Hello, bloggers.
I wish I had some fantastic thing to report, or a deep theological/intellectual discovery to share, or a beautiful picture for you to view, but at present, all I really have to say is that my brain and body are mush.
About one week ago today, the swine flu epidemic hit our RVA campus in full force. Students and staff alike came down with high fevers, bad coughs, sore throats, and a variety of other symptoms that affected each person in different combinations. So, for the last 7 days, we’ve all been in survival mode. Nurses pulling crazy night shifts. Staff covering classes for each other. Dorm parents trying to care for multiple kids 24/7, taking temperatures hourly, and keeping each of the individual cases mentally organized. Administration providing reports and updates. Doctors helping in special cases. And, lots and lots of hand-washing and disinfecting being done by all.
I can’t say I ever imagined what it might be like to try and take care of 17 teenage girls all at once. In fact, I honestly don’t know how I’ve gotten through the past week – it’s been pure and simple grace. They have rallied around each other and around me, and it’s been such an unexpected, but sweet time of spontaneous prayer, service to others, and fresh dependence on God’s power and strength.
I’m just so thankful for the Student Health team who have been heroic in their attention and care! About ten of mine (I’ve lost official count now) have been in the Infirmary and I still have 4 up there with high fevers and one with an ear infection. Your prayers for their continued healing would be appreciated!
But, this isn’t just a KUE thing. Another dorm had the H1N1 sweep through their entire dorm, with every single boy getting sick, including the dorm parents. At one point, there were 70 students admitted to Student Health; now, we are down to under 50 in bed. So, while the numbers are decreasing, we’re not past it yet.
Miraculously, I have stayed healthy. Props to JuicePlus, lots of Sukumu-Wiki (Kenyan version of Spinach/Kale that essentially means in Swahili, “Gets you through the week…”), and Prayer. And, of course, the anti-flu pills that they put all dorm parents on two days ago 🙂 One hope I have is that I would remain healthy, because if allowed off-campus, many of the RVA ladies and I will be attending the AIM Ladies Retreat this weekend at the “Resurrection Gardens” near Nairobi. Boy, the word “retreat” is sounding pretty appealing right now!
So many thoughts are swarming around in my head right now, and I wish I could write about all of them. But, I have to go prepare a Nutrition Seminar I am giving tomorrow, so I only have another moment or so. But, let it suffice to say that God is teaching me SO much through this time, and I am really filled with joy! I have witnessed His healing hands, His power, and His mighty grace at work in my life.
Words and phrases that have been coming to mind all week:
God revives.
Jesus renews.
The Spirit refreshes.
Grace is a good, good thing.
Patience is a virtue.
Simple gifts are beautiful.
Prayer is underrated.
Truth is so timely.
Health is a gift.
Bless the Lord at all times (Ps 103).
Running is such a de-stresser!
Humor is one of the best types of medicine.
Comfort food is a woman’s best friend.
Dorman’s Kenyan Coffee is divine.
Hugs really do help.