Miss Emmalee

Emmalee and Elias this morning. Two different
countries, two different languages, two different disabilities,
but the same God that brought them together.

Estrela suffers from  Elephantiasis.

There are a variety of reasons that can cause this
condition.  One is through filarial worms transmitted
by mosquitoes.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Every now and then while in Dondo, I have a moment of epiphany. It seems for a brief moment, God allows me to see the "other side of the tapestry." Often things don't make sense in our topsy-turvy world birthed in the aftermath of the Garden of Eden. Then when I least expect it, a ray shines through.

Miss Emmalee was born with a very rare syndrome.  It is called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. I can barely pronounce the syndrome that plays havoc on her body. The definition for her was to be born with dislocated hips, ptosis of the eyes, the inability to bend her knees and have twisted toes that sometimes rub each other raw. Not only was she born with this, so was her brother and her stillborn sister. Em struggles to get in and out of cars, to sit normally, to walk at a normal pace and at times to fall flat on her face.

Em spent a good portion of her 22 years asking God, "why?"  And He said to her, "Trust me Emmalee.  I see you as beautiful, and I have a plan for you..."  

After graduating in May with an Ag degree from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Em decided to follow her dream...and it was to come to Africa. This morning I watched in amazement as I could see Em do something no one else could do as we walked Project Life. 

Elias struggles to walk.  He is an old man whose muscles have literally wasted away in his legs.  I was relieved to see him sitting outside because he has spent the last few months laying in his bed in a dark room. Em didn't hesitate, she sat down with her legs straight out and explained to Elias she understood.  And he understood that she understood. Just her presence communicated more than a degree in his tribal language. She prayed for him with a fervor only she, Elias and God understood. 

Then we went to visit Estrela. Estrela suffers from Elephantiasis. It hurts my heart to see her grossly affected leg knowing that life here requires one to be extraordinarily ambulatory to survive. Again, Em shared with Estrela in the way she has received comfort from God. I could see Estrela's tears well up. God understood her pain and she could see it in Em's eyes.

I know God that suffering is not your heart for people. But because we were created in your image, we have free will that brought sin, suffering and dying into this world. But that is not the end. You have a plan to use suffering to woo us back under your wings as a hen gathers her chicks.  It is there that we find our comfort.