Dear Readers ~ When I read this devotional written by my friend Daniel Moore, the Director of Strategy & Recruitment at Affirm Kenya, I was blessed and challenged.  I pray you will be, too–on your own journey towards “true fulfillment!” 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10

I want to begin today by saying this is an amazing promise we have from Jesus! He has come to give us life, so abundantly that it overflows and we can’t help but sharing it with everyone! When we grasp this truth and really implement it into our lives, I believe that we can’t help but transform this broken world.

Unfortunately, I often return to the things that give me temporary pleasure, ignoring the lasting joy and abundant life that Jesus offers. Selfishness, pride, greed, laziness and so many other things get in the way, making me think that the gratification of these selfish desires will bring me lasting happiness. Even good desires, when taken out of context or placed above God, become idols that provide only a façade of joy. I was reading Tolstoy’s Ana Karenina a few months ago and came across a quote that resonates with me to this day. He says, “Vronsky meanwhile, in spite of the complete realization of what he had so long desired, was not perfectly happy. He soon felt that the realization of his desires gave him no more than a grain of sand out of the mountain of happiness he had expected. It showed him the mistake men make in picturing to themselves happiness as the realization of their desires.”

So how can we grasp the abundant life that Jesus offers? I believe this is a process that starts with accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, and continues as we choose to either gratify the flesh or allow God to shape our desires. Daily we must choose to either take up our cross and follow Jesus, or follow the easy road and do whatever we want. Abundant life for us lies not in getting what we want, but in following Jesus, allowing Him to mold our desires into His desires so the two become inseparable. As sinful human beings this may not be completely possible on earth, but God is gracious and thankfully sees the intentions of our hearts as well as our actions.

I’ve been thinking a lot about true fulfillment as opposed to happiness lately. I believe that fulfillment lies in our relationship with Jesus and consequently carrying out His words. To serve sacrificially, love unconditionally, live selflessly, to step out in faith, to find contentment despite suffering – all in the context of loving God – that is the abundant life. My challenge for everyone is that we look deeply into the life of Jesus daily and mold our lives according to His words, never forgetting that we serve an incredible God who has plans for us far beyond our wildest imaginations, if only we will follow His leading.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” - Philippians 4:8

I wasn’t remotely groggy; rather, I felt a peaceful alertness.  For a while I lay in the dark absorbing the thoughts invading my mind, but then reached outside the mosquito net for my laptop.  I needed to start writing down the ideas I believed my heavenly Father was giving me.

T-shirts.  I could “see” a brown t-shirt with “CURE Moms” on the front.  The “M” was in a scripted font.  On the back was “Precious, Honored and Loved by God ~ Isaiah 43:4-5.”  These shirts–this new outreach for CURE International–would be for the mothers of the children at CURE’s hospitals around the world.

The last couple of days the eyes of my heart had been opened to the plight of these moms.  With children who looked different because of the way they were born or perhaps a fiery accident that occurred, these mothers had suffered terribly–emotionally and spiritually.  While their children had been mocked and treated as outcasts because of their appearance, so had they.  God must have punished them, cursed them… they must have sinned to have borne a child with deformities.  This message they were told from friends, family, strangers.  And this message–from the pit of hell–had bit by bit broken their lonely hearts into pieces, dissolving any sense of self-worth, and filling them with fear for their child’s future.

But that’s not how God thinks of them.  That’s not what He would want them to believe.  He had woken me up in the middle of the night and given me His message to them:  “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you…. Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:4-5).  THAT is what our heavenly Father thinks of those long-suffering moms.  That is TRUTH He wants them to know.  It is a love note to all of us–His children.  To you and me.

For the next two hours I wrote down everything I believed God was telling me.  I couldn’t wait to let the President of CURE Int’l know.  Maybe he wouldn’t think it was a big deal; maybe he would.  Either way, I felt it was my duty to relay the ideas.

About a week later, I received an email from CURE’s President.  I think he thought it was a big deal!

Five months later, I’m on an airplane returning home from the Dominican Republic… on behalf of “CURE Moms!”  Our team from the United States is currently small:  four mothers/grandmothers travelled to the DR to encourage fellow moms/grandmas, while four others stayed home and prayed.  But we have a very big God:  “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:8).  And yesterday I believe I watched the Spirit change a life!

