Day 2

We went up into the mountains yesterday to do house visits with Myra and the pastor. The only houses we stopped at were the ones that belonged to the program. Honestly, I didn't even need Myra to tell me which houses belonged to the program . I could tell by the look in people's eyes whether they were involved or not. The families that Mrya services had the look of hope in their eyes and joy and belief in their heart that God has not forgotten them. They welcomed us into their homes and were happy to update Myra with any concerns or needs.

A few of the families we visited had an ill family member. We made a circle around them and the pastor prayed for their healing and the well being of their families. Though we visited several houses; I can't seem to get Olga off of my mind. She was probably in her early to mid thirties with 7 kids. She had a 2 month old baby that looked much healthier than her other children. We took turns holding him and playing with him. When it was my turn to hold him, he sat quietly on my lap as I cuddled him, and the next thing we know he fell asleep peacefully in my arms and then started laughing in his sleep. Meanwhile, Olga was telling us that after she was released from the hospital, she came home to find that her husband was gone. Sadness filled her eyes a little, but vacated when she found out that the ministry would help her with some of her basic needs. As we did with the other families we visited, we gathered around her in a circle and prayed for her and her family. Some of the children came to join in. I made a point to touch and hug and kiss every child even the grandchildren (yes, her teenage daughter has a child). All it takes is a touch to heal and to wipe away any trace of sadness.

We went all through the mountains up one side and down the other. For me, it was like a hiking trip with perks along the way. The perks of course were being able to touch the lives of others with love, a smile and a prayer. Seeing the living conditions of those families wasn't a new experience for me, but I'm always inspired by how much they trust God and have faith that their every need will be met and they don't complain about their circumstances. They simply keep pressing and praying knowing that God will answer.