Prayers, rainbows and coffee

At first, I began this post with the following sentence: “What an incredible 48 hours, and the journey has just begun!” However, I am not sure that is a totally accurate statement. This journey actually began about 13 years ago when I traveled to Swaziland for the first time. Fast forward a few years and a few trips, and the Lord called me to the medical field. Fast forward a few more years and trips, and I learned about the pediatric clinic that Baylor runs in Swaziland. Fast forward a few more years, an additional trip, and this minor thing called medical school and here I am. As I sit in Swaziland tonight, I am overwhelmed by the Lord’s faithfulness. Let me tell you a little bit about it…

In order to do this rotation with Baylor, it is suggested that you apply at least 8-10 months in advance. Only 1-2 students and/or residents are accepted for each 4 week block. After I completed my application, it took a little while before I could convince myself to submit it. My thought process sounded something like this: “I have dreamed of doing this rotation for years. What if I don’t get accepted?” After a few kind reminders that I couldn’t be accepted unless I submitted the application, I finally submitted the thing. For those of you who don’t catch on as fast as others, I got accepted. J The Lord is faithful.

“Ok, now that I have been accepted for this rotation, how am I going to finance it? I am already tens of thousands of dollars in debt thanks to a few years of school”… yeah, yeah more than a few years but you get the idea. I think watching the Lord provide financially for this trip has been one of the coolest things. I have been completely overwhelmed by the love and support people have being pouring out. When those things are combined with the finances, I don’t have any other words except: The Lord is faithful.

So why did I call this update “Prayers, rainbows and coffee?” Well, we have finally caught up to the 48 hours I was initially referencing. Thursday morning, before I left for the airport, about 30 people from my Discovery Church family gathered in my apartment to pray. Now, for all of you Southern Baptists reading this, I am fairly confident we can call what happened a prayer meeting (despite the fact it did not occur on a Sunday or Wednesday night). Here’s what I do know: “Where two or three come together in My Name, there am I with them” Matt 18:20.   Jesus was present in that place, and it was awesome. The Lord is faithful.

Here’s something else that I have learned - flying for 16 hours gives you a lot of time to think. As we were about to land in South Africa, I was reflecting on a lot of the things I have just mentioned and thanking the Lord for his faithfulness and provision. I lifted up my window and right over the tip of the wing was a beautiful and enormous rainbow. In the middle of that prayer, I saw an incredible reminder of His faithfulness. By the time I registered what had just happened and grabbed my camera, the pilot decided to turn without asking me if I had gotten my picture. So, if you look hard enough you can see a tiny piece of the rainbow and have a general idea of what was in front of me. The Lord is faithful.

Wayne and Barbara Myers (IMB missionaries) picked me up from the Johannesburg airport on Friday evening. We stayed in Jo’burg overnight and then tackled the 4-5hr drive into Swaziland this morning. Before leaving Jo’burg we stopped at my favorite coffee place – Mugg and Bean. All you have to do is drink some of their coffee and eat one of their muffins and you are instantly reminded of God’s goodness. At least I was. Praise. J We arrived in Swaziland a little after 2pm, and I have been settling into what will be my home for the next 4 weeks. I also had the chance to briefly meet one of the physicians I will be working with this month. I start clinic on Monday morning. At some point, I will have a roommate join me, but for now it is just me (and for you parents out there: me + a gate, + a 24hr guard + several locks, etc etc.).

Tomorrow, I will go to one of our Baptist church plants and will see some old friends. I am beyond excited! Thanks for your prayers and for your desire to stay updated on all that the Lord is doing.

Hunter

The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.  -1 Thess 5:24

Most asked questions: Yes, I do have water and electricity (and internet sometimes). I am 7 hours ahead of my NC family, and I would love for you to email me at hunterjohnsonmd@gmail.com. You guys are the best.