If today was one of my first and last days of Palliative care visits in Mozambique,
I think it would have been enough.
I am satisfied.
But, longing and eager for more...
Blessed to be used in writing this story.
More soon....
Monday, October 20, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
resting in the abnormal
This week was so weird. It started as a normal Monday-- shopping, laundry, prepare for the week/errand day. But this week I found myself trying to think of everything we might need knowing that we were not going to leave the house on Wednesday or Thursday. Cars were filled with fuel, cupboards were stocked.
Tuesday came around-- as normal as any day.
Wednesday I woke up later than usual since Nede wasn't going to school. My first thought was, "Wow, it's quiet. I can hear birds singing." I don't know what I expected-- I knew violence and war wasn't really likely but because I don't understand African politics I didn't know what this election day (that had been geared up for so long) might bring. Turns out I found it sort of fun. Knowing my family and I were just home together, not to go out for 2 days "just in case". I felt safe with my Loves near. We were okay and all WAS quiet.
But, also on Thursday, that knot sat heavy in my tummy. With someone dear going for an angiogram I found myself in a full blown worry-- a bit anxious and even scared. When all was well I realized that that felt like a big deal because, well, frankly, it was a big deal. Yes, it is so "normal" in America but so ABNORMAL in Mozambique. We wonder if the local hospital even has a stethoscope, yet alone an electronic device of any sort. It felt not normal.
What is this world that I find myself in?
Then Friday, I'm concerned again about 2 special people here. One who I know needs more antiretrovirals or he'll be out for the weekend allowing that blasted virus to mutate and make his medications ineffective. I went to check on him to make sure he'd gone. Not home. Not at the hospital either. Picking sugar cane to sell to have money to buy food. Also important, but not medication. Shoot.
Then, a special young mom that I met on the street had just spent the day at the hospital, hardly strong enough to walk, out of breath, sores on her swollen face. She had been sent away and treated with Tylenol and iron tablets. I could have screamed my face off knowing those are not what she needs. What can I do? Treat her myself and pray against this abnormal.
Despite all of this, yesterday and today I was in a giddy, silly-girl mood. I'm not sure my husband knew what to do with me. And this afternoon, while lighting a candle and rolling out my bread dough I found my mind writing and thinking, "This is normal and no matter where I am, as long as I'm with these Loves I can take a deep breath, light a candle, roll out some bread and enjoy something normal." I can find normal in this oh so abnormal life we journey. If I'm in the center of where I know He wants me, then all is well and even the most abnormal can be accepted as normal. I can be giddy and full of a joy from the Lord. Despite all of this, here is where I'm happy, resting in His place of abnormal.
Tuesday came around-- as normal as any day.
Wednesday I woke up later than usual since Nede wasn't going to school. My first thought was, "Wow, it's quiet. I can hear birds singing." I don't know what I expected-- I knew violence and war wasn't really likely but because I don't understand African politics I didn't know what this election day (that had been geared up for so long) might bring. Turns out I found it sort of fun. Knowing my family and I were just home together, not to go out for 2 days "just in case". I felt safe with my Loves near. We were okay and all WAS quiet.
But, also on Thursday, that knot sat heavy in my tummy. With someone dear going for an angiogram I found myself in a full blown worry-- a bit anxious and even scared. When all was well I realized that that felt like a big deal because, well, frankly, it was a big deal. Yes, it is so "normal" in America but so ABNORMAL in Mozambique. We wonder if the local hospital even has a stethoscope, yet alone an electronic device of any sort. It felt not normal.
What is this world that I find myself in?
Then Friday, I'm concerned again about 2 special people here. One who I know needs more antiretrovirals or he'll be out for the weekend allowing that blasted virus to mutate and make his medications ineffective. I went to check on him to make sure he'd gone. Not home. Not at the hospital either. Picking sugar cane to sell to have money to buy food. Also important, but not medication. Shoot.
