Dorina

The past week took an unexpected turn, one that I couldn’t have been prepared for. 

My grandfather passed away after a short and sudden battle with cancer, and I found myself boarding a flight to the Netherlands. I knew in my heart I had to be there to be with my family and hold a space for grief. It’s strange how one message can change so much. The distance felt so big in those moments. I was again struck with the fragility of life. 

A short week in the Netherlands I witnessed how deeply my grandfather was loved by many, stories poured out from many family and friends. Through the sad circumstances it was also a privilege and joy to see so many family members. Remarkable how through grief God still provides blessings in so many ways. 

As heavy as leaving family again knowing it would be several months again before we see each other again, returning to Madagascar brought an unexpected sense of reassurance. Disembarking the airplane I knew in my heart that I’m meant to be right here. This is home. The rhythm of this place, the work I’ve committed to, and the people around me it all aligns to my purpose here on earth. 

This week marked the beginning of the orthopaedic surgery block, which meant I had a joy to met several new little children at the Hope Center whose legs don’t look anything like mine or yours, but whose smiles already speak volumes. It’s humbling to witness the beginning of their journey, knowing that over the next few months, we’ll walk along side them. Our hope and prayer is that when it’s time to send them back to their villages they’ll leave not only with newly formed legs but also with hearts formed in Jesus.