Friday, March 25, 2011

My Permanent Souvenir from Cote d’Ivoire

The rumors are true….I had an appendectomy! For those of you who didn’t know, having a problem with my appendix was number one on my "biggest fears" list! So praise God for taking away my biggest fear! God has a great sense of humor for a couple of reasons.
#1 The last email I sent the day before my surgery said and I quote “just for your information I would give anything to be cold.” I got my wish, I spent three days after my surgery in an air conditioned room. And I gave my appendix.
#2 The morning of my surgery, we had a Journey Corps Korhogo team meeting and I wanted to present some ideas about how we can be more intentional and purposeful here in Korhogo. That afternoon I had my appendix removed. God clearly wants me to wait on Him.
#3 While I am laying on the operating table about to be put under, my amazing American Doctor explains that there will just be a little scar on my right side and says I’m guessing you don’t wear bikinis too often. I reply, um I’m from Southern California. That is all I own.

All that to say I am out of the Hospital and doing great! I'm healing quickly and was even able to eat normal food last night. My stomach revolted a bit but today I am feeling great. I am able to walk a little and am blessed to have an amazing missionary woman taking care of me at her house. Which means I get a hot shower, a toilet and a fan. So I am living the life of luxury!

Thank you so much for your prayers. I know that God has heard them. He is really molding me right now, but blessing me tremendously with a good attitude. A verse that has been ministering to me is Joshua 21:45 “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed, every one was fulfilled.” That is our God! He is so faithful and steadfast. That one verse speaks volumes about our God. Find hope and reassurance in that today. I know I have.

~Please pray for Cote d’Ivoire. Horrible things are happening in the South, people are dying, and being tortured and many are fleeing to the North. Currently Gbagbo has cut all electricity in the North and West. Who knows when it will come back on.
~Pray also for the Journey Corps team. We were all so sure that God has a reason for us to be here and still are. But it is stressful and difficult to be this close to suffering. Pray for us to stand firm, knowing God is still in control. Pray for us to know how to respond to people around us and to the situation itself. I know that Satan is working, and we are battling against the evil powers at work in our world. Pray for strength and faith in the battle.

God is stronger than Gbagbo or any other man. He has a plan. It is unclear to me what this plan is but I want to be faithful in obeying Him. I pray this also for you today. Once again updates from your side of the world are welcome and appreciated!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger. Amen.

5 comments:

  1. Oh heids- I love you. It was so good to read this update. I love the bathing suit line. :) My So Cal sister! Girlie I am praying for you, your team, & the people of Cote d'Ivoire. I miss you! Thank you for being such a radical example of following Christ to the corners of the world. Keep following after Him. xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. So glad you are doing better! Thank you for your leadership there in Journey Corps. I really believe God brought you all to us to help us grow this ministry in the direction that God wanted it to be. I am really looking forward to you giving me your ideas. As always we are praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Heidi,we're so glad you're feeling better and that the surgery went well. You are so right that our God is greater... Greater than the situation there, greater than our diseases, greater than our inadequacies and frustrations. I have been thrilled to read all the blogs and see how God has grown you all and used you there. We pray for you daily. Phil and I can't wait to get there. Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  4. praying for you heidi!! we love you!

    miles and michelle

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am praying for strength and protection!

    ReplyDelete