The Presence of God

There were many terrible moments I experienced since my water broke. However, through it all I was reminded of God's presence through the many blessings He sent from above to make my experience easier. Here are some of the ways I felt the presence of God...

- In the arrival of Mama Carlton, the neighbor who took me to the hospital. I was distraught because I couldn't reach my friends who I wanted to take me there. It turns out to have been for the best because they are Swiss and wouldn't have known what to do once we got there. Mama Carlton, who is Tanzanian, has delivered there herself and took charge of the situation, not leaving until I was fully settled and taken care of.

- Through the many people who visited me in the hospital. George only had to make a call and our Moshi family gathered around me and supported me in his absence. Even after he returned, they continued to come and help, knowing George was busy with Eli. Some came twice a day. Many brought food, phone credit, and other things we needed.

- Through our Swiss friends who lovingly took care of Eli for two nights. He had never slept somewhere else before and we didn't know how he would do. He had difficult moments, but they loved him right through them. Most of the time, he just had a blast with them.

- Through our pastors children who came to spend time with Eli and help George in the house.

- In the safe arrival of George who only had two hours sleep after driving 18 hours the day before. He had another twelve hour drive to do and other than the diesel mishap, the rest of the drive was problem free.

- Through Dr. Nanyaro who took charge of my labor situation and even came in on his day off to perform my c-section. He wanted to see me through it instead of passing me onto the doctor on call.

- Through Dr. Oneko, the former chief of the department who called many times from Kenya to check on me and spoke with the doctors treating me to make sure they were doing the right thing.

- By the delaying of labor. This one is HUGE. I never had contractions and that may have been what saved Julia's life. Because of that, we were able to get the four steroid injections to help her lungs. Had the contractions started, she would have been delivered right away.

- By my easy spinal tap. I was so scared of it, but the doctor was incredible. IVs and injections are way more painful. It didn't bother me the spinal tap didn't work. I was so pleased by his gentle hand and expertise.

- Through the kind nurses who went out of their way to help me. One in particular, Dora, was especially helpful in navigating the hospital procedures. One morning, she found me in tears, in so much pain from the spinal headache as well as sorting out my emotional pain. She went through each thing that was upsetting me, talking me though them.

- By two NICU nurses, Florence and Anna, who were so patient and kind to me - helping me with Julia, working with me through the pain of the spinal headache, and covering Julia's feedings so I could rest.

- When I met the English speaking mom in the NICU. Her help made my life better. After I just met her, I grabbed her hand and said "you are any answer to prayer."

- By the prayers and encouragement being sent our way by beloved family and friends all over the world. It helped to know we weren't alone.

- Through my Mom and Traci... my US lifelines.

- By the financial assistance we are receiving to help us with this unexpected, large expense.

- By the people who have brought us dinner this week.

- Through my husband who ran around endlessly to take care of us all.

- In those moments of panic and fear when I stopped to focus on Jesus and felt His strength and peace wash over me.

- That Julia is alive is a huge testament to God's power. She is one tiny little girl and one BIG miracle.

I know there are many more ways God has blessed us through this situation. All I know is that He is sovereign, loving and faithful. He never left my side through it all.

"Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:9-11