This is why I came....

I came to help those who can’t help themselves, the little ones who have been discarded by family. What rejection they have already faced, more than most of us will ever know. But now, for me, the tire hits the road. Literally. I have spent the vast part of this last week driving to three different cities to get five children hospitalized, including the premature infant I was keeping watch over. All five were dehydrated and had high fevers without any response to several medications we tried. Now, all have had to stay in the hospitals a minimum of five days. Two of the babies were released today, so I drove up to Ouahigouya to pay the bill, get the babies & their nannies who stayed night and day with them for seven days. The combined total bill for two infants’ 7 day stay with all meds and IVs, etc., was $48.00. No insurance papers to file, no other bills to pay, just a handwritten receipt by the doctor and a shake of hands.
When I sat down to write this blog, I thought I was going to tell you how rough it’s been on me this past week. So rough that I had a pity party for myself on the morning of Mother’s Day–poor Connie, no kids, no grandkids, my Mom died this past winter, and then, not even my husband was here. I was exhausted from all the work and only had more to do. Facing the heat and the lack of sleep I get because of it, makes the day longer than 24 hours. It was one of those, "Stop the world, I want to get off!" moments. However, as my fingers began to type just now, it caused me to realize this is exactly why I am here. If this is hard for me, how hard must it be for them? Did I want to share the compassion of God or not? If not here and now, when? Buck up, girlie!

When I write my next blog, I will have the company of my husband again. He is coming back Monday, the 22nd. The kiddos are all excited; it’s so cute. When I told them of his return date, Addi, a six year old said, "Hallelujah!", to which four year old Tine responded, "Amen!"

Have a great week,
Connie