Friends

I believe if all I had to my name were the friends God has given me, I could say that I have been blessed beyond measure. True friends are few and far between, and even fewer are ones that bring you closer to Christ. They are people I look up to, and cause me to set the bar higher. People who keep me accountable, and who I know are praying for me and I them.

If I were with my friends in America, we'd probably be sitting on our apartment floor, solving life's problems, and having a brownie mug. Maybe I'd be going shopping with my sisters, or taking trips to Sonic after church to see what we can buy with a dollar and a dime.

I miss all of that - all of you. Sometimes I find myself wanting to wallow in self-pity, but God has given me peace that far outweighs any sorrow I may feel. He has given me friends here, better than I could have imagined. God is teaching me that He gives us exactly what we need, and even more just because He is good to His children. He always seems to go above and beyond our expectations. Although we may not be able to go shopping together, or have the clearest conversations, they fill my heart with joy, simply by being in their presence.

The kind of joy that comes when I'm dancing around the kitchen with two girls who have the biggest imaginations I've ever been around.  When Rachel and I sit with Margaret by her fire, and we laugh and cry at the same time because the smoke is burning our eyes.  When Lynn comes over for language lessons, and we get to talk about our favorite Bible verses. When Baimuri gives me a big wide eyed grin, and lets me hold her little baby Matthew.  When Manandi comes inside to chat over a cup of coffee and some biscuits. When it's time for prayer after ladies meeting, and Ansuta pours her heart out to God on my behalf.

The friends I've been blessed with fill my heart up to overflowing. God has been so good to me.  I am so thankful for these friendships, and for my God who has blessed me tremendously with each of you.  

I wrote this a few days ago if some of the dates I mention get confusing..

The Gibello family has been visiting with us for one week.  They brought their two children ages 4 and 2 with them, and we have had such a great time!  I've had light saber battles, played hide and seek, been thrown in "jail", and attacked with toy snakes and frogs.  It's been lots of fun having them around, not sure what we'll do once they leave!

On Friday afternoon, Hannah and Ariel rounded everyone up to play some baseball.  It seemed everyone in the village came to play once they got home from work.  Each team probably had 25 to 30 players.  Ages 5 to 45, and anywhere from 3 feet to 6 feet tall.  I think the women cheered and shouted more than I've ever heard them even say a word.  Although my team lost, I would say we had the best team spirit ;)

Saturday was the first sunny day we've had in a while.  I walked outside, and almost lost my breath at how good it felt to have the sun shining on my face!  After choir, I sat outside the church for nearly two hours with some of the youth girls singing different songs from the church song book. They taught me the chorus of "Oh How I Love, Jesus" in Kamea, and I taught it in English.  So we would sing it in English, then Pigin, then Kamea.  I'm positive I'm still pronouncing the words wrong, but they were very encouraging, haha!

Our time outside ended, when a mother came asking for help for her young boy.  The story was a bit confusing, but somehow a tree or piece of wood had fallen on his foot and cut the top open pretty badly.  It definitely needed stitches.  I went to get Rachel, and on my way back saw him hobbling over on one foot with a stick for extra support.  He had walked all the way here, and I could tell he was trying hard not to cry. I felt so sorry for him, and I just couldn't stand there. I asked if he wanted me to carry him the rest of the way, which wasn't far, and he did.  I saw myself in that little guy, struggling, hobbling along, and clinging to my little stick for support. Just trying to make it as far as I can on my own. Only asking for help when I can't do it anymore, if I even ask for help at all. All the while my Heavenly Father is right there, waiting for me to let go of my wobbly stick, and lean on Him instead.

At dinner the same night, another man came needing stitches right above his eye.  He had been playing soccer after dark, and ran into the goal post.  It took quite a while to get the bleeding to stop, so I held pressure on the wound, Rachel stitched, and Andrew and Hannah held up a lamp and a flashlight. "How many white people does it take to sew one man up?"

For tea time today, Ariel and I opted for water instead.  The weather has been getting so much warmer lately, and hot tea didn't sound very appetizing.  So we drank our water, and chatted in the hammocks on the front porch.  The Gibello's little boy decided to come visit us, and he seemed quite enamored with all the spiders I have hanging around the place, and all the different ways into and out of the house.  We went in and outside nearly 50 times, and then settled down with a banana to snack on.  

I hope you enjoy reading about the everyday happenings in Kunai! Thanks for reading, and thanks for praying!

An Answered Prayer

Last week Sunday, my spirit felt rather dry.  My mind had been preoccupied with worries, and other things I had put above my time with the Lord.  I needed refreshing, and before church began I prayed that God would use Pastor James to speak to me.  To give me something that I personally needed.

