beWARM

“I’m rich, I’m rich!  Yesterday I heard your voice…and today I can see your face.” ~A patient’s words to a translator after cataract surgery.

Finding the words to encapsulate our mission project in Cartagena, Colombia is difficult, as the experience is not only physically and emotionally demanding, but also reaches the heights and depths of joys and sorrows.

As always, our project was amazing. Our hard-working team of 54 was able to see close to 5,000 patients during our two short weeks.

God arranged some miracles even before our arrival.

Unbeknownst to us as we were en route from Miami, the hospital where the surgeons were to operate decided to rescind their offer. Mind you, this happened one hour before our arrival.  Our Colombian project director prayed – and then scrambled to find a good hospital where we could work. Within the hour, he found it – and the Franciscan Sisters running the hospital graciously welcomed us and gave us 2 operating rooms.

Imagine our showing up and not having anywhere to do the cataract surgeries! God’s providence is never-ending.

We had a change of hotels at the 11th hour as well. As we were the very first guests to inhabit the Zaldmedina, the limits of our flexibility were stretched. Grateful for the mercies of a comfortable bed and air conditioning, we overlooked the continuous construction in progress every day, and the fact that every room seemed to have a different assortment amenities. Hot water not being one of those, we laughed as we looked forward to our cold showers at the end of our sweaty, dusty days.

In comparison to the homes of our patients, we lived in a palace…and we never forgot that.

Our team, comprised of first timers and seasoned veterans, had the clinic and the operating rooms fully functional in record time. Thus began our time to serve the poor.

If there is such an entity as the poorest of the poor, we saw them this year. The number of patients we saw who were totally blind from glaucoma, many in their 40’s and 50’s, was staggering…and heartbreaking. And all because they most likely have never had access to eye care. I can’t remember another project where so many patients had to be told that there was nothing we could do to help them.

Moments of heartfelt  – and tearful – prayer were, sadly, frequent occurrences.

The joys came in the gifts of sight… A mother who wept when she could see her daughter after 9 years of blindness from cataracts. Patients who had been led in, blind, now able to walk on their own after their surgery. Blurred visions cleared with new glasses.  Little grandmas ecstatic with their reading glasses that enable them to read their Bibles and sew.

The stories are endless.

At the close of our projects, there are hundreds who have waited in line for hours, sometimes all night, that we have to turn away. This breaks our hearts each time – and also makes us realize the enormity of the need in these underprivileged countries.

As God gives us the opportunity to provide compassionate care and improve vision, He also opens the eyes of our hearts as we serve Him in this way.  Each project brings new personal encounters with Him – through patients, team members, local helpers, and in quiet moments.  I am thankful for this growth in my walk with Him.

Having returned home last night, this morning I find myself empty of energy – but full in heart and spirit from once again being able to minister to the poor.

Wishing all of you the gift of such fullness as you answer the call of His service.

Everyone smiles in the same language. ~Author Unknown

Sidenote: Sister Bernarda who founded the hospital where our team worked is to be canonized by the Vatican soon for the many miracles that have occurred at this hospital. Hmmmm….

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

The other day there was a spot on the news which said that by now, most people have already broken their New Year’s resolutions. I didn’t consciously make any this year, though I probably should have.

On New Year’s day, my thoughts centered not so much on beginnings or endings, but on the innumerable “winged wishes” emanating from the hearts of people all over the world.  I visualized these yearnings, aspirations, and dreams floating through the atmosphere, pulsing with life…and promise.

I so wish that at least some of these longings have been fulfilled by now. And my prayer is that we will always have some room in our hearts for hope – for we know that God knows our every one.

Trying to focus on the positive and avoiding the annual “resolving”, I didn’t take a look at what seems to be my annual laundry list of self-improvement projects.

It is a continual challenge for me to quit finishing people’s sentences (particularly my husband’s!).  Apologies to any of you who have experienced this flaw of mine.

As far as initiating goes , I could stand to add a bit more exercise to my weekly regimen to counteract my excess Christmas consumption.

Most likely I will fall short of both endeavors…and soon. (But don’t we get credit for trying?)

