A Layne Post
A big part of our week:
This past week a container from Portugal arrived for our partners Jorge and Alice. It was full of wonderful donations of clothes and shoes, both old a new, mattresses, bed frames, etc. for the hospital and local churches. While it is all such a blessing, I do not think anyone could have imagined just how much stuff was coming. After unloading the truck, we all stood amazed and a little speechless. Some has been taken to be stored in other locations, but for now, because we have extra room at our house, we are happy to be a holding place.
Some of the stuff... not all!
Where is Jon?
As for the rest of the week…
It was difficult weeks in the women’s ward this week, as three ladies died. I was not terribly close with any, however, it changes the mood and dynamic of each individual in the room. The fear lingers in the air like a dark ugly cloud, as they all wonder, “Am I next?” And quite possibly, one of them is… It is a hard place to live.
There was one woman named Adeleina. She was one that died this week. I had visited with her twice, this precious woman. The first time I chatted with her, I had no clue how sick she was. She had a beautiful blue headdress on and seemed so upbeat. I was thinking she would be one of my favorites.
The second visit was so different… only a couple days later. She was in so much pain. I held her a bucket for her as she vomited multiple times, little actually coming out. I poured water in her mouth as she would pound on her chest trying to make a little go down, spitting most out a minute later. I helped her get her toothbrush and tooth paste, so she could ferociously scrub the nasty taste out of her mouth, only gagging the whole time. It was hard to watch.
After some time it seemed like the spell passed and peace came to her stomach. Maybe the Lord looked down, heard my prayers, and had compassion on her. She wanted to call someone, but we didn’t have enough credit for a call, only a text. I tried to teach her how to write a text message. I smile now thinking about it. She was a trooper, but I ended up writing the short message for her.
I probably should have visited her more. She wanted juice. I had bought her some, but I never had the opportunity to give it to her. Schedules are hard sometimes. Laziness is ugly sometimes. Nausea is annoying sometimes.
Being pregnant, I am not always feeling good. You know what is funny though? Normally, once I get to the hospital and start visiting, I don’t notice it. The smells that I remember while at home and fear gagging in front of them, yeah, they don’t bother me. When I am there.
The Lord is so good.
He equips us to do His work.
Get up, and trust Him.
A container full of blessings. How wonderful that is! My parents pack containers to go to an orphanage they support in Bogota. Everything has to be detailed to make it past customs, down to how many pairs of socks are in the bins. My dad likes to scour the area for bikes to send there. He’s known as the bike man so people regularly collect them for him.
Zach will be sharing about his trip to Uganda tonight at church. Looking forward to hearing about it again, plus Amy’s trip to Indonesia and Jacob’s trip to Ecuador.
Love you.
i love the, “get up, and trust him”
yea, thanks for the kick in the pants. not exactly sure when that phrase is going to come to remind me, but im pretty sure i’ll be thankful for it:)
i thank God for your strength that hes giving you, and that there was such a wonderful care package for yall to give.
I agree with Heather Buck! God is so good and through HIm we can overcome everything. You are a great example of that. Keep up the good work my child, and may the Lord continue to pour out His Spirit upon you each and everyday! Love Daddy ;)
Sobering thoughts. Thank you for the message: do not let fear keep me from going where God has called me; He always responds to a faith-choice by giving more grace.
Love and prayers to you, … and more grace.
Hi, I’m one of Louisa’s aunts in Indiana. We are acquainted through attending all the recent Jack’s weddings. Missions goes deep in me so I’ve been attached to your hearts for awhile though you don’t really know me. When Louisa and Rebecca commented on Facebook about your family news I decided to get connected; LOVE your stories BTW. You keep it real.
Your post reminded me of a quote I read yesterday: “We have traded Biblical armor for camouflage. Francis Schaeffer” Keep “living” your daily walk with Him. The ladies are watching and take notice of your example.
Thanks for the reminder you appreciate replies. You. are. not. alone. Blessings to you.
There are days when the feeling is so strong to be right there with you! I wish I could sit right there with you holding their other hand.Maybe even painting their nails together :) Seeing and smiling at those beautiful women! Oh how I love the thought of that beautiful headdress :) Sometimes I think, Man! We started out together. Trinidad! We were meant to be together right?? Let’s pray :) If not permantly then definately for a short term trip where you can show me your life and your love of Africa. For sure then I may not ever move back but ship my little family to me and we stay :) If that happened then I would just vote that the whole Prescott fam move! Sounds fun huh? I love you so much my Wayne!