After a long day of delivering water to Cite Soleil, we sat
around as a group and shared our stories and emotional experiences with each
other. We discussed times when God showed up in our faith journey – and one
moment immediately came to my mind. Yesterday, we visited Carrefour Home for
the Sick and Dying. The girls in the group cared for the females by messaging lotion
on their arms and legs and providing emotional support. The last woman I cared
for wasn’t easy to pick-out because she was lying on the floor in the corner,
instead of a bed like the others. I would have missed her if it wasn’t for a
boy who kindly ushered me over to help. As I kneeled beside the woman I quickly
realized how severe her sickness was. She was skin and bone. Her breath was
extremely faint. Flies were swarming around her face. I became very emotional, but
I knew she needed help, so I choked-back tears and began rubbing lotion on her
frail arms and legs. The boy who brought me over spoke some English so I
started chatting with him. He told me he was 23 years old and the woman was his
mother. I asked him how old she was, he struggled to say the number in English,
but he could say “birthday.” It was his mother’s birthday that day. At that
point I couldn’t hold back the tears - I couldn’t help but think of my own
mother and just how difficult that must have been for the both of them. I asked
the boy if I could pray for his mother. I held the woman’s delicate hands,
bowed my head, and began silently praying. I was surprised when I looked up and
saw the boy and his friend holding hands reciting a prayer in Creole. I grabbed
his hand and all three of us began praying together over the woman. I was
beside myself with emotion. I have never felt God more present. We didn’t need
to understand what each of us were saying to know that it was powerful. I
hugged the boy as he continued to say “merci, merci” over and over. What he didn’t know was that I was thankful for
him. God is so good and I truly believe he brought me to this moment for a
reason.
Ellie
Wow, Ellie. What a powerful story! God shows his presence in many unexpected ways. May you continue to "see" him in the days ahead. Steve
ReplyDeleteThanks to the team for sharing these stories of your experience. You -- and the people you're serving -- are all very inspiring. - Nick W
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to stretch and touch each of you as you "touch" the precious lives of others. Thank you for sharing your experiences of being the hands and feet of Jesus....know you are being lifted up in prayer. ��
ReplyDeletePlease give Eileen a big hug for me.....Rachelle
I was so moved by the experience you shared today. I am so proud and humbled for you and your team's commitment to this wonderful mission. God works in mysterious ways and is always present. Love, Mom(Jan)
ReplyDelete