Our team had gone to visit a young mom who’d been depressed about the condition of her son’s legs (pictured above).  He’d recently had surgery at CURE’s hospital, but the mother was still crying a lot and wouldn’t take her little boy into public.  She lives with her mother and grandmother (also pictured) who were assuming most of the care of the baby.

We explained the reason we had come to visit, and we listened to their story.  I read the passage from Isaiah–personalizing it for all three–and we gave them “CURE Moms” t-shirts.  We talked and laughed, and our two grandmas prayed.  CURE’s Spiritual Director for the Dominican Republic, Elba, was translating all the Spanish and English.

Towards the end of our time, Elba asked the young mom if she had a relationship with God.  She said yes, because her mother and grandmother did.  Elba explained God doesn’t have grandchildren… only children.  Salvation could not be gained through her mother’s or grandmother’s faith; God wanted to have a relationship with HER, and “Jesus was knocking at the door!” (see Revelation 3:20).  Elba had stopped translating for us, but I know enough Spanish to follow the conversation that was transpiring… I was watching with my own eyes the Spirit moving!  I cried as the sweet young mom accepted Jesus into her heart.  What a blessing it was to see her smile–the very beginning of a changed life!

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).  “CURE Moms” is excited to see how and where the Spirit leads next!

I have always loved Christmas Eve’s candle lighting services.  But seven years ago, on December 24, 2005, I knew I would not be going to our church’s service that night.  It was a very dark day for me… I had spent most of it in bed, alternating between crying and trying to sleep.  Less than 48 hours before, at the 19-week ultrasound of my fifth child, I had learned the baby within me had a couple abnormalities that could prove “fatal,” my doctor had said.  I would need to have an amniocentesis to learn with certainty if my baby would live or die.  And because it was right before Christmas, this department of the hospital had already shut down.  I was told I would need to wait until the following week to learn the fate of my baby, another precious son.

I had no idea how I would make it through Christmas weekend.  I had no idea how I could possibly be a happy mommy to my four other darling children–ages 9, 8, 6 and 3 at the time.  I didn’t want to rob them of their Christmas joy, but, honestly, I just wanted it to be Monday.

At some point in the afternoon, I got out of bed and walked into my bathroom.  I was very surprised to see a little bird on the windowsill overlooking our backyard, fluttering its wings.  In eight years of living in our house I had never seen a bird in that window–nor have I in the seven years since.  Immediately I was reminded that as much as God cares for a sparrow, He cares for me even more (see Matthew 10:29-31).

The bird’s unique presence also reminded me of God’s presence with me.  The Scripture we often quote at Christmastime was becoming personal:  “‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’–which means ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).  Through the bird, God was telling me He was with me.  Looking back, I believe IMMANUEL was entering my world–my pain–engaging me with His love.  He was crossing the mysterious barriers of time and space and proving His name to me.  I remember this moment as if it happened yesterday.  It was the moment God’s light penetrated my darkness… when HOPE appeared.

But God wasn’t finished speaking to me.  The little bird also caused me to think of a little boy who was to be celebrated that night.  God was gently taking my eyes off me and the uncertain life of my son and refocusing them on Him and the certain life of His.  He was reminding me it was Christmas Eve, a night we honor Jesus, my Savior and Lord.  He was leading me to our church’s candle lighting service.  In His infinite wisdom and compassion, I believe He wanted my eyes to be on Jesus, for He already knew the strength I would need in the days, weeks and months to come.

I will never forget that Christmas Eve, holding up my lighted candle in a darkened sanctuary in praise and worship to Jesus, “the light of the world” (John 8:12).  Although it was the most difficult Christmas Eve I have ever experienced, it was also the most meaningful.  I suppose it only makes sense light does its best work in darkness.

My prayer for anyone suffering this Christmas is to experience the miracle of Immanuel–“God with us.”  His presence is a mystery, but it is a gift He graciously gave each one of us when Jesus was born.  ”I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46).  No matter our past, no matter our current pain, no matter what tomorrow brings, may we receive God’s gift of Jesus TODAY and begin unwrapping His love which never ends!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Back in September, while contemplating my “Food-of-the-Month,” I happened to read the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42.  I’m guessing I had been praying for HELP in juggling the many activities, needs and concerns in my family’s life with my own when Jesus‘ words became personal to me.  Instead of “Martha, Martha…” I heard “Laurie, Laurie, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”    

I LOVE that “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12)!           