The larger message which I received on the first day of this year –  in the midst of my “flying wish” fantasy – is that my daily challenge is the most basic of all… to love the Lord with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength.

This familiar verse is at the core of our spiritual development and growth.

As this year gets rolling, I vow to spend more time each day with the Lord. When I am able to carve out these contemplative moments, daily life takes on a new perspective. Pouring out my heart to God helps me lose the weight of my cares and concerns, and allows me to see His presence outside of myself.

(My thanks to Him for never interrupting my thoughts – I need to learn from His example…)

Just think…I can launch a winged wish at any moment!

And there is such great comfort in knowing that He hears my – and your – every word.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  ~ Jeremiah 29:12-13

Unscrambling words has always intrigued me; so when I received a Kindle reading device for my birthday (thanks to my Mom and my sisters), I downloaded a game called Every Word in addition to the book Little Bee.

The object of Every Word is to form as many words as possible from the letters assembled on the screen.  You get to the next level by guessing the word that uses all of the letters.

A few nights ago, the last word I decoded was shelter. As I nestled into bed, all warm and cozy, that word remained emblazoned in my mind – demanding my attention.

It didn’t go away for quite some time.

My thoughts wandered to those who are without the security of a roof over their heads. What must it feel like to be homeless, especially in the dead of winter?

The bed that I take for granted would be a luxury for many.

In my younger days, the word shelter elicited excitement  and anticipation. Fun arts and crafts under the picnic shelter at the city park occupied many a summer day. Family gatherings and church barbecues were sure to stay dry in the event of rain if a shelter was reserved in advance.

As parents, we make great efforts to protect our toddlers from inherent danger. Our gray hairs begin to appear during the teenage years when our well-meaning advice sometimes falls on deaf ears. Our earnest desire is to prevent our children from making some of the same mistakes we did.

We soon realize that we can’t shelter our children from the world. Just as we did, they will make their own choices…and experience the consequences thereof.

Interestingly, God “parents” us in a similar way. He alone is our Refuge and source of strength as we live our lives. His advice and direction are always sound, and in our best interests.

However…though God is our Steadfast Protector, He doesn’t always shelter us from problems or misfortunes.

Life isn’t always a picnic, as we well know.

Our challenge is to stay close to Him through the stormy times, having confidence that He will help us through. We need to hang onto His Every Word.

God gives us shelter – and the lack of it – for our ultimate good.

You’ve always given me breathing room,
a place to get away from it all,
A lifetime pass to your safe-house,
an open invitation as your guest.
You’ve always taken me seriously, God,
made me welcome among those who know and love you.

~Psalm 61:3-5 (The Message)

“Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to  follow wherever I lead. I am the Light from on high that draws upon you, to guide your feet into the way of Peace.”

This excerpt from my daily devotional, Jesus Calling, by author and missionary Sarah Young, made me stop and think. Yes, we all know about that bright star that led the wise men to the stable on Christmas night,  And, many would readily admit that God is their Guiding Star.

But would we really follow wherever He leads…and trust implicity in His plan for us?

Easier said than done.

In his book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters, Timothy Keller discusses the many idols in our culture, both obvious and subtle, that distract us from God. His simple statement,  “We become like what we worship“, provokes me to take inventory of my personal solar system.

God is clearly my North Star…but perhaps some telescoping of the other constellations orbiting around me is in order.  How many of them point to Him? And how often am I temporarily blinded by those that may shine the brightest – but are not necessarily  God-centered?

Throughout my life, there have been times when my compass has been a bit “off”.  Thankfully, God has brought me to a place where I can (most of the time) look in His direction – and more importantly, be confident that He accompanies me at every turn.

The way of Peace is only attained through God and with God.  What a miracle it is that He is infinitely available for us.

This Christmas,welcome Him as your most reliable beacon and guidepost.  Thank Him for His tremendous sacrifices on your behalf.  Embrace the loved ones in your lives.

Replace deceptions with truth. See His presence in all things.

And a final wish, borrowing from that beloved Christmas poem…

Merry Christmas to all…and to all, The True Light!

“Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness  of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us], To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace.” ~Luke 1:78-79 (Amplified Bible)