Here is a blog I wrote Sunday. Sorry it took so late to get up, but I was obviously unable to get to internet until now. Enjoy! All my love ~ Bri
It's day 4 here in Moldova, and by Moldova I mean Transnistria which is a country within a country that the rest of the world doesn't acknowledge as it's own country, and things have been going great! I have enjoyed ministry last month, and am excited for what our ministry will be this month. I even had a conversation with a few of the girls about how blessed I feel for how well I've been feeling. Our whole squad spent all last month with colds, stomach bugs, and even physical injuries – but not me. I woke up this morning a little late, missed breakfast so I just grabbed a piece of bread and jumped in the shower. It was just a normal day.. I thought..
As a few hours passed I began to feel a little strange. My stomach was feeling a little achy, but I just thought I was tired. I laid down and slept a bit, but woke up with horrible stomach aches. As the day went on the pain grew. I laid in bed, miserable, uncomfortable, and really missing having a caregiver – aka mom. It was then that I just yelled out to God for help! The pain grew more and more unbearable, and the nurses we are blessed to have on our squad really had no advice as to what it could be, or what I could do to help with the pain.
I took a Pepto and layed down again. Every time I woke up the pain was worse. I began running back and forth to the bathroom feeling like I was going to get sick. As I sat outside the bathroom door at one point on a chair, with chills and hot sweats all at the same time, our cook – Vera – who speaks no English looked over at me. You could see concern in her eyes, and as she went on in her Russian she started the charades by rubbing her stomach and pointing at me. I nodded my head and she walked over to me, put her hands out in the air in a way asking to touch me. I nodded my head again, and she came over and laid hands on me.
She prayed a prayer that I didn't understand, but at the same time felt the power she spoke to our Father. As much as I would like to say I instantly felt better, I didn't. As the prayer ended I got up again running to the toilet ready to get sick. I didn't.. so I gathered all my strength to get up and come back to lay down. I laid in bed, miserable still, and finally dozed back off. I woke up startled to the sound of the door opening. Knowing ALL THREE teams were out at church today, I could only assume the worst. As I sat up in bed I saw Vera. My heart was instantly put to ease.
She walked over again, this time with medicine in her hands. She handed me two of what I thought looked like Tylenol, and SEVEN of these black charcoal looking pills. I hesitated, but figured it was unlikely to make me feel worse, so grabbed my water and took the pills. I can't explain the feeling I had to this woman. I knew nothing she was saying, had no way to thank her or tell her my appreciation, but the look we exchanged I believe said enough. She walked out, shutting the door gently, and I was passed out again.
I woke an hour later to my team coming back to pack and leave for a week camp we were suppose to go to. We would be working with kids 10-17 teaching English, playing games, singing songs, and so much more. I was so excited to spend this week there, but knew I was too weak to do be a strong enough leader for the kids. As I watched them all walk out, laughing and joy filled, I sat on my mat feeling sorry for myself. And then it hit me..
God has something here for me. Something at this boring, almost scary, looking warehouse. Maybe it is to spend more time with the girls left here, or Vera my grandmother away from home, or even the men living a few rooms down. I don't know what His plan is, but I am giving it all up to Him. As the day has passed I feel the best I have in hours, and am excited to see what this week has in store for me.
Please continue to lift my team and the kids at camp up in your prayers, as well as my health. Thank you all for your continued love and support. Much love – Bri
