She was tiny and unconscious. It was in the wee hours of the morning in the equatorial heat. The mother held her baby believing there was nothing more that could be done to save her life. A wonderful medical student form the University of Washington and his wife, who was a nurse, and an emergency room nurse from Australia were called to the hospital to help this infant. They knew they had no time and only one option—to inject the child with blood from her mother. They were all praying for this newborn when it responded to the procedure. A life was saved thanks to clear thinking by passionate medical workers. Why did I tell that story—because this is what the year is all about. There were 8,000 other stories—some dramatic others just routine. These people have trusted our staff and we are blessed to have skilled volunteers and an amazing staff of Indonesia medical workers.
The wide-eyes of our school age children gazed in excitement in the new classes they are now attending—21 pre-school and 25 in the combined kindergarten and grade one class. The school is an investment in the future. The children are unwanted by their parents but we see them as beautiful and full of potential. It is a huge commitment with a big payoff. These children will be the best educated in their generation in this remote region. Yes—2011 has been a year of planting wonderful seeds.
I do not know if you could look at it as the end of the year or the beginning on another. We close out the amazing days of the 2011. It had plenty of challenges but the blessings way outnumbered the obstacles. We offered hope to anyone who came asking us for help—our leaders served with distinction. Now 2012 is in our sights and I will look into the empty pages of the calendar wondering what lives will be saved and how will the seeds grow that we planted.
