After some debating and deep contemplation I concluded that I could never return to work in India again.
It was a strange thought to be having. It was a strange
conclusion to come to, especially because while I was in India, I absolutely
loved it. It was an amazing experience. I love India. I love the Indian people and I loved working at
the hospital. And in the midst of all that I experienced in that country there
was always so much grace to get through it.
However, in that moment when I found myself sitting in the
classroom reflecting back, I couldn’t believe what I had been exposed to. The
severity of the conditions for the women. The utter filth that clung to the
hospital. The disrespect. The chaos. The death.
I don’t want to wipe
cockroaches off a woman in labor ever again.
I don’t want to watch
a baby get thrown into a cardboard box because it didn’t survive the birth.
Where’s the value in life in that?
I remember every time I delivered a baby girl there was a
surge of disappointment that came from the mother. And it’s not just the mother’s
fault for being bothered by a female baby- it’s the pressure the society has
put on her. She has failed and now she has to not only live with the
consequences but pay for it as well.
It hurts to see that.
And I didn’t want my heart to be broken by these things
anymore.
I wasn’t sure I was capable of it.
And in a moment of weakness I allowed myself to think, “if I
never go again, maybe I can forget about it.”
But God met me in my weakness. He didn’t let me walk away
with that thought in my mind. Immediately He brought me to a place of
conviction. He brought understanding. He showed me His heart.
He is so gracious.
It’s like He gently whispered to me, “beloved, this is not
my heart either. And its hurting me too. I love my people. I want their
circumstances to be different.”
And then He reminded me of the passion He has given me to
see things change in government hospitals in the developing nations. If I have
a heart for it, why don’t I go where it can be the toughest? Start from the
bottom. See the fruit.
And so that’s why it is a great privilege for me to announce that I will be returning to work in India at the end of September.
Donning the traditional clothes, bobbling my head, and
sipping on chai- I’m going with a group of incredibly eager and passionate
midwife students and we’re going to storm that nation. We’re going to be God’s hands and feet
for the women who are so deserving of it. We are going to welcome life into the
world and claim it for the Kingdom. We are going to wipe the cockroaches off
and clean the beds and we’re going to do it, not by our own strength, but with
the joy and the strength of the Lord.
Give us India, Lord. We're asking for this nation.
In order to go, I will be needing to raise $5,000 by the end
of this month. That’s a lot of money. I know I serve a God that holds all the
money in the world. It’s nothing for Him. And I believe He is going to provide
for me. So I’m pressing into Him to a release of it. Would you join me in
prayer as I seek breakthrough in the area of finances?
If you are able to financially contribute, in any way- even
a small donation makes a big difference, you can do that through the secure
donate button on my page or you can email me and I can give you some more
options at laurae.brager@gmail.com
Right now I am really trusting for some fundraising
strategies. If you, or anyone you know can help with fundraising please let me
know.
I look forward to being back on the field and sharing my stories with you.
Bless you!
