a busy day and a joyful day

Sorry for not blogging last night. I really only have one window each day where I am here at the mission and not otherwise occupied, and last night that window was filled with giving facials to the older girls here at the mission. It blessed them to be pampered, and I was able to massage their sinuses, which have been sore from breathing all of the dust. I gave them shoulder massages and they didn't want to get up. I got lots of thankful hugs and I was so pleased to be used by Him.

Ok, so yesteday was so so busy! I began by preaching a short message of joy and healing to the first group of about 100 people who were waiting in the mission to be seen at the clinic. I think a lot of them were Christ-followers already, but some were also not. I prayed for many of them afterward individually before I had to begin my duties as pharmacist.

We saw 226 people yesterday and did not finish until about 5:00. We were so tired and drained, but it really did feel like a great success to see that many people, give them prayer, the Gospel, individual attention, treatment, and food. I really do believe Jesus was glorified and pleased with our efforts.

We saw one man who brought his one-year-old son in to be seen for an upper respiratory infection. He had waited in line since 5:00a.m. We saw him at 4:30p.m. I just want to say I will never complain about waiting in the doctor's office again. This man demonstrated such patience, grace, and humility. He was so thankful just that we would see him and give his baby antibiotics. Beauty lived out loud.

Today we saw 210 patients, bringing our total to 776 people seen and treated and fed. Dr. Beasley said yesterday, "If you had told me we were going to see 500 people I would have laughed in your face." And we saw more today. Who's laughing now? :)

We had enough medicine, enough food, and enough energy - all by the grace of our mighty and powerful God! From our prayer team we got a count today of 40 salvations over the week of the clinic. That is 40 people who accepted Jesus as their Lord, and 40 people we will see one day in Heaven. That is the greatest success of all!

One case I remember clearly from today: An 8-year-old named Patrice had an abscess under her right arm that was swollen, oozing, and painful. Dr. Bob had to give her a Vicodin, local anesthetic, and lance the wound to drain it. It was a very painful procedure, and I got to put my Child Life skills to work. It was more rewarding than I can say to hold her hand and encourage her and pray as she held as still as she could and asked repeatedly if it was over yet. I told her Jesus sent her a doctor all the way from the United States because He loves her and knew she would need one. I pray she never forgets His love.

God helped me to make some contacts today and Bob and I will be able to go to an Assembly of God church that is not far from here in the morning. I cannot wait!!

I love you all and thank you soooo much for your prayers and encouragement. I feel the Lord's provision of energy and strength and encouragement today, and I am so very very thankful and humbled by this opportunity.

More love from Haiti!