I wanted to update everyone on what’s been going on with my health. In my very first month in Jaco, I got sick with a fever, joint pain and a cough. After going to an over the counter doctor, we thought I just had a bug that was going around with the children that was flu-like. Little did I know that this “Bug” would continue to infect my body and cause so much sickness.
My knees, hands, and body have been in severe pain with aches, weakness, and immobility over the past three months. Consistent headaches have occurred, a rash that peels as if I was sunburned, nausea, foggy memory and now hemorrhaging.
But after three months and four doctors, I finally have an answer…Chikungunya. This virus I have contracted, back from my first month, has lingered on and caused much discomfort, lack of physical activity or movement, and other symptoms. I am learning to deal with the joint pain and weakness with rest and medicine, but the hemorrhaging area has grown extremely painful. And with the joint pain and body aching, along with nausea is only making matters worse.
I write this to tell you that with all that has been happening to me physically, I am growing spiritually. My faith is being tested! My growth in intimacy with my Father is exponentially growing because I am trusting in Him. We just finished the Easter season and there is no other more perfect time I could remember the pain and suffering Jesus went through for us…for Me! Not only does this remind me of HOPE, but of the LOVE He has for me and that what I am experiencing is nothing compared to what He went through to save us.
Yes, I have had moments of doubt, frustration, worry, or even a bit of anger, but they are short-lived moments. My faith and hope for His love for me is much greater than anything that can try to steal my joy, take my strength, or destroy my flesh. This is all a true test of faith!
I am proud to say that I have grown in my trust for HIM and forever grateful. Don’t get me wrong this has been painful, hard, and mentally exhausting as well…but so worth it.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faiths tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-3
Please pray for me that I continue to grow in my faith and rebuke anything that hinders that growth. Pray for healing, strength and perseverance as I continue on to another continent and another new country…Chile, South America.
I know God has me right where He wants me and is holding my hand, but I still need prayers and healing as I walk this sickness out. I will be traveling in two short days and am trying to hold strong to that faith that He will provide a way for me to travel not in pain. Right now I physically cannot. But again, He has a plan and I will trust in it and take One Day at a Time. Continue to pray for me please and my team as we travel.
Thank you God for blessing me with my wonderful team, squad leaders, support at home, caring people in the communities that we travel to, and for His love and mercy for us wherever we go.
