Ana Maria

For those of you who know me well, you know that a big part of my heart lives in the Dominican Republic. My journey and love affair with the DR began in the summer of 2003 when I spent 3 months there in a tiny little village on top of a mountain. I, just like every other 'missionary,' set off thinking I was going to help the poor people of the 3rd world. And just like most, returned realizing that the person who had been helped the most was yours truly. I went down there damaged and hurting from a difficult life experience and came back changed, renewed, full of hope for the future.
A big part of the transformation that took place inside of me was Ana Maria. She was my cook and became my best friend. The lessons I learned from her changed me to my core. All of the lenses that I saw the world through, understood faith through, were shattered because of her influence. I have never been more grateful for a human being like I am for Ana Maria. She opened up her heart and her home for me in a way that communicated grace to me in ways that I had never encountered and haven't since. She built a room for me on her house. You heard that right. With her own hands, she built me the most precious room on top of her house so that I would always have a place to stay. She painted it pink because she knew that was my favorite color. This is a woman who struggles to get mouths fed in her house each day - but she found a way to buy materials so that I could have my own room at her house.

me and Ana Maria, summer 2003

I have countless stories of Ana Maria that would astonish you. She is a remarkable woman and I plan to share much more about her in later posts but I want to get to what is important:
Ana Maria is very sick. She has recently discovered that she has a large tumor growing behind her nose and because of the 3rd world health care situation, she has limited options. Through some great friends of mine here in the states, we have been able to consult with a neurosurgeon at Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston and he is willing to operate on her if we can get her here. Here begins the uphill climb. There are so many hoops to jump through with immigration. We are trying to figure out how to get an emergency medical visa but have not heard anything yet. And then there's...cost. You knew it was coming. The good news is that through some amazingly generous people, we have raised a good bit of money on Ana Maria's behalf. But the medical bills are piling up. She already owes more than she makes in a year. And then when we start adding travel to the states, etc...we don't even know the figure we're looking for. We do know, however, that God will provide somehow.
So here's how you can help: PRAY. We need that more than anything. The money will come in - we know that. But if you feel like contributing, I would be so grateful. Email me, call me, Facebook me and I'll let you know how you can get it to me.
I am set to travel down to the DR on Friday the 20th of April and will return on Wednesday the 25th (hopefully WITH Ana Maria). Please be praying for everything to come together.
Thank you all for your prayers. I will keep you posted.

Ana Maria just a few weeks ago. You can see in her eyes that she is in a great deal of pain. The tumor causes severe, constant headaches and is pressing on her optic nerve, which is impairing her vision