They say hard times show you who your friends are, well, this past week I was reminded again of the blessings I sometimes take for granted. I really did not want to advertise my health problems, or discuss my surgery with the world. My husband, however wanted prayer and support, and so he has discussed this with pretty much EVERYONE. I am much more private than he is which is a continual place for us to disagree. This also puts me in a difficult position, one of dependence on those around me, which I hate. It is always easier to do it myself than ask for help. Maybe that is why God allows these things, so we are reminded that we are merely human, dependant on Him, and each other. The recovery is no picnic, nor was the brief hospital stay, had I known it was going to be that rough I probably would have been less peaceful going under than I was. Of course all I could think of was all the amazing women I know in Africa, ones suffering much more than I can imagine. Women that have no loving husbands to support for them, and INSIST that they rest. Women that don’t have friend’s constantly bringing meals, flowers, and love to their homes. Women that don’t have parents that adore and care for them, and their families. Women that suffer alone in their huts, not a private room in a state-of-the-art hospital. I have all those things, and then some; I am not sure why I am so blessed. I really always have been supported, loved, and cared for. Sometimes I

wonder….WHY? Why do I have these gifts, why do my friends in Africa seem to suffer on every level, when they no doubt are much better people than me? I wonder if “the first shall be last” will all make sense when we are living together for eternity. It is then we will see the humble women, men and children that suffered horribly on this earth rest in peace right by the side of Jesus, while some of us will be much lower on the food chain than we think. Being back here in this amazing country, I am more convinced than ever that we are closer to the Kingdom of God than we think, We are all rich, we are all blessed, and we are all living a dream, whether we appreciate it or not.