Written from the bush.

We arrived in the bush two days ago.  There isn't much here, a local stand to buy a coke.  When we left Vilanculos, I realized I didn't have any money with me; I asked God for some money.   Later on in the day I found 5 Meticais (about 20 cents) in the sand and then another 20 MT in my sweatshirt pocket.  Jesus meets me, he gives me everything I need, and even the small wants - he just gets my back, I love it. 

Thank you Lord.

(This is another little girl I befriended - was unable to take pictures in the hospital.)

Today we visited the hospital to pray with people.  Stucco buildings huddled together amongst the dusty dirt roads, comprising the town hospital.  I walked into the children's ward (a room with about 6 beds).  The mattress of the first bed had been displaced to the floor and a small little girl lay on it.  I realized she was on the floor because she was too weak to climb up onto the bed.  Her frame was completely emaciated; she looked like she was in the process of dying and it broke my heart.

I settled down beside her and rubbed her small little hand in my own.  Her wrist was the size of my two pinkies.  Her body was so shrunken I think I could have washed clothes on her rib cage.  I found out her name is Elizabeth; she'd been there for a week, but in that state for a long time.  She was an orphan, and lived with her uncle and few sisters.  She didn't really talk, only to answer my questions, so I just sat and held her hand; and tried to embrace her pain.  I spent most of my time by her mattress, I read the Bible, prayed blessings over her, prayed for her healing.   

As I sat there and rubbed her fingers I wished I'd brought along my nailpolish, I wanted so badly to paint her fingernails.  They were so minute, and I could just picture how happy it might make her to have nailpolish on her fingernails.  I dismissed the thought and continued praying.

Shortly after Jenny and Ginger came to tell me it was time to leave.  Elizabeth asked for some juice and crackers - I quickly ran outside, got some ministry money,  and went to the lone stand for some juice and crackers.  As I stood waiting for the man to write out a receipt, behind him I noticed a small bottle of nailpolish. 

"How much is the nailpolish (said in Portuguese of course)?"

"The what?"

"Nailpolish."

"Huh?"

"Here," I walked around behind the counter to show him.  "This, how much is this?"

"That is 25 Meticais."

At that moment I remembered the 25 MT the Lord had given me before; and I knew now he'd given it to me just so I could pass it on to little Elizabeth. 

"I'll take one of these too please."

I took the juice, crackers and nailpolish back to her room.  Her sisters were there this time, so I passed the items on to them and said my goodbyes.  God loves his daughters.

(I also found a little extra money for a coke...:)