May
04
We have two friends that stop by every day or two to chat. We really haven't had the time or emotional energy to pursue these or any other relationships yet, which makes these two developing relationships all the more interesting to me. So let me tell you about them. Despite the fact that I doubt anyone in this town will ever find and read my blog, I feel uncomfortable writing names. I'll just call them by their initials.B is 22 or 23, the mother of two cute boys, and has been married for 5 years to L. In the last month, it seems like her life is falling apart piece by piece. Her 2 year old J was in the hospital with a fever of 103.5 F for three days. The doctor told her he has a heart problem and had a virus in his blood. I'm not sure what to believe. Her mother has a long-term heart problem and is in and out of the hospital in Lima (4 hrs away by bus). Her father blames her for the problem (for being born) and is not taking responsibility for the mother's care. B is traveling to and from Lima, leaving her kids in the care of a friend. L is angry with her for abandoning the family. And then this week her 4 year old L2 came down with pneumonia. She can't afford the medicines he needs and doesn't know what to do.
All that to say that B comes by often but so far it mostly seems like she's coming to complain. I'd say she has good reason, but at the same time, her life is such a mess that I'm almost skeptical. I don't know what to say, don't know how I could or should help. I don't know how quickly or deeply to jump into this friendship at my door.
Friend #2 is R, probably somewhere around our age, single and crazy about Sierra (who is definitely already "taken" by a dashing, brilliant, and loyal Ghanian in the US). R is a talker if I ever met one. He frequents our door to chat with Tim about anything and nothing. Last night he came over wanting to practice his very beginner English but ended up asking Tim when he was going to start a Bible study. Tim, who had no intentions to start one, was a little surprised but told him some about the Alpha course. We're hoping to start it by the end of this month and praying he will come.
We have a to-do list a mile long, and I'll admit that sometimes my heart sinks to hear the doorbell ring. At the same time, I know that my job here is people, not to-do lists. We feel ourselves growing in our patience and love and are glad for it. Keep praying that our hearts would be more like the heart of Jesus and that the hearts of these friends would be open to the breathtaking love of Jesus.
Maybe these gals ring your doorbell, not for friendship, but exactly for what you are in Puerto Supe to offer --- hope and love! This may be God just doing her thing ........
Love,
Martha