Facing the Unexpected

The unexpected happens, well, unexpectedly. Here's how it happened for us today.

At about 1:30 this afternoon (10:30am PST), Laurie's pain that she has been experiencing on her right side had reached a crescendo of 'unbearable' and, unbeknownst to her, her body decided it was time to get help. She collapsed at the hangar and we had to put her on a stretcher, give her oxygen, and rush her to the hospital in downtown Cochabamba. The team members not assisting with securing her and administering oxygen/monitoring pulse/etc. were quickly gathering to pray. The van we had available did not have 'pop out' seats, so in order to convert it into an 'ambulance', we had to unscrew nuts/bolts from inside and underneath the vehicle. Thanks to available power tools and a saw for cutting out the bolts, we were able to transport her within 10 minutes. We loaded her and drove 15 minutes through Bolivian traffic to the ER. For the next 5 hours, Laurie was tended to by a very competent group of nurses and physicians. A wonderful wife of one of the missionaries here (an Argentine!!) - who is also a nurse - stood by her side the entire time. What a blessing!

In the meantime, the team gathered in the waiting room to pray...we looked at each other with some tears and were reminded of our verse for the trip. Hebrews 11:6 - 'without faith it is impossible to please God...' Though we didn't understand why, we agreed that God intended for this to happen and He would take care of Laurie!! As I write this, she is chatting on the phone with her family back here at the mission house. She is MUCH better and has been given some medication to address the pain. After an MRI, she was cleared by a fantastic neurologist to continue the trip (being careful to not over-exert)!!

Unfortunately, there's one limitation - she cannot join us tomorrow as we fly into the jungle for the morning. As many of you know, this was one of her most anticipated moments!! Please pray for her continued recovery and that the Lord would fill her with His peace and deep joy as she rests!!

Oh, by the way...As a team, we've agreed that Laurie wins the prize for the MOST UNIQUE souvenir of the trip...a Bolivian picture of her brain!! God is so good!! Our team has bonded in ways we never imagined - NOBODY left each other's side as we walked through the ordeal this afternoon. The NTM missionaries with whom we have fallen in love gathered around us in amazing ways as well!! And so, we lay our heads once again on our pillows after a day of ministry both to the dear people of Bolivia as well as each other ... who would have thought.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" - one step at a time!! Words cannot express how grateful we are for each of your prayers and partnership in this amazing trip!!