Reality Check

  The word precious(sarobidy) has come up a few times this last week in the villages, and then again yesterday in the prison. The first time it came up, we were sitting in a small hut. The floor on the hut was threatening to collapse, but all 20-30 of us were huddled in there. They were eager to hear the story that we had come to share that day! The people that we work with don't have bibles in their dialect. There is a bible in Malagasy language, but only about 20-30% of the language is the same. We bring them anyway, so that as we tell the stories, they can understand that they are from the Bible and not something that we made up. We always ask who is able to read, and if we are lucky we will find 3 people raise their hand, but only one of them can actually read, and sometimes there is no one able to read. We ask them to read the story out loud, and because they don't understand the words, we then retell the story in dialect, and discuss the meaning of the story. They always want to sing after that, which I love, but I have no idea what they are saying, and then they do this clapping thing to show us that they are thankful for us! We have been doing this for several weeks now, and they are seeing value in the words of a God who loves them. This week the president of the village was with us, and as we handed out the bibles for them to keep with them, he began to instruct the people on how to hold them, take care of them, and keeping them from becoming broken! He told them that this was the most precious gift that they could receive, and now if the foreigners don't return, we can still learn! We are so grateful that people have partnered with us to be able to give these Bible's to people who have never even seen one, let alone have one as their own! It is a true treasure to them. Now, we just need some one to come teach them how to read:)

  Then it happened again at the prison. Keep in mind that this prison has been determined the worst prison in all of Madagascar due to the lack of food, and the amount of people that are imprisoned there. Some days they don't get fed at all, or they get dry cassava! The government is corrupt, and they are not providing for these people. They are suffering to a degree that I have never seen before.
 This week, as we were handing out the Bibles one of them said to me, "this gift if more precious than bread", which is what we bring and give to the prisoners.  As I drove home and thought more about what he said, "this gift is more precious than bread"  I began to think of his circumstances and many of the prisoners there.  Here he is saying the gift of God's word is more precious than bread, and they are physically starving.  Then I started to ask myself, what would I choose if I was starving?  If there was someone holding a loaf of bread in one hand and God's word in the other, what would I choose?  Continuing our drive home I kept thinking about this and I realized that is one of the hardest things someone would have to choose.  If there were something I really wanted, needed, and desired being offered to me, but then, in the other hand is what God has to offer me, what would I choose?  Sometimes it's really easy to answer that hypothetically but when you're faced with the decision to follow God or our own desire what will we do?  Is God's way so precious to me that I would choose Him over food, money, family, friends, or a lifestyle?  Am I so spiritually hungry that my physical hunger doesn't even phase my decision to choose the Bread of Life, instead of the desires of this World?



In Him,
Kurtis

My First Taste of Culture Shock!

Culture Shock- the realization that you are actually crazy enough to make an educated choice to live in a place that has nothing familiar!- Holly Jones's definition:)


 At first when we stepped off the plane in Johannesburg South Africa, we went through some major culture shock. We were in, what felt and looked like, America! There were grocery stores, and Malls, and movie theaters, and restaurants that were in actual buildings! I didn't even know I had missed all of these things until I saw them. Then the familiarity of all those things made me homesick for all those things I had left behind! We stayed in a place that had clean water from the faucet! We had electricity all day, and for once in the last several months we were not dripping in sweat! It was refreshing in countless ways for us........BUT I couldn't fathom wanting to return to our home in the rainforest of Madagascar without all of these things again! I felt like I had been tricked into living in a place so isolated, and removed from civilization! That is why I think they call it culture shock, because you are shocked that you were actually crazy enough to CHOOSE to live in a place that is so different than the culture you are used to! These feelings were so strong at first, it was hard to think about anything besides all that I had missed, and would continue to miss when we return to Madagascar! Then after a few days passed, the excitement of all the stores and civilization wore off, and it was quite clear...... as an American I am programed from a young age to love all of these material things, and just because I made a one time choice to give up all of my material possessions and life in America, doesn't mean that I still won't be enticed to have all of those things if the opportunity presents itself! The love for those things is rooted deep in my heart. But here is the bad part, I know that the love for materialism is sin, and is really only an empty promise that there is peace and joy in those things....... but the love for something familiar, now that presents a problem! It is the reason that receiving a care package can change your day, or that a message from a friend can lift your spirits.  It is like a little piece of home has made itself to us, and we LOVE that! There is the emotion of comfort that is prompted and attached to the things that are familiar.  As missionaries, our lives have been trying to find a routine in a life where there is no such thing, and we try our hardest to do that because that is what we are used to, it is familiar, and that provides comfort!
 So we cope by trying to make a new familiar, and we succeed in that. But when faced with the old familiar once again, it always makes the new familiar seem to be a bit of a joke! I don't know that the "old" familiar will always win out, maybe after years of making good memories with the "new" familiar it will stand a chance, but for now, in my life I long for the familiar!

