A Different Perspective

Going to the maternity ward these days gives me somewhat of a different perspective, now that I am pregnant myself. When entering each room and visiting the mothers and their babies, the phrase, “I can’t even imagine,” seems to come to my mind a lot. I would like to share those ‘can’t imagine’ moments with you to give you a glimpse into the lives of some of these women. Some might be a little graphic, but this is their life.

The Can’t Imagine’s

I can’t imagine giving birth in a room with five other women, who are also giving birth. I can’t imagine giving birth in a hospital where my Dr. might be a medical student (not a real Dr.). I can’t imagine, after just having my baby, being brought to a room where there are again 5 other women. I can’t imagine not having my husband by my side with me during labor. I can’t imagine not having even one loved one come to visit me. I can’t imagine laying in a bed with my own blood soaked sheets. I can’t imagine the excruciating pain of a C-section, the terrible pain afterwards, and no pain meds. I can’t imagine using a sheet as underwear, especially after just giving birth. I can’t imagine losing a baby after delivery, and then being placed in a room where 5 other women are cuddling theirs. I can’t imagine leaving the hospital, still in pain from the delivery, and having to catch a taxi or sit on a bus full of people in the smothering heat. I CAN’T IMAGINE.

Planting Seeds

My last visit to the hospital was just this morning. I almost didn’t go because of the morning sickness I’ve been having. And I didn’t know how the hospital smells and sights would make me feel. But God wanted to me go. Each time I visit the hospital, there is usually one or two girls that strike a chord within my heart. Today there was a girl who looked no older than 15 years old. She was laying horizontal in her bed with a full bed pan laying next to her. One of the nurses came in to draw her blood. I could see the fear in her eyes as that needle was about to make its way in her arm, so I grabbed her hand and let her squeeze. I left her with this one message that I hope plants a seed: “There is a KING in the heavens and you are HIS princess. Jesus loves you.” And this I CAN imagine.

Goodbye's are never fun.

More Visitors

Having visitors in our home always reminds us how much we love hello’s and how much we hate goodbye’s, especially when it’s family. We had the wonderful blessing of having Chad’s whole family visit us during spring break. This was an extra 8 people, making that 11 total, all in the same house. It was a busy week as we tried to show them as much of the ministry as we could, as well as some sightseeing, in such a short amount of time. But it was a good week. And one that none of us will ever forget.

Servant’s Hearts

For our 3 nieces and 1 nephew (between the ages of 7-14), it was their first time out of the country. Their eyes were opened to the drastic differences from the Honduran culture to their own. But they handled it all so well. It was clear to see their servants hearts as they made sandwiches for the kids on the street, as they wrapped bundles for the moms and babies at the hospital, and as they handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste to the kids at the orphanage. It was beautiful to see them truly being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Welcome to Honduras!

Exciting News to Share

We also were very blessed to have the family here for another reason. We got to share the wonderful news of our pregnancy (due December 4th)! It’s very difficult to share such great news with loved ones from so far away. So we were excited to have some family here to share in our excitement with hugs and congratulations. If you look at the picture to your right, you will notice the sign that I am holding. This is how we told Chad’s family.

40 Years

Chad’s parents celebrated their 40th anniversary in February. This family trip was a celebration of just that. We are so thankful that they chose to take the family here and for all the money that they put into this trip. We will cherish the memories made and the time spent together. Thank you Jim and Laurie!

Grandpa and Grandma with their 5 grandkids.