What had Mary chosen?  This dear woman “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” (verse 19).  Jesus’ instruction to Martha–and to you and me–doesn’t get much more clear!  It may not have made sense to Martha to stop what she was doing (most likely dinner preparations FOR Jesus!), but this was her Savior’s advice; her role was to follow.  When we, too, are incredibly busy, it may not seem logical to be still and spend time with God, but this is Jesus’ word to us.  As a wise friend once enlightened me, Jesus didn’t go to Martha’s and Mary’s house to be fed; He went there to “feed.”

“…Jesus declared, ’I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty…. I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If a man eats of this bread, he will live forever’” (John 6:35,51).

Let’s be still and “eat” with Martha and Mary!  In doing so, we’ll also get caught up with September’s, October’s and November’s Foods-of-the-Month.  Normally I’d focus on nutritional benefits, but today my listening ears tell me to go a different direction… I imagine Jesus would be serving food for the heart and soul.

Bread, fish and olive oil.  (Pictured above is an original olive press located “across the street” from what is thought to be Peter’s mother-in-law’s house in Capernaum.)  Three common foods Martha may have had on hand, and that Jesus used in His teachings.  Perhaps their meal would have started something like this:  “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  Then their eyes were opened….” (Luke 24:30-31).

Wow.  How AMAZING it would be to dine with Jesus!  But we don’t have to wonder what He might say; we can read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and “hear” for ourselves.  He wants to give us “our daily bread” and open our eyes, too (Matthew 6:11)!

Maybe the Savior of the world wanted to remind the sisters He was capable of performing miracles.  Perhaps He told them about the time He took “five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven… gave thanks and broke the loaves…. He also divided the two fish among them all.  They all ate and were satisfied…. The number of men who had eaten was five thousand” (Mark 6:41-44).  5,000!  Maybe God wants US to know He can still perform miracles in OUR lives–today!

Or perhaps Jesus wanted Martha and Mary to know of His healing, soothing love and recited the story of the Good Samaritan, where oil was poured on the man’s near fatal wounds (see Luke 10:30-37).  Maybe He taught the sisters about the dove which returned to Noah’s ark with a “freshly plucked olive leaf,” signifying hope and new life (Genesis 8:11).  What a remarkable moment if Jesus explained Isaiah’s prophetic words about the “oil of gladness” replacing sadness (Isaiah 61:3).  How blessed we are that Jesus–the very fulfillment of this prophecy–STILL brings beauty out of our ashes today.

The possibilities of what Jesus might have said are, of course, endless, but of one thing we can be certain:  His words of truth and love were divine “comfort food,” providing everlasting satisfaction.  And all these centuries later, they still are.

The next time we eat bread, fish or olive oil, I pray we’ll be reminded to stop and savor time with God.  May we not only read His Word but LISTEN to what Jesus has to say to our individual heart and mind.  “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

What an AWESOME invitation!  I hope you enjoy a LAVISH feast!

Dear Readers:  This is a copy of my latest email newsletter.  If you are not on my email contact list and would like to be, please enter your information at the top of the right margin.  I send a newsletter about every two to three months.  Thank you for reading–God’s richest blessings on your day!

Dear Friends and Family,

My heartfelt thanks to those who prayed for my time in Africa–and especially for Emmanuel!  Your prayers were answered in bountiful ways!  Before I went, I believed God was taking me halfway around the world to witness the transformation of a baby boy.  Now home and reflecting back, I think my heavenly Father had in mind another life He wanted to change.

Emmanuel is doing great!  Already two months post-surgery, the bandages on his hands and cast on his leg have been removed.  Emmanuel’s surgeon has personally let me know of the excellent prognosis.  This darling little boy will now grow up able to walk and run on two legs and enjoy the use of both hands.  Thanks to God and a four-part surgery at CURE International in Kenya, 10-month-old Emmanuel has been given new life!

