Thoughts of sunshine and intense heat are quite welcome during these days of single digit coldness at night. Our house is littered with to-do lists, packing reminders, and a multitude of medical supplies as we prepare for an eye project with Medical Ministry International in Cartagena, Colombia.
I smile as I envision the other 53 team members who are doing the same.
My heart skips a beat as I think of those people who are not seeing at this moment – and who will have better vision very soon. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the Lord in this way.
Along with the myriad of “to bring” lists sits a silent index of those things that should not travel with us: ego, inflexibility, vanity, negativity, and selfishness. There is no place for these in Third World mission work.
And remarkably, these less than desirable qualities rarely seem to surface during our two weeks. Perhaps that is due to being immersed in a culture of less – and expending more energy than we ever thought we had. There are no hidden agendas among our team members…only the heartfelt desire to be the hands and hearts of Jesus as we serve the poor.
We receive so much more than we give.
Perspectives are changed. New friendships are formed. Touching and inspiring testimonies are shared. Skills we never dreamed we had are learned. Memories are forever etched in our minds…and our hearts.
Prior to every trip I ask myself if I have the wherewithal to do it once again – and pray for the stamina to do so.
Our eye clinic miraculously becomes operational after a few hours of set-up. Once the patients arrive and we get rolling, there is no further questioning. I can…and will…summon up all of my reserves to help the people before me.
The mountains of 50 pound bags we carried are worth all of the effort to care for those who have so little.
As the vision of our patients improves, God continues to make mine more clear as well. His truths revealed help me shed the excesses that weigh me down – and lift my spirits in the most unexpected ways.
Each one of us has our own personal “mission field”; as we carry out our particular brand of service, my prayer is that we can all find ways to eliminate those obstacles that prevent our growing closer to God.
And in that process, He will continue to show us what really should carry the weight.
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ~John 13:15
Each one of them is Jesus in disguise. ~ Mother Teresa
beWARM 
What a reminder of what REALLY matters.
YOU are Jesus in disguise! I love that you shared this – really gives me a feel of God’s awesome energy pouring into the operations of your mission trip… God operating through each and every person on all sides.
Most of all, I’m glad that you have tapped into your VOICE, which is so beautifully expressive. Yes, we know it’s God’s voice… and, I’m glad it’s coming through you!
And, after reading your reference to “Jesus Calling,” I studied the cover more carefully when I picked it up yesterday. I love the image on the cover of the hand of Jesus reaching out, filled with light. That image came to me throughout the day. Your description of the mission trip feels like that – the light-filled hand of Jesus reaching out to you as the workers, and to the people you are helping to transform their lives through vision.
Safe travels and I’ll be with you in spirit!
Hugs,
Susan
“God be with you” seems a superfluous send- off. I’m so moved by your service. May we all love and serve Jesus fully!
Xxoo