the big picture.

So... shift yesterday I was endorsed a patient who should have been sent to the hospital hours previously. Instead she was entrusted into my care... and I will never be the same.

Loid, and her bana Romar were AMAZING to work with. I cannot tell you just how blessed I was to spent the evening with them! After 8 hours of shift she had STILL not delivery (though she was getting really close...) and was up for transport once again... But I firmly believe God had other plans!

All said and done (and to not bore with details) a BEAUTIFUL girl was born at 12:43am... and I stayed for more than half of night shift to care for Loid and baby Marie Loisa (they had that name chosen before they even met me.... how COOL, eh?!). It was SO great staying on with Loid, and I am so greatful for my supervisors that let me (and her for that matter) stay at Mercy!

I think the best thing thought was the time we three spent talking and praying together during the labour. At one critical point Romar was praying for their unborn child... surrendering this little one's life to the Lord's service, and to His care.

I know God intervened many times on their behalf... and I was humbled to be a part of it. What a cool couple. Such neat young Christian's who LOVE the Lord, and each other:D! The first conversation that I had with Romar that evening really blew me away... and I have been thinking about it ever since. He was asking me about Mercy and how we show our patients Christ... Like the game plan. He was wondering about discipleship, and follow-up, and how this plays into the care we give our patients.

To tell you the truth, I did not have great answers for him. So often I fail to think about each day at Mercy in light of the acceleration of TRUTH... the person of TRUTH. I don't think about follow-up checks in light of the spiritual significance... barely ever. The physical state of my patients is my primary, and sometimes only concern. Not cool. Things have been changing though...

A conversation a couple weeks back has propelled thought. Much thought. A very wise woman was sharing with me about not only the power of prayer, but about how we, as individuals must seek out these opportunities to see the Lord at work... or rather, to fully take hold of the opportunities he gives us. She was applying it to the birth room... it made a LOT of sense. I have a lot to learn.

The bana asked me to take a picture as SOON as the baby came out. I'm not sure what he had in mind... but this is one of the few that were taken.