Update on James' sister Jodie

My heart was broken when I saw the pictures of Jodie as James emailed them to me this morning. James, Paul and Hannah took Jodie to the hospital this morning. Pain has centralized more so in one leg than the other, it is severe.

I fight tears as I see the pain in her eyes, as Paul and Hannah struggle to get her into the hospital.
Once seen by the doctor, she is given antibiotic and ibuprofen and told to go home and see what happens - come back in 3 days.

Struggling to return to the car, finally a wheel chair is brought for her.

So many times, I've seen this sad sight, someone being helped to the doctor. Mako (James brother) being helped to car to see a doctor.

I've even experienced it myself. One thing, I can tell you, that in the midst of that excruciating pain, you are aware of the love and the care of the people around you.

I was so touched by (James' parents) Pa Foday and Mama Fatu - with my vomit bucket in hand, carefully escorting me to the car. You can see their concern on their face. Looking at this picture, I remember thinking I was going to die that day. Never had I felt that kind of pain, not since, not before, not even during childbirth.

I know that Jodie (James sister) also is aware of Hannah (Paul's wife) and Paul (James' brother) and James (who also helped with Jodie but took a moment to snap a few photos so that we may bear witness to what is going on). I know that Jodie is touched by their love and she is also touched by your prayers and concern.

James is telling me and these pictures confirm, the time is now! Our staff is wearing thin, they have conquered overwhelming odds to provide and care for the people of Sierra Leone. It has been a long hard year since our last mission trip. We must return with new medications and new supplies to refresh both our staff and those so desperate around them.

This comes at a time when funding is down for the sustenance we send monthly to St. Laurence House to do the work of Nazareth House. It comes at a time when we so desperately need a compound and don't see it coming to fruition any time soon. It comes at a time when everyone is depending on the economy climate before making moves even to help the poor. Yet for the flights, the on-the-ground needs we must raise $10,000 before September 1!...all the while, continuing the monthly support for the people who depend on us and the school, plus try to raise up money for the compound needed by March 1, 2010.

So what do we do? How can we begin to process the thought of accomplishing this task? We rely on God. We rely entirely on God as He expresses Himself through your prayers, compassion and donations. Listen with an open heart.