So this post will probably not be a very good one. =)
Sorry guys!

We are back at Alabanza, and ministry is going great here!

Before i get into it though, i had a kajillion emails asking if i could clarify and give details about being sick and in a hospital in africa. It was definitely an experience.

I lost a lot of blood at a time when i wasnt supposed to be, which caused me to pass out one morning on the way to a session. My one-on-one discipler, Cassie, took me to a local clinic to get checked out. THe doctor there was not the sharpest tool in the shed, but gave me several shots and lots of meds to make me better. I went back home and instead of things getting better, they got progressively worse. I can honestly say that i have never been in pain like that in my life. Ever. I hear i was pretty pitiful from my beautiful sister Carrie, who had stayed home to doctor me. I bled...a lot. Eventually that night people got back, and Alli and Kate (two leaders) came to pick me up to take me to the hospital. I left the house with people supporting me, in pain, and with really clouded eyes (from meds?). But i was sporting the tinker bell pajama pants, so i think that that helped. =)

It was about an hour drive to the only hospital that they trusted. And though it was definitely a hospital in a third world country, it was actually not bad. It was clean, sterile, and the nurses took care of me. They had to call the doctor to come in, but he came and said i must stay the night. Then came the morphine. I really dont remember much after that. At all, actually; though i have heard some pretty hilarious stories about some of the things i said and did. Apparently i thought i was in the ocean, and pretended to be a fish for about 20 minutes. (Complete with BONK, jenna!) THen i saw a zebra in the ocean. Not so sure about that one. Then i declared that i was going to marry the guy that drew my blood because he "was pretty." Hahaha....mom, sound familiar? There are several more, but just use your imagination, and i probably did it. =)

The next day was full of tests and needles, but it came down to the fact that i had a pretty bad uterine infection. I was on a huge amount of antibiotics for awhile, but am not feeling completely better.

People from all over the world were praying for me. Praise GOd that he hears those prayers, Amen?
Thanks to all of you who spent hours praying for me (and my family). It is much appreciated.

Hmm..so much more to tell you about. But i have to hurry.
I have spent every days ministry time at the cresh at Mamelodi. I am with the toddlers...typically around 35-40 in a room smaller than my bedroom. Its insane...mass chaos. But it is getting so much better. They now know me, and i am learning more names every day. I truly love all of them, but definitely have a soft spot for the beautiful little girl in the picture. She is the same girl that was hysterical the first day, but she is so happy now! =) I just love her!

The main thing i want to post about is this beautiful lady named Henrietta. Unfortunately, i believe it is going to have to wait until next time. =) Just keep her and her children and her ministry in your prayers. Love all of yall.

=) Please send letters!

=) GOd Bless!

~Martha