for being healthy- you will love your life and live your days with so much more joy.
I pray that you realize how much you have and how good you have it and I pray that you laugh with someone who loves you and smile like an everlasting rainbow.
Job 8:21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.
No matter what you are going through, you have a choice. Will you smile, frown, cry, or laugh?
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
the 15th day in Peru
Today was my 15th day at AMOR. Wow- craziness! Tonight I'm a little homesick, not going to lie. I feel sick to my stomach (due to medicine and food the tummy ache feeling is becoming quite routine to me.) I forfeited my Taekwondo adventure tonight and have just been thinking, messaging old friends, and browsing the internet. I tried to read, but I found the "fantasy-like" love book to be quite annoying and irrelevelent to my life right now. I'm a little discouraged. 1 year is such a long time.
This morning was pretty cool because I got to do a physical therapy session with a one year old baby. I am pretty excited about getting some physical therapy experience since I think that is what I would like to do. The therapy session went well. Today we mostly learned about the babies history and did a few diagnostic tests. The baby "Josue" seems to be a little slow cognitively and has almost no muscular strength at all- possibly muscular dystrophy.
Today at the clinic we had a few extreme cases. We had one little boy swallow a ton of rat poison trying to commit suicide and we had to drive him to the hospital. We had a man that suffered from a gunshot injury, and we had a twelve year old who had a wicked burn all the way down his leg.
This morning was pretty cool because I got to do a physical therapy session with a one year old baby. I am pretty excited about getting some physical therapy experience since I think that is what I would like to do. The therapy session went well. Today we mostly learned about the babies history and did a few diagnostic tests. The baby "Josue" seems to be a little slow cognitively and has almost no muscular strength at all- possibly muscular dystrophy.
Today at the clinic we had a few extreme cases. We had one little boy swallow a ton of rat poison trying to commit suicide and we had to drive him to the hospital. We had a man that suffered from a gunshot injury, and we had a twelve year old who had a wicked burn all the way down his leg.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Just a typical clinical day
Today we had clinic from about 10 am to 4:15 pm. We saw about 100 patients. I took a few blood pressures and helped with registration most of the day. It was cool- a little stereotypical- but a good day overall.
After clinic, I went to town with 4 other sms. We got cheesecake and pizza. It was delicious and I'm just hoping I don't get sick. The motorcart ride was pretty fun- we bumped through crazy traffic. Then we rode back in a taxi and I layed on top of three smashed people in the back seat.
When we got back from town, we had pancakes for dessert/ dinner. Then I went to Taekwondo class, taught a boy how to juggle, played some volleyball, and then put a crying baby to sleep.
... And that's a typical day at AMOR and a day in the life as a missionary
After clinic, I went to town with 4 other sms. We got cheesecake and pizza. It was delicious and I'm just hoping I don't get sick. The motorcart ride was pretty fun- we bumped through crazy traffic. Then we rode back in a taxi and I layed on top of three smashed people in the back seat.
When we got back from town, we had pancakes for dessert/ dinner. Then I went to Taekwondo class, taught a boy how to juggle, played some volleyball, and then put a crying baby to sleep.
... And that's a typical day at AMOR and a day in the life as a missionary
Monday, September 2, 2013
clinical day
Today has been a crazy day- stressful, disorganized, dysfunctional, sad, and sickly. Many of the SM's here at AMOR are sick and if they are not physically sick, many of them are beginning to feel tired and quite homesick. It is hitting everyone that we will be staying here for a year- and it will not be easy. Prayer would be much appreciated.
Today we started our medical clinics at K15 where we have church. We saw about 80 patients. It was absolutely chaotic as we tried to move our medications over there as well as sampled our new computer system plan for the pharmacy. Dr. Galilee, an amazing doctor from the states, has been working hard creating a compute program where we can register patients, the doctor can prescribe medicine, and then the pharmacy can check that the prescription is filled- all without wifi. It's quite impressive and will definitely be a huge asset to our ministry when all the details are worked out.
In the morning, I helped register patients at the clinic which included taking a few of their blood pressures. After that, I followed the doctor around for a little bit learning about different illnesses and in the afternoon, after our traditional meal of beans and rice (at least 2x a day) I watched the dentist work.
Here were my 3 special moments at the clinic today:
* I became friends with a 16 year old girl who had to have a tooth pulled today. She showed me her baby that she had when she was only 14 years old. Then I held her hand as she had to get shots to numb her mouth.
* I met a precious baby named Christian who was 3 years old. Because of having an untreated fever right after birth, his brain was fried. This poor baby could not walk, talk, or move it's neck. It was limp. It did not show many signs of being there at all. It was one of the saddest things/ stories I have ever seen. I asked the doctor what we could do and he said nothing. Nothing- that's right! He said it was too late. He said this is why we do what we do- to prevent this from happening. This is how important Tylenol is for babies with high temperatures. We prayed with the young woman who had this poor little boy. She said she prays every day that God will do a miracle in him and help him walk. We got in a circle and put our arms on the woman and her son. Please pray for a miracle. This mother is desperate for her child
*I met a baby and his mother and grandmother. This baby's situation is similar to baby Christian's but this baby has a little more recovery hope. The boy cannot stand or sit, but can move it's head. Because the baby is only one year and one month, the doctor said PT may be able to help improve the boy's conditions. I held this baby and looked into his eyes. When I did, I knew in my heart that I can't leave this baby. I must help him. I want to help this baby and am starting physical therapy sessions twice a week with Him. I'm thankful to God that I have this opportunity to learn. I'm going to start researching physical therapy rehabilitation and movement ideas for this child. Please pray that God works in this beautiful boys' life.
