Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12-13
This is my modeling career debut story about my hospital stay in the Philippines.
I call this look: ouch, I'm scared.
On the way to the hospital, late on a Thursday night, I held the plastic bag in front of my face…
…fever, vomitting, diarrhea…
and terrible, terrible, awful, hellish
stomach pain.
I believe!
Please don't make me go to the hospital, God.
But if I have to, then strengthen me with courage…
yes…wait…c
GOD GIVE ME JOY!
for the joy of the Lord is our strength!
We bow down and worship Him now,
how great, how awesome is He!
Together we sing, let everyone sing.
Holy is the Lord!
God almighty!
The earth is filled with His glory!
(2 x)
We pull into the ER, and wouldn't you know? The sliding van door is stuck — so people have to climb out of the window. (This is missions, you take what transport you can get.)
…past the security guard.
Nobody else is in there.
Here comes the IV and out go the tears down my cheeks, as Kristy holds my hand.
the on duty doctor says: "Hmmm…probably amoebe. Parasites.
Tomorrow we'll know for sure when the lab is open."
But wait…
[back the truck up]
I have only been drinking bottled water.
It's true &
I still got sick somehow.
It took about 10 minutes from walking in to getting my own room.
This is the first sign of God's favor because this never happens.
I call this look: Yay! The medicine is working.
In a nutshell:
- I was diagnosed with amoebe, acute gastroenteritis & moderate dehydration
- I stayed at the hospital for 3 days
- yes, at first I cried
- but then I made so many new friends
- I spent a lot of time sorting things out with Jesus
- and praying for others
I call this look: fresh-picked plumerias smell good & are appreciated as a gift by me
is by far one of my favorite times on the World Race thus far!
God blessed me in the following ways which are unheard of:
- I was visited by 2 pastors, 6 local missionaries, numerous world racers, and 2 new local friends bearing gifts and bringing prayer — in one day alone.
- The doctor I had assigned to me is an amazing Christian woman who took interest in my blog, my pictures from Africa and my video from China…and then she waived her professional service fees from my hospital bill.
- I befriended the nurses, and considered them new friends as I would pray for them during their shifts.
- I shared the Gospel with a new nursing student, and prayed with her.
- My call to my insurance for pre-notification and pre-certification of admittance took 3 minutes. (I prayed that God would give me an efficient, friendly, and quick processor and a good phone connection!)
- Later, my insurance confirmed that they would be directly paying the hospital so there was no out of pocket cost for me. (highly unusual and superb international service — plus I had prayed that I would not be financially burdened )
- The doctor gave me her cell phone number, invited me to coffee or her home to meet her kids and family, and then told me to call her for anything! Before I left, I laid hands on the doctor and prayed for her too!(So I did make a call to her once, and was discharged without having to pay the bill.)
- The hospital billing department made a once-in-a-lifetime exception for me to receive direct billing internationally — at my word and the insurance's confirmation.
- God opened the door for me to continue going back and praying for the remaining patients in that ward, encourage the staff and keep sharing the Good News.
- God kept me safe and put me into excellent hands. I had 100% peace and joy through it all.
I call this look: God does not require 'able' servants, but willing
…please keep me in your prayers.
