“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding” —Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
“Lean not on your own understanding” means not relying only on what you think you know or your own wisdom. Sometimes, we can get stuck in overthinking or worrying about the future, but when you surrender that to God, He will guide you.
My mantra along with Philippines 4:13: “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.”
I have repeated these two verses so many times this past month.
On Monday, September 8, I flew back to the Dominican Republic (DR) ready to continue my ministry here. We had a wonderful two-week holiday with my parents to visit my daughter, Brittany, and family. We traveled, even spent time in a holiday park. They were troopers. Of course, being with Harrison and ‘AEE,’ as Everett calls himself, were highlights. Mom had tea in 4 different places. We rented a fully electric car. On the way back, Malcolm and I had three beautiful days exploring Iceland. Mom and Dad continued back to the US.
My brother picked them up from the airport. He said they were tired but good. They enjoyed their activities. Sunday night we came down and spent the night with Mom & Dad so I could get an early flight back to Santo Domingo. Got back to the DR and began to plan ministry through October.
Each night I called home and Tuesday I was told mom had caught a cold. By Thursday she had developed two strains of pneumonia. I made the decision to return home to Maryland that Saturday.
I was blessed to be picked up that day by Ricardo, Anny, and Daniel. They drove 4 hours to drop me off at the airport and then they returned home. Saturday was one of the most difficult days. On Saturday the decision was made to provide comfort care for Mom. And I’m in an airport by myself trying to get home. I went to a restaurant and cried and ate lunch. Told the waiter what was going on. He was so nice. And all this time, even until now, Sue Shorb Sterling was guiding me. I wanted to say goodbye but not at the cost of Mom suffering. Malcolm gathered everyone on the phone to let them say goodbye.
Malcolm picked me up from BWI airport at 11:20 pm. We almost ran to the car and drove to St. Agnes Hospital. Ran to AICU. I sat with Mom, kissed her, and told her I love her. We all sat around her and prayed. She went to be with Jesus at 12:05 am September 14.
In one week, in the blink of an eye, things changed so drastically. I don’t understand but I thank the Lord that the Lord of all creation does.
I will be adding blogs in parts. I really am blessed. So many prayed and sent cards, notes, and calls. Thank you. Healing from grief is a process. Please continue to keep my Dad, Jack, my siblings, Jim and Jenny, our families, and my mom’s two sisters in your prayers.
My Mom and Dad have been two of my biggest supporters in my ministry work. They have encouraged me, prayed for me, and supported me financially. If you would like to give a gift in memory of my Mom, Jane Anderson, to the ministry or my Missionary experience you can do so on our website: leastofthesemin.org
With much love and hope,
Jacki
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