Choices...

I know in the United States, health insurance can be a controversial issue. But, for the most part, parents have health insurance for their children. There are government agencies that help to provide insurance if the parents cannot afford it. Most children are able to see a doctor if they get sick.

But, what happens if a parent has to make a choice...does the family get food today? Or do the children get health insurance? That is the question, and sometimes it is a difficult one to answer. Parents know that their children will get sick. They will get malaria. They will get dehydrated. They will get parasites. But, can they really chose not to eat today so that when someone gets sick they will be able to see a doctor and be able to get the needed medicines? Even at the low cost of health insurance, it is a tough choice for parents.

Today, because of the generosity of people in the United States, 109 children were signed up for health insurance. A young girl in western PA told her pastor that she emptied her piggy bank so the sick children could see a doctor and get well. As I sat and talked with the children and played with them, their parents would come up to me and thank me. It was a humbling experience, an emotional one, too. I responded with, "Thank God!" It is because of Him all of this was possible. One hundred nine children is a start, a drop in the bucket in an area where people struggle to feed their families. Hopefully, this will be repeated in January. And, then, too, I will respond with, "It isn't me, it is God. Thank Him." And, thank all of you who have supported this project. God bless you!