But Emmanuel is only one of the children who touched my heart, innocently transforming my life.  Mirriam and Abigael, Lincy and Winsome, Gideon and Titus, Callister and Phoebe.  Precious children of God whom I’m blessed to call friends, and whom I dearly miss!  For a week of my life, CURE’s hospital was my second home.  Within its walls I found Love and Joy.  Helping children read in English the Gospel of John, hearing their giggles as they played with my hair, holding their hands and praying for them before they underwent surgery… these are just a few memories I will cherish forever.

But I wouldn’t be giving a full picture if I didn’t also share a “darkness” I gradually discovered.  When I happily visited children in the Patients’ Ward, I was given glimpses of a “sadness.”  It wasn’t until my last day at the hospital–when I met with CURE Kenya’s Spiritual Team–that I learned and finally understood what I’d been sensing throughout the week.  The children aren’t the only ones who need healing… a broken heart may not be as visible as club feet or an amputated leg, but it’s just as real and important to fix.

Especially with everything I’ve endured as a mom, how did I not see this sooner?  The “darkness” of bruised and battered hearts was inside the mothers of the children.

In Kenya, like many Third World countries, when a baby is born with deformities, the child is often viewed as cursed.  “Somebody must have sinned” is the common belief, and because the mother carried the child in her womb, she is the one usually blamed.  Instead of being showered with gifts of kindness, this mother receives merciless judgment and one of the cruelest sentences:  rejection–from “friends,” extended family, even her own husband.  Those she thought loved her leave her… with a baby who has very special needs.

Now it made sense:  the faces void of expression, the eyes empty of light.  Only God knows the emotional and spiritual suffering these moms in the Patients’ Ward had endured… most likely not weeks or months but YEARS of pain and sorrow, loneliness and despair.  But the good news is that now they were sitting inside a CURE hospital–a building whose spiritual foundation is God’s redeeming love, and a ministry tailored after the way Jesus lived on this earth, healing bodies and restoring lives.

“‘I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 30:11).  A broken heart is where healing begins.

I realized why every time I’d visited the Patients’ Ward there’d been a member of the Spiritual Team interacting with the moms–and some dads… why every day at 4 o’clock the pastors led a Bible study for the parents… why every Friday morning a support group was held for mothers who’d been so painfully rejected.  “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).  I was seeing Christ’s love in action–broken hearts were getting fixed!

When I was pregnant with my fifth child Ben who had conditions “incompatible with life,” I felt physically carried in the palm of God’s hand.  For months after Ben’s death, that feeling continued.  I’ve always believed God carried me because my heart was so broken… because I didn’t have strength on my own.  Jesus‘ words:  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness” became living and breathing to me, and I felt peaceful assurance God would hold and carry me as long as necessary (2 Corinthians 12:9).

At CURE’s hospital, too, I sensed being carried by God’s love from one room to another, from one “divine appointment” to the next.  I wonder if that’s because there were so many broken hearts under one roof–so much “weakness” where His power could be made PERFECT.  It’s as if a river of “living water” was gently flowing through the hospital, soothing and renewing hearts, minds, bodies and souls (John 4:10).  His grace is enough.

In my own healing journey, a friend once gave me a candleholder made from broken glass.  As she lit the candle inside, we watched its light reflect through the broken pieces in unique ways–I daresay even more beautiful ways than if the glass had never been broken.

No matter how we’ve been shattered, beauty can shine through.  We need only remember Jesus’ words:  “Put your trust in the light….” (John 12:36).

Many blessings,

Laurie

The morning before my first game drive I prayed:  “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5).  “Teach me” He did!  It didn’t take long to sense God’s glorious Presence just as strongly as at CURE Kenya–albeit very differently.  “All day long” my eyes feasted on image after image of the stuff dreams are made of, and I SAW different truths of Scripture… just like I had “seen” Psalm 23 the day I met Emmanuel!  My amazingly creative God revealed Himself to me in ways I couldn’t have experienced anywhere else on the planet.  There’s much more, but these are five highlights of what “God my Savior” showed me….

