finalemente

So, I've sat down to write a blog entry at least three different times in the past two weeks.  Each time, I tried to upload pictures to my blog.  Each time failed.  And so, I didn't write a blog entry.  I still am not able to upload pics, but I decided I don't care.  BECAUSE!  Surely you can tangibly feel my excitement surging through your computer as you read this entry. 

This is the week.  And I mean THE WEEK!!! finalemente!!!!!!!!  And my clinic is done!!!

This is the week when I have students of my own.  When I will begin clinics in two different communities.  When I will be speaking the same language as my patients (except Haitians).  When I will get to pray with them.  When I will minister to my students and share with them my passion for Jesus and for health care and for community development.

So what, you ask, has transpired in Rachel's life over the past two weeks?  Well.  Lots.  Here's a summary.

We had our first team of the year serve with us for two weeks.  They were from a gap year program out of Texas that focuses on developing discipleship and leadership.  I won't lie and tell you we were super excited to have a team as soon as we returned to Jarabacoa and opened our sites after the Holidays, but I will tell you that God incredibly blessed us by who he sent.

I glued myself to Dr. Fernando, who is running the Health Care Site with SI (mine is called the Community Health Care Site).  We work closely together but do some different things....for instance he spends time in the hospital, I do not.  It was incredible to watch him minister to both Dominicans and the American students.  We were able to do prayer walks, teaching, praying, medicine, testimonies, etc.  Amazing.

The two students we had working with us were unbelievably encouraging and excited for my vision and what students will help me do.  We walked through one of the communities I will be having a 5 day clinic in, speaking Spanish and handing out fliers for the next couple of weeks...and people were excited.  Haitians.  Dominicans.  American students.  This is HUGE in the life of Rachel.

Because.  The last 6 months have been filled with worry.

In July I was intimidated by the language.  By this morning I was able to have a one hour meeting in Spanish.

In August I was petrified I would not know tropical medicine.  Patients with worms, dengue, lepto, amoebas, bacterial infections, etc have developed my medical skills.

In September I never thought I would have patience for the Dominican culture.  Poca a poca I am embracing the lack of a schedule!

In October I hated spiders in my office.  I still hate spiders in my office, but I can deal.

In November I was petrified that students would serve with me and not enjoy their time or be enriched by their time serving.  But, guess what?  Thats not up to me.  But, my willingness to let the Holy Spirit flow from me.

In December I didn't want to come back.  And here I am.  Finally not wanting to be anywhere else in the world.

And in January, each of these concerns that I have lifted in prayer have been answered.   I know there will be challenges.  But, God has equiped me and prepared me for this moment.  And I am not lying when I admit I become a bit tachycardic when I think of community outreach.  It is the love and passion Christ has deeply engraved in my heart.  Along with Americans, Dominicans and Haitians.

And so, if I may ask for your prayers in the next two weeks as all this finally becomes a reality!  Stay tuned for more stories....and hopefully pictures!

And please- last Tuesday Catalina and I took her son Julian to Santo Domingo for a f/u visit with the orthopedist.  Unfortunately his initial surgery was unsuccessful.  It appears the growth plate in both bones (tibia and fibula) in his lower leg has been affected, which means he may need regular surgeries until he stops growing.  In February a specialist form Johns Hopkins will be visiting, we're hoping he will have a better idea of how to help Julian grow and ambulate normally!  Please pray for Julian, this doctor, Catalina and he family as they are struggling with this news.

Gracias a ustedes!