It is hard to comprehend what life would be like to live in a society where you are discriminated against. How do you have hope when reality is you will always occupy a lowly place in society. Not because you have no skills, have no ambition, or are not smart enough. Only because of your genes, which you have no control over. That is life for the gypsies in the Ukraine.
And then you meet the man who is hunchbacked and radiates joy. He leads worship on Sunday, speaks from his heart about his love for Jesus, and loves on the children like each one is special. That is when you realize their hope is in Jesus and in the eternal. Their circumstances may not improve here on earth, but they have a heavenly mansion to look forward to. It brings your life into perspective. In America we tend to complain, or protest, and the least little discomfort or perceived injustice. And here are these people who have much to be bitter about but still live in the joy of the Lord.
For the past three days, we have seen 378 people. The people are so sweet. This morning when we arrived in camp, so many children came running, greeting us with szia (pronounced see ya), which is their “hello” and each one wanted to shake our hands.
We have been busy in pharmacy. Medications have been averaging 3-4 per people. Lots of antibiotics, muscle cream, and some blood pressure meds.
Rainbows and Otter Pelt 