Marivic and Marissa (John Ry’s mother & aunt) approached me and my eyes immediately began to well up. In an auditorium of roughly four thousand they found us. Moments before, Aaron had told me that he found out John Ry had been out playing with other children recently—using a walker to get around. This was amazing news since he has not been able to stand without direct assistance for nearly a year now.
They came up to me, Aaron, and Molly, and I gave them each a great big hug. Molly took the liberty of relieving Marissa of her daughter—quite possibly the cutest, most amiable baby I’ve ever seen—while Aaron and I talked with the mothers. I can not give justice to the moment. It was incredibly special, and the Holy Spirit was all over it. We prayed over them—thanking the Lord for the healing that is taking place in John Ry’s body, and asking for increased strength and faith within Marivic and Marissa—God will restore John Ry! When I looked into their eyes there was still pain, but there was also something new there—hope. Both John Ry’s improving condition and the medication to continue to heal his broken body brought a great sense of relief to these women. I had a huge grin on my face, but my eyes were glassy and my cheeks were moist. I couldn’t control the emotion his story repeatedly brings me—the deep, deep suffering that we witnessed on John Ry’s face as well as his mother’s and aunt’s, but also the shear joy of hearing that he is getting better.
So many of these moments have happened this month—the random things that I can’t explain. The stories that I cannot articulate to express the feelings and emotions that accompanied. It has frustrated me that I can’t seem to identify the words. I want so badly for you, my supporters, my family, my friends to be able to relate—to feel like you were there in the moment. It drives me nuts that I cannot fully explain what I am going through—the things God is teaching me, the brokenness, the suffering, the joy, the strength, the pain, the growth, the faith, the triumphs over Satan, the love.
I am changed! Whatever Christ is doing in me…I hope it never stops. I am new! I have a joy for life that I can’t explain. I daydream about the day that I meet John Ry again as a young adult. I picture him so strong physically, yet so humble emotionally. I picture him being a leader among his village and giving God the glory for his strength. I love it! I get giddy about ministry; I want to jump and run around the room when I hear about John Ry’s growth, Sister Girly’s faith, Rhea’s increased platelet count. I feel ridiculous, and I love it! I feel vulnerable, and I embrace it! I have wept more this month than I can ever remember, and I am unashamed. In fact, I say bring it on!
