This is a blog FILLED with divine moments that my Beloved set up throughout the Malaria extravaganza…I italicized the times when I saw God the most…enjoy and be encouraged that “our Lord LIVES” Psalm 18:46.
Before I left Swazi, I met the American missionary who prayed for me! Ed took me for a wheelchair stroll around the hospital and we ran into Randy and his wife at my room. It was a sweet moment
Early the second morning after my seizure, Travis and I hopped in an ambulance and trekked 6 hours to Johannesburg, South Africa. I slept the whole time tucked under a huge blanket on the stretcher, minus the time I squatted over their portable child’s potty at the gas station.
We pulled into the hospital and I immediately knew I was about to be at a resort when I saw the building was 8 stories high. While having my vitals checked my parents came in and loved me so well!! Dad assumed his position as my daddy doctor and momma sat there loving and talking with me. Even though I initially didn’t want them to come, it was amazing and comforting to see them. I’m blessed with amazing parents who love God and trust Him with me.
Shortly after they admitted me to the Trauma ICU, with a panicked look from me and my hospital phrase, “I’m not that bad off!”
My ICU nurse was a PRN, which means she is called in when the hospital needs her. My nurse, whose a Christian, told me that God called her in specifically to take care of me because the ICU called her to take care of a foreign girl coming in and she said YES!
*Funny moment: I’ve been on the race too long when I almost squat ON the bed OVER the bedpan. Apparently that’s not how it works. My mom got a kick outta that.*
While I was in the ICU, across the room from me was a man who had a neck brace and wasn’t moving. He looked like he was in a bad situation and his family would visit looking upset. There wasn’t much to do in the hospital except watch cricket so I would pray for him. THEN after I was released from the hospital and went back for a follow up about 4 days later, I saw the man sitting up in the waiting room with his neck brace going HOME! Praise God he was healed!
After a night in the ICU, I was moved to the general ward in a room with 2 other sweet women. Somehow one of the nurses overheard that I was a missionary. She timidly came by my bed as she was leaving her shift, she asked specifically what I was doing. After I told her she said, “Thank you for doing that, keep doing what your doing!!” Sweet random words.
ANOTHER divine timing by my Beloved was I received a visit by one of the leaders from our home church in Knoxville. He happened to be in Jo-burg visiting some of his family that week so he came to the hospital to PRAY for me. Then the next week he set my friends and I up with his family so that my friends and we had a place to stay on the way out of Jo-burg.
I got to spend Father's Day with my dad! As my uncle said, I went through a lot just to get him there for Father's Day.
God continued to show his amazing favor even on my family. As my mom was preparing to leave Knoxville one of her friends called a friend she had. Long story short, this wonderful woman fixed my parents up with a steal of a deal at an incredible hotel, that we all were able to enjoy. Found out that this amazing woman is the aunt of one of best friends, Christin, who is on the race with me!
I was released after 2 nights in the hospital but had to stay in Jo-burg for my follow up appointment later that week so I got to stay at the gorgeous hotel with my parents. The beautiful manager is in love with Jesus and prays for each of her guests everyday. My parents and I had such a sweet time relaxing and interacting with the staff. We were sad to leave them. Even had a manicure and pedicure both done by women who love Jesus and I got to pray with! JESUS was EVERYWHERE!
After we left the hotel, my mom headed back to the US and I met up with 2 friends, Travis and Nate, from my squad. We stayed with the sweetest family ever. Spent time fellowshiping with them and talking about what God has done for us, playing with their beautiful daughters, and admiring the love that the husband and wife had for one another. It was inspiring to see, and they were incredibly welcoming and loving to us.
Then the guys and I headed to Durban to meet Travy’s aunt!! We had a blast hanging out with her as she showed us around the coastal town and spoiled us like crazy. We were blessed to meet her, share in her spunky personality, receive the love she’s gifted at giving, and hear about her life.
(Picture with Aunt Nicki and the guys in Durban)
Finally after about 2 weeks being separated from my team, we were reunited along with the rest of the squad!!! It was amazing to feel so loved from the welcome I received from them. I truly saw the body of Christ come together in such a beautiful way throughout all of this and I’ve never felt so loved.
God led me to Psalm 18, which speaks to how God comes in a fury to our rescue. I believe that my sickness was also spiritual warfare because the place we were in Swaziland was weighed down by witchcraft and demonic forces. But He came, and responded to the cries for help and He delivered me.
“He delivered me because He delights in me” verse 19
Cheers to healing, divine moments, medical evacuation, ambulances, and parents in South Africa,
Jen
