Sad day
July 6, 2006
My friends and family, hello…… we miss you all so much. Today i could use a hug from each of you. My little girl in Motherwell (the one in her home with aids) died yesterday. L We received a phone call from her school teacher (the one who introduced us in the first place) today saying she passed away. I am so sad. This fragile little life taken by a hideous disease that shows no mercy. She suffered tremendously and to see a child, the same age as my youngest son, be tormented by something so powerful really makes you feel small and helpless. But maybe the mercy came in our Lord calling her home. Her suffering is over and now she is resting. I know that sounds so cliché, but now i really understand what a relief it is almost to know that someone is at peace after paying a toll that none us have had to go through before. Each breath seemed painful and her heart was growing weary. I had such hope for her as i know God’s mercy’s are new every day and he performs miracles all the time. The boys were a little upset (as they have been with me each time i visited her) but they understand her suffering is over.
Today we also went to get two more children here from ocean’s tested and we had to leave the clinic because 10 workers didn’t show up. They didn’t have the staff to test. So, we will try again tomorrow and Monday and every other day as long as the girls are still eager to do so. They are so brave and i see a shift in their strength now that their counseling is almost over.
We delivered donated diapers today to some people in Motherwell. Tomorrow I plan on rechecking the baby in my new ‘village in the woods’ and seeing the woman that had been beaten. We will take her a new pair of glasses and see if that helps as well as some food.
Update on the young woman who was contemplating an abortion… me and mama went and visited her yesterday evening and mama was awesome! She told her all the problems she may have with an abortion and her HIV status, not to mention her emotional state, and warned her of some of the consequences. After much discussion we prayed for her, me first in English and then mama in Xhosa. It was great. Then as we were leaving, she said she has decided to not have an abortion, but we will keep visiting her and she how she is doing. Her next visit is on the 11th. So again, prayer warriors, do your thing.
We also receive a new child at the orphanage tomorrow. A four year old boy… can’t wait to see him, there needs to be some boys around here.
Thanks for all your prayers for my sweet girl in Motherwell.
We love you all very much,
Jennifer, Joseph and James
July 6, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Hey boys, it’s Coty. I am so proud of what you are doing. Your mom has mentioned that you guys are being very stong and supportive amidst all of the sadness that you see. You boys will grow up to be compassionate men. We need that! Keep up the good work and know that we are thinking of you here at home.
Miss and love you,
Coty
July 6, 2006 at 5:53 pm
Jennifer,
Here’s a hug from me
Bea
July 6, 2006 at 5:55 pm
Jennifer,
Here’s a hug from me.
Bea
July 6, 2006 at 6:55 pm
Hi Jen,
I am so sorry about your young friend. This is so hard to understand and I won’t even attempt to use any cliche’s, it is just flat hard to understand. Thanks for loving my people so much, I know that folks are seeing God through your compassionate caring. Stay strong.
Schaun
July 6, 2006 at 7:21 pm
Hi Jen, so sorry to hear about the little girl in Motherwell. I think that it is always painful to lose someone that you know, but when it’s a small child it is even more so. Children should never have to go through an illness like that, but unfortunately they do, and there isn’t anything we can do about it except to try and save the next one. Just try to remember the ones you have already helped so much. A great big hug from me. Take care and stay safe.
July 6, 2006 at 9:18 pm
Me again. I just realized I sent two hugs earlier. I hope they both helped!
I interviewed 2 men from Ruwanda today. They both mentioned the civil war in their country and that they don’t think that they will ever be able to go home. I can’t imagine the atrocities that they and their families have endured. They are some of the lucky ones that got out of a war torn country and made a new life in the United State. I thought of the woman that told you she had been promised a trip to the United States.
I know that these two men have had angels in their lives that made it possible for them to have a new life and be out of danger.
