I bet you clicked on this thinking that this was going to be a really deep, introspective view on some inner struggle of mine. 

Well, SURPRISE! It’s not. Haha!

This is about my experience with intestinal parasites. Gross, I know.

Anyways.... it all started one sunny day shortly after my arrival in Belize. I was all happy, free from worry, and excited to start ministry. Until one day I had to go to the restroom and it allllll went downhill from there. 

Let’s just say... I should’ve just set up camp in the bathroom, because I spent a WHOLE LOT of time in there. I figured it was just travelers diarrhea, or my stomach was upset from something that I ate. I tried not to get on webMD & try to diagnose myself because that never ends well. BUTTT I did. At first, I panicked thinking I had malaria. Next, I panicked because I thought I had typhoid. 

I had all the symptoms: diarrhea, dehydration, fever, chills, loss of appetite, achiness, etc. But despite it all, I thought I would wait it out. 

So the next morning, I noticed TONS of bumps/rash on my arms and legs & was basically forced to go to the hospital. So, off I went! As soon as I pulled down my pants & showed the doctor my legs, he said “Oh wow. Yup. You have parasites.“ Haha! I know this is utterly disgusting, but looking back I think it’s hilarious. I mean, who but me would come down with parasites as soon as I get onto the mission field. Like, come on. 

I was so dehydrated & worn down, that I was immediately placed on an IV for hours. It was the best sleep I’ve had this whole trip, hands down. I left the hospital all drugged up, and was then told I had to rest for the next few days. 

Then, while I was still sick, my friend Ariel came down with the exact same thing, so both of us sickie chickies had to venture BACK to the hospital. HILARIOUS. We named ourselves the Parasites Princesses.

Long story short— parasites are gross, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Being sick in another country isn‘t as terrible as I expected it to be, because I have an amazing family here surrounding me. Lastly, sometimes the Lord forces us to REST. And we should fully embrace that. 

Xoxo,

Your favorite parasitic queen