Then, a special young mom that I met on the street had just spent the day at the hospital, hardly strong enough to walk, out of breath, sores on her swollen face. She had been sent away and treated with Tylenol and iron tablets. I could have screamed my face off knowing those are not what she needs. What can I do? Treat her myself and pray against this abnormal.
Despite all of this, yesterday and today I was in a giddy, silly-girl mood. I'm not sure my husband knew what to do with me. And this afternoon, while lighting a candle and rolling out my bread dough I found my mind writing and thinking, "This is normal and no matter where I am, as long as I'm with these Loves I can take a deep breath, light a candle, roll out some bread and enjoy something normal." I can find normal in this oh so abnormal life we journey. If I'm in the center of where I know He wants me, then all is well and even the most abnormal can be accepted as normal. I can be giddy and full of a joy from the Lord. Despite all of this, here is where I'm happy, resting in His place of abnormal.
(Aren't they sweet, too?)
Saturday, October 11, 2014
world hospice and palliative care day
And YES I DO!
In a time and world where the big news is a 29 year old, Brittany Maynard, deciding on assisted suicide and a Jesus-loving, Kara Tippetts, mother of 4 (also with cancer) begging her not to cut her life short, my heart bleeds for the both. I weep because Brittany could have beautiful access to supreme palliative and hospice care until her last breath. She could write a beautiful story with her husband and those she loves for as long as possible. And my heart, weeps at the beauty of Kara doing just that-- working with the best to be able to enjoy reading every last story to her kiddos, to go for that walk holding the hand of her beloved husband.
As my friend here says, "Everything is possible in America. American's can do anything."
And, isn't it true?
Here I am, on this day hoping with the World that we can expand palliative/hospice care into this little dark corner of the world. That I can take a nugget of what I know from the land of possibility and lengthen a day and bring some quality back to the hopefulness of an 8 year old.
Because life, in your living and your dying is sacred. It is beautiful, it is to be treasured-- all your days, every last breath. They are ordained and gifted from our loving Father and it's in our living we get to learn to know him as we prepare for our dying.
I'm encouraged as I read a quote from Bono saying,
“In life, you try your best to hold
on tight to your dignity, in death sometimes others have to hold onto
it for you. The premise of hospice care is very close to the bone for
me. The hospice was available to look after my father before he died
of cancer.
These people are kind of angels. They escort you to the door of your death; they are the midwives for delivery into your next life. The comfort and relief they provide is exponential, it spills over to family, friends, colleagues. It’s a blessing that everyone should be able to receive.
In the poorest countries, where so many people are fighting for their lives, the conditions of death don’t get much of a look in. But how we care for the sick and dying is surely a litmus test of our humanity. Just as we fight for equality in life, we should fight for equality in death.”
These people are kind of angels. They escort you to the door of your death; they are the midwives for delivery into your next life. The comfort and relief they provide is exponential, it spills over to family, friends, colleagues. It’s a blessing that everyone should be able to receive.
In the poorest countries, where so many people are fighting for their lives, the conditions of death don’t get much of a look in. But how we care for the sick and dying is surely a litmus test of our humanity. Just as we fight for equality in life, we should fight for equality in death.”
Please pray because we do care and I agree, we should fight for equality in death. Not just in America.
Monday, October 6, 2014
it has begun
As this week comes to an end,
my throat still scratching
Me, second guessing my antibiotic choice
And reflecting on the week
Wondering if it's worth it??
Although, really, when I think about it,
Despite feeling not great for a couple of weeks,
It was one of the best weeks I've had in ages.
It was time.
The stirring was there,
We listened.
We made our first palliative care/hospice home visit.
I wish I could show you his eyes,
Because, there is so much there.
So much hope,
Yet so much pain when he says, "I'm too tired to play with the kids,"
So MUCH, when he admits he brushes his teeth with his finger and sand.
So much age when he says "my sores and head are always hurting."
Of course it was time.
It's time to love my "little guy" to bits.
Yes, I am smitten.
And, yes, part of me is really scared to walk this journey--
to risk it yet again.