1.)  His AUTHORITY and PEACE – My first lions were basking in the sun like my Beagles on their backs, shamelessly “spread-eagle.”  Amused, I was also captivated by the “King of the Jungle” who wasn’t remotely disturbed or affected by the commotion around him.  On his throne, he embodied peace.  I thought of another sleeping King:  “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.  But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us!  We’re going to drown!‘  He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?‘  Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey him!’” (Matthew 8:24-27).  As followers of Christ, we have a King with complete authority and power, Who saves us when we think we’re going to drown.  Jesus is our “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

2.)  His STRENGTH – Perhaps my favorite animals on the entire safari:  a BABY elephant and his mommy!!  Sure of the answer, I still HAD to ask my guide:  “May I pet them?”  He looked at me and ever-so-kindly said, “If you want to get killed.”  Yes, these animals are frighteningly strong–even the cute, “little” baby weighing in around 400 pounds.  I was reminded of the “fear of the Lord”… a fear that is a healthy RESPECT for Him who is SOOOOO much stronger than we.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).

3.)  The need for a guide – There is NO WAY I would have seen some of the amazing animals I did without my two guides leading the way.  Risasi–a Maasai warrior–and “GG” (pictured in my photo) could see things I couldn’t; they had special “eyesight” I didn’t.  It would have been foolish to try to lead myself through the vast, unknown terrain… I NEEDED a guide!  What a perfect analogy, I thought, for how much we mortals need–and benefit from–an omniscient God who provides direction through our lives.  Because of Risasi and GG, my days were filled with blessings!  Similarly, by following Jesus, we experience the most abundant life possible.  “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:11).  God’s guidance for us is found in the ancient and present truth of the Bible:  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

4.)  Heavenly rewards beyond our wildest dreams – After falling in love with birds this past Spring, I was especially excited to see the winged creatures of Africa.  But even my most fantastical imagination wouldn’t have prepared me for the splendor of the Lilac-Breasted Roller.  A bird splashed with seven colors.  Plumage so vibrant it looks to be from another world.  The LBR–so named because it rolls in the air while mating–reminded me of the indescribable Paradise that awaits us in heaven.  “‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’–but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).  Being with Jesus… face-to-face… forever?  It will be glorious Light, Love and Joy beyond anything we would imagine!

5.)  “Someone has to die so that someone else can live.” – A baby wildebeest’s head trapped inside the jaws of a 15-foot-long crocodile is not an image I’ll soon forget.  Neither animal was moving.  GG explained this was a recent kill; the crocodile was suffocating the baby wildebeest before eating it.  As I sadly watched I heard GG say, “This is Africa… someone has to die so that someone else can live.”  I knew in that moment God had spoken to me of Jesus… reminding me His Son died a horrific death on the cross so that you and I could live free from our sins.  As awful as it was to watch the cute baby wildebeest die, I know it’s nothing compared to what Jesus suffered for you and me.

But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus rose again!  And on safari I “saw” Him rise again and again!  How convicted I was to have thought this safari wouldn’t be “Christ-centered”… ANY and EVERY day of our life can be filled with God’s Presence and Love as we “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

As they say in Africa, “Hakuna Matata!”  Amen!

Perhaps you or someone you know is dying for refreshment… emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically.  Maybe it feels like all of the above.  Whether it’s raining where you are or not, we can rest assured God’s love ALWAYS reigns.  We need only “be still” and let His soothing water flow over and through us (Psalm 46:10).

For several weeks God has been using my precious puppy as a role model of rest… again.  Some of you may recall when, last December, Pebbles suffered intense pain and no longer had use of her hind legs.  She had emergency surgery, and her doctor prescribed “rest and love” for six to eight weeks.  You can imagine the state of my heart when, last month, she started having similar symptoms again.

This time surgery was not (yet) required… but the same pain medicine, steroids and “total rest” were.  Of all three, Pebbles’ doctor made it crystal clear that REST was absolutely essential for her healing.  Once again, God’s been using this experience to teach and minister to me.

Every time I carry Pebbles outside for a “potty break,” I’m reminded God is more than happy to carry me through my difficulties.  In EVERY trial and heartache, He can be our Strength.  “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).  When we are hurting and don’t have strength to “go on,” we can rest and be carried in God’s loving arms.  I know this to be true.

