A little nail polish for a little finger…
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…:)
My heart continues to break for and the tears continue to flow… thank you for sharing this story with us… not only is God changing each of you with your experience and service to Him… but He is changing us here at home as we witness it from afar… God bless you truly…
God is soooooo blessing you for all the love you are pouring out on these little children. This post really made me cry…I held my two pinkies together and just cried. Thank you for touching my heart, again.
you are incredible. i adore you & can’t wait to see you…..just over a month!
Wow… This brought tears to my eyes. I’m so excited for everything God is doing for you! I love and miss you so so much!
Oh my goodness!!! God is so amazing and the work He is doing in and through you is incredible!!! When you get back, we need to plan a weekend for me to come visit. We need to catch up!! I’m so blessed everytime I visit your blog!!!
Talia…you are one of the most amazing people I know and I love how God is working through you.
Your story breaks my heart but warms it the same. Thank you for doing what your doing. I’m sure that little girl felt the love and passion you gave her. God Bless You, Pam
Thanks for sharing this story Tal. It brought tears to my eyes. Keep up the amazing service! Love you!
How much we take for granted! God surely supplies way above and beyond what He promises in His Word. I’m sure God will bless you abundantly for showing such compassion to Elizabeth. Blessings.
Bout time you put something up! I jumped in my seat when I saw your name…I check every day. Boy do I love you Talia! This story made me cry.
God bless God! He’s so good, I love you sissy and miss you so much!
Today I was praying that I would be more astonished by the Lord. And then I read your update and I sat astonished. 🙂
Tal, thanks for bringing a little sunshine into the life of one of God’s precious children. We are praying for you daily and miss you!
Talia you don’t know me, I was on the Auburn team that was in Swaziland a couple of weeks ago… but I needed this tonight. Thank you for reminding me that our God is a god of DETAIL.
Much love sister!
Salagahle!
In HIS hands,
Ericka <><
Tears are flowing from my eyes. I am so amazed by God’s grace and work. This post was both heart breaking and uplifting. It continues to exemplify the AWESOME power of God. I can’t wait to go on the WR and be able to touch people’s lives the way you are. Thank you for the encouragement 🙂
Don’t you just love those little things that happen that are completely of God- there’s just no other way to explain it? Thanks so much for sharing this story. You made a huge impact on Elizabeth, and probably her sisters too.
tal that is is just cool im soo proud of you love you miss u leahbarnes
Talia,
You have a sweet heart!God continue doing his will through you!Love you and miss you.
Much love,
Christina:) (Shalom church)