A hot august day

We have had a crazy wonderful few weeks. This week we have had some overlaping company. My uncle and his kids came to visit yesterday and we have had a wonderful teen mania girl visiting. It has been such a blessing.

http://http//www.mercyships.org/blog/entry/cleaning-up

The link I posted is an article that Mercy Ships has about the Fistula program onboard the ship. This was my favorite program to work with while I was onboard. My heart was always touched in ways you cannot imagine.

These women come to the ship for thie last chance to be healed/fixed. A vaginal fistula is a disorder created in child birth or from trauma and the result is a hole from the vagina to the bladder or rectum causing them to leak fluids etc, continuously. CONTINUOUSLY. This makes them outcasts in their tribes and with their families. We would bring them onboard and begin the process to ready them for surgery.

I would go down to the ward in the mornings and gradually watch their faces begin to shine and smile. Even with a catheter after their surgery, they were "DRY" for the first time in who knows how long. To me it is the most vivid picture of giving new life. They are transformed. We get to keep them in the hospital for 2 weeks and share their lives and impact their lives forever.

The sounds of the "dress ceremony" is something never to forget. It is a time to praise the Lord and to celebrate the new lives. It is amazing to be apart of this entire process.

I have just recently been reminiscing about some of our experiences with Mercy Ships. Being here at the base puts us in a position that give support services for the outreaches that continue onboard. I miss being in the middle of things, but I know that we are right where God wants us at this very moment.

I don't know what God has for tomorrow, we are at this weird place where some things are hard, like finances:), but some things are easy like knowing that our family is growing and changing constantly. The girls start school soon and they are both growing up to be such awesome young women. i cant believe Jessie is going to High School. In one month (Labor Day), it seems like so much will be different. It is so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!