One tough year!

A relative of this little friend pictured above found its way into my ear at 5am Tuesday Morning.  At the time I only knew that it was a bug and crawling into my ear.  I jumped out of bed and tried so hard to get it out.  Then, unbearable pain started.  I was nauseous and thought I would pass out from the pain.  I called teammates across the way.  They came to my aid but after an hour they knew they could not get it out with limited instruments we had.  We went to a clinic that I truly hate going to but I was desperate and in tremendous pain.  The doctor there was unsure of himself and only continued to hurt me more.  He couldn't see for the blood and didn't know what to do. I left discouraged and unsure of what to do.  We found oil and decided I would put that in it and try to drain it.  Hoping that it would help.  I was in so much pain yesterday.  I was calling friends to see if there would be someone in the area to help.  I was scared about the bug still being in my ear, where it was, and what I would do for relief.  I was unable to hear out of my ear and in miserable pain.  Today I woke up and my glands were swollen, ear, and face.  I have a friend who has a child and loves an American Peds doctor who works here.  He agreed to take a look.  He examined my ear and said, "oh my this is a mess."  I laid down on the table and gripped it as hard as I could as he took tiny tweezers he claimed was from his "American Stash of Tools."  I was in excruciating pain but I heard him say, "wow its a bee!"  Covered in blood and shades of wax was my horrible invader!  He gave me some meds for infection and drops for the damage done to my ear.  My ear is very swollen and painful.  But, at least I know what it was, that it is out, and that healing can occur.  I am home resting.  If I can keep infection out and with healing to my inner ear hopefully my hearing will return in full.  The next 48hrs will be important.

Prayer Point~

• Pray for healing of my ear, to endure the pain, and that my hearing will be restored.  Pray for my inner strength!  This year has been so difficult and challenging.  I remain faithful to my God and my Call!        
• It is so scary and worrisome when something like this occurs or with health in general.  This poor country just does not have adequate health care.  It is so difficult to know what to do or who to trust in situations like this.  But, I remain sure of the unseen things and know that God is one who keeps His promises regardless of the earthy status.