Hard to believe it is already Friday! The Nigerians in Jos officially take the cake for the most hospitable, welcoming friendly people ever! Everytime we meet anyone, they aways stop what they are doing and say hello and welcome us right away!
We keep meeting more and more children. We walk to the Faith Alive Hospital from the apartments (where we eat all of our meals) and on the way we see countless children in and out of their houses "oyboe!!!!" (white person in Hausa)! It is very funny...sometimes adults do it too! We met several children on the side of the road and all they want to do is give high fives and give your hugs and handshakes. I cannot get enough of them, they are so very cute. Most speak English and Hausa, even those that are only two years old.
There is so much to say about the Faith Alive Hospital. In the mornings we go to their devotional program, which involves singing, a small testimony, and prayer. It was so energetic and uplifting. Usually they invite their guests to give the testimony-so this Monday, our last day here, the four of us will lead the devotional! Pray for us!!!
Biana took us on a tour yesterday, and the whole place is really beautiful. They have so much change and growth going on. When you go into the waiting room, even though it is always overflowing, there is still a huge spirit of peace. It is so incredible, because most of their patients are probably more ill than I will ever be, God willing. Yet, there is so much patience in the room. On our tour, we barged into all kinds of rooms and offices, and no one ever minded. Everyone is so welcoming. Even though the people waiting are probably nervous, there is not really any sign of their anxiety. I can't help but think of how much tension and worry exists in American waiting rooms...
There is so much need there at the hospital. They have been building new space, yet they are in need of electricity and furniture and supplies and all kinds of things. They have such confidence and trust in the Lord for what He has promised to do. They started with nothing, and now they are a huge completely free hospital that takes care of so many people, including tons os those affected with HIV/AIDS. They need so much more-but they do not seem to worry or fear. I cannot imagine myself in such a situation. They all seem to live life in such a Godfearing way. They showed us how people who come in regularly have "team doctors" , and the team doctors (about 8 of them) see minimum 40 patients per day! Some have 700 in all!!!
We attended a weekly staff meeting also, which happens on Thursdays. It really was a large prayer meeting with tons of singing, praying and a sermon. Pastor Rich, who is volunteering with Faith Alive from Colorado, gave a great talk on spiritual gifts. It was really great!
I particularly have loved being with the children and the women in the sewing school. Everyone is so full of life and so joyful. We love being here, and we have been doing a lot of filming and interviews so we can show everyone at Nativity a bit of what we have been doing and have seen. Thanks for all the prayers!!!
-Kristin Marie Costanza
2 comments:
Your descriptions of the people and the hospital capture it perfectly. It is like being absorbed in the love, nothing else matters, being without comfort food,water, and electricity are irrelevant. Your testamony speaks of how close God is to those who have nothing but Him.
We are thanking God for the gift you are to our friends at Faith Alive and to Nativity.
Lots of love and prayers.
Please send our hellos to the girls at the sewing school, Blessing, Helen, Naomi, Biana, Drs. Chris and Mercy and also sweet Bubba.
Kristin I want you to know that I love and MISS U!! I am praying for you and your crew! I am so thankful that God is allowing you to have this awesome experience with these amazing people you describe. I pray that he continue to use you and those you come in contact with! God bless you Marie!!!
Post a Comment