I wish you could have seen after he visited the clinic later in the week.
After we gave him a foot scrub and cleaned up his feet,
Gave him a warm cup of milk and a lollipop,
He walked out giving me a thumbs up and a wave.
There was pride back in his little hurting heart.
I could see it,
He knew he had value.
He KNEW that day that he was important to someone.
There was no cure,
It may not even have looked like "palliative care"
I might be changing my program already.
My definitions are changing that's for sure.
"Comfort care" may be changing from morphine,
to giggles.
And that's just fine with me.
Because we saw change, there was quality.
If only for a minute.
And when Chad asked, "So Dear, how was it to be back in the community again?"
"I LOVED IT!"
"I thought so."
my throat still scratching
Me, second guessing my antibiotic choice
And reflecting on the week
Wondering if it's worth it??
Although, really, when I think about it,
Despite feeling not great for a couple of weeks,
It was one of the best weeks I've had in ages.
It was time.
The stirring was there,
We listened.
We made our first palliative care/hospice home visit.
Because, there is so much there.
So much hope,
Yet so much pain when he says, "I'm too tired to play with the kids,"
So MUCH, when he admits he brushes his teeth with his finger and sand.
So much age when he says "my sores and head are always hurting."
Of course it was time.
It's time to love my "little guy" to bits.
Yes, I am smitten.
And, yes, part of me is really scared to walk this journey--
to risk it yet again.
I wish you could have seen after he visited the clinic later in the week.
After we gave him a foot scrub and cleaned up his feet,
Gave him a warm cup of milk and a lollipop,
He walked out giving me a thumbs up and a wave.
There was pride back in his little hurting heart.
I could see it,
He knew he had value.
He KNEW that day that he was important to someone.
There was no cure,
It may not even have looked like "palliative care"
I might be changing my program already.
My definitions are changing that's for sure.
"Comfort care" may be changing from morphine,
to giggles.
And that's just fine with me.
Because we saw change, there was quality.
If only for a minute.
And when Chad asked, "So Dear, how was it to be back in the community again?"
"I LOVED IT!"
"I thought so."
Saturday, September 27, 2014
everlasting joy!
This seems to tell the story....
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”
I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.
Isaiah 61:1-3, 7-11
Happiest 9th Birthday to our Nede!
May "everlasting joy" continue to be yours!
You are beauty from ashes!
You are a delight to the Lord--
and everyone who knows you!
Monday, September 22, 2014
death where is your sting
We've been asking the hard questions here lately. The ones where there are no answers. The ones that by finding 2 Thessalonians 2:7, I found comfort, "The Mysterious Wickedness is already at work, but what is going to happen will not happen until the one who holds it back is taken out of the way."
Because, really we know that there's no answers other than God is weeping with us.
I want to ask "Why didn't God stop?" my friends nephew from being abducted and mutilated with body parts being used to make some evil person "rich". I want to say, "Why didn't God stop the bus from hitting her?"
As I grow, I realize those aren't the questions to ask. Because, what I know of God is that He is ALWAYS good. No, these situations are NOT good AT ALL! They're absolutely awful.
I've wrestled with sharing these tragedies with you-- I'd rather protect you from hearing the grimmest of grim that we see here. But, reality is, my friends, it's happening. And why? I do wonder. And, being in the positions we're in we're asked, "why doesn't God stop these tragic things?"
I don't have the answer. The only thing I can promise is that God is always about good. The families of these children probably don't see this, I don't see this. No, not yet.
This brought me to wonder if my view is too small-- too much of the here and now. Maybe I sit and analyze and only see our earthly life. Fact is, it's all I can comprehend at the moment so of course a premature death has nothing good linked to it. I do know though (in theory) that these tragedies that are pure evil are not God's good plan. Thankfully we can be assured that the story doesn't stop there. Jesus conquered life and death. Not just life. So, maybe the real thing I should be contemplating is what it will be like to see the fullness of God's goodness on the other side. Because, asking just the why's of now forgets about the promises of then.