Usually his sermons are roughly estimated, 75% Kamea, and 25% Pigin.  In other words, I spend most of that time letting my mind wonder.  But this Sunday I determined would be different.  I sat down on the wooden bench, and pastor began by telling us to turn to "buk Rom, chapter 4."  My heart skipped a beat. This is one of my favorite passages about the faith of Abraham.  A passage God has used to guide and encourage me over the last year.  I wondered which verses he would preach on.  He then began reading verses 13 to the end of the chapter, all in English.  Maybe you're thinking what's the big deal? - Well, I can probably count on one hand the times he has read any verses in English this year and last year combined. The majority of people in church that day couldn't understand English, but he was reading them in English. His sermon continued in spurts of Pigin and longer spurts of Kamea, but all I could do was be amazed at what God had just given me.

Maybe it sounds silly, but I know my God is personal.  He knew I needed that reminder not to loose faith. To keep my eyes on him. And he gave it to me in my own language so I wouldn't forget it.  

Catching up!

Hey everyone!  

I apologize for being a failure at blogging! I feel like I've almost forgotten how to, but I'll try my best to remember some of the recent things I've been getting to be a part of! I apologize for the briefness of each story, otherwise you'd be reading for days. 

Early in September, Bro. Matt and his family were out for a few weeks while Andrew, Rachel, and I hung back in Kunai.  One weekend we hiked to the site of the radio tower to do a little painting.  We packed a lunch and made a day out of it.  At the top, we made a quick phone call to Bro. John and Mrs. Lena back in the states.  It was so great to hear their voices on the other end!  We ate our biscuits and granola bars, took a few fun pictures, and then got to work.  The weekend before the Allen clan came back, Andrew gathered up all the scrap wood around the guest house to make a bon fire.  Rachel and I concluded that you can't have a bon fire without smores, so we made some with Bush Biscuits instead of graham crackers. They turned out quite yummy! 

While the Allens were gone I had the opportunity to teach Jr. Church in Mrs. Becky's place.  I was nervous at first, thinking about teaching 50 or so kids and keeping their attention.  It turned out great though! I had my friend Anna translate for me. Without her I'm sure the kids would have been lost with my half Pigin, half English stories.  We also learned a new English song, "Behold what manner of love..." I think the kids enjoyed it because they always asked if we could sing it again, "2 more times! 3 more! 4 more!" I usually would settle for 2 :) I didn't realize I had an interest in teaching, but those 3 weeks filled me with so much joy unspeakable! 

A couple weeks later, Bro. Brad Wells and three of his children came to help set up the radio tower.  The tower here will be a repeater of Bro. Brad's station in Mt. Hagen.  People here will be able to listen to preaching, scripture reading, and Christian music in Pigin. This is something many have been dreaming and looking forward to for a long time.  On Thursday, the 19th, many of us woke up early to carry pieces of the tower, supplies, tools, and lunch to the top of Mt. Yemya.  That trip up the mountain was the hardest one yet! Usually I just carry a pack of biscuits, and water - not hammers and nails.  When we reached the top, I was amazed at the amount of people that had made the climb.  Looking at the many faces, tears came to my eyes as I realized that I was standing in the middle of a dream come true.  

Zipping right along to this last week!  Andrew and Rachel were out for one week getting supplies.  Which meant I would be the only nurse on the property.  I don't know if it's funny or sad, but my prayer life dramatically increased while she was gone.  I've found that when I start to get comfortable, God has something planned to remind me of my great need for Him. - On Friday of this week, Margaret coached me through a stitch up job.  This particular lady had cut the palm of her hand all the way around to the top with her bush knife.  Ouch! 

On Saturday, my friend Manandi and I walked down to the soccer fields at Kotidanga together.  She had a game later that day, and I was free so I told her I'd come watch.  The boys game was intended to start at 9:30.  At 9:30 no one was there, just a few vendors at market.  So we rounded for a little while, and bought some tapioke, bananas, and a pineapple to eat for lunch. We found a spot on the grass and sat there for an hour or so as different friend's of her came to talk with us.  After a while many more people had come to sell things in market so we made another round, and met up with our friend, Anna.  By this point it was nearly noon and the first game hadn't even started yet.  We talked with Anna until the boys game started at 12:30. The afternoon rain started early in the guys game so they ended up postponing the girl's game. Even though I didn't get to see the game I had wanted to, I had a great time sitting and talking with Manandi, and meeting some of her friends. 

Today is Monday which means Rachel and Andrew, along with Bro. Matt and the two interns will be returning if weather permits.  Tomorrow the Gibello family is coming to visit for 1 week.  I'm sure we'll be having lots of fun since they have two small children!

Til next time!

Siria

Almost two months ago, Siria's mother brought her with a bad case of whooping cough and diarrhea.  We treated her for both, and told them to stay close by to return for shots the next day.  Instead of getting better, each visit she continually got worse.  Added to her whooping cough and diarrhea, it seemed she developed pneumonia and chicken pox simultaneously.  One week turned into two and still she wasn't getting any better.

