It's a hodge-podge!

First, my sister-in-law has been able to move her shoulders. She remains on a ventilator but has been breathing "over it". Her lungs have been bruised badly from the fall and are causing the most difficulty at this point - filling up with fluid and causing the need for chest tubes to be placed. Otherwise, if she continues to stabilize then hopefully surgery later this week.

Secondly, can I just praise God for wonderful neighbors! I have lived in this house for 6 years and NEVER been locked out - until today! I was trying to keep one dog in the house while trying to get the other one to come into the house. Only partially successful, I kept the german shepherd inside and locked myself outside with the golden retriever. Seriously, no shoes - no keys - no pride! Lucky for me, I have a brave neighbor who was willing to get a ladder and climb through the only window open (2nd floor) and brave my crazy german shepherd who was going nuts in the house.

I knew I bought the box of Ecuadorian cigars for a reason! Good thing, my neighbor likes cigars! :o)

Last but not least, this was my final look at Quito, Ecuador just one week ago. With all that has happened, it sure seems like it has been longer than just seven days! I hope to have some posts together soon that share more of my time in Ecuador. It was an amazing adventure!









© A Sacred Longing 2009

Friends.
Playmates.
Defenders.
Encouragers.
Kindred Spirits.

We need in our lives those we can call friends. Playmates we can share the fun of life. Defenders who we can count on when our walls of protection are crumbling. Encouragers who speak truth in love to inspire, nurture, cultivate and strengthen our lives. Kindred spirits who graciously intertwine their faith and lives with our own so our journeys will not easily be deterred.

As I pondered the words of Luke 5 this morning and considered the events of the last few weeks, I know I have been blessed with such amazing friends. Sisters, who confronted, challenged, encouraged and loved me to the Truth. Truth that I had known but wouldn’t accept and therefore, lay paralyzed in the muck of my own sin. They carried me past the crowds, through the roof and lowered me to the foot of Jesus. This is the only place where forgiveness and healing could be found. They knew that and they knew that pride, fear and shame had incapacitated me. Their faith carried and placed me where I needed to be, the place where I could not seem to get to on my own.

This place, this sacred, holy destination is where healing was found. I stand in the strength that is not my own. I will not argue with the Pharisees who doubt the healing or the forgiveness. I will pick up my mat and go home – praising God for what He has done and for the sister friends who brought me there.