When we were in Haiti last July, we came across this beautiful child with 3rd degree burns on both his legs. The sight was so disturbing I had trouble collecting myself and not freaking out. I really had no choice -- there were probably 20 kids gathered around look at me to see my reaction so, for their sake, I need to remain calm and not alarm them.
This wasn't a medical trip and I wasn't in a medical clinic. I was at a neighborhood home where children gather, play, and eat. I had a VERY small first aid kit. When the boy was put in front of me, I just prayed to God for a loaves and fishes moment because I knew I did not have the supplies for this. I've never prayed for a loaves and fishes moment, it's interesting to me that it would come to mind, considering this wasn't about people not having enough food. I appreciated so much that day that this account of Jesus' performing a miracle helped me stay focused on my task at hand instead of worrying about my lack of supplies.
After I cleaned the boy's legs with 2 saline syringes I had with me, I looked for antibiotic ointment - which was in the bag UNOPENED! Thank you Jesus! When it was time for the bandages, I repeated in my mind "loaves and fishes, loaves and fishes". I was asking for the supplies I had to be multiplied. It might seem crazy right now reading this, but it honestly made so much sense at the time.
I found a single tegaderm which was x-large and a couple of 4x4s which was exactly what I need for the right knee that looked like a piece of charcoal and was lifting up on the lower side. I seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief after that because the more critical burn was addressed. I moved on to the other burns which covered both lower legs down to the feet.
He had 11 burns in total in all different sizes and shapes. With each I methodically repeated "loaves and fishes" in my mind and I found bandages that worked for the burn I was addressing. I was able to cover every single burn -- even though when I arrived I did not have the supplies to do so.
I often think about this day and the way I was reminded of "loaves and fishes" at a time when I needed peace and calm and to know everything was already taken care of.
This image shows his legs bandaged as well as his legs 6 months later when returned. BARELY A SCAR VISIBLE. Thank you God for your miracles and how much you love this little boy!. And thank you for the miracles in our own hearts and minds that remind us of how sovereign You are -- over hearts, over minds, over emotions, and even bandages.
