If there is water, I’m going to swim in it. That’s the Floridian in me speaking. I don’t really care if there’s a 99.9% chance of catching a parasite. I’m going in! Plus, there’s a pill for that. It can’t be that bad.
Then there are the times that you jump into a river pool with no clue of sanitation, because why wouldn’t you jump into a little box in a river in Laos to go swimming with all the kids? They asked me to jump in, so I’m jumping! Then you later find out that that river is connected to the Mekong River, which is known for bad parasites as well. Crap, I guess it’s time to take that pill.
Esther and I took the plunge together. We took out all the pills, prayed over them, did a little “cheers,” and waited to see what would happen. I read online that the more damage a parasite had done in your body, the worse the side effects would feel.
Let’s just say that within a matter of an hour, I was found on the tile floor, by the bathroom, waiting for this serious war in my body to be over. I couldn’t feel anything and knew if I tried to move…bad things would happen. So I had a slumber party on the floor, by myself (Esther was fine). And if you’re anything like me, I usually pray for God to take away the pain and then don’t think about Him much more after that.
I’ve noticed a trend throughout my life –I’m a really bad Christian when I’m sick. Like I said, I usually pray once or twice, let others pray for me, and then I fight on my own. I’ll figure it out, the pain will go away eventually, and if not, I’ll see a doctor!
While I was lying in bed for two days, I finally realized this. I really need to step it up. What if God is trying to slow me down to show me or tell me something? Jonah was swallowed up in a whale for 3 days so that he would be still enough to listen, so maybe these parasites were my whale?
Lesson learned –the next time I’m sick or bedridden, I will be quick to listen and slow to passively allow the time to fly by. You have my attention. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.
Fundraising update: I only need to raise $347 more dollars before January 1st! I am so close to being fully funded and I honestly can’t wait to be done asking for money! 🙂 Family and friends, thank you so much for all of your prayers and support thus far!
