In the morning our facilitator called us and let us know that she was better and that we could bring the children so we all went. It was 98 degrees fahrenheit. I realize that on those hot Michigan days before we came when it was even hotter, we stayed in or went out in the air-conditioned car or drove to an air-conditioned store or building. But here, we walk up and down hills, took the subway and then waited for a bus each way and then walked to the hospital from the bus stop. We were hot and tired and even grouchy when we got home. Lots of opportunities for grace and God's strength when we run out. We had picked up some groceries on the way home and walked the mile or so back from the store. Gord bore the burden of the groceries and his backpack with camera for us. On the way home we found a great way to cool off! There was a fountain on the street and there were local children playing in it. I don't know that this happens all the time but in the extreme heat, no-one was minding. Our children got up into it with some encouragement from us. After that, some young adults even climbed in for a quick cool off.
First subway ride, first bus ride, lots of firsts. What makes it all worth it! Our little girl is much better today with no fever. Still has pneumonia and her lungs still sound bad, not as bad as yesterday. I didn't post yesterday after going to see her alone with the translator/helper. I was so ambivalent, praying for the Lord's will in her life. She seemed so much worse and was struggling so hard. I didn't want to wish her to stay on this earth struggling so much when she would have peace and health and restoration in heaven if God wanted her now. But if she was going to live, I wanted her to live with us. I just kept holding her and praying for her health and healing wherever and whenever that was to take place. I just kept kissing her face and talking to her. I sang the song "I love you Lord and I lift my voice, to worship You, o my soul, rejoice. Take joy my King, in what you hear, Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear." I know her every breath is a sweet sound to Him. Not because He delights in seeing her in this way...this is from our broken, fallen world in sin. But He delights in her. And our lives here on this earth are but a moment in time in the context of eternity, forever. This photo was from today however, where she has markedly turned a corner. She focused on my face if she sees it or at least looked at where she was hearing my voice though she doesn't make any sounds yet. She was cooler and breathing some easier. In the morning our facilitator called us and let us know that she was better and that we could bring the children so we all went. It was 98 degrees fahrenheit. I realize that on those hot Michigan days before we came when it was even hotter, we stayed in or went out in the air-conditioned car or drove to an air-conditioned store or building. But here, we walk up and down hills, took the subway and then waited for a bus each way and then walked to the hospital from the bus stop. We were hot and tired and even grouchy when we got home. Lots of opportunities for grace and God's strength when we run out. We had picked up some groceries on the way home and walked the mile or so back from the store. Gord bore the burden of the groceries and his backpack with camera for us. On the way home we found a great way to cool off! There was a fountain on the street and there were local children playing in it. I don't know that this happens all the time but in the extreme heat, no-one was minding. Our children got up into it with some encouragement from us. After that, some young adults even climbed in for a quick cool off. You don't even need to speak the same language to have fun together.
4 Comments
Karin Miller
7/27/2012 11:09:26 pm
Praise God, not only for Katia's improvement, but your testimony to God's goodness and plans.
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Heather what a profound post. The line that stopped me in my tracks was, "know her every breath is a sweet sound to Him." Oh how true. I've taken the challenge of becoming a prayer prodigy-clocking 10,000 prayer hours. As I've spent many days sick with an invisible illness with CFS unable to do anything but lay in bed feeling like wet smelly dishrag I've thought how can I pray when I can't think, see straight, stand, or for that matter sleep. I've recognized that prayer then is turning my attitude over to God and saying have your will in my life even now. But oh how sweet to recognize he delights in our every breath.
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Liesl
7/28/2012 05:45:17 am
Thanks for sharing, Heather. It's wonderful to be able to follow your journey online.
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April
7/28/2012 07:23:57 am
Dear friends,
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AuthorThe Russell family Archives
December 2019
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