Just Not Fair

It's been a ridiculously long while since we've posted on here. Thanks to many of you, we were able to spend a few weeks with family and friends over the Christmas holidays. It was a MUCH needed time of running around crazy trying to see everyone refreshment. We truly enjoyed every minute of it! While we were gone, Olivia got sick and it turned out to be strep throat. We were thankfully able to purchase the medicine for $4 from Wal-Mart. By the time we came home, everyone was starting to feel much better.


The girls and I flew back to Alajuelita on a Tuesday. The following Sunday, I did not see our friends Marielos & Franklin at church. So after the service, I gave her a call. It turns out they were dealing with a LOT of sickness while we were gone. The thing is... for us when we have a sick family member it causes a little stress. Especially since living here, where we do not have health insurance. But to this point we have never had to choose between feeding our children or getting them a needed medication. Sure, we have sacrificed some things we were "used to" having, but after a year or so I can honestly say we don't miss much of the stuff (except Chick-fil-A). 


On the other hand, for their family, when someone gets sick it is a giant problem. Franklin works full-time at a local grocery store chain, in the meat/butcher department. Marielos stays home with their children, who are 8 and 4. Since October, Franklin's mother has been living with them in their very small home. She has been living with excruciating back pain for more than a year, and finally in October she couldn't take the pain anymore. She and her husband live 4-5 hours from Alajuelita, on a farm way up on a mountain. They have no running water in their house, and no kitchen. They both work the land to make a living. This type of work + back pain = a woman who can barely walk, can't sleep and constantly has a grimace on her face. 


Very long story short - in November I took her to a local private clinic, because she does not have social security here. The doctor looked at her and sent her for a CT scan of her back. She has several herniated disks in her lower back. They have told her now that she needs back surgery - but the earliest she can get in the operating room is October 2012! That is a year from when she came to Alajuelita looking for help. In the meantime, the doctors have given her a prescription for pain medication that will help ease the pain a little so she can sleep and maybe walk. There's only one catch - the medicine is $60 per month. Up to this point, they have been purchasing half of the amount ($30) and she is only taking the pain medicine at night so she can sleep. Thankfully, one of our dear friends just sent me an email saying their family wants to help with the prescription cost.

On top of that, Franklin has been sick for about 3-4 weeks, with a bad cough and chest pain. He went to the doctor, who told them it looks like it could be Tuberculosis. He is waiting until next Monday to find out the results of the exam. Please pray that the results are negative. 

Franklin, Marielos & Alison (Wesley was at school)

What is the point of this rambling story? Sometimes I just get aggravated with how unfair life can be. But then I'm reminded that God is just, not fair. He doesn't give everyone an equal life, but the one that they need. He doesn't provide how we expect, but in ways that blow our minds. And He doesn't need my input on how to handle this particular family's needs. He sees them - every part of them - and He knows exactly what needs to be done. Our job is just to ask Him what to do and then pray for His provision. Don't you think the same rule applies to our own needs? We just need to ask Him for direction and provision. And then lay it down. Stop worrying, planning, and complaining. And just trust Him completely. 

Psalm 145:17-19 -  The Lord is righteous in everything He does, He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him SINCERELY. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him, He hears their cries for help and rescues them.