Secondly, in Pebbles’ little pen, it may seem there isn’t much to do.  But watching my little girl chew on a rawhide reminds me that rest provides us an ideal time to “chew” on the Word of God.  When was the last time you opened the Psalms, or the Gospel of John, or any book of the Bible and simply “ate it up?”  There is no greater way to experience the soothing, healing love of God than by spending quiet time digesting His Word.

We can also use our mouths to pray.  In order to rest, we may first need to pour out our heart to God–the One who loves us most.  My Bible has warped pages and mascara stains, but that’s okay… I’ve learned that sometimes it’s through the blur of our tears that the face of Christ is most clearly seen.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).  It’s no wonder Jesus is called our Savior.

Lastly, if Pebbles could talk, I think she’d tell you one of her favorite parts of resting is taking her medicine… because it always comes “wrapped” in something special, like cheese, deli meat or peanut butter!  When we’re resting in God’s love, we can surround ourselves, too, with special “gifts” for our heart, mind, body and soul.  Soaking in a warm bath, watching birds, praying by candlelight, having a phone conversation with a friend….  And remember to thank God for His presence and His presents:  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

“Thank You, Lord, for Your ‘rain.’  Thank You for meeting our every need, filling our every hole, quenching our dry and thirsty soul.  Please heal Pebbles and anyone else who needs Your soothing love today.  In Jesus‘ name I pray.  Amen.”

This morning I awoke with a headache.  I still enjoyed my quiet time with God and went to the gym, but several hours later my headache was only worse.  I thought, “I don’t have time for a migraine.”  Plugging away at my computer, trying to get caught up from time away in Africa, it was the nausea that finally forced me to stop.  I’m grateful I did; it was only then I remembered the wonderful, wise words of a friend the last time I’d had a migraine….

She had written:  “I would ask as you receive and read this email, that you drop whatever you are doing and if possible walk outside, take a deep breath and let God’s unfailing love flow over and in you.”  This occurred last Spring–on a cold, blustery day.  I had wrapped myself in a blanket and followed her instructions… walking in my backyard, taking deep breaths of God’s fresh air, and asking for His love to “flow over and in” me.  That’s a whole different story, but by the time I circled my yard, my headache was gone.  Completely gone.  I’d experienced not only “God’s unfailing love” (through, among other things, the sight of new buds on trees) but also what I considered a miraculous healing.  Back to this morning in August, I thought I’d try the same remedy again.

Closing my eyes, inhaling God’s gift of air, slowly taking steps, my mind and spirit were transported back to Africa… to Emmanuel’s home… to exactly the spot where his 80-year-old grandmother had given me a bag of avocados.  Sweet Mary could speak no English, but there was no need for translation; the gleam in her eyes and smile on her face said, “Thank You,” as she handed me the gift.

I learned that perhaps more than anyone else in Emmanuel’s family, Mary was grateful her grandson would be having surgery–and she thought I was the person to thank.  On behalf of those truly responsible at CURE International, I accepted her gift with a hug.  Her offering felt to me an expression of love in its purest form.  I had also learned Mary’s husband had died; she was a widow giving all she had to give.

Walking in my backyard, I couldn’t help but think of the “poor widow (who) put in two very small copper coins” and Jesus’ praise of her act (Luke 21:2-4).  With Mary I’d witnessed a similar gesture of love.  Now thinking of that blessed moment, I was FEELING the love.

I realized my headache was gone–my migraine had been replaced with Mary!  Through the memory of her gift, God’s love flowed “over and in” me!  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Before going to Africa, I had hoped God would show me August’s “Food-of-the-Month” while there; the moment I received avocados at Emmanuel’s, I knew He had!  Sweet Mary gave me a food I already like to eat and serve to others–a heart-healthy “fruit” containing good fats, no sodium, zero cholesterol, and nearly 20 essential nutrients including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B Vitamins and folic acid.  I’m more than delighted to place avocados on our monthly pedestal!

Where Emmanuel and Mary live–near Kisumu, Kenya–avocado trees are a gift from God.  I pray you and I, also, will view them as such, “opening” them as presents, enjoying them as treats on salads, grilled turkey burgers, or simply mashed as a healthy alternative to butter or mayonnaise on a piece of whole grain, whole wheat bread.

