The email said this...Mary and Sidney, two little girls in haven 3, were in the bathtub and the auntie walked out of the bathroom to take care of something. While she was gone the hot water got turned on. It burned Mary and Sidney so bad that they were taken to the hospital. Mary fought for 5 days before losing her battle. Sidney is still in the hospital in critical condition.
Mary and Sidney were physically a huge part of my life everyday for 3 months. After those 3 months they continued to be a huge part of my life just by what I learned from spending time with them. They were always there in the havens to run up to you and make you feel so special as soon as you walked into the door. They were so so joyful and fun. They were God's children and He loved them with an everlasting love. He was blessing them and teaching them, and he was using them to bless and teach us. Mary lost her life due to burns that maybe could've been easily healed here in the US. It doesn make sense why things like this happen. It isn't fair that Mary was an orphan and didnt have a mother to stand by her side as she endured the awful pain of those burns. It isn't fair that someone that young and innocent would lose their chance at living life here on earth. Sidney is still having to endure the pain of those burns and that isnt fair either. While I was there last semester she walked for the first time. I held her while she screamed and cried because she didnt like the food that I was trying to force her to eat. She had a smile that literally lit up the room. It doesnt make sense that she's already had to go through so much and now she's fighting for her life...and she doesnt have a mother to help her through this either. But life isnt supposed to make sense...God didnt promise us an easy life without pain or struggles. He just promises us that He'll be there holding us when nothing seems fair. So as my heart was breaking for Mary and Sidney, for the pain they were/are suffering, for the opportunities they dont have there in Zambia, for the life that Mary will never get to live, and for the scars that will affect Sidney for the rest of her life, God was putting my heart back together. He was reminding me that He is God. He has a plan. He loves Mary and Sidney more than I do. He is working out all things for good. He is in control. He is there holding them when I cant be. He is good, oh so good. Mary, a little girl who would've lived a difficult life as an orphan in Zambia, is now sitting in the lap of her Heavenly Father. There's not a better picture than that right there! And Sidney isnt going through this alone. God is right next to her hospital bed holding her tight and loving her. He has a plan for Sidney and I trust Him as he's working that out right now.
Life is hard. So much of me doesnt want to do the normal things that I always do. I went and saw a sad movie the day after I found out and it wasnt sad anymore...because my heart was breaking for a real life situation that is so so devastating. But when I'm here and feeling helpless and out of control I just remember that God is God and I am not. I pray to him to hold Mary close up there and I pray to him to heal precious Sidney. I beg and beg and beg for Him to heal her. I pray to him for the aunties that are dealing with this awful accident. I pray that he gives them grace and peace and takes away all feelings of guilt. I pray for my HIZ family and all the other people around the world who love Mary and Sidney and who are hurting because of this. I pray because thats all I can do here. I pray because I know that God is in control and that he hears my desperate cries.
I ask you to pray also. Pray for these little girls whether you know them or not and pray for the aunties. Pray for the people affected by this. Pray for Brittney and Kevin, two people from my group who loved Mary; she was "their baby." Pray for peace, understanding, and comfort. God is good and loving and almighty, and all we can do is trust in Him.
Sidney...such a happy little girl!
Sidney finally walking!
Sweet Mary
Kevin and Brittney with Caleb and Mary
