Yesenia's Journey in Chad, Africa
Serving as a Student Missonary through La Sierra University at Bere Adventist Hospital from August 2015 to June 2016.
"...because he has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted..." Luke 4:18
Reality hit me like a brick today.
August 17, 2015 I turned 20 years old; Vianay and I helped with the giving program they have every Monday. This program started by Kim helping 4 or 5 people and it has grown ever since. Now more than 80 people who are old, sick, and with children, gather outside of the hospital gate so they might get a bag. One of the bags contains rice, beans, and a bar of soap so that they can use to wash and to do laundry and many other things. We packed the bags hoping for a good outcome. We kept packing the bags, but we began to run out of each item. First, we ran out of beans so we continued to pack with rice and a bar of soap. Then, we ran out of soap, but we still had people waiting for something. Pretty soon we were just packing bags of rice to give to the people. Soon we ran out of rice too. I went outside to help give out the bag. We only had 20 bags left and there was a lot more than 20 people. Papa, one of the guys who translates to the people and helps with the program said we had to choose who to give the last 20 bags to. I couldn't do it. More than 40 people left some with children, all very old, sick, and starving. I couldn't choose. Right when I was about to help choose who got the bags I made eye contact with a little girl about the age of four leading her blind grandmother to the front of the crowd. She looked at me with big glossy eyes with her dirty head wrap and her brown tattered clothes. All she did was stare, and her stare ate at my soul. How could I tell her to come back next week? I couldn't. As I stared back into her eyes, I felt a tear run down my cheek. I quickly turned and walked away as my eyes filled with tears and a lump grew in my throat. I had to walk away because as my eyes grew full with tears, I knew I couldn't break down and cry. My heart grew heavy and for a moment I felt so, so helpless. We had run out of food and who am I to say who gets a bag and who doesn't. They are all practically starving and some cannot work due to illnesses and old age. And some of these people have young children who are their grandchildren and they're hungry too. I had to say, "we ran out of food, I'm sorry come back next week." These people were depending on this for the week so they can survive to the next week. It didn't help that there was no line so we couldn't tell who got there first. All I could say is my heart broke, and I couldn't do anything to help these people. That just made me think of the hardship and suffering we are not exposed to in America. How sheltered we really are. How individualistic my society made me. How ignorant I was to the idea of hunger. But to help we need money. Of course, everyone needs money. You know that one saying, Money makes the world go round. Well it's sad but the harsh reality of it, is it is true. Everything requires money! I wish I was rich so I could give it all away. I wish I had the funds to meet the basic needs of these poor people. But I don't and I probably never will. And it's true the rich will continue to get richer (the American dream right?) and the poor will continue to get more poor. For example one of my idols Michael Jackson won the humanitarian award due to his charities and giving. Of course, he did great work in regards of service but he was filthy rich. One of the few who contribute to needy causes. I just got angry not at anyone really but I couldn't do anything, and I can't stop it either. What ended up happening is Vianay picked the people who would get the last bags, no one wanted to be the one to do it and I know that was very hard on her. We plan to develop a more strategic way of doing this every week. I've never seen so much pain and need. I was truely at a loss for words. One can only minister so much and give hope so much but needs need to be meet. I know all we need is Jesus but what do I say when I have nothing to give a starving person? Today, was one of the toughest experience I've ever had. I am sorry to burden you all with such sad thoughts but that is the reality of it here. People are hungry, sick, and dying and we need funds to meet they're needs. Please feel free to donate... doesn't take much to change a life of someone here with spare change... literally. But I understand the thoughts of Americans in a individualistic society. I understand even trying to make a living in America, it's hard. The harsh reality is life is hard. But, we must love and help one another. Have Joy. Jesus first, others second, you last. But I don't mean to guilt or make anyone feel bad, I am simply just sharing my thoughts after my experience today. Please love me enough if I am wrong as well. I am learning here, definitely learning. I just wish I could do more, and never have to turn any one away. On a different note Chadian Dating 101: Walking back from the market with one of our new friends who shall remain nameless (He also kindly translates for Vianay and )he sees a girl in a distance, and says that's his girlfriend. Mind you, having girlfriends and boyfriends isn't something that is public and should be kept secret. He then goes and talks with her for a bit and walks with her for less than five minutes then they go their separate ways. