Month nine is already here (or more like half way over!!), and our route has placed us in Costa Rica for the month. This place is beyond beautiful and the culture is lively and exciting. But, if I’m being honest, my first week in the country was the roughest time of The Race. It had nothing to do with external circumstances but everything to do with internal. Before jumping into the story, I have to preface this. Being sick on the field is super common. Almost every single one of my squadmates has experienced sickness in pretty intense ways. It’s just part of this experience and traveling so much. But it’s still scary and can be hard navigating what to do and where to go when extra help is needed…and your mom isn’t there to figure it all out for you. So here’s the story of God’s provision while being sick on the field.
On the plane ride into the country it began. The dreaded chills and shakes on top of a fever. It didn’t take long for me to admit to my friends that I was sick and probably going to be down for the rest of the day. I thought I was just from the long 40 hour travel day(s) and the intense jet lag from flying into Central America from Asia. But the next day hit and I was worse for wear. When day two hit and I was still getting worse I knew I had to be wise and go to the doctor. This day in itself is a long story that I’ll spare y’all, but just know it wasn’t the best experience and I went home that night with little help or relief. Two days later, as I continued to get worse, my team encouraged me to go to the hospital again, but this time to a better one. Within the hour I was at the hospital getting my vitals and all that good stuff checked out. Within three hours my doctor, who was amazing, informed me that I needed to be admitted and should plan on staying for at least a few days. Awesome.
I gave the hospital my insurance info and waited for the insurance to respond so I could get a room. My friends and I waited…and waited…and waited. Ten hours after arriving, we’re still waiting for a response. That’s when things got a little hectic. A nurse came in and informed me because of hospital policy I would have to leave since I couldn’t pay to stay. Uhh…What?? As she begins the process of removing my IVs I resign myself to be stubborn and not cry from frustration. Thankfully, one of my friends encouraged me to stay calm and pray, and even asked the nurse to wait before taking the IVs out. So even though all I wanted to do was throw a tantrum and go home, I let her pray over the situation and I gave my plea for help to the Ultimate Provider. And guys, He provided. He more than provided, He showed off in His provision. Very soon after praying, the stinkin president of the whole hospital walks in and informs me not to worry. He tells me everything will be okay and that he’s given the approval for me to stay for at least the night.
Thirty minutes later I was being taken to a room that even had a place for my friend to sleep comfortably! Not only that, they brough me food!! In bed!! I couldn’t help but praise God for providing for me and caring for me in my weakness. I was in the hospital a total of five days and repeatedly God showed me He was in all the frustrating and uncertain situations. He revealed Himself to me in ways I’d never seen Him before. So as much as I hated being sick and staying in the hospital, I’d never take it back simply because of what I learned about the Ultimate Provider.