It is only because of who God is, and His promises of wanting good for my life, His faithfulness, and Love that I am able to trust, and be certain of these things: That leaving what is familiar and comfortable, despite the way things may FEEL, when asked by God, will always be the best possible thing for my life. It will enable me to endure suffering if need be, and experience joy and peace that passes understanding! It also allows me to experience this crazy adventure that I would have missed out on had I followed my selfish heart!  I am so thankful for this adventure and this time of learning in my life! Thank you to all of you who have continued to pray for us!

Why?

Literally thousands of people all over the world were praying for Sofina.............. Then how could something like this happened?

 As I reflect back on how quickly things happened and how everything fell right into place for Sofina I am completely confused at this outcome. Everything was so perfectly planned that even one day different would have prevented her from having this surgery, which by the way was not the cause of her death, and neither was her malnutrition.....It turns out that her intubation tube had become blocked in the middle of the night, and went unnoticed by the nurse taking care of her. Once they realized what happened they replaced the tube, and tried to revive her for 3 hours, but she did not survive.  After all of the miracles that God worked in getting her to Kenya in time, and then being able to get her body strong enough to do surgery, and then one of the largest encephaloceles being removed, and her little face being repaired without any complication. Then why something that could have been prevented be the death of this little girl! I had so many hopes for her, I couldn't wait to see her lift her head, look around, sit up, stand. All of these things that this little girl had never been able to do! I was so excited for what I thought God was working out to be a miracle in this little girl's life. The great news is she is whole, and healed, and in a much better place than I could have dreamed up for her life here on earth! However this is not what I was expecting.

Does my understanding of why things happen change who God is? Absolutely not. Thankfully His ways are not my ways, and what I see to be a really horrible situation, He is working out for good. Even when it doesn't FEEL like it! When I first walked through Sofina's village, and was invited into her hut to talk with her family, I never once thought that I would be looking that grandmother, and that father in the eyes, with the whole village gathered around, and telling them that their child was not coming back. With tears streaming down my face, my heart broken into pieces, and scared to death at the response we were going to receive, we shared this news.  As I looked around at them and watched their eyes fill with tears and without noise fall from their eyes, I knew, even then, that God was working this out for His good. He had gone before me, and prepared this road we are traveling, and this may be one of the most painful roads I travel, but he has given me strength. Lots of times that strength is from those of you who have uttered our names before the Lord in prayer, and the names of those we are here to serve. I still don't know why this little girl's story touched so many people that they prayed faithfully for her daily! I don't know the answer to why this all happened. All I know is that God is good all of the time, and I praise him for all that He did, and is going to do to make himself known to this village, this family, and I ask that you would continue to lift us up to the Lord.

As I write this I am still trying to get Sofina's mom, and Bertrand (the Malagasy doc) back to Madagascar. The funeral for Sofina was suppost to be today, but the Malagasy community wants the body to be returned to Madagascar so they have moved the body to the Malagasy Embassy in Kenya. I believe this issue is rooted in some very dark beliefs about the dead. Please pray that Satan will not have any room for his work in this situation.


I just want to say thank you to all of you who have prayed for us, sent encouraging emails, Scripture, Facebook messages, and who continue to strengthen us when we so desperately need it! I didn't respond to the messages I received, because I didn't want to think about how I could thank you, but to let the words just bring some comfort to my heart! 