Because, really we know that there's no answers other than God is weeping with us.
I want to ask "Why didn't God stop?" my friends nephew from being abducted and mutilated with body parts being used to make some evil person "rich". I want to say, "Why didn't God stop the bus from hitting her?"
As I grow, I realize those aren't the questions to ask. Because, what I know of God is that He is ALWAYS good. No, these situations are NOT good AT ALL! They're absolutely awful.
I've wrestled with sharing these tragedies with you-- I'd rather protect you from hearing the grimmest of grim that we see here. But, reality is, my friends, it's happening. And why? I do wonder. And, being in the positions we're in we're asked, "why doesn't God stop these tragic things?"
I don't have the answer. The only thing I can promise is that God is always about good. The families of these children probably don't see this, I don't see this. No, not yet.
This brought me to wonder if my view is too small-- too much of the here and now. Maybe I sit and analyze and only see our earthly life. Fact is, it's all I can comprehend at the moment so of course a premature death has nothing good linked to it. I do know though (in theory) that these tragedies that are pure evil are not God's good plan. Thankfully we can be assured that the story doesn't stop there. Jesus conquered life and death. Not just life. So, maybe the real thing I should be contemplating is what it will be like to see the fullness of God's goodness on the other side. Because, asking just the why's of now forgets about the promises of then.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 5:55
There is victory. In the meantime, there is grieving, yes, much, much grieving. And, the Mysterious Wickedness is surely at work. But, there will be a time when it's moved out of the way and the fullness of His goodness will be revealed. And then, and only then, will I understand. May I fix my eyes on the larger plan. The bigger view. The whole story!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Mvura Ye Upenhu Palliative Care and Hospice
And we're rolling....
How does one start a pilot palliative/hospice care program in Mozambique? That's the question I've toyed with for a good nine months now.
First priority...Mozambicans. I need a Mozambican to learn from and to train up. My impact in a community as a “pink person” (as Nede refers to us) is minimal compared to a respectable Mozambican. So...
This starts the 4th week of my training Rebecca in palliative care/hospice. I have chosen Rebecca as my first “trainer”. For many reasons, she is the obvious first person for me to train. I have known her for greater than 6 years, she's been a friend but has also demonstrated compassion and care to the sick in the villages (out of her own initiative). She speaks English well. She's well grounded in her Christian walk-- these are great first steps. Rebecca has made many choices to reject her cultural “norms” and stand in a “Kingdom culture.” These were requirements for me in anyone I would work with on this program. So, with my first “trainer” selected, we've kicked off...
We have now completed 5 weeks of 2 days of training each week. First, we started talking about what palliative care and hospice care are. It's interesting as I start to recognize the philosophy that I so believe in just from being raised in America. The understanding of alleviation of pain and suffering are not the natural thought process here in Moz. The mountain is big!
Into the 2-3 weeks we spoke about grief and bereavement because, tragically, there was a traumatic car accident recently so these talks were not just theory-- it was needed practically. This week we started on HIV/AIDS.
Already I've been faced with many cultural questions and challenges. Imagine being told by the pastor, at the death of a loved one, “don't cry” you will see your loved one one day? Don't show your sadness!
Imagine believing that every death needs to be blamed on someone. There's no acceptance of accidents. There's no understanding of disease pathology-- there must have been a curse.
Imagine that I just spent the equivalent to almost $40 on a box of latex gloves! Oops, I need to do some shopping around for that! That will not be feasible (but necessary)!
To be honest, I'm not sure how to work with this. But what I do know is that I'm excited to try. I'm eager to keep teaching, I'm eager to start working with families. And, yes, we could dive in and start visiting but the crises was here yesterday, it'll be here tomorrow and, I'll feel so much better to start and do it well when we're ready. It's my goal that by October we'll have admitted and started visiting our first family with...Mvura Ye Upenhu Palliative Care and Hospice (Living Waters Palliative Care and Hospice) Because...Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:38 Yes, that is our prayer....
