The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
You may be wondering what I am doing here in Niger and why I am not on a plane coming back to the USA, immediately?
Background information is that I received (a week ago Tuesday), a request to come to Niger to bring urgent supplies to our CURE International Hospital. At the same time, there was a need to assist with a site visit for a candidate for an important position at the hospital. Many of you know that Paul and I have been involved in one way or another with CURE Niger since it opened in 2010. It holds a very special place in our hearts and lives.
Paul and I prayed and counted the cost of what might happen with the Covid-19 and interruption with travel plans. The Lord confirmed that I should go. Paul did not have the time off from the University. Paul gave me his unconditional blessing to go alone.
All went well with bringing of the supplies and the site visit was going very well. We decided to relax by going out to dinner. While we were having a pleasant evening I checked my phone and saw about 10 missed calls. Something was going on....
The President of Niger announced Tuesday night, March 17th that the airports and all borders would close at midnight, March 19th. Niger has borders with many countries including; Mali, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad, Algeria, and Libya. These borders are all portals where there could be transmission of the virus. The President of Niger made these important decisions to keep Niger as safe as possible. I respect that very much. It is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. He stated rightly that it would be a hardship on the medical system and the people should there be an outbreak here. At the time there were no confirmed cases of Covid-19. Tonight it was announced that there is one case.
My return plane ticket is for Monday, March 23 but of course that will not happen. It was a hard decision to make....stay or try to go home?
Could I be of help in this crisis?
Should I go home because of my age? That was the question from a friend! Haha, I turned 63 today.
Could I find a ticket to leave?
As I talked with Paul and George the hospital executive director we did not have any strong sense either way. So we prayed together. I prayed that I wanted to be obedient. If I stayed it would not be as someone special, a super hero or martyr but as a fellow worker in our mission.
If I went I would need a ticket that would bring me safely home. I spent several hours researching my options to travel. There were only two economy tickets left on the airline of my choice. They were $5400 each one way! FYI first class was $7200! A travel agent who is experienced in CURE travels could only find a route that would take me to Cote d'Ivoire for an overnight in a hotel, then to Dubai also for an overnight, then to JFK in New York and finally two more short flights to get home to Lexington. Even the most adventurous person I know would not take this challenging route that would require an additional $3000 or more plus visas for two countries. No way! It would be too risky to take such a route to places unfamiliar to me. We asked for wisdom and we got it!
I was to stay, which deep in my heart gave peace and joy. No fear, just trust. Being obedient to God's leading is so important to me.
So here I am! Not sure how long. The future is uncertain everywhere. I choose to trust. I choose to be at peace.
Besides, all the dear friends I have here cannot leave.
They are cut off from their extended families. There is no freedom to leave at this time. So we stay calm and carry on! There is work to be done. Being anxious will not change the situation. Trusting will! As we trust in the LORD, He gives His people peace that is beyond understanding. He gives joy, courage and eternal perspective. For such a time as this, I am here.
God is good.
God is faithful.
God is trustworthy.
God is Sovereign.
God is in Control.
God is full of compassion, righteousness and kindness.
God is our Peace!
So......see you whenever!
If you feel sorry for me, please put your energy instead into encouraging others, including my Mum, my dear hubby and adult children working in healthcare. Help those in your corner of the world.
And don't forget to pray! Pray as you go about your day. Pray out loud! Pray God's Word.
Whenever you wash your hands say Psalm 23 or the Lord's Prayer which take about 25 seconds at a normal pace of speech. Pray for this time to be a revival of hearts in marriages, families, and communities even if folks cannot meet together! Pray for our service people who work selflessly in the US and around the world to help other nations in so many ways.
Please carry on doing what you have been called to do, even if it has to be done remotely for a while.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
