A Sigh of Relief

(source unknown - if you know, please tell me so I can give them credit. Thanks!)

Today my dear friend from Concepcion, Chile was able to communicate with me via Facebook. Ever since I heard about the earthquake and the destruction in Chile, I have been praying for her and her family's well-being, as well as for all those who were suffering from the earthquake. From the pictures I saw, I knew Concepcion had been hit hard and on top of the devastating earthquake, a tsunami hit their city shortly after. I was afraid for my sweet Hna. Albornoz, who loved and cared for me so much as a missionary in Argentina. I would lay awake at night in my cozy bed wondering if they were living in the streets. When I tucked Bicho into bed at night, I cried wondering if my friend was laying her sweet daughter to sleep on the cold concrete.

So I breathed a sigh of relief today as she told me that her home was still intact, with minimal damage and they had enough food and water to last them until help comes. Then my beloved Albornoz began to recount how someone must remain at home to protect it at all times because of looters. She said the streets were full of violence, which frightened her. Tears streamed down my cheeks as she recounted how the school she worked at was destroyed by the earthquake and her husband's work place was swept to sea . She said "More hard times will come. Soon we all will be living deep in poverty and feel the quiet desperation that comes from not being able to find work or food in our destroyed city."

And that, my friends, has been laying heavy on my heart ever since. You see, I live in a land of bountiful opportunity. Opportunity that I mumble and grumble and complain about. I complain about living on an extremely tight budget while my husband starts out a new business, when my sweet friend wonders how she will make any money for food and shelter. I complain about having "nothing to eat", when my dear friend has no place to shop or grow food. Nevermind that there is a Wal-Mart down the street full of fresh food. Nevermind that I can sleep peacefully at night without the threat of looters or violence outside of my door.

So I counted my blessings. I asked the Lord to forgive my lack of faith and for being so ungrateful for the many blessings I have. I thanked Him for sending me a beautiful friend who is living on pure faith despite being surround by a world in chaos. You are being prayed for my dear, sweet Albornoz.