We are continually held by the love of God, even though at times the path may be overshadowed by darkness or a limited road ahead!
‘Each step I take, I know that He will guide me,
To higher ground, He ever leads me on’
At times, we need to stop and simply listen. Psalm 34: 6 ‘Those who look to Him for help will be radiant’.
My steps (this morning) are directed to one little girl who became very precious to me during a home visit (accompanied by my friend Estera, Social Worker with Emanuel Hospice). Ella (now 14) has been in the care of Emanuel Hospice since 2005 when she was diagnosed with CVID (Common Variable Immune Deficiency) – this leads to many complications ie: Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Hemolytic Anemia, Granulomatous Lung Disease, Severe Short Stature (Growth Hormone Deficiency), Delayed Puberty, Osteoporosis, Splenectomy, Vitiman D Deficiency and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness. How does one little girl of 14 cope with so much trauma?
Ella has been hospitalised multiple times requiring massive Blood Transfusions – followed by nosebleed treatments, side effects have stemmed her natural growth and at 14 her height is only 134 cms. Her disease is very rare and there are few cases actually in Romania. Her beautiful little face has Cushing’s Syndrome (Moon Face) yet her special smile fills an entire room; she has the most drawing personality, her meekness, gentle and kind spirit warms my heart.
Remember Ella’s Mum, a quiet unassuming lady with so many crosses to bear, Ella’s brother (25) is also very ill and her Father has Alzheimer’s disease (4th stage).
I have never forgotten the day I visited Ella in her home, situated right at the top of a block of flats with so many stairs (I lost count) Their humble home was warm and welcoming. Yet from only a two ring picnic stove, Ella and her Mum had prepared ‘Strawberry Jam’ as a treat for the lady from Ireland! I learned so much that day – seeing first hand that from little so much can be gained. Ella showed me her paintings – Wow! Ella is so overjoyed to be back home after many long weeks, months in hospital, by way of expressing her joy she paints and at 14 there certainly is an ‘artist’ in the making.
Further treatment is urgently required, for both Ella and her brother. An Immunologist who specialises in rare Immunological Diseases has been recommended to Emanuel Hospice. Do pray the Lord will send the required finance to enable this to move forward.
I will be seeing Ella and her family in less that three weeks. Let me take your love to her; let me tell her just how ‘special’ she is to all my friends back home. See for yourself, isn’t she a precious little treasure? Lovely paintings in the background!
Shirley