malaria? no just an upper respiratory infection and a million hives

my storytelling leader told me to write about something unexpected that’s happened so far. here ya go.

if you’ve ever been on web md you’ll understand this story.

it started on tuesday. my day had been filled with logistics stuff with my log partner philip. we had gone to the bank to book hostels for our upcoming debrief, and I started to get a migraine. seeing as this is my body’s natural reaction to stress, I thought nothing of it. when we got home I started getting really hot. side note: ecuador goes through all four season in one day: spring in the morning, summer in the afternoon, fall in the evening, and winter at night. because it was one pm I figured it was the usual heat. when I got inside however, I noticed I felt super dizzy. I drank water, laid in a hammock, and napped for an hour. I woke up to sever pain in my head and nausea and immediately I thought I had malaria. okay, okay I know that’s dramatic and that malaria is very rare in Quito, but I was freaking out !!! I took my temperature and a big “102.6” stared back at me. after some tylenol and rest I thought I would be better. so I took some meds, passed out, and kept on with life.

the next day was miserable. I was in so much pain and going slightly crazy from staring at the ceiling. more meds, a false sense of feeling better, and two naps later, I was ready to go to ministry the next day!

thursday day I felt fine and went to ministry. my fever broke finally after 3 days, my throat was clearing up, life was great! I got home, rested, and started feeling hot again. I very loudly sighed “oh nooOooOoOooooooOOOOO”, took my temperature, and it was 101.4. I was so frustrated!! I just wanted to go to ministry and do my work and hang out with my people, but instead I was stuck being sick. I just wanted a solution.

yesterday my INCREDIBLE team leader (love you so much alyssa) took me to the clinic, and I found out I had an upper respiratory infection. woohoo! I took the meds they gave me and started feeling better! that was until I woke up this morning….

I woke up itching. turns out I was allergic to the medicine they gave me. ugh. I felt like this whole week had been wasted and now I had hives on top of everything (I still do).

throughout this whole week I had been thinking “God take it away I’m so tired of this, and I’m angry and annoyed” instead of having a mindset of thanksgiving. I forgot about all the things I had to be thankful for. 1) doctors that care and that are inexpensive and insurance and a body that still works for crying out loud!!! 2) I have an incredible team that supports me and takes care of me and CARES when I’m not okay. thanks y’all. 3) food, shelter, clothing, and clean water. 4) Jesus. and SOOOO much more.

man… how could I forget all these things? it’s so easy to focus on what you don’t have and forget about what you DO have. I have so so so many amazing things, and the most import thing: Christ. this morning when I woke up with my hives, I freaked out immediately and let it distract me for 2 hours before I even remembered that Jesus cares that I have hives and that I don’t feel well and he loves me and is the great healer. thank you, Lord for humbling me and reminding me that you’re still good. thank you for my body, and medicine, and your son who loves me more than anything, and for every good thing I have, and that you’re my protector and healer.

I forgot about how sufficient he is in the midst of all my pain. but Jesus is good always, and that should never be unexpected.

ways to pray for me:

1) physical healing

2) that I always have a kingdom mindset and a yes in my spirit

3) for my fundraising goal to be met! y’all have helped me become 85% funded! thank you so so much. pray the money comes in, and ask the Lord about giving again!

I’m so thankful for all of you. 

love, 

kori