We've also started recording for our Wildlife Animal players that our patients will receive. These girls have started recording music with Chad. Soon stories and scriptures will join them to bring peace and hope to our patients at the end of life. This is exciting...
(No, the video is not frozen, it's just one photo. I didn't know how else to share the song! ;)
(Wildlife Animal players which will play the music we're recording, along with scriptures and Bible stories)
Monday, August 11, 2014
my dream for courage
Sometimes you just have to dive in, don't you? Be like Peter and "get out of the boat"! All the while, there may be fear and trembling but, with eyes fixed on Jesus, take a step. Baby as they may be, just walk, keep on walking.
I've been here in Mozambique the better part of 5 years now. All the while I've been busy doing what God had in front of me but never was I secure enough, never was I well enough, to dream another dream. But now, as life settles, I enjoy my family and our life here, I've started to dream again. And so, after months of writing, planning programs and trainings, I'm to the point of being ready to "get out of the boat and walk..."
You may have read about Courage which later lead to my sharing about my desire to start a program in hospice care. And then, not long after I had an experience which reminded me, if God has asked something of me, I need to walk in it, I need to listen, I want to be Obedient.
So, for the rest of this year, I will slowly be rolling out my plans for a palliative care/hospice program in Mozambique. (I have a more detailed plan if anyone is interested to know more please email me at darajeanhillstrom@gmail.com). The basis of the program is to teach families and communities to care for, in their homes, those with incurable disease. I foresee this being many HIV/AIDS patients, those with things such as cancer (that which there is no treatment for here) and even children with special needs who have little to no access to support structures. I will hire and work alongside 1-2 Mozambicans (for starters) who will be titled "trainers" who, after much training themselves, will be able to train families and caregivers in how to care for and what to expect in caring for their terminally-ill loved ones.
Historically in Mozambique, there is no understanding of "comfort care" or that "suffering" isn't necessary. Many people may even believe pain and "symptoms out of control" (ie. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hallucinations) are a result of a curse or a sin that they've committed. In preparation for planning this program I've conducted some interviews to gain a better cultural understanding. I've been shocked to hear from my friends that the only acceptable reason for death would be due to old age. Any other prior death would be a work of witch craft or a curse. Disease process is not understood. Accidents aren't called for what they are, an "accident", all is a matter of sorcery.
What a scary way to live. Terrible.
Okay, okay, so you maybe thinking, it's unlikely that I'm going to be able to change a nation and culture's world view on death and dying. I will be the first to agree with you! There are mountains in front of this messenger who's trying to bring good news of eternal life to those who are suffering. But, my hope is that within the next many months my team and I can walk with a few families, primarily the Courages and my little guy with tuberculosis to bring them some relief and care but most importantly love and hope!
To kick this off, I will need a little bit of extra support to do things such as have training programs translated into Portuguese, have salary money to pay my "trainers", transport money to bring our patients to the hospital when necessary (not to die there but to be treated and returned home), and money to buy some supplies. I would like to give you the opportunity to purchase a Comfort Care pack that will help provide some additional TLC to one of our dear patients. For a donation of $50 (suggested) you can provide this bag for a patient. Inside they will be provided with a tooth brush, tooth paste, mouth wash, aqueous cream, lip balm, a new capalona (cloth used for everything here--a sheet, towel, skirt, headscarf, everything. Literally!) and best of all a Wildlife Storyteller!!
I've been here in Mozambique the better part of 5 years now. All the while I've been busy doing what God had in front of me but never was I secure enough, never was I well enough, to dream another dream. But now, as life settles, I enjoy my family and our life here, I've started to dream again. And so, after months of writing, planning programs and trainings, I'm to the point of being ready to "get out of the boat and walk..."
You may have read about Courage which later lead to my sharing about my desire to start a program in hospice care. And then, not long after I had an experience which reminded me, if God has asked something of me, I need to walk in it, I need to listen, I want to be Obedient.
