One of our morning devotions by Joe Holmes invited us to consider that the reason why we came may not be the reason we are here. I loved that teaching; it is SO TRUE! This team has been so open to be surprised…to learn something new…to be changed. One of our team members, Emily Browder, has been wanting to come to Guatemala since she heard about Ezekiel who attends school at Halo Guatemala. (you can read more about that story in the Guatemala 2011 category on my blog). So when Emily and a few other members of the team spent 2 days at Halo this week, she was very disappointed when Ezekiel was not there! She had come so far, to meet this young boy and to communicate with him in sign language.
Last day at the John Wesley Clinic in San Antoino. Our work is wrapping up and a few team members are “hanging out” in the waiting room as we continue to see patients. Emily B is one of those team members. And guess who shows up?? Ezekiel, his mom and several of his brothers and sisters! My view from the triage room allowed me to see the Joy coming from Emily hands, eyes and face as she and Ezekiel spent the afternoon talking, laughing and learning from each other. This was so much better than seeing him at school in a classroom with many others. God provided exactly what was needed at just the right time. We continuet to be humbled, grateful and overwhelmed by the goodness of Christ.
- Joe, Jenny, Miguel, Gretchen and Annie B! The Waiting Room of Blessing
The miracles happening through Lalgadh are too great to capture. We are seeing and sharing glimpses; it is only a tiny part of what has happened since Eileen Lodge felt “called” to build a leprosy hospital on this 100 acre ground. Each day of our time here has added to the story being shared. It is a story of redemption, a story of grace….a story of miracles. Yesterday several of the staff shared testimonies of how they came to Christ through their work here. What powerful witnesses they are to God’s amazing grace!
The Self Care Training Center is more than occupational therapy. It is life coaching, it is restoration, it is where the “untouchables” find out they are worthy, loved and able to have full life. It is a place where Hope begins to emerge. Clients stay here two weeks in dormitory accommodations. They learn to cook without burning their hands that have often lost all feeling from the nerve damage or may have fingers missing. They learn exercises to help their various conditions. They learn how to prevent foot ulcers by taking care of their feet. They learn how to love themselves after having been told they are untouchable. The words of Jesus shout, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!” The program, called RECLAIM, begins at the Self Training Center.
This is the scripture (Duet. 6) chosen by Dr.Daniel and Mary Ann McGinley for thier wedding This past June. I remember being so blessed by this during the months we prepared for their wedding covenant. As we walked through the village to see the wells this scripture was in my heart and mind. A couple of generations from now people will be drinking from these wells that didn’t dig them. They will have water because this generation rose up and did something as a community. The fruits of their courage, unity, sacrifice and hard work will bless thousands and ten thousands yet to come.
I wonder if heaven might be full of these wells? The places where God did amazing work through people of faith so that others could have life. As we walk through the village and down paths of water flow I have a sneaking feeling Christ is walking with us.
Life in the Deep End 