I'll Never Forget

Well, we've had time to settle back in at home, and I trust the Lord has rested everyone's body and quieted their spirit to be able to reflect on our experiences. May He keep it near to our hearts so we will NEVER forget what He did for us last week. We have been encouraged to write down and to share some of our stories, and there is one that continues to touch me. It is especially powerful as I am now back home with my husband, and I am hopeful that our lives will be like this sweet story as we age together!

On Wednesday of our distribution, Jorge and Eliana, a husband and wife, were brought in by their daughter, Daniela. Eliana has been struggling with multiple medical issues for many years and has been wheelchair bound for the past 5. Her devoted husband, Jorge, had been caring for her. Then, this past January, he suffered a stroke, which has left his right side very weak and his speech impaired, not to mention, limited his ability to care for his wife. He came that day to receive a chair and get a new chair for his wife. Jorge was so concerned about continuing to care for Eliana, he would not let her out of his sight while we worked with her chair. We were able to teach the daughter how to assist in transferring each of her parents using good body mechanics as well as providing  a sliding board and transfer belt to assist her in preventing back injuries. At the conclusion of each recipient's session, the team support person would coordinate a group picture and then print the recipient a personal copy to take with them (in addition to their gift bag of goodies, gospel bracelet and Bible in Portuguese). Our hearts were melted when Eliana and Jorge shared a tender kiss in their picture.

As we as humans love each other this much, how much MORE our heavenly Father loves us! This is just one of the multitude of special stories we were blessed to be a part of last week, and I know I am not the only person who has come home (yes, Susan) with my "socks blown off" by a glorious Savior and getting the chance to serve in the midst of what He is doing around this world! May we each continue that service where He has placed each of us in our daily lives!

By His Grace,
Cathy 

Back Row: Carol Leatherman & Cathy Dawson; Front (in their new wheelchairs): Eliana & Jorge