Here we stand on the brink of Holy Week, with Good Friday and Easter drawing closer. The culmination of the penitential season we've spent the last forty days journeying through.
For me, Lent has always been a time to reflect, to strengthen our relationships and acknowledge our vulnerabilities. This year, I've entered into that mystery of vulnerability in a very concrete and unexpected way – and not one that I would have chosen for myself.
Last week, after experiencing some very troubling symptoms, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my bladder. I'm currently staying in Florida as I prepare to go into surgery this coming week, which we hope will be able to remove all of the growth while leaving most of my bladder intact. After post-op healing and recovery is complete, I will be returning straightaway to Haiti and my Espwa family, but I don't know how long that time period will be.
This came up very suddenly, and the news was upsetting, even shocking. But it is only another hurdle in the race and I am convinced it is not insurmountable – there are many things that give me confidence: the goodness of God, the prayers of my friends and supporters, and the quality of medicine available in the United States.
In this time, I ask that you keep not only me in your prayers, but all our children – as well as those responsible for shepherding them and leading Pwoje Espwa forward.
Blessings,
Fr. Marc
Oh my goodness! I will certainly be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteBarb In New Mexico
We love you, FM. We are praying for you constantly.
ReplyDeleteLespwa fe viv.
You are and will continue to be in our prayers. We will see you soon.
ReplyDeleteJane, Davis, Annabelle, and Cameron.
Praying for you today, Father Marc ! So sorry to hear of your upcoming surgery. The good Lord seems to give his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. Admire so much your ministry, a true foot soldier for Christ. Speedy recovery, Father!! Donna & Nicole...visitors from long ago
ReplyDeleteFather Marc:
ReplyDeleteYou and Pwoje Espwa Sud are always in our prayers at West Side. I am sending you healing energy for a quick recovery and a cocoon of energy around the orphanage to sustain it with love while you are revitalizing and renewing. Live radiantly!
Anne Deatly, West Side Presbyterian Church
Father Marc, I'd like to share a story with you about your children at Espwa and our children at West Side. After offering a Children's Message relating to our recent trip to Haiti during our Sunday service, I gave the children, "homework". I asked them to pray for the children of Espwa when saying their evening prayers. I learned from our youth minister that the children did not wait until bedtime, they offered a prayer for your children at Espwa at the end of their chapel service that very morning. They repeated their pray the following Sunday as well. Both prayers were initiated by the children without prompting from any adults. Despite the many miles and the differing cultures, the children of Espwa and those of West Side seem to have an intangible bond. Only a loving God could have created such a connection. We will add you to our prayers as well.
ReplyDeletePraying for you Father.
ReplyDeletePraying for you. May your surgery be successful so you can return to Haiti and all your beautiful children to continue doing your wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteAlways praying for you and the children at Espwa. May your surgery go smoothly. Take care of yourself during recovery and you will be back in Haiti before you know it.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Charles and Belinda Lee (Hopedale,MA)