Friends, Cyclone Aftermath, & a Chance to Share

My dear friends Taryn, JulieAnne, and Jake came to visit this past weekend. It was a splendid time of joy and refreshment getting to see them and spend time with them. My heart is full of happiness because of sweet friends the Lord has placed in my life. :-) I believe this quote from C.S. Lewis can be attributed to these beautiful people: "How little people know who think that holiness is dull...when one meets the real thing, it's irresistible."

Here’s the latest from Mada:

“Less than two weeks after being battered by Cyclone Giovanna, another violent storm has swept over Madagascar killing 72 people and leaving 70,000 homeless, according to the National Disaster Risk Management Agency. Tropical storm Irina brought heavy rains, especially in the southeast…most of the casualties are in the southeastern town of Ifanadiana, where a mudslide engulfed dwellings and caused a traffic accident involving a minibus.”

(Part of the washed out road near Ifanadiana)

The southeast is where I used to live, so you know this area is near and dear to my heart. Ifanadiana is the town where Mirana (my national partner) and the Nortons live. Mirana’s house is now unlivable, so she moved in with the Nortons for a while. Please pray for them and the Newtons as they share the love of Jesus with people who have been affected by the cyclones.

(A destroyed home in Ifanadiana)

One of my patients in the ER overheard a co-worker mention my time in Madagascar and asked me to tell her about it. I was able to share with her how a relationship with God is not only possible but something God desires, and thank Him for this neat opportunity He sent.

Not in Madagascar Anymore

That's right, I'm not in Madagascar anymore. Not a news flash, you say? It's been what, four months now? In my mind I know that, but sometimes it still hits me every once and a while. Today I'm working on a paper about nursing and development and it's killing me a little just writing about it and not being out doing it...but God's timing is truly perfect and He is continually faithful to teach and guide me here in America just as He did overseas. :)

Speaking of overseas, updates! First of all, Tsiky is doing much better because he no longer has a fever and is playing happily, but he still has swelling under his eye (as you can see here)

The group of believers (including Tsiky's parents) continue to meet together in their village and share the good news of Jesus with surrounding villages. Praise the Lord!

Madagascar has been hit with another cyclone and this one did more damage in the place I used to live than the last one:

I'm not sure how well you can see it, but this is the main (and paved!) road right outside my old house. A mudslide now prevents cars from continuing southeast because this is the only road that goes that way. Please be in prayer for my friends down there and those who have lost loved ones and/or homes due to the cyclones.


*Photos compliments of Tim and Jeremy*