You never really realize what can change in a second. That is, until it happens.
From a stone cold sleep, to the words of “there has been an accident” that Tuesday morning was a blur. From staying behind with a friend- to rushing to the hospital, something within me knew things were not okay.
Greeted at the hospital with tears, and a brief summary of the morning’s happenings, it felt like the world was falling around us. The look on our boys faces is one I’ll never forget. The look of our torn up squad leader in a wheelchair, and the sight of one of our dearest friends in a hospital bed. Lord, where are you?
I have avoided this blog for over two weeks, partially because life hasn’t seemed real and partially because I feel strongly about not telling other people’s stories…even if the main person doesn’t care. I don’t feel as if it my right.
However, as I sit here, in the hospital room, I feel like it is time to speak up and send a little update.
There was an accident during an outing with our friends and contacts in Bangalore. Something happened with the vehicle, and it ran off the road and flipped. In the accident, several people I love were wounded. Wounds varied from concussions, bruises, loose teeth, to scratches and fractures, but the worst wound was my friend Vanessa’s. Somehow in the accident, her back was hit and she lost feeling in her legs.
Since the accident, life on the race has shifted. My friend/teammate Aubrey and I have been allowed to stay behind with Vanessa and her family- along with one of our squad leaders- to lend a hand and just be present with our sweet friend until she is able to go home to the United States.
While the others involved in the accident are healing well from what I can tell, I cannot speak totally for them. I will ask for prayers for them- for healing both physically and emotionally. This incident has not been easy. There is still a ways to go.
To ease the air of wonder, yes, Vanessa is paralyzed. However, I do not believe that this is permanent- I believe in what the Lord has promised her and all of us. I believe she will walk again. Until then, it will be quite a journey. She is still in the hospital for the time being- she, along with her family, will be told her release date and when she is cleared to fly. That information will come from her.
Being allowed to have extra time with Vanessa has done a tremendous thing for my heart. While most of our time is just being present and pulling the night shift with Aubrey, it has been an honor just to be able to be with her and her family. Her parents are two gracious and loving individuals, and seeing them love on Nessa has blessed my heart.
Truthfully, this entire ordeal has taken a toll on me, but this story isn’t about me. That is for another day and another time.
Thank you for your prayers, but for the time being, I ask that you just pray for Vanessa, her family/friends in Chino, and for her transition home. I ask that you continue praying for the miracle we all believe in and are excited to see. I know that sounds weird and while I do appreciate prayer, it just feels wrong for it to be about me right now. This is not about me being present for a friend’s hardship- it is about the journey being undertaken by a crazy strong, loving, generous, and selfless human being- Vanessa. Vanessa, her family and friends, and the doctors who will be caring for her need your prayer. Please join me in praying for, loving, and supporting them. Vanessa’s friends from home have started a GoFundMe to help with her medical costs- if you’d like to donate, please follow this link: http://www.gofundme.com/suvvrw
I’m still learning that God’s goodness is not dependent on our health or on our circumstances. Even when I am angry, upset, and confused, He is still Good. His victory will still be in this and in Nessa’s story Even when we cannot see the outcome.
Jesus, be near. Thank you for your goodness…even when we cannot see.
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Now, I am in Nepal, life has shifted and I am on a new team with six other wonderful ladies. Our new team name is Fearless and we will be helping with relief efforts this month.
Blessings.
