That’s What Faith Can Do
The air was bitterly cold as I stepped out of my car and I crossed the street looking eagerly for the house where we were going to visit. All around me the effects of poverty were evident. Broken windows, fences that were falling down or had pieces missing were just a few of the things that caught my eyes as I scanned each house for the correct address. Finally, I approached the place where I needed to be. Knocking on the door I anxiously waited for someone to answer hoping to be invited into a warm and cozy environment.
When the door opened, I was surprised to see who answered. It wasn’t the woman I had expected to see. Naomi was indeed there, but busy holding her baby. It was a nurse. The nurse explained to me that Naomi’s baby was too sick to be left without medical care and she and other nurses covered 10 hours daily with the baby to ensure that she was feeding well.
You see, this was no ordinary visit. Often times we as Missionaries of Our Lady of Divine Mercy are invited to visit our families to celebrate a child’s birthday or to welcome a new baby. This was different. There were no celebrations, just a tremendous need for prayer. Naomi’s baby has Down’s syndrome and a host of other medical complications.
As I walked in with my translator, immediately Naomi rose to greet me and gave her baby to the nurse to feed. I couldn’t help noticing how simple her environment was. There was but one small couch and love seat and there were no pictures on the walls. Everything looked extremely bare with only a few toys lying on the floor and medical equipment lying on the floor. This was home to Naomi’s family which includes 6 children.
Naomi has been with the Missionaries of Our Lady of Divine Mercy for nearly 2 years. Throughout this period of time, we have shared our food, clothes, school supplies and financial assistance trying to help her as her family underwent a foreclosure last year. The struggle has been very difficult.
Naomi received limited prenatal care at the free clinic while she was pregnant, but never knew her child was so sick until after she had delivered her. Amidst the tears and the sadness Naomi’s faith emerged as the greatest gift in receiving her new baby.
“Rut” as she is called is a gift from God according to Naomi. “She is God’s gift and I am grateful to have her in my life,” she said as she gazed lovingly at her. Naomi’s faith in God and her conviction that everything that happens is the will of God has always been an inspiration to me. Naomi belongs to a Christian church in the Manassas area and she says her strength comes from prayer.
And prayer is what Naomi was in need of the most. In just a few days her daughter was scheduled to have her 4th open heart surgery and her chances of survival were less than 50%. When I asked Naomi what her thoughts were about the surgery she said, “I have enjoyed every moment with my baby daughter and I am ready to accept the will of God. I know she is His.” She spoke softly and her long black hair gently covered her face as she cast her eyes downward. Everything was in God’s hands.
“We will be with you in prayer as well,” I said gently touching her shoulder. “Rut is our child as too and the Missionaries of Our Lady of Divine Mercy is your family.” A smile rose from Naomi’s face and I knew she was pleased to have us with her. The long hours with the nurse and taking care of the children seemed to be consuming her life. In fact, with all of the medical equipment around the room and the nurse carefully tending to the baby, it was hard for me to see any normalcy in the life of Naomi and her children.
And yet, Naomi’s faith and charity was like a ripple of mercy throughout the house. As the children came home from school, one by one each child greeted the baby with a kiss and then Naomi as well. Pulling their artwork out from school I could see their faces beaming as they showed Naomi their work. She hugged each child as if it were the most beautiful picture she had seen. She exemplified motherhood at its best.
Before we left we hugged Naomi and vowed to pray for her and her baby, bring meals if needed and to offer any additional support she needed. She hugged me and thanked the Missionaries of Our Lady of Divine Mercy for our support and said that prayer was her greatest need. We gave her the treasury of our prayers.
A few days later we called and learned that the baby was doing well recovering at a nearby hospital. Naomi wasn’t surprised about the outcome. She knew the power of prayer and was a witness to us what faith can do. She is just one of the many beautiful people we serve everyday at the House of Mercy. United in prayer, the voice of a seriously ill child was heard by all. We will continue to be there to support Naomi with food, clothing and our prayers as she watches over her baby.
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