This week, I met a one month old premature baby named Valerie whose 18 year old mother abandoned her and she is so malnourished that she barely weighs 2 pounds... and yet she is surviving in one of the dirtiest, poorest places in the world only through the love of God, the power of prayers, and the unselfishness of a wonderful women within the community who has agreed to love her as her own.
This week my heart was broken by a 13 year old boy named Francis who needs attention so badly that he resorts to treating women in the community with a huge amount of disrespect. What's even more disheartening is that he is encouraged by the men in his community to do so.
This week, I held a mother's hand as we prayed over her 3 year old son who spends most of his time being terribly sick. This child, Wilme had to have colostomy surgery at a young age and needs to be taken to the capital (which is about 4 hours away) every couple of months to receive medical treatment. If you met this kid, you would never guess he spent more of his days being sick... joy radiates from him... and its through his sickness that his mother, Tika, came to Christ.
This week, I sat on the sidewalk with a man named Migueso who just one week ago believed that this life that we have now is all the exists, that all our hope lies in our life here on earth and that there is nothing to live for past that. Just yesterday, as we said our goodbyes, this wonderful old man told us that even though we might not see him again here on earth, that we will see him one day in heaven.
This week, I hugged on children and watched them cry as we told them our final goodbyes. Goodbyes, and not See You Laters. It was in that moment that through foggy eyes I was reminded that my purpose in temporary, and while these beautiful children of Guachupita are no longer under my love and protection, they are cared for by a loving God who can do much greater things than me anyway.
So... that's my week, in words. Overwhelming, rejoiceful, and heartbreaking all at the same time. Each and everyday I experience a love and compassion that I will never be able to forget. It's a wild ride, no doubt, but one I am glad I took the time to stand in line for.
Micah, you have a gift for helping us see things through your eyes and feel them through your heart. I thank you so much for these posts, especially this one, it brings things into perspective. By sharing these stories you are not only making a difference there but spreading it to us back home by making us see how much we have to thank God for! I love you!
ReplyDeleteMicah, What a blessing you have been to the people of Guachupita! And you are a great blessing to each of us who read you blog updates, too. God bless you and your efforts to bring those folks to Him, is my prayer. Have a safe trip to Haiti!
ReplyDeleteDearest Micah, no words just tears of joy from me for the woman our Lord and Savior is molding you to become. You a truly in His precious hands. I love you.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible experience I just read about! I'm so glad the people you just described were blessed by your presence neighbor! :) Love and miss you!
ReplyDeleteLove the post Micah...your perspective is one I love. I remember a few of the abandoned children I'd met in 2008 (on my WR trip) and couldn't stop seeing some great things that they were born for, and wondering if they'll ever know the greatness that's inside them...or if nobody will ever believe in them, love them, or pray over them to set them free and release them to do those great things. Thanks for bringing it all back to me!
ReplyDeleteReading this reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song. Though you may not have known it you were seeing Him in every circumstance you faced.
ReplyDeleteFrom the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bold where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Honey I am so proud of you, I can't wait till you get home and tell us all about it. You have the heart and belief that God has given you and you are help to spread his world and power. Be very careful and do what you think God wants you to do. I love you very very much...Nana.
ReplyDeleteMicah I am so proud of you and your commitment to our Lord and what He wants you to do for him. My heart was touched to read your thoughts about the experiences you have had. Please know that you are constantly in my prayers. God bless you and keep you safe as you love and travel in His will. You are a wonderful young woman. Keep in touch. Much love, Delores.
ReplyDelete