Monday, May 19, 2008

The journey's end...

I have been home for a little over a week now and I wanted to put up a final post. Last Friday I began saying my goodbyes as I began my journey home. My last day in the clinic was busy as usual, but it was also filled with sadness as I said goodbye to the clinic staff and to the patients. The staff all gathered together at the end of the day to share thoughts with me and to pray for me. I can't even express the love and kindness that they showed me, but I will say that I was very blessed to have such an amazing send off. Sheree and I, together in a picture at last.
This is my pal Sonia, she is the x-ray tech that I used to walk home with when Giovanni didn't come to pick us up. (Gerson and Yadi are goofing around in the background.)
This is Dr. Gerardo Flores. He has such a heart for the Lord. He was one of the individuals that was an encouragement to me on a daily basis. It was truly an honor to work with him.
This is Gerson, he is one of the medical interns that has been working at the clinic here these last couple of months.
Leaving Olancho
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Leaving the clinic was hard, but leaving the family in Olancho was much harder. Roldan and Conchita were pillars of strength for me. They were always there to encourage me when I was struggling. Karely told me that Conchita cried when I left...but the tables were even, because I cried when I left as well. It was hard saying goodbye to Lety who became like a sister to me, and to her son, Daniel. I have never had a little brother before, but Daniel became a brother and a friend. Leaving Olancho behind, we set out for Tegucigalpa, where I said goodbye to the rest of the family and to Sheree. After living, working, and playing together everyday for the last three months, saying goodbye to my sister and friend was not easy. She, and the rest of the family and staff will continue to be in my prayers.
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By God's grace, and only by His grace, I made it on every one of my connections and I was reunited with all of my baggage in Boise. My homecoming was very rich. It was great to see family and friends here that I had been missing. I am starting to settle back into life here...I have already returned to work and to jr. high ministry, and I finally unpacked everything last night. God has definitely given me a heart for missions and I look forward to going out in His name again. There is a need at the clinic in Olancho, and I am already praying about the possibility of returning there... But wherever He leads, I will follow.
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Thank you again for your faithfulness and prayers for me.
In Him, Jen

1 comment:

Jarillo Family said...

Hey Jen,

Not sure if you're still checking this? Awesome pictures! Still wish I could have seen you and heard more about your trip. Email me if you get a chance and let me know more. Has Kiley told you yet that I'm pregnant? Crazy huh? Just couldn't be left out of the crowd I guess! :) We're both very excited. Hope you can visit again soon. You look so thin in your pictures by the way! Miss you so much. Talk to you soon.

Katie