Heart Problems, A Car Wreck, and God's Grace.

This past weekend was, well, tough. Through it all, God revealed himself through mercy and grace. Thursday, Granny, mom's mom, had valve replacement surgery. Being half-way around the world while it was happening was not a good feeling. She came through it with a great attitude and the surgeon said it went "perfectly." Have you ever heard a surgeon use the word "perfectly" referring to surgery? It doesn't happen often. Praise God it happened this time. She is, hopefully, being discharged from the hospital today and will be placed in a rehabilitation center for a couple of weeks. A woman of her age being discharged less than week after major heart surgery is another thing about which to praise God! I am so glad that she is getting through this with a good attitude. She is strong woman and I admire her.

Not being home with weekend was tough. I wanted to be with my family very badly to help and comfort them. God has a plan for me here and I saw that as I worked Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Those babies need love and this is where I was called to serve this summer. On Saturday I talked to Mom for the first time in a couple of weeks. I cried as we talked for the first time since I found out about Granny's surgery. Crying is needed for healing, I've finally accepted that after 19 years of trying to be strong all of the time. At the end of the talk she prayed that God would reveal himself to me and comfort me during night shift. He definitely answered that prayer. Our big boys were in the best of moods when we arrived that night. They were all giggling and playful. To see their smiles and hear their laughter put joy beyond measure into my heart. I am so thankful for God's faithfulness in the hardest times.

Sunday night I went out with Susan, Emily, and Zoe to eat and watch the final soccer match. We had a lot of fun. It was great to chat and laugh and enjoy each others fellowship after a long week. On the way back our gas light came on and we had to find a gas station. On the search for "petrol" we were talking about God's grace and how He comes through at the craziest times. We found a gas station and I started to turn in. I shouldn't have turned when I did. A car was coming straight towards us and hit the back passenger side of the car. (remember, in SA we drive on the other side, so he hit the left side of the car) We were all shaken up and a little sore and the back door is completely bent in. The amazing thing? We didn't spin or flip, the window didn't break, and no bones were broken. God's grace? I think so. The men in the other car weren't upset with me. The driver made a few phone calls while his brother came over to talk to us and make sure we were all ok. I'm sure I apologized a million times, but he kept reassuring me that it would be ok and all that mattered was that we girls weren't seriously hurt. Emily came outside with me and hugged me. She stood with me while we talked and then prayed before we got back in the car to get gas and leave. Susan stayed with Zoe and got them something to hold on their necks since they got the brunt of the hit. It was rough. I was shaken up and felt terrible for putting my friends in danger. But, God was faithful. His hand was on us the whole time; He never let us go. When we got home that night I noticed the stars. They were beautiful and bright as they radiated His glory. There are reminders of Him everywhere.

You'd think that's it, right? Nope, when I checked my email once I was home I had a message from my dad saying that he was admitted into the hospital for an a-fib in his heart. An a-fib is when the top of your heart beats faster than the rest. Well, then I broke down. This was not ok. Especially not on top of a car wreck an hour before and Granny's surgery 3 days ago! Again, God was faithful. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me an amazing roommate that comforted me. Dad was 100% about an hour later, 6 pm NC time, and was able to go home the next day. I was able to talk to him after he got home. God's grace? I think so.

My aunt sent me a message on facebook yesterday morning. Just a little bit of encouragement and a bible passage. Psalm 34 was exactly what I needed to hear. I have recieved encouragement from friends, family, people in my church, and in south Georgia in the last couple of days, and really all summer. It has been great and so comforting to know that God placed all of these people in my life that are faithful to him and love me.

Basically, I have been more homesick this week than I have been the entire trip. This week, God has revealed himself to me more than he has the entire trip. He will continue revealing himself. Every week, every day I learn more about the gracious God that we serve. I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity to serve him and grow in him.

Something to look forward to, CAPE TOWN!! This Thursday Susan and I are heading to Cape Town to see penguins, the beach, shop, and hike until Saturday. Hooray! We will have so much fun and I'm sure I will blog about it when we return. I cannot wait to see this beautiful place and rest.

Oh, quick update about the baby in the hospital that I watched. I found out that he wasn't actually abandoned. The mother wanted him the whole time, but she didn't have the money to come to the hospital to see/take care of him. If she would've stayed in the hospital she would have lost her job and had no way to provide for the baby. She was supposed to visit on Sunday, but couldn't get there so the social worker just assumed he was abandoned and called DOH. Bad job on the social worker's part for not following up with the mother. However, it turned out for the best because if we would not have sat with him, he would not have been taken care of the way he needed. So, he is now back with a mother who loves him and wants him and is determined to care for him. It helps my heart to hear that. Again, God's plan is amazing and knows what he is doing in everything.

I guess that's all now. Continue to pray for my family, DOH, the aunties and babies, and the other volunteers here. God's grace is sufficient. That's what we all need to remember.

PSALM 34 (NIV)

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.