“Heads Up”

"Faith is resting in the fact that God has an objective in leaving me on the scene when I feel useless to Him and a burden to others."

     As the morning breeze of February 17, 2011 lingered it's way through our open windows, it carried with it the promise of new mercies and grace. Although this particular day progressed no differently than any other, it would be the day that my fragileness would present itself, and where God's strength would be my resting place.

     Now let's step back, as of a week ago I began shadowing Lynn Schweitzer 2 days a week. Lynn along with her husband Glenn are full -time missionaries and administrators of many ministries in Jinotepe, Nicaragua. One of their ministries is a hotel called Casa Mateo, which is where I work with her on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I had been eager for this opportunity and feel blessed that I am able to learn from her and I hope that through this time I can be a help and encouragement for her. When the afternoon of Thursday the 17th came I was excited to finish a project that had ben designated the previous Tuesday. After an amazing lunch with my team at the hotel I got to work. Within 30 minutes after eating I started feeling unsettled in my stomach and headed staright for the restroom. As my body began the process of detoxing I soon felt myself falling into a tunnel, my sight turned into darkness and I could only hear the muffled sounds and voices from the outside. I knew this feeling and I knew it was coming fast. I pushed my way out of the stall and headed towards the voices, but within seconds was stopped by a loud bang and then darkness. When my eyes began to peel open I could feel the cold tile beneath me and the sweat driping from my body. After a few minutes I gained enough strength to call out the name of my team member Kristen who was only a few feet outside of the bathroom. She came to find me disallusioned and flat on my back. Once lifted to my feet I could feel the pressure building in my head, and the fatigue was overwhelming. Within 10 minutes after fainting Lynn, Kristen, and Leigha soon noticed the rapid changes occuring. My eyes started closing, my body movements slowed, and my words began slurring. My blood pressure was taken and found to be 84/56. I was so weak and nothing seemed to make sense. To make a long story short I was checked by a local doctor, given a shot, and taken home. The doctor said the swelling in my head was developing because he believed I had hit the front of my head on a counter and then fell straight back onto the tile, and a concussion was probably what was causing all the effects. I don't truly remember the next 2 days and about 5 days after I had intense headaches and tiredness. I was given the opportunity to see an American doctor and she gave me the great news that I would soon recover and the headaches would pass. She was right, and within the next day I was feeling much better.

        What I learned from this experience was amazing! Although there were moments of pain, fear, and the feeling of worthlessness, the Lord was right by my side. He came to me through the support of Glenn and Lynn, my team, the prayers of family and friends and through quiet moments with Him. I had no idea how severe my concussion was but the Lord spoke to me the words of faith. To trust that He would be with me and would use me even when I didn't see the effects. I am so blessed and I wouldn't trade what happened for anything. It changed my heart in so many ways and I can now walk in the truth of God's healing love. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me and lifted me up to the Lord.

Wendi