Folded, Torn, and United
We carefully followed her instructions. A room full of surgeons folding papers, making small tears, and trying our best to do exactly as we were told. When the exercise was complete, we each held up our papers and looked around the room. Even though we were all given the exact same instructions, the results couldn’t have been more different. Our unique interpretations of simple instructions created vastly different shapes in paper.
Together, we attached our papers to the front wall of the lecture hall, arranging them into the shape of a cross. It was a simple, yet powerful reminder that although we all come from very different backgrounds and unique experiences, as believers we are united by the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.
The paper cross from the exercise
I had the great privilege, alongside my surgical partner, Dr. Tim Love, of helping coordinate this year’s Spiritual Retreat for the general surgery and orthopedic residents. With a little over a month to plan, we scrambled to secure a conference site, arrange transportation, and coordinate speakers and worship leaders. Thankfully, everything came together beautifully. My dad agreed to be one of the speakers, as did another missionary, and we even had one of our previous graduates graciously agree to cover the weekend call so that all of us could attend.
What followed was a wonderful weekend of fellowship, worship, and rest. We spent time diving into Ephesians and Matthew, worshipping and praying together. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share meals and discuss topics beyond surgery. Getting to know my fellow attendings and the residents better, and being reminded that our calling as surgeons extends far beyond the operating room.
We even managed to sneak in an afternoon adventure through a nearby national park and its local hot springs as well. Watching the residents laugh, swing on vines, and simply enjoy being together outside the confines of the hospital was pure joy. And as it has now become a tradition, we wrapped up our spiritual retreat with a game of dodgeball between the residents and the attendings, with the residents pulling out a victory (albeit questionable) for the second consecutive year.
I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside these young surgeons. Training them to be skilled clinicians and encouraging them to become compassionate, godly leaders is an amazing privilege. It’s not always easy; it stretches me daily. But moments like this retreat remind me exactly why we felt called to serve here in Ethiopia
As we look back on this retreat, we’re reminded that God often uses the simple things, like torn pieces of paper, to teach deeper truths. He continues to shape us as we train, teach, and serve alongside others in the hospital. We’re thankful for moments of laughter, worship, and connection that renew our hearts and remind us of the greater purpose behind our work here in Ethiopia.
Praises
Homemade Pho
Sunday Pho: One of our favorite family traditions back in Myrtle Beach was heading out for Vietnamese pho after church each Sunday. Our kids have missed that simple joy, but thanks to the veggies growing in our little garden, we finally had what we needed to try making pho at home. Luckily, it turned out to be a delicious success and a comforting reminder of home!
A Successful Spiritual Retreat
Cobos Academy: Homeschool is going relatively well! We’ve hit a nice groove and the kids seem to be settling into the rhythm and schedule.
Things to Pray for:
Our hospital: Our hospital is undergoing significant growth as we transition from a small rural hospital to a larger regional one, and prayers that our staff (both national and missionary) would remain unified in the mission and vision of this hospital and the care that we provide, would be greatly appreciated.
Hospital Infrastructure: Along with the growing pains of becoming a larger regional hospital, we are experiencing several physical campus challenges that Luis is working to address, including security walls, new buildings, and our sewer/septic system. If you would like to support the numerous special projects we have underway financially, please visit the link here.
More help: Now that we have landed in Soddo, we are hoping to build up our long-term team! We are looking for anybody really (teachers, medical personnel, engineers, etc), if you have skills we NEED your help!
If you have any prayer requests, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to set up a video chat, send us a message! You can contact us on WhatsApp or email us at LCRC@cobosethiopia.org.
If you want to learn more about how to help us on this journey, please click the link below!