Even though it's hard here at AMOR sometimes- especially today was a rough day- the little things we can do to help change a life forever make every moment worth it. When I saw that baby, I knew any sacrifice that I have to make to be here is worth it.
Today we started our medical clinics at K15 where we have church. We saw about 80 patients. It was absolutely chaotic as we tried to move our medications over there as well as sampled our new computer system plan for the pharmacy. Dr. Galilee, an amazing doctor from the states, has been working hard creating a compute program where we can register patients, the doctor can prescribe medicine, and then the pharmacy can check that the prescription is filled- all without wifi. It's quite impressive and will definitely be a huge asset to our ministry when all the details are worked out.
In the morning, I helped register patients at the clinic which included taking a few of their blood pressures. After that, I followed the doctor around for a little bit learning about different illnesses and in the afternoon, after our traditional meal of beans and rice (at least 2x a day) I watched the dentist work.
Here were my 3 special moments at the clinic today:
* I became friends with a 16 year old girl who had to have a tooth pulled today. She showed me her baby that she had when she was only 14 years old. Then I held her hand as she had to get shots to numb her mouth.
* I met a precious baby named Christian who was 3 years old. Because of having an untreated fever right after birth, his brain was fried. This poor baby could not walk, talk, or move it's neck. It was limp. It did not show many signs of being there at all. It was one of the saddest things/ stories I have ever seen. I asked the doctor what we could do and he said nothing. Nothing- that's right! He said it was too late. He said this is why we do what we do- to prevent this from happening. This is how important Tylenol is for babies with high temperatures. We prayed with the young woman who had this poor little boy. She said she prays every day that God will do a miracle in him and help him walk. We got in a circle and put our arms on the woman and her son. Please pray for a miracle. This mother is desperate for her child
*I met a baby and his mother and grandmother. This baby's situation is similar to baby Christian's but this baby has a little more recovery hope. The boy cannot stand or sit, but can move it's head. Because the baby is only one year and one month, the doctor said PT may be able to help improve the boy's conditions. I held this baby and looked into his eyes. When I did, I knew in my heart that I can't leave this baby. I must help him. I want to help this baby and am starting physical therapy sessions twice a week with Him. I'm thankful to God that I have this opportunity to learn. I'm going to start researching physical therapy rehabilitation and movement ideas for this child. Please pray that God works in this beautiful boys' life.
Even though it's hard here at AMOR sometimes- especially today was a rough day- the little things we can do to help change a life forever make every moment worth it. When I saw that baby, I knew any sacrifice that I have to make to be here is worth it.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Holiness
-"Holiness, holiness is what I long for. Holiness is what I need- what I need. Holiness, holiness is what you want from me. It's what you want from me. Take my heart and mold it. Take my mind, conform it. Take my will, transform it to yours, to yours Oh God."
Sometimes it's hard to be a missionary. I've only been here a week and a half yet already I struggle with many things.
When people ask how my SM journey is going so far, I say "great, or amazing" because it is. But at the same time I can't ignore many challenges, struggles, and heart aches that contrast the utmost joy I feel at some moments. It's definitely hard at times. I miss my family, friends, comforts of home, being able to be clean or look nice, healthy food, feeling healthy, having energy, and doing things I'm good at. Yet despite these challenges as real as they are, they don't matter compared to the calling by God that I have received. The call that we all have received: to be holy.
Today my devotional book hit me right on the top of the head with exactly what I needed to hear. It said "Continually restate to yourself what the purpose of your life (aka sm year) is. The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness." The one thing that matters is whether a man will accept the God who will make him holy.
God must reveal to me that I am unholy but also awaken an intense craving for a closer relationship with Christ and holiness. "Holiness means unsullied walking with the feet, unsullied talking with the mouth, unsullied thinking with the mind- every detail of life under the scrutiny of God."
* quotes by Oswald Chambers
Sometimes it's hard to be a missionary. I've only been here a week and a half yet already I struggle with many things.
When people ask how my SM journey is going so far, I say "great, or amazing" because it is. But at the same time I can't ignore many challenges, struggles, and heart aches that contrast the utmost joy I feel at some moments. It's definitely hard at times. I miss my family, friends, comforts of home, being able to be clean or look nice, healthy food, feeling healthy, having energy, and doing things I'm good at. Yet despite these challenges as real as they are, they don't matter compared to the calling by God that I have received. The call that we all have received: to be holy.
Today my devotional book hit me right on the top of the head with exactly what I needed to hear. It said "Continually restate to yourself what the purpose of your life (aka sm year) is. The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness." The one thing that matters is whether a man will accept the God who will make him holy.
God must reveal to me that I am unholy but also awaken an intense craving for a closer relationship with Christ and holiness. "Holiness means unsullied walking with the feet, unsullied talking with the mouth, unsullied thinking with the mind- every detail of life under the scrutiny of God."
* quotes by Oswald Chambers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)