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. They both couldn't stop smiling as they talked to one another. As the went their separate ways Vianey and I couldn't help but to ohh and ahh our friend. Our friend made us promise to keep this a secret but he shared with us his love for her. He only sees her in spurts at a time every week or so. He wants to have a job and finish school before anything too serious. He explained if one likes a girl they must go to her house and talk with her father in terms of marriage. Since he is not ready yet, it is kept secret and they see each other for a few minutes for weeks at a time. It was such a beautiful thing. Chadian love. That is how relationships go here. Vianay and I have gotten proposed to already but we don't understand and our translator quickly pulls us away. I don't have any camals or cows to offer anyways! Kidding, only kidding. Although the missionaries celebrated my birthday with cake and ice cream a day before, that is how I spent my real birthday. Hey I turned 20 in Africa that is pretty cool, and I actually share my birthday with one of my new sisters in my family; her name is Briya. She is a beautiful, smart, young girl, and she just turned 16. For a gift I gave her my prettiest skirt I brought here it was brand new too. She loved it and that is what made my birthday so special.
9 Comments
Mel
8/17/2015 03:25:00 pm
Although I have never been in that situation, I frequently read about things that happen like this everyday. I feel hopeless and angry just reading about it, I can't imagine how it felt to be in that situation. I'm praying for you hermanita and Im so so so proud of you...Happy Birthday <3
Reply
8/17/2015 03:55:05 pm
Wow! ! You had a true God experience! ! I'm out of words and humble by your experience, You're teaching me, we should not ever complain, but be thankful to God, for everything. I love you and praying for you.
Reply
Carol Dickson
8/17/2015 04:54:05 pm
Thank you for being willing to create a blog to share your experiences with us.
Reply
Taleah T.
8/17/2015 05:05:40 pm
Truly a moving testimony I read above. Thanks for sharing, Yesenia. You have gotten the wheels turning in my head in ways that we can send help from PUC. I will keep you posted. Happy Birthday, Lilsenia. It sounds like its been tough but I'm so happy you are doing it. Much love.
Reply
Blog 3:
Reply
8/17/2015 11:08:11 pm
Yesenia, happy birthday, and thank you for being our eyes, ears, and heart in Chad, Africa. Who, at La Sierra, can we give money to that will be sure to get it to you to help the people? As in the book of Esther surely you have been called to Chad for such a time as this! We will not just talk about your experience, we will experience it with you, feel it with you, and we will help you help them. Jesus says, Inasmuch as ye did it to the least, ye did it to Him. Awaiting to hear who to contact. Much love. Be blessed!
Reply
Marge Norris
8/17/2015 11:34:00 pm
Praising God for you and Vianay! We are so proud of you! Please let us know how we can help in a tangible way. We love you and are praying for you as well as the people you are serving. Be encouraged! God has chosen you and Vianay to be the instruments He will use to bless countless numbers of people where you are serving. We want you to know you have many that want to support the program you are involved in. Let us know the best way to proceed. Love You Both! Mrs. Norris
Reply
Blog 3:
Reply
Maria shetler
8/18/2015 11:52:09 am
Happy birthday Yesenia, what a wonderful experience you are going thru. Be strong. I all ways trust our Lord. He will guide you and protect you. I too would like to know how I can help. Love you. I am praying for both of you.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
CategoriesArchivs
November 2015
AuthorYesenia Sosa from San Diego,CA. I have a deep love for God and what he has done for me in my life. Because of Jesus love for me that has compelled me to show his love to others. I love my family,friends, and boyfriend Isaiah very much. I love school and I love to learn. I want to give myself in love and service, as Jesus did for me. Be blessed, never forget, you can do all things through Christ who Strengthens us. |