You are the angel for some many people there. Some day they will tell their life story to a stranger and you will be the reason they survived to tell it.
bl
July 6, 2006 at 9:20 pm
dear james,
July 6, 2006 at 9:30 pm
dear james,
its Tim and Torin did you know the girl that died very well. even if you didnt at least shes in a better place. what are you doing for fun. how close were you to a lion. what are you going to use your money on. we have mist you. what are your friends like.cant wate till you get back.
from,
tim and torin
July 6, 2006 at 9:36 pm
hello jen,
Loss of any child just sucks .. no words make it better
andrea
July 6, 2006 at 9:54 pm
Jennifer,
I got back from our trip and first thing I sat down to read your posts. It was like reading a great book. You really describe things there in such a real way. You pick out the details that make it come alive. I was very sad to get to the last post and hear that the little girl died. Poor little sweetheart. I’m really glad that you were there to help her in any way you could during her last days. You are so compassionate that even just having you there a little probably lifted her spirits.
I saw one of my favorite pictures that you’ve sent me so far! I can’t wait to get it posted. Remember when you went I told you to average 100 a day. Are you reaching that quota?
Love, Denise
July 7, 2006 at 1:24 am
Hi Jen
What sad news about the little girl but at least she died knowing that she was not alone and that you loved her, you may have lost one but you are saving dozens more!! so stay strong, keep your spirits high and let God take care of the rest.
love & a hug
from Ian
July 7, 2006 at 2:40 am
Hi Jennifer,
I was in need of some positive thoughts today because the last couple of weeks have been a struggle. So I found some of my favorite Maya Angelou quotations to help me, and found some that express my feelings about the work you are doing:
“It is this belief in a power larger than myself and other than myself which allows me to venture into the unknown and even the unknowable.” You are making a difference in the many lives you are touching, including those of us at home.
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
Keep up the wonderful work you are doing! You are my she-roe!
Love,
Bridget
July 7, 2006 at 3:12 am
Hi sweetie! How is the little girl’s mother doing? Have you hugged her? I would hope she understands you did all you could. If I lost one of my little (!) girls I would need all the hugs I could get. Hang in there … many more like her need your help.
Love to you all, M
July 7, 2006 at 3:25 am
…oh man…e-mail just doesn’t cut it for this…I’m praying for you and would definitely give you a hug if I was there. I don’t know what to write … my heart is heavy for you and I’m grateful God is showing you His mercy through all this.
You have so much of His strength, compassion, and mercy. Thank you for staying centered on Him to guide you and lead you.
Love,
Nat, Andy, and Grant
July 7, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Hi Jen:
I cried with you this morning as I read of the horrible news of the death of this young child. I know that you worked hard to prevent this from happening so quickly. As someone else mentioned in their comments, it just does not seem fair that the young have to be exsposed to this dreadful desease. Only the good die young.
I hope you will be able to continue on in your vision even though this has occurred, just remember that there are so many others that you are touching and assisting to educate about this dilema they are faced with each day! If there is anything that you need that you feel would make it to you in time, please let me know. I feel badly as I sit here and look at a box of 200 toohtbrushes on the floor of my office knowing you could have used them. Anyway, keep your head up and that lovely smile on your face!
Peace and a strong hug!
mgm
July 7, 2006 at 9:18 pm
MGM,
If you will bring your toothbrushes to my assistant, Sarah Hayes at Westside Family Church, I will take them to Oceans of Mercy when I go on July 23rd. You can call Sarah at 913.422.8257.
Thanks!
Dave Cox
Jenn,
Praying for you all at Oceans of Mercy each day and look forward to seeing you soon.
Isaiah 41:10
July 8, 2006 at 3:58 am
Jennifer,
I, too, have been away from my computer for a few days and have now caught up on your notes. As someone wrote above, you do have a gift for making your experiences come to life for all of us readers. (Where were you when a school newsletter had to be written???) Anyway, I’m sorry to hear of the little girl’s death. I can’t imagine going through that as a parent or even as a close friend of the family. Count on me for a hug to help. This may not be too pertinent, but I heard Mike Sweeney (from the KC Royals) speak at an FCA Baseball camp which Austin went to this morning. He talked a bit about his troubles (bad back for two months) and how he keeps his eyes on Jesus through all the pain and rehab. That focus helps him make it through the rough times when he wants to give up or when the world ridicules him for not being able to play. I know that you and the boys will keep your eyes focused on Jesus and let him lead the way. And as always, I’ll be praying that He will keep a close watch on you three as well. There will be a few prayer miles of running dedicated to you and all those you work with each day until you return. God bless you and see you soon.
Mike