A Detour from My Plans!

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Well so much for my promise to blog more happenings from my last mission trip! The very night of my last blog, I was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. If you must know, I am perfectly fine sans gallbladder. The Lord took care of me very well, through my dear family and the University of Kentucky staff!!

Embarrassing, I know, but you can see Paul and Anne at my side preoperatively.

I experienced the love and care of many. My dear son, Mark made the accurate diagnosis via text messaging and managed to meet us at the Emergency Department coming from another hospital in London, KY. My dearest Paul, was as always, the peaceful comforting, prayerful husband. Our daughter Anne, a third year medical student was able to to visit with me throughout the day. My sister Ruth came and stayed with me, too. David Sloan and my nieces visited and checked in on their Aunty Momo. Calls and texts from friends and family from near and far, brought much comfort, too.  Our dear pastor Robert Cunningham came over and prayed with me before my surgery. (This was so sweet as his wife's due date was very soon).

It was delightful to see the love and respect that Paul receives at the hospital too. Several colleagues  from his department came and offered care and prayers...even our Muslim friends prayed for me! How grateful we are for such friends! Paul's boss' wife sent goodies for my recovery. Flowers and food were brought to me when I got home later that day. Everyone was so kind!!

Although there was much physical pain, I was so peaceful and entrusted myself to the Lord's keeping. Everyone kept saying to me, 'Aren't you glad this happened here and not in Niger?' Of course, it is great to be cared for in one's own city with all the modern facilities. Yet, as you know, my trust is in the Lord and not Lexington, KY!  If this had happened in Niger, my friend and surgeon Jean Francois Negrini would have taken excellent care of me. The staff and friends of CURE Niger would have been so kind.  After all, these are 'my nurses' :) No worries!

It was the Holy Spirit who gave me the peace and comfort through this unexpected surgery.  I was so blessed with all the modern conveniences and care.  Thank you, Lord for UK. The modern efficient Emergency Department was excellent. Dr. Brian Adkins was amazing and able to assimilate all the components so that my condition was accurately diagnosed and treated. The dear nurses were very caring! The resident doctors were precious!  My surgeon, Paul Kearney was super and the anesthesia team superb (of course!) Everyone was so kind and compassionate. Everything was so clean, new and functioning!

All this made me realize how terrible it is for so many people around the world who do not have access to ANY medical care.  This reality makes me want to serve faithfully with CURE International for the cause of children born with disabilities. Please pray for me as I regroup and reorganize before my next visit to Niger. I am very eager to go.

It has taken a while to get back to speed so please hang with me while I attempt to get back to blogging more regularly.

" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV