The Trial

Hear my prayer ,O Lord ;

Let my cry come to you

Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress

Incline your ear to me ;

Answer me speedily in the day when I call .

Psalm 102 :1&2

History definitely repeats itself ! After a period six years we found ourselves at the same spot again .. We had to move cities for Jeff’s education. It was like retracing our steps in the same order . Jeff and I will have to move first ; My husband would follow later .

This would also take us a hundred kilometres further away from my ailing Mother. I spent many sleepless nights thinking over it. Meanwhile a much awaited chance of a dream trip to Europe emerged from the extended family . Two of my sisters settled abroad were coming home . They decided on a short trip to Vienna and Zurich while on their way. Wouldn’t it be nice if all the siblings &their families met in Vienna ?

A very tempting suggestion ! It was like a long cherished dream coming true ..On my next visit home , I spoke to my mothers doctor about my dilemma . She assured me that Mummy is doing a lot better and I shouldn’t worry about being away for a week .

However I was feeling uneasy and when the visitor visa was delayed ,I thought it wasn’t meant for us . But then the visa promptly arrived right before our travel dates and we found ourselves rushing to the International Airport situated hundreds of miles away . The traffic during rush hour was tiring .The early morning flight added on to our woes .

We alighted at Frankfurt , sleep deprived and exhausted. Our connecting flight to Vienna was in an hour or so . We were slowly moving towards the gate when something horrifying happened. My son who was walking with me , suddenly seized my arm and collapsed to the floor shaking violently . He was having another episode of seizures.

Never have I felt so desperate. My mind froze and I heard myself whispering ‘ I don’t know ‘to my husband’s anxious queries . He looked white as a sheet .

“My God , my God , why have you forsaken me ?

Why are you so far from helping me From the days of my groaning ? “

Psalm 22:1

My whole being ached , laden with gallons of unshed tears ..

Another Indian family hurrying up to catch their flight to Canada, stopped and offered help . A doctor was soon at our side . In a very cold voice ,he asked us if we needed any help ,adding that we wouldn’t be allowed to fly until further medical investigations were done . We urged the helpful family to move on as their departure gates would be closed in a short while .

The seizures subsided in a few minutes.We were told that Jeff needed to be shifted to the hospital at the earliest; our passports were taken and we had to pay a hefty amount to the airport officials ; Till this day I do not know why it was so . Wasn’t the first aid given at the airport free of charge ? Or were they charging us for the ambulance? Mechanically we followed the instructions . A wheel chair was brought in and first aid given ; As they moved him swiftly without informing us , I ran behind my son like one possessed. But my fears were unfounded; they weren’t going anywhere without us .

Soon we found ourselves on a deserted road to Kinder clinic . This was by far the longest trip I have ever undertaken. I regretted every moment I spent dreaming about the snowy alpine cliffs . Looking out I found nothing appealing to my eyes . The summer terrain of Frankfurt reminded me of my own city . I felt dejected and let down .

At the hospital, the doctors were visibly confused by the way my son was responding to their questions. He could hardly keep his eyes open . The doctors preferred to converse in German and I assumed even in medical schools the medium of instruction was German unlike India . Frantically I went on repeating Autism, hoping my accent wouldn’t hamper their comprehension. There was a collective sigh of relief from all of us – The doctors , for finally discovering the reason and us ,for succeeding in making ourselves understood .

The doctors and the nurses at the hospital were truly friendly and helpful. the The memories of our unpleasant experience at the airport started to fade . Our hearts felt lighter . Still we weren’t sure what the next steps would be . Finally in the room my son drifted off to a very deep sleep .

It was only then I could pray . All this while all I did was just coping with this nightmare . I just couldn’t bring myself to speak to the Lord. But now in the room , prayers rose up like butterflies from my frightened soul. We had no idea how long we would have to stay in the hospital.

Hear , O Lord , when I cry aloud ,

be gracious to me and answer me !

“Come , “my heart says , “seek his face !”

Your face Lord do I seek

Do not hide your face from me !

Psalm27:7-9

Meanwhile we were able to connect to the rest of the family, who had already reached Vienna . My husband’s cousin in Zurich was also informed about this unfortunate incident .

That evening a middle aged Indian couple came to visit us . They were from our own state and had migrated to Germany decades ago . For us ,they were truly angels in disguise . Being well versed in German , they helped us to talk to the doctors and deal with the administration too . After a couple of days .Jeff was discharged The administration agreed to wait for the bill settlement by our travel insurance company. Our angels insisted on dropping us to the airport. In a couple of hours we were in Vienna .

This family and my husband’s cousin had a common friend who had connected us . God truly works in mysterious ways !

The rest of our trip was truly enjoyable and our joy knew no bounds when we saw Jeff throwing snowballs at his cousins in the alpine slopes , enjoying every moment. By the grace of God we completed the rest of the days with no issues.

Back home the insurance company refused to settle the bill as the seizures were a pre existing condition connected to Autism . There was a constant flow of mails from the hospital to both the insurance company and us . Finally we decided to pay up .. In Indian currency it amounted to quite a large sum .

Then came a very unexpected verdict from the court while hearing a similar case regarding the settlement of medical bills by health insurance companies . The court ruled that the company is legally obliged to pay the bills even if it’s a pre existing condition.

Within a few days , our bills were promptly settled by the insurance company ! The hand of the Lord in all this was unmistakable ! A similar case being brought up at the nick of time and a favourable verdict !

I do not know why this was allowed to happen to us but I do know that our Lord is close to us even when we go through the dark valley ; His watchful gaze is upon us he guides and assists us in mysterious, incredible ways!

The Lord answer you in the day of trouble !

The name of the God of Jacob protect you !

May he send you help from the sanctuary,

and give you support from Zion !

Psalm 20:1&2