Hello all! So for some reason unbeknownst (yep, that's right, I used that word) to me, the children of the DR have been heavily on my heart over the past couple of weeks. It's normal for me to think about them once or twice a day, but it has been a flood. I've even had a couple of patients that looked just like two of the little one's still living their little lives in La Republica Dominicana. I cracked up when I heard a girl at church laughing just like Cara...who has the most contagious laugh ever. And I watched a video made by Makarios' newest staff member Jody Chance that made me miss the kids all the more.
Facebook, of course, played a huge role tonight. I started talking with Cara and she told me about Ronal. Ronal is a teen that lives in Chichigua, a Haitian Batey and has no income. Last year, as a medical team, we learned about Ronal and his health issues. We examined him and found out he has what's basically a hernia that causes lots of swelling and guessing by it's location...pretty uncomfortable. Makarios has been working really closely with Ronal to get him ready for this much needed surgery. It has taken some time, but we found out in May that he is finally ready. His bloodwork looks good...he's been having to take vitamins/supplements to level it out so that he would be safe during surgery. This is a huge deal for him! In the US, we just expect people to remember to take pills everyday and have access to the pills. Well there, the staff would have to buy it and then take it to chichigua and then he was responsible for taking it. Again, this seems simple, but as I said before...nothing is simple in the DR and this is a huge deal for him! Cara told me that they have a doctor, they are basically waiting on the funds to come in.
I know that times are hard. Money isn't really something that we are willing to part with these days. But I know for a fact that God is bigger than the American economy and that there is a precious human being in the DR who could forever be impacted for the Kingdom of God by those who are being faithful to care for those that have less than we do. I wouldn't ask you to do something I myself am not going to do. The surgery will cost approximately $1000. The Mak staff does a great job of seeking out honest and good care. If you want to offer some money to help pay for the surgery you can send it to
Makarios International
3267 Bee Caves Rd
Suite 107-71
Austin, TX 78746
Just put a note with the check saying "Ronal's surgery" or "Medical Fund"
