This was our last day at Dago and we experienced an array of events and emotions. Each of us experienced different things, but equally special. Karen and I worked in the HIV testing room, Rockie went to the market and bought goats, Sue and Sandi worked in the pharmacy, and Dave was the staff photographer and greeter again.
The numbers of people were reduced today, but our experiences were very poignant indeed. Karen and I met with 17 people in the HIV testing room, with 5 positive results. One was a 70 year old woman who didn’t know how HIV was transmitted. Her husband had died several years ago and she had been ill for a while. After the county worker went through a lengthy explanation, and this very thin woman sat there with a smile on her face the entire time, she agreed to be tested. While we waited for the test results to process this beautiful woman laughed and joked with us. As I looked over at Karen and she mouthed “positive” to me, all of our hearts sank. When she was told that the test was positive, she raised both arms in the air and said, “God is good!” My role as deaconess was to be there to pray with those receiving a positive test result. As I approached her, she had a big smile on her face and told me she was a Catholic and she knew God would take care of her. We prayed together and as she was about leave, I asked if I could take her picture and tell everyone in the America how brave she was. She said, “Yes, yes!” She is holding one of the crosses that Neal Hoegemeyer made. Thanks Neal! She left the room praising God. What an amazing woman!
Later in the day, Rockie arrived with eleven goats in the back of the same ambulance that transported the man who was so ill on the first day! Sue, Sandi, Rockie, and I had collectively purchased these for the women at Dago. Lorna wanted us to present the goats to the women so they knew who had provided them. There were many happy faces in the crowd! Rockie also purchased two cows, but they wouldn’t arrive until after we left. However, we did meet the two women who are to receive them though. The team will have much to share from today, so stayed tuned. Blessings to all!
The numbers of people were reduced today, but our experiences were very poignant indeed. Karen and I met with 17 people in the HIV testing room, with 5 positive results. One was a 70 year old woman who didn’t know how HIV was transmitted. Her husband had died several years ago and she had been ill for a while. After the county worker went through a lengthy explanation, and this very thin woman sat there with a smile on her face the entire time, she agreed to be tested. While we waited for the test results to process this beautiful woman laughed and joked with us. As I looked over at Karen and she mouthed “positive” to me, all of our hearts sank. When she was told that the test was positive, she raised both arms in the air and said, “God is good!” My role as deaconess was to be there to pray with those receiving a positive test result. As I approached her, she had a big smile on her face and told me she was a Catholic and she knew God would take care of her. We prayed together and as she was about leave, I asked if I could take her picture and tell everyone in the America how brave she was. She said, “Yes, yes!” She is holding one of the crosses that Neal Hoegemeyer made. Thanks Neal! She left the room praising God. What an amazing woman!
Later in the day, Rockie arrived with eleven goats in the back of the same ambulance that transported the man who was so ill on the first day! Sue, Sandi, Rockie, and I had collectively purchased these for the women at Dago. Lorna wanted us to present the goats to the women so they knew who had provided them. There were many happy faces in the crowd! Rockie also purchased two cows, but they wouldn’t arrive until after we left. However, we did meet the two women who are to receive them though. The team will have much to share from today, so stayed tuned. Blessings to all!
Deaconess Linda
7 comments:
Goats always make me smile! What a Blessing to that community our relationship has been; it's so exciting to see what God has done to build this over the past four years. We were once strangers & now they are forever on our hearts! God IS good! May he provide you with all the stamina needed to complete the journey he's leading you on. I pray for your eyes (even when very tired) to reveal the great love our Lord has for those who suffer most. Let God's Mercy & Grace pour out on those you serve. Let the words from your mouths & the touch of your hands be a balm to those wounded in body & in spirit. Sing my sisters, SING! (Brothers, too ;)!
Once again, the story of those affected by disease, sometimes without knowing why or how, and the responsibility and emotion weighing heavy on all of you. The faith of this woman should be an example to everyone. In the midst of her surroundings and diagnosis, she was able to praise God and smile...
I continue to pray for His strength to sustain you all, and for many more experiences which, although difficult at times, serve to both humble us and strengthen us as well.
The blogs are excellent!
Take good care.
What a joy to be there. What sorrow to discover such news. In both cases, what a wonderful witness you are to the nature of the love of God!
Mom and Dad, it is gret to hear that you are doing well and that the Lord is using the both of you to bring glory to His kingdom. May God continue to bless the work of your hands and continue to keep you safe. We all miss you and can't wait to hear all the stories when you get home. God Bless; Chris, Alissa, Osten, Caelin, and Baby X.
I will never forget the purchase of goats last year. It is so great to hear that you purchased so many goats and 2 cows!!! A gift that will feed, nourish,and help that community for years to come. Our God is truely amazing. You are the vessels to provide love and teaching the men, women, and children of Kenya. The work that you are all doing in his name is such a blessing to the many communities you will touch when in Kenya. May God continue to fuel you as you work for His glory.
Wow, I am looking at the blog (Gary says I'm obsessive!) and new photos are being posted while I compose comments...man, I LOVE technology...& the Africa Team ;) That woman holding the goat wins the prize. My favorite is Sue; the joy in her eye as they embrace really captures the moment! Thanks for the addition; can't wait to show the kids tomorrow! Love to y'all!
you have already done so much in just a few days. may God continue to work thru you & with you. thoughts & prayers are with each of you.
more pics, please Dave! I haven't blown up the auction software here yet!!! Thx 4 the gr8 training b4 u left : )
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