As part of our patient follow-up program, Yojana and I bring patients to a local hospital in Antigua every Friday for further exams and operations. One of the patients who often joins us for these visits, and who has entered into our critical care long-term patient program, is Henry. His journey began about a year ago when we first began building homes in La Reina. I had first heard of Henry when Dan Smith and the people of the village began telling me about a young, special needs boy who hadn't been able to hear nor talk since he was born. This boy was five-year-old Henry, and as soon as I met him, his huge smile and large brown eyes melted my heart. I was blown away by the joy he had for life, the friendship we built almost immediately, the love his older brother and family had for him, and our ability to communicate perfectly - without sound. It didn't matter to me if he was disabled or if the village looked down on him because of it or not. I began talking to the family and discovered that Henry's ears had never been examined. After asking for their permission, I cleaned out his ears and took a good look inside of them - nothing. Whatever he had going on was far more extensive than my little otoscope could detect, so we brought him to an ear specialist...and another...and another. Right now, the plan of action is to conduct an MRI and have Henry fitted for hearing aids. Although the hearing aids will only begin to stimulate the auditory nerves and allow Henry to hear extremely loud sounds, a 6-month trial period with the devices in combination with the results of the MRI will determine if Henry is a candidate for cochlear implants. While the operation can only be conducted in the United States or Mexico, cochlear implants remain Henry’s only option for ever receiving the gift of sound. He is currently undergoing language therapy and beginning to learn Spanish sign language with the hopes of one day acquiring the gift of speech as well. Although watching Henry's progress and assisting him in finding a way to communicate with those around him has truly been a blessing, the greatest blessing has come from watching the entire family grow spiritually. Last fall, we conducted a medical clinic at La Reina. Once the clinic was done, the village settled in to watch the Jesus Film and hear the songs and testimonies of the group, as well as the message of our Pastor, Hermano Jesus. That night, I was able to be a part of leading Henry's mom, Elvia, forward to accept Christ. Banner, Henry’s brother, came with us, and as he finished repeating the Salvation Prayer and accepting his first Bible, he stuck around to help me pray for other children who were accepting Christ!Then, on March 2, 2011, we had finished building Henry's house and were preparing to dedicate it to them. Since the team was a little behind schedule, we decided that we would only dedicate 3 of that houses that day - and Henry's house was elected to go first. However, God had a better plan! Henry's Dad was called into work last minute, so he was no longer present and unable to be there for the dedication, thus moving them to the fifth and final dedication that would take place the next day. As we entered the house, I had the privilege of doing something I've never done in a house before - presenting the family with a few gifts that would turn the conversation spiritual. Hermano Jesus then presented the family with the Gospel and the opportunity to accept Christ into their hearts. The invitation was extended to each individual, beginning with the father. He contemplated the decision for a while, to the point of making me think he'd refuse, but at last gave a heartfelt and confident "yes!" His wife followed, handing her life fully over to Christ, and so did Banner - with the biggest smile I've ever seen on the little boy's adorable face! Then, it was Henry's turn. Hermano Jesus politely said, "I know that Henry can't hear or understand me, but we are going to extend the invitation to him as well." Pointing to Henry, then to heaven, and finally to Henry's heart, the invitation was made. At that moment, we all experienced a miracle as I truly believe it was only by the power of the Holy Spirit that Henry looked at Hermano Jesus with those big brown eyes and heartbreaking grin, shaking his head yes in full understanding! From that point on, the rest is a beautiful history that is now recorded in the book of life. Tears of joy were shed all around, even by the father as the prayers that Hermano Jesus poured out for him after the dedication left him broken before his Lord and Savior.With every day that passes, the whole family, especially Banner and Henry, become more and more like family to me - not just because they refer to me as "mamita gringa" (white mother) and I call them mis hijos (my sons), but because they are now members of my spiritual family...for eternity! You know, I think Henry described it best when he went over to his deck of spanish flashcards, picked out the heart card, placed it against his chest, and then gave it to one of the team members. That, my friends, is a love that transcends all time, place and language - and that is the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each and every one of us.
