A Modern Day Miracle

Yesterday I met a woman who grew up without a father (he passed away,) had two children and then was abandoned by her husband, and soon thereafter found out that she had AIDS.  She didn't finish high school, she has no consistent work, and her sister, who was a great source of comfort for her, died two years ago.

With an introduction like that, one would think that this is a sad post meant to evoke a compassionate response, but on the contrary, it is an uplifting story meant to call us to a higher standard!

This woman, from the moment I met her until the moment she left (and even after I am sure,) exuded a spirit of joy and gratitude.  She spoke of what peace and comfort she had that her family was so supportive of her when she told them about being HIV positive, and that she had support and help from the clinic.  She was joyful that both of her children enjoy good health and are HIV free.  And she is overflowing with praise and thanksgiving to God, whom she acknowledges as the source of all of these blessings.  She exhibits a great sign of having a genuinely grateful heart, and that is that she cannot contain her desire to pour out the blessings she has received into others.

I am so humbled by this amazing woman, and by her testimony to the grace and love of Christ.  I find myself lacking gratitude and miffed over some of the most insignificant things, and I am called into account on this just by being in her presence and seeing her joy!  I am in awe of what God's redemption does, taking the most hopeless and desperate circumstance and making it not only a source of hope for the one enduring it, but also an inspiration for others!  In my eyes, this is no less of a miracle than what we read of healings in the New Testament.

The Fog is Lifting

It is the second week in March and I just got back from a girls' weekend at the beach.  The timing was perfect.  Maddie and I jumped in the truck with Andrea and Abby, and we went down to Lomé where we stayed for three days.  It was very low key and I am proud to say that I resisted the temptation to think about work so that I didn't even read the latest book I've gotten on the global AIDS crisis.  What a great way to relax- air conditioning, the ocean, a pool, no cooking or cleaning, good friends, and time with my daughter!

When we got back I realized that we only have a few more weeks of school, and that I am in the final stages of two of the major projects I am working on for the clinic.  I am realizing that we are making it through this busy  school year- hooray!

I am feeling refreshed and optimistic again, and I am so grateful for all the encouragement and support I've had during the last couple months while I've been in a rut.  Our family is so blessed in countless ways!