Hola Amigos!
Where to begin? Well, let's begin by translating the title of this post: All praises to my God. That's truly how we feel. From the people we've met/treated, to the meals we've eaten together, to the laughter and inside jokes, to devotionals in the morning - it's hard to miss God working in our lives. Here are a few of our favorite snapshots of God's grace here in Arequipa:
1. Walter (Ryan): This week, a man by the name of Walter came to us because of complications he was experiencing from his Parkinson's disease. Walter had been falling more often than usual and he was experiencing lots of anxiety due to his unsteadiness. Although strong as an ox, Parkinson's disease leaves Walter at a disadvantage because he cannot coordinate movement well. He also suffers from severe facial muscle resting tremors, these resting tremors are so severe that he has trouble uttering even the simplest of sentences. Walter has courageously battled this disease for 30 years.
Prior to being sidelined by Parkinson's Walter was an Olympic gymnast for the Peruvian national team. Walter made a living of perfecting balance, strength, and grace, and now he is struggling to stay upright. I cannot begin to imagine the frustration that brings. We taught Walter how to properly use his walker to walk, turn, sit and stand with confidence and steadiness. The improvement we saw was incredible. He was a fast learner and I imagine that ability stems from the ability God had given him as a gymnast. As we finished with Walter I was amazed at how a few tips made the world of difference in quality of life. Though we did not cure his Parkinson's disease, Walter received a part of his dignity back. He gained ownership of his quality of life. This is what PT can do in the Kingdom of God folks. I'm not done tho.
The mission of MMI Peru is not just to address physical needs. If we did that we'd be selling our patients short. Can you imagine spending 30 years feeling like you are trapped in your own body? I can't. We need to address the how Jesus plays a role in all of this if we want to bring true healing. We prayed for Walter, and as we were praying I felt the heaviness of his burden. As we were praying, tears streamed down Walters face. They were tears of two origins: of pain and of joy. It was a joy that is only felt when someone comes alongside of you and says: I see your in pain. Let me sit with you in that pain. Let me acknowledge you are hurting. I won't offer you any conjured up empty phrases but offer you an open heart. Walter left the clinic that day with hope and a smile to boot.
Folks, tho God incarnate, Jesus was also human. He experienced hurt. He was crucified, separated from God, beared the weight of all our sin (sin hurts by the way, no wonder he was sweating blood in the garden of Gethsemane), wept for Lazarus, starved for 40 days... in the desert. He knows our pain. He knows what it feels like when Parkinson's is all you have known for 30 years. He knows what it's like to feel alone. He knows what it's like when you lose you spouse. He knows what it's like when depression knocks at your door and won't leave. I can't understand what it means to have Parkinson's. But Jesus can. Do you know some one who needs their pain ackowledged? Be Jesus' hands and feet, sit with them in their pain.
2. Soccer with the Peruvians: At the beginning of the week a few of us discussed that we wanted to play some soccer with some Peruvians. Well, this Friday, we got our chance. After we finished work for the day we played with some of the construction workers at the school. It was amazing to see two worlds collide. Though we spoke different languages it didn't matter because the language of soccer broke through. High fives, laughter, sweat, sportsmanship and a ball. We had a blast. Maybe we should have the olympics more often? Perhaps then the world might be a better place.
3. Gladys (Ron): What is greater than to receive a smile, to feel the joy of another light up the room. Not a day has passed where our treatment rooms were empty of joy and passion. When I first met Gladys she simply stated her diagnosis as pain everywhere in her body. Everything hurt. She had been dealing with the pain for years. What do we do? What was the root of this pain and how can we treat all of that in 30 minutes? Overwhelmed and resistant to failure, we began testing, mobilizing and questioning Gladys. By the end of the session her pain was gone and her motion was better. For the first time in a long time, she said, she was happier because she was in less pain.
As we bowed or heads to pray, tears began to escape her eyes as she lifted her hands in praise. Following our prayer, she too prayer, for us, the work we are doing, the lives we are touching and the impact we are having. She prayed for our safety, for our minds and for our hearts. Moments like this lift my spirits higher than the volcano of Misty. They bring purpose to my life and they bless my soul. God placed us here for a reason and moments like this prove such a thing is true.
All of us came on this trip with our own faults; our own hang ups, yet something about serving makes you forget those things. Would you pray for strength for us to use this experience to submit our whole being to God when we return to the states - hang ups and all. Thank you all for your continued support!
Hasta luego,
The Peru Crew
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