Dearest friends and family,
Yesterday was filled with bright sun and sweet patients, our last full day in clinic. We served in another rural church in which the temperature encroached that of an oven. Though we baked in the heat like cookies on a sheet tray, the day was full of life and truth and joy. We interacted with some very interesting and frankly hysterical patients including an old, old man who was a bit of a hypochondriac. He did have a legitimate sinus infection that we were able to treat, but he also acted out a laundry list of complaints with wildly dramatic hand gestures and hilarious sound effects, almost like a not-so-silent game of charades. I’ll just let you imagine how he described gas and bloating. He was deeply concerned that his hair was “too white,” to which we had to kindly explain that being an 80-year-old just might have something to do with that…who knows. He also animatedly described that when someone scares him when he’s not expecting it, his heart begins to race. Again, we assured him that happens to everyone. Our translator had no idea half of what he was saying and simply put, he was the definition of a riot. Amidst the laughter, we were able to love and serve and pray with him, and ultimately get him the medical help that he legitimately needed. On the other end of the spectrum, several of our patients had stomach pain that we ultimately determined was due to hunger. Medicine can only go so far and though heartbreaking, it is powerful to realize that truth. Though our pharmacy stocked some nutritional supplements that could serve as a temporary solution, the most impactful thing we could do was pray for these patients, that God would provide as only He can. At a certain point, we are limited in our capacity to serve and provide for people, which should not discourage us from serving the children of God, but should rather spur us to fix our eyes on Jesus. During our evening time of sharing, several more team members shared their testimonies & exposed parts of themselves that are raw, complicated, messy. Only when exposed to darkness can we truly understand what light means. We are all so encouraged by their courage and boldness in sharing and hope that their stories stick with us, reminding us of the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God even in the midst of our rebellion. Though the sharing time was heavy and emotional, we ended on a light note with the words of one of our team members – “I’m thankful that all of you are my brothers and sisters in Christ…and traveler’s diarrhea.” What is the strongest bond besides that of the bond of Christ you may ask? The bond of Montezuma’s revenge, bar none. We love you! Pray that our last full day in the Dominican will be filled to the brim with fresh energy, enthusiasm, and strength. Though many of our physical bodies are getting a little weary, pray that our spirits do not! See you soon!
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