After the elation and exhaustion of the hospital, and drug rehab centre, we all met up again at the home of Jose Luis, Aida, and Jose Luis Jr. At risk of being boring about this family, they really are amazing: little JL, of course, is the ‘miracle Fontanelles and skull sutures’ boy. Mum and dad both gave their lives to Jesus as a result of his miracle, both baptised. And of course, the ‘prognosis’ for Junior was retardation, not walking, talking, and possible very premature death. He’s perfect…normal, walking, talking, fun… Lee videoed the family, with them briefly telling their story, which as soon as it’s ready, I’ll post here.

We were treated like kings (and queen, in Katie’s case!) with the most enormous lunch – bandeja paise – no idea what that means! – but….rice, plantain, pork, pig skin, beans, eggs, and goodness only knows what else! It was massive….

Then, to a neighbour’s home to pray for her son, Jefferson, with meningitis. He’s 17 years old, but the size of a 10-11 year old: having two doctors with us was helpful, especially Lee, as neonatologist, who said that, with Jefferson having not been treated properly when he was 18 months old, had suffered other brain damage, including cerebral palsy. He’s severely disabled physically as well as the huge mental disability. The bedroom he was in was like an oven, the family either packed into the room with us or hung in through the open window from the outside.

I’d love to tell you he jumped up, healed. He didn’t: and I found myself in a not-altogether unfamiliar dichotomy where faith was there FOR his healing, alongside the utter, total feeling of helplessness that all I could do was pray. I laid my hands on him, held his hands, even kissed his forehead: faith telling me that nothing is impossible, not just for God, but for us, because of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 17, yet with a sense of ‘loss’ that all he did was become more peaceful.

BUT…what DID happen was that, because of God’s love, mercy, and grace – and maybe because a bunch of gringoes and a Mexican went into their home for 30 minutes or more to show care for their family – the whole family – at least a dozen, gave their lives to Jesus.

All we can do now is leave God to do what only God can do…..