At www.avocado.org you will find MANY tantalizing recipes to try.  (Just recently I made “California Avocado Yogurt Key Lime Pie,” and it’s really good!!)  But in my humble opinion, the best way to enjoy avocados is in guacamole, with family and friends.  I took Mary’s avocados back to Kijabe to share with my new “sisters” Lauren and Ashley.  As we savored Lauren’s famous guacamole, we talked and laughed so hard we cried–more precious memories for my migraine-free mind!

Avocados and love.  They just go together.

Emmanuel’s four-part surgery was moving, to say the least–starting with the prayer.  At CURE hospitals every surgery begins with prayer, but to hear Emmanuel’s surgeon, Dr. Mailu (pictured above), pray over the sleeping baby before operating was very, very special.  Next, Dr. Mailu and his colleague Dr. Nguku stood on opposing sides of the table, both going to work on Emmanuel’s hands.  Fingers fused together were separated, and while Dr. Nguku had more intensive work on Emmanuel’s right hand, Dr. Mailu excised a skin graft from the left side of Emmanuel’s tummy.  Dr. Nguku stitched the graft onto Emmanuel’s right hand as Dr. Mailu sutured the stomach wound.

Dr. Mailu then did an “ATL release” on Emmanuel’s left foot.  The sweet child has been wearing braces for his clubfeet since days after he was born; the night before surgery, Dr. Mailu noticed the left foot hadn’t fully corrected.  An ATL release essentially cuts the tendon behind the ankle, releasing its tightness.  Without the loosening, Emmanuel would have had to walk on his toes as he grew up, unable to touch his left heel to the ground.  Not only would he have experienced chronic discomfort, he also would have had to endure the stigma attached to this condition.  Dr. Mailu’s ATL release took less than 30 seconds yet gave Emmanuel an improvement without measure in the quality of his life.

The fourth and final correction was ridding Emmanuel of the amniotic band above his left knee.  If you haven’t seen an amniotic band, imagine a baby’s chubby thigh with a rubber band so tightly hugging it that the rubber band is not visible.  Drs. Mailu and Nguku made numerous incisions at 90 degree angles to the circular band, eventually cutting it out.  My heroes then stitched the flesh back together, completely altering the look of the leg.

Most likely, without removal of the amniotic band, blood flow to Emmanuel’s lower leg eventually would have stopped, necessitating amputation.  My buddies in the Patient’s Ward–Mirriam, Abigael, Gideon and Titus–were, in fact, amputees from amniotic bands.  (All four would be having “stump revision” surgery to prepare their legs for prostheses.)  Emmanuel is indeed a blessed little boy to live in the remote, primitive village he does and have had these surgeries… especially now, at such a young age.  Thanks to CURE, he now has new hands, a new leg and new life ahead.  PRAISE GOD!

With surgery complete, my tears unexpectedly, uncontrollably came (thankfully silently, behind my surgical mask).  It’s intense watching a baby’s body transform.  I was and am so grateful.

I “scrubbed in” for other surgeries, too, wanting to “be there” for my precious new friends… in addition to Mirriam, Abigael, Gideon and Titus, I observed procedures for Winsome, Frederick and Callister.  I also watched the amputation of a little boy’s lower leg.  Another of CURE’s surgeons, Dr. Mbugua, explained to me during the unforgettable procedure why amputation was the wisest course of action for the particular condition of this sweet child’s leg.

In one week at CURE Kenya, there are MANY stories I could share.  Reflecting on the “highlights,” I realize the common denominator is JOY.  If I might share one, it would be what I fondly term “A Divine Hair Appointment….”

The morning of Emmanuel’s surgery, I visited the Patient’s Ward.  At this point I barely knew the children as I’d been away from the hospital retrieving Emmanuel.  I noticed a little girl reading her Bible and went closer to listen.  Slightly more audible than a whisper, she was ever-so-sweetly reading in broken English.  I sat down on her bed, asking if I could join her.  Her big smile said “Yes, please!” and we began reading the Gospel of John together.

Within moments we had the rapt attention of three giggling children nearby.  Confident of the answer, I asked if they’d like to be included.  I started going from bed to bed, verse by verse, helping them pronounce English words if they needed it.  After two or three rounds, as I was sitting on Winsome’s bed, the three ADORABLE others adeptly cruised over on crutches.  I could now see they were amputees; I hadn’t known, as they’d been covered in blankets.

