Safe journeys little one...

11 years of working into the South Pacific in various ways and forms and one gets to witness some amazing things. Our focus has always been to help where help is needed most. I don't know how many times I have suggested to God that life would be so much easier if he simply made us millionaires so we could just get on and help people. I can almost here Him chuckle at me because I know too well I would end up giving too much and to often.

I have learnt it is good not to give every time you see a need. I see beggars on a daily basis and walking past them is not something I like doing. Sometimes we give food and other times a coin or two and yet other times I walk right on by feeling such a miser.

God in His wisdom has not given me a huge wallet to empty on a regular basis, rather he has promised me wisdom and discernment for the situations I come across.

I visited lovely Rimsha today. She and her parents head to India on Wednesday. I came away wondering just what it was like for her parents when she was born. The shock and dismay at her cleft lip and palate along with her medical challenges. Her mum

and dad adore her, they call her their little angel. She turned 4 last week and since she was born her parents have done everything they could to get help for her. No bus ride was too far or wait in a waiting room too long for their angel. An appointment meant a 5 hour bus journey before even getting to see the medical people in Suva. More often than not they were left to wait hours unsure just what the appointment was about. Rimsha presented a challenge to an already under skilled medical team. Visiting surgical teams would sweep in and do amazing surgeries under huge pressure but never having the time or essential equipment to be a real help to her.

It was her dad who found a hospital in India willing to take on her case. He was not going to give up on his angel.

I got to met them just a couple of months ago. I am impacted hugely by their quiet determination to move the world that their little girl can get the best shot at life. Sharing a small house with 11 other family members in a very poor part of town has not been a stumbling block. Rather the family is tight, bonds of love strong and determination stronger.

Their immediate goal has been met, the Fiji medical board are funding 80% of her surgery costs and the parents have raised just enough to cover board and food for them for 6 months but definitely not a 5 star hotel.

Today I gave the parents $100fj and said please do something nice for yourselves. They looked in shock. Lisa we have not given ourselves one thought this whole time. Every single penny we have had has gone towards this journey. We can not be seen doing anything questionable with money we must be totally transparent because people have given so much to help us. My reply was then please once in India stop and allow yourself a moment to enjoy something with that money.

Wednesday morning they leave for a 10+ flight having never flown in a plane let alone overseas.

Go safe little Rimsha I just wish I was a millionaire so your parents could have sometime to enjoy themselves while you are safe in hospital.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to contribute towards this amazing little family and their challenging journey.

lisa@lhr.co.nz