Thursday, July 10, 2008

A year ago today.

Some of you have been around with me long enough to remember praying for Benny last year when he was sick with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in a local hospital - today it's been a year since we took him in. (Click here to read about it). To think back on it now...a lot of emotions and memories are still present that maybe always will stay with me...the other day as I was packing I ran across a list I wrote while we were in the hospital - 2 columns: one of things that were horrible to me at the time, and one list of things that were precious. Someday I'll share that, maybe.

But I'm overwhelmed today by God's faithfulness to us - yes, it's absolutely difficult to have a sick child in any culture or circumstance. We had the added challenge of being in a culture that isn't native to us, and in a hospital that wasn't 'normal' according to our American standards (ok, 'normal' is a kind word...). There were a lot of cultural realities that we were faced with at every turn, that we were really not prepared for. (One major one that stands out still was the lack of privacy - when we as Americans are facing a trauma we want privacy - kick out the visitors, shut the curtains. local culture is communal, and when someone's situation began to worsen in the open-room ICU, everyone gathered around to watch.) It was a conscious act of faith for us to trust that the doctors were doing the best they could with the knowledge and technology they had.

On the other side of community, we were so blessed to have 2 guys actually stay with us the entire time we were in the hospital, and to have others bring food, things for the house, or just come to sit with us. We praise God for Benny's recovery - he's a sweet kid and full of joy and life. Thanks to those of you who prayed for us during that time!

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7 comments:

  1. thanks for your note at SCS!!! funny how, now that I am here, i realize that I stopped by your blog this morning before I even got your note!!! Too funny! I guess we were MEANT TO BE! your work is BEAUTIFUL, and I love you blog! (I am smitten with the font on your headings. . .is that so silly?) Have a great day!!!! :)

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  2. Oh my gosh..that is shocking to read. I am so sorry Benny had to go through that! He is such a cute little rascal!! Thank God he recovered. Brought tears to my eyes, Dina, knowing what you had to go through.
    My own son has been a real pain lately and this helps me to remeber to keep things in focus on what is important!!

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  3. How well I remember reading your posts! God truly is faithful - You & your family went through SO much! So happy that Benny is back to his old self. What a lot of blessings you can look back on!

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  4. It seems like only yesterday that happened, and then again it seems so long ago. It's good to have a reminder of God's faithfulness and his strength during those difficult times.

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  5. Wow I can't believe that's been a year already - I've known you a long time... ;-) Can't imagine what that must have been like for you, so glad it turned out ok. And btw, haven't been to your actual blog in a while I guess, love the new look! And thanks for the email about adding pictures to the sidebars. :-)

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  6. Amen Sister! God is God.

    Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

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  7. Dina, I do remember reading about your ordeal and worry for your son. I have a hard time believing it was a year ago!! I am so glad that he is doing well today!!

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