I Trust He is Emmanuel

I was scared out of my mind. I thought Liz, at Exodus, was on the verge of dying at any minute. Saturday she laid on the bed groaning in pain as her body became very weak and she started losing feeling in her extremities. She complained of a really bad pain on her upper chest on the left side and she was alternating between feeling hot and cold. I was very worried, but tried to remain calm as I was in a position where I needed to make a vital decision. I didn't know what to do, but pray. Elijah called a taxi and we brought her to the hospital immediately. At the hospital, I still felt somewhat hopeless and helpless. I didn't really trust the hospital to tell you the truth. Seeing her in the state she was in and hearing the moans as she waited for a pain injection to kick in brought me to tears. I cried for this girl, who is the same age as me. We were able to get medicine the following day, since the pharmacy was closed that night (this took place between 9pm and 2am). She was diagnosed with pneumonia. I hope she gets better and I'm more content knowing that she has medicine now. I'll admit that I can never be a doctor, but I need to read more about community health. Pray for Liz (she's the one who sews uniforms and works at our new dress-making business) as she is struggling with pneumonia and other personal issues.

Otherwise at Exodus, things are going well. Thanks to my parents and some vistors we were able to purchase two bunks and mattresses for the kids, which we'll be getting this week. The girls, especially, are in need of beds. We have about 20 in one room of three bunks. You do the math. I climbed into a bed with three other girls the other night... and this isn't a double bed. (Usually I just share with Jessica in our own room though) We are moving those bunks into another room so that the girls will now be in two rooms. We are also working on getting textbooks and reading books for the kids. Sometimes I find myself dreaming about Exodus and our future potential, but for now, we work on little changes each week since funding is minimal. Last week, we spent a lot of time writing policy and contracts for the Centre; a task that was new to me, but something that is very important. I realized that I have a gift for assessing a whole situation, identifying the problems and dysfunctions, and forming and prioritizing attainable goals in search for a solution. I guess that's why I'm studying social work.

Be blessed.

Pictured above is Liz sewing in Exodus' new uniform and dress-making shop. She is so happy to be doing the work she loves in her own space.