June 13: You've gotta go down, if you want to go up.

We awoke at 6:00, and began preparing for our first day in the Olorien Medical Clinic. Our group piled into several Land Cruisers, and made our way to the Olorien neighborhood. Our car turned off the main paved road, and made our way onto a narrow,dirt, and pothole filled road. The car was instantly surrounded by mud/wooden framed homes with rusted tin roofs. The front doors were tattered curtains which hung in open doorways. My heart melted as children began running alongside the car: screaming, waving, laughing...barefoot and all. Their joy is not defined by their circumstances, and it's beautiful and humbling to witness.

Today was the first day the clinic had ever opened, and thus Dr. Byemba requested that all medical care be free. We saw approximately 200 patients our first day. My heart was overwhelmed with God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and love. I am learning so much more from these people and their love for Christ, than I ever fathomed.

Halfway through the day, Dr. VanFleet ushered in a baby to me that was now term, but had been born 7 months premature. My heart instantly melted at the sight of this baby. The mother began explaining (via translator) that he had been born 2 months early and sent home immediately (NICU's are lacking in Africa ;) ). I began my assessment, and his lungs sounded clear, and I could not hear a heart murmur. Other than a slightly runny nose, this child was now a healthy full term baby. My mind could not grasp the fact that a 7 month premature infant could survive in Africa without any medical intervention, and was now healthy. I have seen so many 7 month old infants in America, with top medical care, struggle to survive...and here was this one child who had beaten the odds. I could feel my nose grow pink and my eyes fill with tears at the sight of this beautiful baby. What a beautiful picture of God's sovereignty, strength, and might over His people. I gave the Mother newborn infant tips/education, and she emphatically thanked me for the tips. I told her, "No no, thank you" for bringing him. To see the Lord work in this way with this child, truly blessed my heart. What a beautiful and mighty God we serve.

Lindsey another RN, and I worked with various patients throughout the day complaining of specific symptoms characteristic of STD's, which are very prevalent here. We also assessed and loved on so many children. It was a beautiful thing to simply hold the children, as you were assessing them. My heart was truly overflowing.

After working in the clinic straight from 9-5, our group walked across the road to eat dinner at the Bible Baptist School. Mama Glory (aka the best cook I know!) cooked fresh goat and potatoes. I have to say, it was absolutely, positively, delicious!

After a full day of assessments/prescriptions my body was tired, but my heart was full. It is such a joy to use my giftings for His glory. I'm attempting to uncover the tip of the iceberg in the meaning:

But it is not that way with you, but the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. -Luke 22:25-27

I'm in love with a King who became a slave

I'm in love with a God who is humble.

You gotta go down if you want to go up.

And you've got to go lower if you want to go higher.

You've got to hide and do it in secret if you want to be seen by God.

Because it's the inside outside upside down Kingdom,

Where you lose to gain and you die to live.

Currently Playing: Servant of All - Misty Edwards