It’s been a little over seven months since I unexpectedly returned to India. It wasn’t easy wrapping up my life that I so loved and return “Home” in June 2016. I was disappointed, confused and frustrated. I knew God had a plan for me. He always does, but I just couldn’t see it. The longer I looked at the puzzle, the more confused I got. What was I doing here in India, when I knew that the Lord placed a very different calling over my life?

Now, on this tenth day in the second month of this year 2017, I can finally say that I see the bigger picture. I see the jigsaw puzzle coming together. I see why God brought me home to be with my family. In July 2016, my father was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This meant that his kidneys were failing and among other things, he had to be on a very strict diabetic, renal friendly diet – Limited fluids, low salt, low sugar, low protein and a low carb diet – Go figure!!!

As time went by his condition progressed. Each month was lined with multiple visits to the cardiologist for previous heart condition reviews, to the nephrologist for CKD consultations and to the diagnostic center for a plethora of tests. Some months we religiously met with the nephrologist every week.

Since July 2016 until today, I have taken 20 trips for work – Some of which lasted a couple days while others lasted a few weeks. Even with my crazy travel schedule and being away from home several days in a month, the Lord in His kindness, allowed me to be present for almost every one of those doctor’s appointments. If at all I missed one, it was one with least significance. I feel almost as if the Lord had all my travel schedules sprawled out on His work desk and as He towered over my girl-on-wheels life, He ensured that He placed doctor’s appointments only when I was able to be there with my dad. Now tell me that’s not a good, good Father?!!!

Two days ago, when I was on a work trip in Bhopal, my dad needed to go through two emergency dialysis’. While I couldn’t be there for the first one, the Lord made it possible for me to make some adjustments to my flights and come to Vellore for the second one, as well as be with my dad for when he had to go in for a kidney biopsy. For someone in the medical field a biopsy is no big deal. But for a layman like my dad, it was a terrifying idea. He tried his best not to show it and he won’t ever admit it, but I knew he was scared and I was beyond grateful that I could stand by his side, hold his hand and crack some really really sad jokes that made him laugh.

I still don’t see all the puzzle pieces fit together. But as I spend the night in the hospital as his caregiver, I hear my daddy snore and say with all my heart – There’s no other place I’d rather be.

God saw ahead of time that I needed to be with my dad. If I stayed in America, I would not have been able to forgive myself for not being with my family, not so much for their sake but for my own. God knew then exactly what He was doing and He knows exactly what He’s doing now.

In closing I have to say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!