pit stop
I had one last stop to make in New York/New Jersey before arriving home. I’ve been here for the past four days, and I wish I could tell you my transition into the states was smooth. Unfortunately, I started to suffer from a lot of stomach issues as soon as I left Accra. Starting at Heathrow, my body was rejecting all the food I was eating and basically, I was either vomiting or running. Although I was convinced that the pains and constant visits to the bathroom would subside, I had a very paranoid conscious telling me that it could be something worse.
When I woke up the next morning, my body was very warm and my visits to the bathroom didn’t dwindle. One great weakness I struggle with, is that I don’t take care of body very well. I don’t like to admit that I’m tired, hungry, or hurting… I just tell myself to get over it. It’s a pride thing. But this time, it got to a point where I didn’t know what to do and I didn’t know how much longer I could bear not eating. In addition, I didn’t have my readily available comforts to put my mind at ease. I needed someone to tell me that I didn’t catch something fatal. I wanted to hear that I was going to be ok.
So I did something I’ve never done before- I went to the emergency room. They had to run several tests to check for malaria and other stomach related issues. They took x-rays of my stomach, and then they stuck an iv in my arm to keep me hydrated. I was very cold even with the blankets on me. As I laid in my gurney, I felt helpless while I waited for the test results. My mental and spiritual health were being compromised and challenged. I thought about how many more times I would have to be physically vulnerable because of my decision to travel and work for the will of God. This is all a part of the commitment. Am I ready? Am I willing? To juggle my social life, family responsibilities, career, and a marriage in the future? This just made me realize that I can’t do it all. There will be sacrifices, ones that I won’t want to take but must learn to surrender to.
My dependence on God is only getting greater, and despite the pain, I’m thankful. Luckily, I don’t have malaria. I contracted a gastrointestinal infection from something I ate in Ghana, which is highly curable and highly normal. My mind was at peace, and after being forced to take some rest, I’m making my recovery. Coming out of this diluted state, I’m looking forward to being at full rest and able to process my trip at home. It’s only by God’s grace that I got through these two months. I give God all the praise He deserves for carrying me through my journey and allowing me to come home safely to continue what He’s ignited in my heart.
