Adventures in Africa

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Mailing address

Desiree Cabot
Mercy Ships
M/V Africa Mercy
HCS Department
PO Box 2020, Lindale,TX
75771-2020, USA

Yesterday was the day for Ward Devotions when a bunch of the nurses get together and talk a little about the Bible/God, ect. So my room mate was leading the discussion and she choose to talk about Grace.

I thought it was so good to hear again. She asked what grace was-That was an easy answer to me-God giving us what we do not deserve. The best example of Grace is when Jesus took the punishment for our sins on himself and died in our place on the cross, giving us the right to come to God as if we have never sinned, allowing us to come to God as his children. So why is it so hard to live by grace? To really trust that God is going to be all that we lack and accept us just as we are. We tend to try to work our way to God, to earn our way to heaven, to earn approval from other people. I know I can sometimes judge people or think in my mind, 'well at least I'm not like them.' -thats wrong, and its not Grace.

One answer we came up with was that, in order to live free of trying desperately to do and be what we cannot do and be on our own, we have to really trust God. We have to give up control. And who doesn't like to be in control? In order to live by grace, there is a point when we say, no it is not me. I tried but I was found wanting... I wished that my heart was good, but i found that my heart really was decietful. And despite that, a God who is Good, and Just, choose to pay a great price for our Redemtion, and through Jesus, wants us to give other people grace too. Not to impress other christians, not to be spiritual, but to Love God back and to take the things he gives to us that we do not deserve. Forgiveness, when we might have sinned on purpose. Righteousness, when we deliberately went against god. Patience, when we took a long time to let God work. Hope, when we reach the end of ourselves.

I am on night shifts this week for 3 days, and I am enjoying the double bed in the sleeping cabin! I have a post-op ortho patient that makes me feel right at home. He had a BKA (Below the knee amputation), after he was in a bad car accident and his foot did not heal. So, being the ortho nurse that I am pushed IV antiemetics, antibiotics and pain meds all night :)

Let me see if I have any great stories... Well ok, the other day I went for a walk with a friend, and walking down the street, a motorcycle drives past with 2 men and a bleating Goat on the back. The goat was practically upside down, and was probably going to be dinner, but he was bleating so loud. It was funny, poor goat. I also got a tour of a fish importing company- who import fish from spain, yeah it was weird. The guys showed us "The real thing"-frozen and dead in the cooler.

This coming weekend I have a 4 day weekend, and not sure what I will do- maybe go camping on the beach, maybe go to an orphanage or something.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

I don't know if you've ever had the same feelings as me, at one time or another, but there are times I think to myself, "How did I end up here?" I feel so plain and ordinary and see all these really talented people who love God. The speaker at church tonight was reminding me of how sometimes we can feel that way, and I thought, yes- here I am again.

I have so much growing to do. Learning to trust God, to trust people, to obey God. To give up my wants, my selfishness. My desire to please people. Sometimes I don't want to let go. But then I look at Jesus, and I am convinced again that it is love that will always take to me to the place of real change in my life. Gods love. His awesome, relentless, jealous Love! And He gives grace where I need it.

I worked this weekend on B ward, the ward with the most little kids, and yes, they are adorable, but I realized I do not have as much patience as I previously thought. Some of these energetic kids have been couped up on a hospital ship a little too long, if you know what I mean. The toddlers are getting bored with the toys... Some of my teacher friends need to come and entertain them with creative crafts. :)

I will be working nights for the next 3 days. We will be doing a lot of surgeries this week. If you would, please pray that all will go well, patients will heal quickly and we would be able to encourage each one. And that God will have his way in me.

I am craving Bubble Tea... Peach black with passion fruit jelly and tapioca!

Thank you for reading my blog today! :)

Song Lyrics that encouraged me:

Cannot Hide my Love (don't know who its by)

Holy Spirit
I need your touch,
More than ever before,
O Jesus, I need your love
And I'm desperate for more

When I feel your presence all around me
When I feel your arms as they surround me

I cannot hide my love
I cannot hide my love
My feet will have to dance
I cannot hide my love
I cannot hide my love
My heart will have to sing

I am so in love with
I am so in love with
I am so in love with
You my Lord, my God