Marvin

This is not an easy blog to write. It has not been an easy couple of days. Last week Ingrid's brother, Marvin, got worse again. He has a cancerous brain tumour and yesterday he was told there is nothing the doctor's can do and that he only has a short time left to live.

The last couple of days Marvin and his family have gone back and forth between our house in Tactic, and a medical clinic in Coban. Now, they are staying in our house. It didn't really hit me how bad it was until I saw him and spent time around the family. Sure I was praying for healing, but their pain did not affect my life. Hearing the praying, sobbing, vomiting in the next room makes this real.

This morning we as a staff prayed for Marvin on the bus, in staff devotions, and with the students in school devotions, as well as in church yesterday. Knowing that people are praying, I should not have been surprised when I got back from work at noon and there were visitors in our house. People have been visiting all day. And, as is Guatemalan custom, you always serve your guests bread and coffee, or tea, or a meal if it happens to be that time. So Julio, Ingrid, and Julie have been running around town getting groceries or running around the house serving guests. Having something to do, though, helps distract from the severity of the situation.

Also when I returned home from work, Ingrid said Marvin's head pain had lessened. This is good and is an answer to prayer. It is hard seeing someone in pain. I have first aid training and lifeguard training, but I have never spent much time with someone in severe pain, let alone on their deathbed... or with their grieving family. Yet what a blessing it has been to have so many people praying. It fills the house with hope and brings a peace that is unexpected in a situation like this. If you feel so inclined, I ask that you please pray - for Marvin (who is the youngest of 3 children), his parents, his brother Julio and sister Ingrid, as well for Julie (his to-be sister-in-law) and myself. I believe God can do miracles, the Bible makes that very clear, yet at times like this I lack the faith that God actually will heal. But regardless of whether He heals or not, this is an emotionally draining time for all. Thank you for your prayers.