With love for you all,
Holly Jones

Update Of Sofina!

 I am truly just in awe of how God has worked in the lives of Sofina, her family, and her village, as you all have joined together in prayer for her. I praise our Father for all that has happened. The way He has led so many of you to pray for her, and the way that he has overcome these huge obstacles that were impossible without Him working a miracle. I have never witnessed Him work like this, I have always believed that He could do these things, but until this point I have only read about these things happening!

Sofina has gained a little weight, and is eating everything that they are putting in front of her! There also happened to be a fellow missionary from Madagascar that I had never met before, but who had heard of Sofina's story, and was in Kenya, who was able to visit Sofina and her mother, and speak Malagasy with them. I am sure this was such a comfort to the mom, since she hasn't likely understood much of what is going on!
 Also Bertrand(the Malagasy Doc) who does not speak English, was able to learn and observe American doctors do surgeries on Monday, and it turns out that the anesthesiologist that was working in the Operating room was from Madagascar, and knew Malagasy, so he was able to communicate everything that he needed to to make it a great learning experience, and to improve his skills for working in Madagascar! I spoke with Bertrand on the phone last night, and he could hardly contain his excitement for all that he was learning, and how amazing and big the hospital was. The training to be a doctor in Madagascar is very different than from the states. He went to 2 years of school after high school, and can't read or write English but all of the medical books he learned from are in English. Now, he does the work of an anesthesiologist, but has very little knowledge or training on what he is doing, but he does the best that can be done considering the training that is available. He had to sacrifice a lot to be able to go to Kenya with this little girl, but he did it all with absolute Joy! He would love to know more about the work that he does, but has never had the opportunity to learn. He told me last night that he hasn't been sleeping so that he can stay up working on his English so he can understand what they are saying in the operating room.  He will have a huge impact on all of the doctors here, and quite possibly be able to improve the care that all of Northeastern Madagascar receives!

Now for the next part of this Journey!

Sofina is still not able to have the Surgery, her little heart is not as strong as a normal heart due to malnutrition, and she is recieving blood again today, in hopes that they will be able to do the surgery on Thursday. Thursday is the last day the surgeons will be there. The risks of complications in this surgery is very high! That is why I am asking you to continue to pray for Sofina! I feel as though this is the toughest part of this journey for her, and her family. I am again begging you to continue with me in prayer for this little girl, and praising God for all that He has already done! I hope that you are able to see that as a result of all the praying that so many of you are doing, things that are impossible are made possible. My heart is full and so grateful to know that you are all praying with me, and God has not just called me to Madagascar and to love the people, but he has also called you to love the Malagasy as well, and you are doing an amazing job of showing the people His love for them!

With Love,
Holly

Made it to Kenya!

Sofina, her parents, and the Anesthesiologist in front of the MAF Plane in Sambava

We both want to thank everyone that has been praying for Sofina, her family, and us. We know very well that what is taking place is an amazing act of God, and a result of prayer.

 Everyone has safely made it to Kenya and arrived at the hospital late last night.  There were some difficulties getting the visa in Kenya because there was nowhere to exchange the Malagasy currency.  Thankfully the Bethany Kids had sent a driver to pick them up and he was able to help them and pay for the visas!  Dr. Albright from Bethany Kids was able to see Sofina this morning and has decided it is best for them to wait a few days to do surgery. She is too malnourished, and anemic to have surgery now. She is going to likely need a blood transfusion, and a nutritionist is going to work with her to help "fatten her up." Sofina is 2 years and 4 months old and weighs approx 10-12 pounds, her body is very frail, but her spirit is strong! Please keep praying for this sweet little girl, and for all of the wonderful doctors that are trying to save this little girl's life!

Witnessing a Miracle!

I just wanted to let you know how things are going with Sofina! We went to her village yesterday to tell her parents about what had been transpiring since the first time I posted about her, asking for prayer. I told them many people all over the world had been praying for them, and asking God to heal their daughter, and now God had made a way for that to happen. They received this news much like I had anticipated, didn't even crack a smile. They were terrified. They didn't appear to be thankful, and it pretty much seemed like there was no way they would do the surgery. We talked and decided it would be better if they thought about it overnight, and then could make a decision in the morning. I was pretty sure they wouldn't do the surgery.

