It's hard to believe that 15 months ago one of my biggest dreams became a reality. Now, after spending the last 6 months sharing about it, I'm eager to get back and dive in again. I've been in awe of how it has all happened with such blessing. After I pour my heart out at church after church, many people come to me and say "it must be so hard what you're doing." And yes, it is. It is so hard. But that's why I do it. That's why I have found some amazing young Mozambicans to do it with me. Because, if we don't, who will? Any good thing that we can do is more than our dear brothers and sisters would have without us. I can't imagine not doing it because it "might be so hard." That's why we do it and, as a result, I think we're blessed most of all.
This little boy hears Bible stories and sees his first book on our visits. In addition, he gets assessed and treated physically. He knows he's loved.
This elderly woman who is close to forgotten gets her hair washed and cut by girls who show her love. We sang together and laughed. She too knew love until her last day.
We drive as far as my little car can go and we walk. We talk about real life in Mozambique. Sometimes we sing, we laugh and we bring light into the darkness. May they know we are Christians by our love.
These two have seen so many changes in their lives. Their country has been through war, they've seen natural disasters, they cling to hope and oh, how they deserve the GLORY that they one day will dwell in. We've been blessed to love them.
And, oh how blessed I feel to have trained and work with these ladies. With plenty of their own struggles and challenges they spend their days carrying other peoples burdens and struggles. Lord, bless them-- they bring the love.
And then, only the Lord could have worked it to bring another Hospice of the Valley nurse to the same area in Mozambique to lead the program while I cam to the US for 6 months! Not a day have I worried that the work was suffering in my absence.
Of course we realize that change and community transformation comes with education. This day one woman's life was changed. By hosting this community meeting her friends faced their fears and realized that they could care for their friend, even in the presence of disease. The church and family/friends rallied after being educated and we actually had to discharge our patient because she improved and no longer need us! Praise the Lord.
(this is the future site of our office, please consider helping make this a reality! Donation info at bottom)
So here we are-- 15 months later. We've cared for 31 patients through that time and currently 15 patients are receiving basic holistic care through our program. We couldn't be more blessed to do the work! What an honor it is, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
Born from a couple hearts just wanting to care, Happy Birthday Mvura Ya Upenhu (Living Waters) Palliative Care!!!! We bless you and all the hope you will bring with God's word in the years to come!
If you would like to send a "birthday gift/support" to this "compassionate care" project please do so on one of these links:
If you have any questions please feel free to email me directly!!!! We need your partnership!
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