Tuesday, June 29, 2010

One of My Favorite Patients


Wilma is 7 years old.  Her family was very concerned about her.  She had fever, a hot swollen mass under her jaw that resulted in a lack of interest in food.  She had been to several doctors in Belize City, Orange Walk and Chetumal.  She was not getting better.  But she was still smiling.  A careful bimanual exam of where the swelling connected up inside revealed a blocked and infected submandibular salivary gland...sialadenitis!!!...Am I claiming to be a medical genius?  No, I am claiming to care about giving patients the same thoughtful care that I would want my family and friends to have.  Am I claiming to have an especially kind heart? No, my heart requires constant renewal.  I am claiming to want to love because He loves me.  Also Wilma's beautiful smile and gentle manner make it very easy.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The "Grandmaster" of Rap Poetry Graduated from jacob's Farm


From Daniel who has week-daily sessions with the residents based on his training in YMCA's Restore Minitries:"One of my clients at Jacob's Farm just stepped out on the water that is the "boisterous" waves of the world. Yesterday, Leroy Young graduated from the program. 123 days crack-free. This Sunday, he is going to celebrate his first "Father's Day" with his 20 year old son and 17 year old daughter. I was there for their reunion 60 days ago. They had not spoken in 11 years. There were tears, frowns and smiles. It was miraculously joyous. There was forgiveness. There was an incredible embrace of roles that had never been fulfilled or 'played out' before. For the last 63 days this little fractured family has been communicating daily and a miraculous healing has been unfolding before my eyes. Give God praise and glory and gratitude for this little family. And lift them up this Sunday for the best 'father's day' ever. There will be waves and storms, but pray that Leroy and all of us, keep our eyes fixed on the source of all calm." (Leroy went down for the altar call and gave his life to the Lord 9 weeks ago at Central Assembly of God in Belize City when Daniel and the residents went down for the Sunday service.)
(We do not receive any financial support from Belize Project or Christ Presbyterian Church but we have received generous donations from many members of Christ Pres.)