Mirriam, Abigael and Gideon climbed aboard Winsome’s bed, and what ensued felt like THE MOST FUN slumber party I’ve ever attended!  Each loved the individual attention reading, but the giggles heightened when Winsome began “petting” my hair.  All four have very short hair and were clearly finding my long hair interesting–or at least worthy of many giggles.  Conversing in their native language, soon eight hands were petting and “arranging” my hair in a style of their choice.  Where’s a mirror when a girl needs one?!

Based on ALL of our giggles, I don’t know if I or they enjoyed the experience more, but I do believe it was a divine gift… a lavishing of God’s love.  I left the ward that morning feeling that if God had brought me to Africa ONLY for this hair appointment–only to hear these children laugh–it was completely worth it!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

In the pitch black at 5:15 a.m., a driver arrived for Fiona and me at “Yellow House” where I’m staying, just steps away from CURE’s hospital in Kijabe.  Fiona is the beautiful inside-and-out CUREKids Coordinator in Kenya, and she LOVES her job!  About an hour later, she effortlessly guided us through a public bus station before we departed Nairobi at 7 a.m.  CURE normally does not bring children to their surgery; they and Fiona were graciously granting my request to see where Emmanuel lives.  To better understand their journey, I wanted to experience what Emmanuel’s mother would in getting her baby across Kenya for a life-changing surgery.

Yes, the ride was long and bumpy over dirt roads plagued with potholes, but for me it was highlighted by exquisite “Psalm 23 moments.”  Lush, green, hilly pastures with sheep grazing near streams… I felt blessed to “see” one of my favorite passages in the Bible, over and over again.  The idyllic scenery gave me a sense of peace and calm, knowing God was with me.

Even more, every now and then donkeys would appear, casually walking along streets or through meadows, adding even more charm to the biblical scenes.  When I see donkeys I think of King Jesus, riding through the gates of Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:1-11); here, too, I imagined my King riding peacefully through this beautiful yet, in many ways, hurting land.  Through donkeys of all things, I sensed God’s presence with every man, woman and child I was seeing.

Fiona was communicating off and on by cell phone with another driver who’d be taking us to Emmanuel’s home.  When our bus stopped in a “town” you’d miss if you blinked, Fiona and I were the only ones to exit.  Within 15 seconds a little white Toyota was backing up in our direction.  Elisha and Fiona made contact, and off we drove for another hour.  I quickly learned the prior potholes had been minor!  In Colorado, for this kind of terrain, we use four-wheel drive SUVs.

Eventually alongside a dirt road, a man holding a cell phone met and joined us.  He guided us on even trickier off-road “trails,” but soon the car could no longer overcome the land.  I listened as three people were deciding in Swahili what to do; within minutes we started walking, the two men carrying Fiona’s and my bags.

Before long I saw thatched roofs atop mud houses–even more primitive than I’d imagined Emmanuel’s home would be.  We entered one of the smaller ones and sat down in chairs beside a wood table.  There was only a little more space for others to stand.  A sheet hung on one side, creating a wall for the other room, presumably where the family slept.  It was at this point we learned the man who’d navigated our course was Emmanuel’s dad.  Seconds later, a cheerful mom named Herina entered, holding her baby.

I’m not sure if Fiona’s eyes or smile was bigger as she stretched out her arms to embrace Emmanuel, the little boy she’d met only once–months ago at CURE’s mobile clinic in Kisumu.  Her reaction was completely understandable… Emmanuel is ADORABLE!  Fiona then let me have a turn, and I held the sweet little gift from God, grateful the moment had finally arrived!

The next hour and a half we met many in Emmanuel’s family:  Grandmother Mary, five of the six siblings, two aunts, one uncle and several cousins.  I couldn’t help but notice there was no running water, no electricity, but lots and lots of love.

There are MANY more details to share, but for those please stay tuned.  I’m writing from a guest house in Kisumu; after breakfast, Fiona and I will meet Emmanuel and Herina and together journey back to Kijabe.  Surgery on Emmanuel’s left leg and both hands is tomorrow–Monday, August 6th.  Please be praying!!