Jehovah Jireh

I missed the lice epidemic in elementary school.

When all those parents had to fine-tooth comb their kids' hair and disinfect their entire home, my parents sat back and praised God for sparing them, and probably patted themselves on the back for teaching their girls not to share combs or play with people's hair. 

Sorry, mom. The lesson didn't stick.

The entire orphanage next door has lice, it seems, and to avoid getting it would mean not touching the kids at all. I just can't do that. Picking up and hugging a child is totally worth the risk of getting those little white buggers. 

Not that children are the only way I could get them. On the way to Banos on Saturday, my friends warned me not to rest my head against the back of the seat since that's how another girl picked up her head lice.

I sat wrapped up in my hoodie for the entire hour ride.

But regardless, I'll probably contract them, or some other sickness, just because my body isn't used to being here. The altitude is making my body attack itself already, it seems, and there's really not much I can do about it but focus on my daily tasks. . .and pray.

I can't help but reflect if Jesus felt the same way at some point. He chose to come to this sinful, dirty world and cover himself in human flesh, forsaking His pure holiness in Heaven, to love on us. He is God, yet wanted so badly for us to know Him intimately that he endured stress, pain, sickness, grief and death so that we may be reconciled to our Father through Him.

Now, let me express here that I am in no way comparing myself to Jesus.  I believe we as Christians strive to follow His example daily, but need his grace and mercy everyday as we stumble into sin. I am the least of these, especially considering that in my moments of weakness I tend to turn to myself for solutions instead of my Savior.

But He still pursues me. He still loves me.

This week I fretted over how I was going to eat, shop, speak, get to school, and survive more than six days with an aching headache. And each time I had a need, the Lord provided -- most of the time without me asking! When I felt amazingly alone one night because I couldn't speak to anyone in the house, a complete stranger called and invited me to a party with other young missionaries. When I wondered how and where I was going to shop for food, another stranger came into the house and offered to show me around town.

This past Sunday when I finally gave in to the fact that I had altitude sickness I about lost it. My sister made me look up the symptoms and sure enough, I had seven of the twelve. Normally it goes away within two days and I was going on six. Stories of missionaries having to leave the field  due to its severe effects raced through my head. I pleaded with God, "Please, don't send me home."

So while failing miserably at understanding the sermon, I began to leaf through Psalms. Line after line spoke of the Lord's wisdom, protection, and healing. One particular verse stood out to me: "Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." -- Ps. 50:14-15

After much prayer and laying down my "right" to be happy and healthy, and relinquishing my pride of wanting to stay in Ecuador despite whatever He may want for me, I was exhausted. I couldn't hardly speak in English, let alone Spanish, so when we got home I went directly to bed.

When I woke up, my pain was gone.

"So do not worry, staying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." ~Matt 6:31-33

Really, you should just take a minute and read all of Matthew 6:25-34.

He is Jehovah Jireh: God our Provider.

I'll keep you updated on the lice situation. The occasional, surreptitious scratching is probably just dry scalp. . .right?

~Kristin