A Layne Post
Last weekend we hosted an afternoon get together with the Doctors of Oncology. All but one were in attendance, and the one that was unable to come had planned on it, but there was a family emergency. What a blessing to have their interest and partnership! We praise the Lord for His favor. It was a sweet time of them becoming better acquainted with Casa Ahavá, our vision, and our family.
Now that we’ve shared with you our growing vision for Casa Ahavá, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts and feelings about it all. (If you aren’t sure what I am talking about, check the previous post and the pdf included and the video.)
Thinking about the ability to offer a place of comfort and a feeling of home and community to more patients is exciting. Jon and I are consistently approached by patients eager to leave the hospital, wearied by months in the same bed and lack of visitors. With hope in their voices they ask about our project, and Jon and I have to tell them we are sorry but the space is currently filled, though we will keep them in mind if a space opens up. Then when space opens does up, we still have make hard decisions as to who to invite to our home. It is never easy. If we expand we still may not be able to accommodate all that have need, but I would still love to offer more.
I’ve been thinking about managing more patients, their appointments and medications. That seems a little overwhelming; it would require some good organization! We do well enough right now with four, but 10 would be a big increase. Often times their appointments and needs to be at the hospital would overlap so we could transport many patients there at once. That would be nice, but without doubt it would increase our trips back and forth from the hospital, which can feel taxing in the crazy traffic, especially during rush hour. Often it can be 45 minutes or more in the car just one way (More often than not, this is Jon’s responsibility as I stay home with the girls to get them out of bed and get the day started). When feeling well, the patients can take public transport, so that may have to happen a little more frequently depending on schedules.
Then there is thinking about our need for a bigger place and all that is involved with that. The money seems near impossible. Typing all the zeros in $500,000 just makes me want to give up. However, on the other hand, it is so big that I know if it happens it was an act of God alone. There is a certain peace in that. The idea of a bigger place comes with the work of moving and making a new place home with 3 babies, which sounds exhausting, and then maintaining that new bigger place – more work – more money. I really have to turn it all over to the Lord, trusting one step at a time. Deep in my soul, I am at complete peace – something only possible supernaturally.
Dreaming of space for a fitness/wellness room, a garden area, a learning room/library, and chapel area is all rather exciting. Sometimes I get sad seeing our patients with little to do during their time at our home. While rest and recuperation are important, too much down time can lead to too many negative thoughts and discouragement can settle in – I have seen it. Casa Ahavá needs improvement in this way.
Jon and I have talked multiple times about the Lord and His timing. Right now, we believe the Lord has called us to cast the vision. We are trying to be faithful in that – communicating clearly and to many. If you have questions, let us know! We are not sure when the Lord plans to bring the vision to fruition. It seems like good timing right before furlough to the States, but we’ll see what He is up to, won’t we?
Pray with us! Talk with us! Dream with us!
We are so thankful for our team, knowing we are alone as we venture out onto the water. Thank you!
