The art of being still

This week has been another that has been filled with difficulties. In fact, there were many times this week I just wanted to come home. Don't worry, things have gotten better! Here is my story. Tuesday was looking up! I was starting to feel better and was sure I'd be over my cold by Monday and ready to get back to life as usual. My body had other plans. Wednesday morning I woke up with an terrible headache. When I tried to get up, I instantly felt nausious. I managed to get over to the couch and called Ivan to tell him I wasn't going to be able to go anywhere that day. I layed there unable to get up to get anything to eat until 3:00 when Ivan called me to see if I was feeling any better. When I told him my headache had only gotten worse, he said he'd be over in ten minutes. Ivan came a few minute later with a doctor who concluded I had a bad ear infection and precribed me some antibiotics. He wanted to take a better lok at my burn and get it cleaned up so he told me to come to the hospital that night. I went over to Rebecca's so I wouldn't have to be alone and spent the rest of the day puking and trying to lay as still as possible. This is the point at which I just wanted to go home! That night I went to the hospital, got my burn cleaned, picked up some more antibitotics, and got a shot of pain killer so I would be able to fall asleep.
I've been getting progressively better. I still have fluid in my ear which makes it hard to here, but there is no more pain. I am able to eat normally and function on a pretty normal level now! I am very thankful for how God took care of me over the whole sickness and can see His hand inmy recovery as well.
There are positives to this whole experience though; these past two weeks have forced me to stop and be still. When thrown into a new environment, it is easy to be overwhelmed by everything that is going on around you. I was pretty much focusing on surviving; learning the language, getting to know the people and the basics of the organisations I was working with, etc. I was failing to take time to slow down and contemplate what it was I was actually doing and how I fit into the big picture of what God is doing in Bolivia and even in my life. It has been good to be forced to slow down and get perspective. I am only here for a month more; then I go home to Canada. But there are people who will not leave, there are people who have dedicated thier lives to caring for the people of Bolivia. The kids at the Casa will still be here when I leave. They will stay here trying to survive in their devistating social situations; their only safe haven, the Casa, suffering budget cuts because of lack of funding. Life and ministry in Bolivia will continue once I leave. My burden to pray for and support the work going on here in Bolivia is growing heavier, I pray yours is as well.