The Doctor

One of the little boys at the center has been sick for some time and today Ashley and I took him to the doctor. The poor little guy was so scared and confused about what was happening to him. I fought back tears as they drew blood and gave him shots because he was screaming and we had to hold him down. We took turns, Ashley held him for the shots and I for the blood and it sounded like he was yelling “why? why?” and then “momma, momma”. How heartbreaking! I continually rubbed his head and his back and tried to reassure him that this would all help in the end but he doesn’t understand me and my language and for a 7 year-old who has probably been sick most of his life, the idea that this would eventually make him well would be difficult even without a language barrier. After the shots were done and the blood collected he wanted nothing to do with us. We couldn’t touch him or hold him or come close to him….until he fell asleep and Ashley held him...then we got ice cream, which he liked the first bite and then he really just wanted rice:), I wish I thought about rice when I needed comfort food instead of chocolate, candy, or ice cream!

I had 2 thoughts after this experience: first, I was thinking about how difficult it would be to be a mother or father, and to have to take your child to the doctor or the dentist, both places where they are likely to get “hurt” in order to get better. I remember my own momma (love you!) crying when I was tested for allergies at about the same age as the little boy, and I am grateful that she watched me suffer for a bit in order to make me well. Second, I am thinking about God…Pappa, as they call him here, and how often he allows us to be “hurt” in order to make us well; to she watched me suffer for a bit in order to make me well. 

Second, I am thinking about God…Pappa, as they call him here, and how often he allows us to be “hurt” in order to make us well; to experience the pain of suffering which leads to life. How hard it must be for Him to watch His children scream, “why?” and “Pappa!” To trust him in the difficult moments is not easy and I don’t think He wants us to hold back our screams and tears, but it is comforting to know that He loves me enough to do what is best, right and good, even if it is painful and not so pleasant. 

In Sierra Leone!

Yesterday, after 24 exhausting hours of air planes and flying, we (Ashley and  I) arrived in Sierra Leone. It was so fun to get off the plane and see Osseh waiting for us! Of course, Ashley’s bag was the absolute last one to come through the baggage claim, which caused some panic for us but all of our luggage arrived! We were greeted by Qwami and Mohammed at the helicopter and they all helped us settle into our home for the next 3 weeks (or moreJ).  The AC is wonderful, and even the cold shower felt good.

Last night, after trying to put everything away, I went to bed sad about so many things…the week before was a hard week of saying “see you soon” to so many people…the thing  I found myself the most concerned/sad about was that there were no shelves in the closets for all my stuff! I cried and told God I want to go home because I can’t live out of a suitcase! This morning when I woke up the other closet door had come open last night and guess what was inside?!?! SHELVES! It seems so silly now, in the midst of all that is happening and changing, but I am so excited about those shelves!

This morning we got to go to The Covering and meet the children. When we arrived they were lined up outside the gate singing very loudly and holding up signs to greet us. What a beautiful, overwhelming sight. All 79 of them and the staff so excited to see us. I could barely get out of the vehicle before I was swarmed with lots of hugs and kisses.  And then they welcomed us so sweetly and some of the older children led us all in worship. I was overwhelmed with how wonderful it was to be surrounded by children singing praises to God…I have missed that the most the last months! And to hear them pray and shout loudly to Jesus without embarrassment or fear was so encouraging.

I had to break up several fights over who got to sit on my lap…what do you say when they don’t understand English and when you say “No!” they think it’s funny and laugh at you?!? Yet, another thing I’ll have to learn! We did enjoy our Saturday morning with them though, watching movies and playing football. I am sure that Saturdays will become a favorite day of mine as the children just get time to relax and play.

I am looking forward to church tomorrow and maybe some more time with the children.