Noi’s limbs were weaker than a newborn’s. His skin was discolored, his feet were enlarged, and his body lied defenseless. His legs and arms wore the scars of gnawing insects and his hands curled over with scabs. His belly convulsed with every movement and he gasped for air between coughs.

The parents of this 39-year-old gem hardly accept him because he is HIV-positive. His daughter is brilliant and his wife, also infected, has stayed by his side. Through all this suffering, somehow, Noi made jokes, practiced some English, and sang to us… Thus proving his smile was equally as radiant as his attitude. Why. Why is Noi dying.

I have never held the hands of death. But if I’ve watched shows, listened to speakers, and read books on infinite human suffering around our world, shouldn’t I already understand how painful life is for so many? Was it because I had not looked into their eyes, listened to their whisper, or clasped their fingers that everything continued as normal? I’d like to think Noi has changed a piece of me, which is the least he deserves.

The amazing characteristic I find in death is that it can sometimes be more powerful than life. Every step of my Savior’s walk on earth was flawless, with every action done in love. But it was His death that saved me, forever later, from my sin and myself… ultimately offering us all life eternal.

Today was hard, as much of my experience here has been, but it was unforgettably significant. Death is one of the only certainties we face, and that alone seems reason enough to prepare for it. Noi did.

 

His 12-year-old massaging his legs.

A relative trying to feed him. 

His laugh was contagious, and as we shared stories, I could tell what a precious soul he had… 

Noi’s liver failed and he’s unable to take anymore medication. He was released from the hospital and given three days to live. That was February 19th, and he’s still with us. With his fight comes hope. PLEASE join me in prayer and lift up Noi’s health and his family.

Tags: AIDS relief., Bangkok, Gina Meola Photography, Missionary work, Missions, Siam-Care, Thailand

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 at 6:02 am and is filed under International, Personal, Thailand, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.