Some of you may remember, when a few months ago I asked you to pray for me as I had a decision to make about a job change (of sorts) here in India. The decision was between staying in Ongole and moving 8 hours away to Hyderabad to work at SCH's newest home for critically ill children that come from the government orphanage. After lots of prayer and weighing the pros and cons I told Sarah that I would like to join her in opening the new home. As long as my conditions were met. At that point we didn't have a license or a house and this is India so I didn't expect anything to happen anytime soon.
Fast forward to a month ago. My boss asked me to come to Hyderabad to care for our now four new babies for the week before my visa trip. I balked. None of my conditions were even close to being met. We didn't have a house. And we had less then ideal nursing staff for our children here in Ongole. In that scenario two nurses for four babies seemed a bit excessive. But in the end I didn't have a choice as one of our little boys here needed the attention of doctors in the big city. During the long tedious drive I stewed with a bad attitude full of worry. Who will take so and so to the doctor? Will all the medications be given? I wanted so badly to hand this little boy over to the care of my colleague and head back home. Then when I arrived to the place where the babies are staying I was struck with the thought of "What in the world did I say yes to?" These are by far the sickest most malnourished children I had ever seen. I have no paediatric hospital experience that these kids need. Let alone I was afraid of touching them because I was afraid I might hurt them. It was more like fear at first sight then love.
It took a few days but God showed me that saying yes to His will is never a mistake. After spending hours in hospitals and doctor's offices with these kids I felt the confidence and joy returning to the way I nurse, something that had been missing. I love the hospital environment I am comfortable there and these kids require lots of doctors and hospital visits. (They truly do need a 1:2 ratio. I am sorry I ever doubted you akka.) I got to go to an English speaking church for the first time in six months and there was a quenching of my spiritual thirst that was desperately needed. And in about 2 days I fell in love with these children who are truly the "least of these."
The other day one the ayahs here said to me, "Amma, you truly believe in these children". And I realized that's why God is sending me to Hyderabad. Because those babies have had no advocate in their entire life. And now they have SCH and God has equipped with my hospital experience and in the time I have spent here in Ongole to give them the fighting chance they deserve. It won't be easy. I am leaving most of my foreign sister family here and working at new branch of this organization with new people from almost scratch I have had to lay my pride, my Ongole children, and my conditions at the feet of Jesus. He had been taking care of His children long before I came on the scene and has not needed an once of my help in doing so. He has put wonderful staff and house parents in Ongole that do an amazing job caring for these children. And He gave me this quote...
Fast forward to a month ago. My boss asked me to come to Hyderabad to care for our now four new babies for the week before my visa trip. I balked. None of my conditions were even close to being met. We didn't have a house. And we had less then ideal nursing staff for our children here in Ongole. In that scenario two nurses for four babies seemed a bit excessive. But in the end I didn't have a choice as one of our little boys here needed the attention of doctors in the big city. During the long tedious drive I stewed with a bad attitude full of worry. Who will take so and so to the doctor? Will all the medications be given? I wanted so badly to hand this little boy over to the care of my colleague and head back home. Then when I arrived to the place where the babies are staying I was struck with the thought of "What in the world did I say yes to?" These are by far the sickest most malnourished children I had ever seen. I have no paediatric hospital experience that these kids need. Let alone I was afraid of touching them because I was afraid I might hurt them. It was more like fear at first sight then love.
It took a few days but God showed me that saying yes to His will is never a mistake. After spending hours in hospitals and doctor's offices with these kids I felt the confidence and joy returning to the way I nurse, something that had been missing. I love the hospital environment I am comfortable there and these kids require lots of doctors and hospital visits. (They truly do need a 1:2 ratio. I am sorry I ever doubted you akka.) I got to go to an English speaking church for the first time in six months and there was a quenching of my spiritual thirst that was desperately needed. And in about 2 days I fell in love with these children who are truly the "least of these."
The other day one the ayahs here said to me, "Amma, you truly believe in these children". And I realized that's why God is sending me to Hyderabad. Because those babies have had no advocate in their entire life. And now they have SCH and God has equipped with my hospital experience and in the time I have spent here in Ongole to give them the fighting chance they deserve. It won't be easy. I am leaving most of my foreign sister family here and working at new branch of this organization with new people from almost scratch I have had to lay my pride, my Ongole children, and my conditions at the feet of Jesus. He had been taking care of His children long before I came on the scene and has not needed an once of my help in doing so. He has put wonderful staff and house parents in Ongole that do an amazing job caring for these children. And He gave me this quote...
"God never said life would be easy. The purpose in living isn't about our personal happiness...it's about serving God. When it comes to our relationship with the Creator, we should always...always have our yes on the table. If God asks us to do something, we do it . Our yes is a given." (Leaving Karen Kingsbury)
So I am starting a new year with a new adventure and I am so excited. The Lord has provided a wonderful house and amazing new staff. The babies (there are now 7 and growing) have stolen my heart and I cannot wait to love on them and see them flourish. So without further adieu let me introduce you to our new children...Ivy, Zahra, Rosemary, Riley, Kenneth, Alicia, and Dahlia
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