Adventures of Life

Labor of Love

This is the title to a Christmas song by Andrew Peterson. His song is about Mary's literal labor of love giving birth to Jesus. English is a funny language and the word labor can be used to indicate hard work no associated with giving birth to a baby. Being apart of Mercy Ships and during a time with such transition and now preparation, it has struck me what a labor of love this is. So many people from around the world giving their time and money to serve and share the love of Jesus those who are not loved and accepted by the world's standards.

People have sacrificed time in working long hours for quite some time, waiting for assignments, inconveniences of changing travel plans and housing accommodations, served on the ship in capacities not their own for longer than expected, cleaned the hospital including operating rooms and inpatient treatment rooms washing every floor, wall, and ceiling twice, washing mattresses, sheets, setting up beds, sorting through papers, attending meetings, learning new skills and ways of living in community with many different cultures, and other ways.

It was amazing to me how much love people have for those we have not even met yet. Screening days begin tomorrow. Excitement and anticipation to begin interacting with patients is high on the ship. As I was thinking about this, I was struck by the fact if we love these people this much without even knowing them, how much more does the Father, Son and Holy Spirit love them! He created them like he created us. We are all made in his image and knows them by name. He desires for all of us to become his sons and daughters. That truly is good news. The word gospel means just that, good news. It is special that He has chosen to use us to share His love.

View of the Ship from town

View from the beach close to the Ship

As I have walked around the town, it is a challenge to find people who speak good English. Most speak Malagasy, and some speak French well. As I was thinking about the difficulty of communicating with the patients and their families, I was reminded that by simply smiling and making eye contact Jesus' love can be shared.

This weekend I took to time to walk around the city. Kalinda and I walked for a total of 5 hours. It was a lovely day seeing two markets, different areas of the town, drinking coconut water, enjoying fresh icecream with fresh fruit incorporated, walking on the beach, sitting in the shade, and learning our way around town. We asked for directions to a market where the locals shop. We met one of the Day Crew. He generously walked with us to the market and showed us around the Bazar Kely. Kely means small, but the market seemed large to me. It was roughly organized by produce, grains, fish, metals, crafts, meat, and flowers. He also introduced us to his grandmother and aunt. The type of coconut we drank had an abundant amount of coconut water, but very little meat once cut open.

Independence Ave. It is lined with palm trees on both sides. The street lights are solar powered on this street

One of the many coconut stands.

Today three of us went to a Episcopalian church. It is an adventure learning a new city and how to get around. We took two Pusse-Pusses. As only two people can fit it one. After some hand motions and going to a different church, we arrived at our intended destination. We were immediately greeted by another day worker who welcomed us. We did not know anyone who attended church here. What a blessing to have a connection right of the bat. We had understood the service to begin at 9:00AM. It began at 9:30. It was very orderly and followed a liturgy in Malagasy. Johanna (her nick name) the day worker generously sat behind us and translated into English most of the sermon. Many of the women wore lace coverings on their heads for the whole service. We received a special welcome from the Bishop at the end. He reminded the congregation who Mercy Ships was and encouraged us to attend this church every week. When the service ended, we were greeted by many and thanked for coming. We rode back in a Tuk-Tuk. It is the same vehicle I traveled in some in Guatemala. Here, however, they are yellow and accommodate three people.