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| My brother Jamie and I |
This was the bible verse given to us at our staff retreat one month ago. A verse very well known to many of us. A verse I'm fairly certain I've written about in the past.
Yesterday, at our staff meeting, Brian (our director) asked if any of us have stories of how God provided a time of rest for us since our retreat. A time in which we were able to be quiet and still.
It was then that the significance of the past week dawned on me. I returned to the States for a 5 day conference in Washington D.C. followed by a four day visit to NY. And when I was there I realized that I was tired.
I don't think I knew how exhausted I truly was until I re-opened my site today. As I sat with patients in Coracito this morning and then welcomed our second team of students this summer in the afternoon, I felt more energized than I have in months.
God knew exactly what I needed.
He knew I needed to be in D.C. at a medical conference surrounded by other PAs and Docs.
He knew I needed time with my previous roommate.
He knew I needed time with my PA friends.
And I needed time with my dear friend's new baby. Oliver.
And say goodbye to a big part of our family. Maggie, our dog of 14 years.
And spend time with Grandma, aunts and cousins.
And even get out on the boat. Something I was sure I couldn't do while living in the DR since summer trips home were not in the plans.
I didn't know. But He did.
For a week I needed to be Rachel, plain and simple. Not doctora. Not missionary. Not speaking Spanish. Not taking care of Americans, Dominicans or Haitians. But just Rachel. The friend, daughter and sister.
And now I am ready. I am rested and rejuvenated and energized. I am excited to pour into my patients. I can't wait to continue working with Helena. I'm pumped to welcome new students into my site and feed into their lives. I can't wait for Caroly to begin!
And so, as I bask in my renewal, I pray each of you may also find your time to be still.
Please pray for Students International as we have more than 70 students staying at the base on two week rotations until August!
