Thankful

I am so thankful for the children at Joytown. On Sunday, we had a farewell party for the primary and secondary students in the spina bifida support group. I have not had a chance to meet the secondary students yet, and they blew me away. They are such an encouragement and a living testimony to the younger ones. They prove that it is possible to live a clean and normal life with C.I.C. (a person must empty their bladder using a catheter). One older girl gave a small speech and thanked God for her condition. She said she knew that God had a purpose when she was born with spina bifida. I nearly lost my breath. I am perfectly healthy, and yet, I question God’s purpose for me. This girl, with a life-altering condition, is praising the Lord for the way He made her. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord, thank you for examples of children who praise You at all times.

Another blessing lately is a child named Gideon. This boy was born without arms or legs and almost completely illiterate at the age of 19. My first week here, I was given the challenging task of reading with Gideon everyday. After a few weeks, I realized I was hurting more than helping since I do not have a teaching degree. I was frustrated and very confused why the Lord was using me to help this boy. Until yesterday…I met one of the Canadian BethanyKids board members and casually mentioned Gideon’s story. Gideon is in a classroom with children more than 10 years younger. Last year was his first year at school and he needs one-on-one attention.

This gracious man has offered to help find Gideon a tutor to work with him daily. This would drastically change Gideon’s progress in the classroom. The Lord is always working—even when it’s not the time we expect!