I don't think there are words to describe it. The only way I know how to share the amazing, life-changing journey I've been on over the past three years is to show you through my lens (or the lens of a friend). If you have ten spare minutes to watch I'm sure you will at least enjoy the adorable children! Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and support over my journey. I am forever grateful. Click the link below.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
How?
I've been home a few days now and there is always that one question "How was Africa?". How do you squeeze three countries into one answer. How do I explain the people I've met, the children I've fallen in love with, the pain of leaving them behind? How do I explain the adventures I've gone on with amazing life long friends from all over the world?
I don't think there are words to describe it. The only way I know how to share the amazing, life-changing journey I've been on over the past three years is to show you through my lens (or the lens of a friend). If you have ten spare minutes to watch I'm sure you will at least enjoy the adorable children! Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and support over my journey. I am forever grateful. Click the link below.
I don't think there are words to describe it. The only way I know how to share the amazing, life-changing journey I've been on over the past three years is to show you through my lens (or the lens of a friend). If you have ten spare minutes to watch I'm sure you will at least enjoy the adorable children! Thank you everyone for all of your prayers and support over my journey. I am forever grateful. Click the link below.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Perfect
Ten fingers and ten toes. It makes you think of babies and the epitome of perfection, no? Of course it does, but I had a moment tonight when I reevaluated this thought.
I'm working night shifts this weekend and usually at some point during the night one of the patients can't sleep and joins you in whatever you are doing to entertain yourself. Tonight that patient was a three year old with congenital deformities to his hand and abdomen. I heard him whimpering so I went and picked him up and carried him and his huge IV pole back to the desk where I was watching a movie. Together we watched Monster University (if you know me, you know that yes I was watching a kid's movie before I picked up a small child!). He was pretty chill, not cracking a smile or laugh the whole entire time.
At the end of the movie he was still wide awake so we decided on a double feature with the next movie being Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Towards the end his head was bobbing and I knew it wouldn't be long. Gently he placed his hand on my hand and fell asleep. I just sat there staring at his tiny brown hand on my larger white hand, I was overcome. I slowly closed my eyes and soaked up the moment, thanking God for another amazing memory. It was in the that moment that I realized that this little boy is perfect, even if he does not have what the world considers perfection. Often at home or even here on the streets we see people who look different and automatically assume, "That's weird." But looking at this beautiful child all I could think was how God saw him, perfect just the way God formed him.
As I prepare to leave the ship in the coming weeks, moments like this make me appreciate where God has led me. From a small town girl with no world knowledge and honestly a pretty judgemental attitude about people different than me to this. I think I like this new and improved outlook. Perfect moments come in all shapes and sizes. I'm going to cherish and soak up every one I get in the time I have left.
I'm working night shifts this weekend and usually at some point during the night one of the patients can't sleep and joins you in whatever you are doing to entertain yourself. Tonight that patient was a three year old with congenital deformities to his hand and abdomen. I heard him whimpering so I went and picked him up and carried him and his huge IV pole back to the desk where I was watching a movie. Together we watched Monster University (if you know me, you know that yes I was watching a kid's movie before I picked up a small child!). He was pretty chill, not cracking a smile or laugh the whole entire time.
At the end of the movie he was still wide awake so we decided on a double feature with the next movie being Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Towards the end his head was bobbing and I knew it wouldn't be long. Gently he placed his hand on my hand and fell asleep. I just sat there staring at his tiny brown hand on my larger white hand, I was overcome. I slowly closed my eyes and soaked up the moment, thanking God for another amazing memory. It was in the that moment that I realized that this little boy is perfect, even if he does not have what the world considers perfection. Often at home or even here on the streets we see people who look different and automatically assume, "That's weird." But looking at this beautiful child all I could think was how God saw him, perfect just the way God formed him.
As I prepare to leave the ship in the coming weeks, moments like this make me appreciate where God has led me. From a small town girl with no world knowledge and honestly a pretty judgemental attitude about people different than me to this. I think I like this new and improved outlook. Perfect moments come in all shapes and sizes. I'm going to cherish and soak up every one I get in the time I have left.
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