So, for the rest of this year, I will slowly be rolling out my plans for a palliative care/hospice program in Mozambique. (I have a more detailed plan if anyone is interested to know more please email me at darajeanhillstrom@gmail.com). The basis of the program is to teach families and communities to care for, in their homes, those with incurable disease. I foresee this being many HIV/AIDS patients, those with things such as cancer (that which there is no treatment for here) and even children with special needs who have little to no access to support structures. I will hire and work alongside 1-2 Mozambicans (for starters) who will be titled "trainers" who, after much training themselves, will be able to train families and caregivers in how to care for and what to expect in caring for their terminally-ill loved ones.
Historically in Mozambique, there is no understanding of "comfort care" or that "suffering" isn't necessary. Many people may even believe pain and "symptoms out of control" (ie. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hallucinations) are a result of a curse or a sin that they've committed. In preparation for planning this program I've conducted some interviews to gain a better cultural understanding. I've been shocked to hear from my friends that the only acceptable reason for death would be due to old age. Any other prior death would be a work of witch craft or a curse. Disease process is not understood. Accidents aren't called for what they are, an "accident", all is a matter of sorcery.
What a scary way to live. Terrible.
Okay, okay, so you maybe thinking, it's unlikely that I'm going to be able to change a nation and culture's world view on death and dying. I will be the first to agree with you! There are mountains in front of this messenger who's trying to bring good news of eternal life to those who are suffering. But, my hope is that within the next many months my team and I can walk with a few families, primarily the Courages and my little guy with tuberculosis to bring them some relief and care but most importantly love and hope!
To kick this off, I will need a little bit of extra support to do things such as have training programs translated into Portuguese, have salary money to pay my "trainers", transport money to bring our patients to the hospital when necessary (not to die there but to be treated and returned home), and money to buy some supplies. I would like to give you the opportunity to purchase a Comfort Care pack that will help provide some additional TLC to one of our dear patients. For a donation of $50 (suggested) you can provide this bag for a patient. Inside they will be provided with a tooth brush, tooth paste, mouth wash, aqueous cream, lip balm, a new capalona (cloth used for everything here--a sheet, towel, skirt, headscarf, everything. Literally!) and best of all a Wildlife Storyteller!!
With the help of my great husband and his ministry (Audio Scripture Ministries) we're working on having a culturally appropriate recording that will be in these animals (on the blue player here- a solar powered device that plays up to 15 hours of stories, music, scriptures!) and the best thing is that we working to have it in the local dialect. There is NOTHING available in this dialect for people to listen to, nor is there even a written Bible or New Testament of the language of the people right here where we're living and working! Our goals is to record stories of hope, stories of love, Bible stories, Psalms, music and songs-- things that people, children and adults, can listen to and hear when they're ill, even until they take their last breath. This will reach much further than just to the palliative or hospice patient, the African family is large and many people will hear the word of God through through these adorable tools.
Please know that we're starting this program off very small but will incur some additional expenses. Every patient that we care for will receive one of these packs but some of the funds raised will have to go towards the translating and recordings for these devices, salaries, supplies, transport, medications, etc.
If this is something you'd like to partner with us in please fell free to send a gift via the "DONATE" Paypal button to the left of this link, click here Dara's support and follow the directions. Any additional support above the personal support I receive, by either of these 2 means, will be set aside for the palliative care/hospice program.
Thank you for your care, love, support, encouragement and believing in this need! I am excited to be dreaming again!
A special thanks to Nede and Simba for their assistance in this photo shoot.
Monday, August 4, 2014
the one in the tiger suit
Several weeks ago, while at a rural village church doing a Bible distribution, we were getting in the car when Nede said with that, oh, so enthusiastic Nede way, "Mom! You see that girl in the tiger suit? She's my best friend ever!"
Let's hope she never wears a different dress because Nede will never recognize her "best friend ever" without her tiger suit on!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
that's all i want.
Do you know what I want?
I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want. Amos 5:24
I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want. Amos 5:24
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