Reappearing Vision

[May 20-24, 2017]

Clinic time

My last post was about frustration.

What happened after that post, is pretty neat.

Again, the reason for the frustration is feeling completely overwhelmed with my role here. On my trip to India in 2015, I was impressed by the amazing doctors and experienced medical staff at the hospital. Their knowledge, skill and passion is some of the most amazing that I have ever seen. Coming here, I expected similar: to be a student of these doctors and contribute where I can.

But when I'd ask them why they prescribed something, I would simply get a shoulder shrug and a gesture that said "please give what you would give". I felt helpless and like I was missing out on a major learning opportunity. Other times, I disagreed with some of their prescriptions and was curious to know their clinical reasoning. After one of these times, my translator (a local woman who has worked with the doctors for the last 10 years) came up to talk with me. She said that the doctor kept asking me my opinion because he was eager to learn from me. She said that they recognize that their training is not what it could be and are eager to learn from someone who has had comprehensive training in some of the best institutions in the world. It's not that they were ignoring me but rather trying to learn from me. 

What. What. Learn from me? I've been a doctor a whole 7 days...

No casting? Cardboard + tape + popsicle sticks + wrap + garbage bag

I absolutely do not know everything. I am forever a student. I am more aware than ever of the gaps in my knowledge. I by no means am saying that physicians here are incompetent and/or intentionally harming patients- they serve with passion and with so much self-sacrifice, but the reality is that I have been blessed with an education that some around the world simply do not have access to. I recognize what a gift that is. Maybe this is what I am here for? To learn and to teach. To invest in the physicians and local medical staff here.

It's actually hilarious because well, that's what I've been saying I've wanted to do for the past year- training local physicians (particularly surgeons) in skills that they do not have access too, but need. I did not expect to find that useful here and at this stage of my training. And now I'm here. Feeling overwhelmed, but so amazed that God has reconfirmed this purpose in my life and/or just shown me, again, the need for this world and how I might play a part. 

This week I will be working with the most junior doctor, maybe an opportunity of sorts?

I want to learn. I want to improve and be the best I can. I am a student of these physicians because I know there is so much that they can teach me, but how cool is it that maybe I could contribute in some way to their education as well- let's change the world together. 

Cool thing though?

Attending a church here. People travel from far and wide to hear a sermon before heading out into the rice fields for back-breaking labour for the rest of the day. They're joyful, hopeful and kind. They love Jesus with all their heart and it is so evident in how they interact with me and with everyone. Even though I understood zero of what was being said, it was encouraging to just sit with my brothers and sisters from across the world and know that we are united in Christ, worshipping the same God. 

Prayer Points:
1. Knowledge. Please pray that I'll just remember and be able to apply all the training that I've had to this point, that I'll learn and contribute all that I can here.
2. Health. Ingesting gluten quad-daily is doing a number on my body. Please pray for the effects to lessen and for my overall health and general comfort to improve.
3. Hearts. Please pray for the people coming to the clinic daily, that they would see the love of Christ in action, be touched by the team here, be curious and open and ultimately have saving faith. Please pray for my own heart to be filled with compassion and love.

Durin for the first time. Pretty good, pretty stinky.

Omelette + Pork and Shrimp + the best sweet sauce + veg