"You shall bear children in aguish" Gen 3:16

First night in labor and delivery

Well I had my first over night 12 hour shift last Wednesday night. I was nervous mostly because I didn't know how my body would hold up. We arrived at the hospital a little after 7, and were taken to a room with 8 beds against 2 walls. Several beds were already occupied by mothers in labor. Their were also several Honduran medical students who really acted like residents. The physician came in and we rounded on those who were there. Trying to determine who was ready to deliver and who, if any, needed surgery. It didn't take long before the first was whisked to the delivery room. One student was gowned up and ready to go. Now, as I have never delivered or even actually seen a live birth, This was quite fascinating! I am still in awe of how God created the womb, but more in awe of all the changes that take place with that first breath! Buts that's for another time. My extremely limited Spanish did hinder some of what I could do, and really hindered what I could learn as the doctor taught the students. However, a few students knew English and were so helpful to relay the important information to me. One student in particular took the time to talk me through a delivery and also teach me many techniques to measure important information without the high tech machines we use in the States. He made sure we knew what was going on and got in on the c sections etc. 

As I was sitting in the labor room, listening to the shouts of women in labor pains, I could not help but be reminded of the curse of sin. There it was as loudly as I had ever heard. And yet even so it was not nearly the worst consequence of sin! Not only do we labor in pain, but we are separated from the God who made us. All I could provide in that moment was love, a hand to squeeze or a pat or rub on the shoulder. She had to bare this pain herself, but oh praise be to God that we do not have to bare the weight of sin ourselves! That is the good that comes from the suffering of labor. It is an amazing reminder of the curse of sin and our need of a Savior! Please pray with me that though there is a language barrier and though these women are in much pain and don't necessarily want to chat, pray that that the Holy Spirit would show me how I can shine. Even if it is a hand to hold or my presence at a bed side so she knows she is not alone. Tonight I head back for my second shift in Labor and delivery. Although I am praying hard that my feet don't wear out and I can stay alert all night I am also praying for the women and students there. That even though I will be tired, and there will be a language barrier, that God would shine!