Encouragement

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

E.N.C.O.U.R.A.G.E.M.E.N.T.

      .........Perhaps one of the most vital traits of a Christian in fellowship with other believers.........

And I am thankful to say, my community of Christians (both in the US and abroad) have showered me with this very gift.

I couldn't have been more wrong in my perception of this Fall when we ended our summer of teams.  I was convinced my days would be empty and life would be mundane without our sites filled with the energy our interns and students brought to the field.  I was sure my social life would be nonexistent and that time would creep slowly by as I waited for Christmas to arrive and a visit to the states.

My view was quickly proven wrong as I started mentoring a young Dominican girl, joined a bible study, began an intensive Spanish class and a Creole class all while preparing for our nursing preceptorship program and continuing to see patients in various communities and missionaries.

As my schedule didn't allow for much free time and dengue slowly began to creep upon us (milder this year than last) along with  daily tropical storms I realized I was sinking.  And then came my encouragement.

*Through my friend Meghan, an emergency medicine PA from Delaware, as we traveled across the DR to our dear friend's wedding

*Through my friend Priya, an internal medicine PA from DC, who came to serve for my birthday

*Through my friend Elissa, a Cardio Thoracic surgery PA from Pittsburgh, who came to work with me at my clinics

*Through a team of 5 nurses, a PA and a student who left on Saturday after showering both me and my patients with love and support of the seemingly enormous task of delivering good health care in less than ideal circumstances 

*And finally through my Mom and our close family friend Cindy Nasman who came to serve at our pre-school and special needs school last week 

This week as I am once again solo (for 4 days) I realize how encouraged I am.  I have finally had the time to reflect and evaluate my thoughts and have noticed a stark contrast from several months ago.  And I know without a doubt that that difference in my thinking is the encouragement I have received from each of these incredible people and those at home who continue to remember me.  Through words, hugs, laughter, medical supplies, fall goodies, candy, pumpkin coffee, etc!

I am so thankful that so many people see the vision and hope I have for the Haitians and Dominicans I serve; a vision I'm confident was given to me through our Father.  I am so grateful for the renewed energy serving with American health care providers has given me as they each believed in my goals and desires for each of my patients.  I am thankful that I am still tied to American medicine.  And I am beyond grateful to share my life with those I love so very much.

And so, as Friday begins a new six week preceptorship of three nursing students and my work in the community continues, I am encouraged.  And for that I give thanks.

a motorcycle burn, known as the "Dominican mark"
Moto accidents are the leading cause of death here, but
with gas at $7/gallon it is the cheapest form of transport

proudly showing off his burn

Last week I had 5 nurses, a PA and a student work with me
here I'm explaining how my clinics function

Felix, my 86 year old patient who continues to farm!

teaching how to take his medicine

one of my littlest of patients!

checking eyes

Fernando and our student seeing a patient who suffers
 from chronic allergies

Translating for a patient in Creole (not me!  Yvenor)

loving my patients!

a house visit to Julito

A trunk filled with medical supplies!

Unpacking donations at the public hospital

the public hospital

They were so happy!

Estoy una nyonya esta noche, pero ojala solamente un chin....

Oh facebook.  Instagram.  Twitter.  Google plus.  Linked in.  And insert any other type of social media here____.

How on most days, I love thee because you keep me connected with all the people, places and things I love so dearly in the world.

But, today.  When I am feeling a bit heavy hearted.  When my sacrifice to live in the Dominican Republic just. feels. heavy.

.......................today, I loathe social media.

I miss fall.  I miss the leaves.  I miss wearing sleeves on my arms.  Or drinking a pumpkin spice latte.  Or cuddling underneath blankets.  I miss apple picking.  Or celebrating Halloween and not being looked at as a hypocrite because in the Dominican culture it is truly a demonic holiday.  I miss my parents and having coffee with my mom.  Or calling a friend on my drive home from work.  I miss order and being surrounded by people who obey the laws because they are enforced.  I miss driving to DC to visit my friends for a weekend away.  I miss....you get the picture.

Yes, after 14 months of living in my mission field, I still get homesick.  And I admit to all of you, I am in the middle of a big pit.

My load feels weighty.  I find myself frustrated that this is where God wants me.  That as my friends are all getting together after work or celebrating weddings or babies, here I am.  Sweating in my room.  The electricity inconsistent after a big tropical storm and my water brown from said storm.

Rarely do I dwell.  Rarely do I let my emotions get the best of me.  But, occasionally, I miss my home country.  And sometimes that miss is just all consuming.

And then I feel guilty.  What He has asked me to do is nothing compared to the cross He bore.  Christ carried the weight of the world and all who lived and was going to live.  He suffered torture and betrayal and hate.  And all He asks of us in return is to love Him and care for His people to the ends of the Earth.

This morning as I found myself trapped in my thoughts of self-pity, sitting in my clinic in Buenos Aire, in walked widows and orphans, my patients.  The very people Christ asks us to care for.  And He gave me the opportunity to love and help them.  And that provided more joy than any of those "Earthly" things listed above that I so desperately miss, ever could.

Yet, even though he knows I'm where I need to be, Christ let me weep.  He let me miss those very good things that I miss so dearly.  And He walked with me.  And gave me shoulders and support tonight through other missionaries to share the load and who understand the lengths we all have to go to follow Christ's very greatest commandment.

So, don't feel pity for me.  I am where I need to be.  And don't stop posting pictures or telling me about that beautiful New York fall.  Just drink an extra latte, or take an extra breathe of fall air or cuddle further under those blankets even go hike Montauk, for me.  

But, remember where your fulfillment comes from.  As He walks with me, I sure can't forget it.