We were running on fumes by this point for she wasn't the only sick baby staying in or near the clinic.  I had had it with sick and dying babies.  Almost every child I saw sleeping in their mother's arms I assumed was close to death.  I would ask Snowi, our helper, are they sleeping or sick?

On this particular day, we sat with Siria and her mother all day.  Her lungs were full of fluid, and she wasn't drinking any of her mother's milk.  We tried breathing treatments, and putting tubes down her nose.  Nothing seemed to help.  She would struggle to breath for what seemed like only seconds then would quit for what seemed like minutes.  I remember looking down at the lap lap her mother Jennifer had her wrapped in.  It said, "all things are possible with God," and I knew if this little girl lived it would only be because of Him.

We had all mourned for this little girl that we knew wouldn't make it, but still she grasped at every bit of life she had left.  She made it through that night and the night after that.  Her brain was injured from lack of oxygen, and she had seizures for some time afterward. It seemed she couldn't see or hear because of her inability to focus on anything or anyone talking to her.  We slowly weaned her off of the seizure medication, and she didn't seem to suffer from them anymore.  A few weeks later we discharged a little girl who I thought may never enjoy sight or sound again.

Last week she came back to the clinic full of joy and laughter.  She crawled around on the clinic porch, and even let me stand her up.  She didn't stop smiling, and I don't think Rachel and I could either. It seems everything about her is back to normal except for her hearing.

God truly worked a miracle in little Siria's life.  My God can make the blind see and bring the dead back to life. May I never forget the power of His healing hand.

The Perfect Day

What constitutes a perfect day?  I guess for some it might be making the final payment on a home, finally getting that promotion, or learning that you are expecting a precious baby.  I'm sure if I were in those situations I would consider myself to be having a perfect day as well.  But sometimes the perfect day is simple.

In college, I remember thinking the perfect day was getting out of class early, the sun was shining, and I had enough time to take the long way down Washington and Dixie home, just to admire all the pretty homes. Maybe the perfect day was being home on Saturday evening, and roasting marshmallows with my parents and sisters.  Nothing extravagant had happened.  It was just a simple day, and in my eyes, perfect.

We've had some difficult days as of late, but Wednesday it was like God kept trying to remind me that he is still with us, that He is still in control. It was one of those simply, perfect days. Peace kept washing over me again and again in waves. There were no fireworks, no pomp and fanfare, just peace.  

It's hard to describe an indescribable peace sometimes.  Sort of like trying to describe the way something tastes, or the way the wind feels.  You have to experience it to know how it feels.  So instead of trying to explain it, I'll just tell you a little about my day.

The first wave hit me while I was sitting out beside the clinic with Manandi.  The ladies have been cutting grass this week so we sat on the now golden yard, just talking about playing soccer and a bad case of Malaria she had one time.  An odd combination, I know.  We sat there together, enjoying our slow day.  I tried to soak it all up.  Every last bit of sunshine and laughter.  

After a few more patients, we found ourselves inside packing medicine with John Mark.  He packed and we labeled.  Manandi started to sing a new song I had never heard before.  Neither had John Mark.  She taught us the words, and we kept singing this sweet melody, "...Aleluya, Hosanna! Aleluya, Hosanna! Jisas yu nambawan!.." The wave swept over me again.  

Church had ended, and I found myself nearly stumbling over myself as I walked back home.  I couldn't stop staring up at the sky, as the sun had begun to set.  All kinds of oranges and reds spilled from behind the clouds. The birds were singing.  A soft breeze was blowing. It was beautiful.  I wondered to myself how amazing our God truly is to give us these things.  He could have chosen to make everything brown, to give all birds the same song, and never have us feel the touch of a gentle breeze. His goodness swept over me. 

Then yesterday Rachel had asked if I'd like to walk up to the airstrip with her.  At the top, we were both able to call and talk to loved ones.  It was wonderful to hear my families voices again. I finished my conversation, and Rachel made her phone call.  I walked over to the other side, and sat down to read the book I had brought with me.  This day wasn't necessarily what I would describe as being beautiful.  Not like the evening before.  It was overcast and I could feel a few sprinkles while I sat reading.  But as I was reading I had to stop and just listen. I looked over at a vast amount of jungle trees, and watched as the wind blew through them.  The sound they made told me of my God's presence.  His peace washed over me again.

My day may sound a bit boring, but to me it was sweet.  God was reminding me that I don't have to look very far to find Him or His peace.  So in Him, my day was perfect.  

Around the World

On Friday night, I usually have Ariel and Hannah over for dinner and a movie.  They come over around 5pm and we have a big time before we crash!  I noticed last time that it seems we have been eating a different international dish each week. We've had pizza and skillet lasagna, a cheesy Mexican rice dish, and this last week Chinese fried rice.  We've now decided to make it our tradition to visit a different country each week. I think this Friday we're going to India!  Please comment and leave ideas for dishes in different countries that we could try out!