Five years ago, Emily tested positive for the HIV virus. Like many who are HIV positive, she has struggled with feeling connected to a community of people who cared about her despite her illness. Adding to her struggles, the medications she takes drain her of the energy to complete daily household chores – cooking, vacuuming, making the bed, etc. This is where Jackie’s story begins…
Dear Saddleback,
“When I heard about Emily, the needs she has and the opportunity that I had to serve on a Care team, I knew that God was saying ‘Grab a bucket and mop and some food and wash Emily’s feet….love her’. Since that conversation, I had been looking forward to cleaning Emily’s house (a miracle in and of itself- who looks forward to cleaning?) and was so excited yesterday when I left for her house.
We hit it off right away and I was so happy to have something (my hands and feet in cleaning- who likes to clean?) that could be of service to her. She was very upfront about her life and we all talked easily about hard things that we had overcome in our lives.
The other lady on the team, Cathy, is a pure delight. As we worked side by side cleaning we talked about our walks with Lord, how we came to Saddleback and what we do for a living. Emily would come out of her room where she was resting from time to time and chat and then go back and rest. In one afternoon I made two new friends and we bonded in a way that only the Lord can do!
I was exhausted after cleaning but was singing praise songs on the way home. The joy I felt over beginning a relationship with Emily and being able to do something for her was a much bigger blessing to me than my cleaning was to her.
Serving in this way has changed my perspective on life and has richly blessed me as I feel God using my simple availability. What a joy it is to serve! I am sure that Cathy and I will be Emily’s "Merry Maids" for months and months to come. What a joy to serve!
