Hope is In your Hands

After an amazing fulfilling breakfast of eggs, toast, gallo pento (rice and beans), watermelon, and pineapple, we were off for a day of visiting hospitals. The first hospital destination was the women’s cancer hospital where we handed out over 100 health care kits, did foot massages, and prayed for them. They were happy and thankful to see us and we could tell from the smiles they gave us. It is inspirational to see them with uplifted expressions even when times are tough for them. They know God heals and provides for all.
The second hospital was a pediatric one. It provided treatment for several diseases and cancer patients too. We handed out WWJD bracelets and candy to the children and we also prayed with them. Most were too weak from treatment to get out of bed. Both hospitals are one of a kind in Nicaragua. People travel from all around the country to get treatment from them.
Now think about it: Hospitals in a third world county. Today we witnessed scenes that we only see on television in the states. Heartbreaking scenes of as much as 8 patients per room, babies with debilitating diseases and cancer, and some patients having to share a bed with another.
Being in Nicaragua and having the opportunity to come here to do God’s work has been a blessing for me. It puts life in a new perspective. We take so much for granted. Here, the simplest pleasures of life are still valued, such as getting a sucker for a treat or having water to bathe, much less having soap to cleanse, while at home in the states, we have an abundance of materials for us. After seeing the severity of poverty here, I cannot justify complaining about much anymore. If the electricity goes out, so what? At least I know that it will come back on. Most people here don’t have electricity.
Next time when something goes not as planned or times get tough I’m going to think to myself about all I have in life. I’m going to think of the people in Nicaragua that don’t have much but still have a smile on their faces and are very thankful for what they do have. It didn’t take long for Nicaragua to hold a very special place in my heart and it will always be kept there.