This morning I was greeted with a very smiley father, Sofina's father! He came to our house, and wanted to thank us, and tell us that he was very ready for his daughter to have the surgery that could save her life. He was still terrified, and asked me some pretty tough questions, like " If she dies there will you send her body home." I was surprised at how much fear he had, and then I was amazed at the courage this man showed. He was such a different man from the one I had encountered yesterday!

I know that God has done all of these things for this sweet little girl, and I know that this came to be because of the many of you who prayed for her. Please keep praying, her body is so frail, and there are many obstacles that we still face in getting her to Kenya.

Please Pray for Sofina!

                                                                Meet Sofina!

Sofina was born with a rare and abnormally large Nasal Encephalocele. What that means is that she has a large tumor on her nose that is filled with brain tissue. She is now 2 years and 4months old. This type of tumor is usually removed by very specialized pediatric brain surgeons at a very young age, even shortly after birth. I just met Sofina and her family for the first time a few short weeks ago. At that time I fell in love with her. She has spunk, and she is just like any other little 2 year old girl, she laughs, and smiles, and when you tell her to point to something big she points to her belly and shouts "BIG!(BE)"while she laughs. This is why her story is so heartbreaking, there is no treatment for Sofina in Madagascar. She is slowly dying. Day by day she gets smaller and smaller due to Malnutrition, she is still breastfeeding as her primary source of nutrition, and she is able to eat very soft rice with water 3 times a day. But due to the location of her tumor when she tries to sit up, move her head up, she loses her airway, the tumor smashes down on it, causing her to suffocate. So she remains lying flat or slightly elevated all day. Her mother loves her very much, and is always holding or nearby the child wiping the gunk out of her sweet daughter's eyes. She isn't lacking in love that is for sure!

Now I need to tell you that since I first asked you to pray for this precious little baby, I have heard from a group of Doctors that work in Kenya Africa, they said that they would be able to do the surgery for this little girl, and the cost was extremely reasonable. I believe the air fare will cost more than the surgery. They said that in the next 2 weeks they would like to receive this little girl while they have 2  pediatric nasocranial surgeons willing to do the surgery. When I first heard this news, I was a little bummed, because I know how hard it will be to get a little girl and her mother paperwork/visas/passports in a country where we have no government. However the great reminder that I serve a God who is above all that spurred me to keep asking questions on how to do those things. It turns out there is a doctor that is willing to write up all paperwork, and he thinks that it would be possible to have all those things within 2 weeks.

 Tomorrow I will set out to Sofina's village with all of this wonderful news. This surgery could give Sofina lots of tomorrows, and she could have a normal life. This surgery will save her life.

 Now the hard part........Sofina and her mother will be terrified! They won't likely receive this news with tears of joy, and thanksgiving. They don't come from a world where there is medical care. They are use to death, they are use to losing their children.  They are use to a life of difficulty and suffering.They are NOT use to the "white people" they are NOT use to people wanting to help them. They are NOT use to the Love of God, but are in fear of the power of their dead ancestors and doing something that could anger them. When I go to this village tomorrow, I am aware that I could actually be doing harm to the relationship we have with this village if something goes wrong with the surgery. This is the whole reason I am writing this and begging you in joining me to pray for this Village, AMBIA, and this little girl, and the situation that we find ourselves in. Pray that this Mom will be able to find a way to have courage to leave their village in the middle of the rainforest for the first time ever, and go to a place where they won't be able to understand or communicate a single word. Pray that through this situation this village will come to understand and give their lives to a God who loves them. Pray that this sweet little girl will have a strong enough body to make it through such an intense surgery! Please pray for us, as we speak with this family, trying to communicate all of this in a language that is not our own. Pray against the work of Satan's lies, and that the Truth would be made known. There are a million things that I can think of going wrong, pray that we continue to walk through each detail trusting in the power of God, and following His leading!

Please send this to anyone who will engage in prayer for this little girl!!!!



With Love for All of You,
Holly Jones