Almost two weeks ago, I donated blood at a Cambodian hospital. Don’t worry, I promise it was completely safe! This was my very first time even being to this Cambodian hospital, my team and I now go there for ministry on Thursday’s. At this hospital, we sing songs and put on performances for the patients. The patients range from all ages and most of them have been involved in some kind of traumatic accident, and are recovering from injuries. My team and I get the chance to just uplift their spirits and brighten their days by singing (though I’m not quite musically inclined lol). I enjoy this ministry a lot.
I have no idea what led me to having the desire of donating a pint of my blood, but I’m so glad I did it. I try to give blood every chance I have in the states, because I have an O- blood type, and if you have any knowledge on blood types, O- is on high demand since anyone with any blood type can receive it. I’ve donated blood 3 times in the states with the Red Cross. Since Red Cross’ guidelines are quite strict, I may never be able to donate blood again in America since I’ve lived, and now given blood outside of America (it actually makes me sad). So I thought “why not make it all worthwhile and just give my blood to people who might really need it?” So now, here I am, writing this blog.
I asked our ministry host to make sure that it was 100% safe. Once I got the “OK” I told my team about it, and 3 of my other teammates were interested in doing it too! None of them had ever donated blood before, and I admired them for their bravery. We ate lots of donuts and drank a ton of water that day, and we sweat under the hot Cambodian sun, so we drank even more water. I went first, then my teammates Kate, Grace, and lastly Ashley. Like I said, it was all safe. Unlike the American Red Cross, they didn’t ask us a bunch of survey questions or prick us to check our iron levels, they just stuck us and took a pint of our blood, and we were off! (That is quite literally how it happened).
I had a friend once tell me that my blood type goes hand-in-hand with my personality; able and willing to give to anyone in need. I had never really thought about it that way, but when I heard it, my heart felt warm, and I didn’t know how to respond, because as much as our selfish hearts always want things, some of us forget what a good feeling it is to give. Every single human is guilty of this; putting your selfish wants above other’s needs/wants. It could be something as simple as giving some of your time to someone, or it could be huge like getting on a plane to Cambodia to live in 3rd world countries for 9 months and give people the life of the gospel (lol that was pretty specific, I know). But really, you could give someone life by giving them Jesus. Just Jesus is enough.
Giving blood can save a life, maybe more than just one. Want to know what else can save many lives? The name of JESUS! So here I am, I’m not just a universal donor with my blood, but also with my love, with my time, with my presence, and with my joy. All the way over here in Cambodia, and soon, Honduras! You can be a universal donor too, just give. Give your time, give your love, give your joy. Through these things, you can show Christ’s love without even having to speak a word. Actions speak louder than words. It’s that simple.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” -Jesus
Acts 20:35
God bless you!
Love, Rebekah.
