Longing for News

This week while leading a medical missionary team in Tenango, Dr. Bill Herring from NC was approached by a Mexican family who was longing for news about their son. They had gotten news that their son, who was in the US, was in the hospital. They knew no more than that. They didn't know which hospital, which city, or even which state he was in. They just knew he was sick, and they were terrified. Regretting that he could do no more, Dr. Bill promised to pray for their son and for their family.

The next day, the family returned to talk with Dr. Bill again - this time with a phone number. Armed with a good satellite phone connection, this phone number, funds to make several calls, and a good Spanish translator, Dr. Bill and Nurse Penny Musson began making calls. First they talked to the young man's roommate who confirmed that the young man was hospitalized and shared the name of the hospital. After more calls, they eventually reached a nurse of the floor where the man was being treated. As an American doctor in missionary service in Mexico, Dr. Bill pleaded with the nurse to allow the release of some information and/or to allow the parents to talk with their son, if he was able. As it turns out, the son was able to come to the phone and had a long talk with his parents - assuring them of his current safety but recounting his story of illness and treatment complications. Their reunion, albeit by telephone, was a joyous one and one that eased the anguish of the parents and their adult child - and warmed the hearts of Bill, Penny and everyone else involved.

As Dr. Bill shared with the group later, this was a poignant reminder of the thousands of families across Mexico who have absolutely no idea where their adult children are in the US. Are they safe? Are they hiding in a river or a desert while trying to find safe passage into the US? Are they in jail? Are they hurt, hungry, lost or lonely? While not disputing that the choice to immigrate illegally is one of their own choosing, there's also no doubt that family members here suffer from lack of information about their loved ones.

In this case, thanks to Dr. Bill, Penny, Joshua Feliciano, the roommate, the nurse, the satellite phone provider and the grace of God, these parents were comforted to learn that their son was okay and to hear his precious voice. Thanks be to God.