Monday Clinic: 9/5/22

Monday Clinic: September 5, 2022

As the sun peeks above the horizon, the waters become glowing with shimmering light; each boat brighter than the next as the sun rises. The silver still waters of the Indian Ocean stretch out like a cloudy glass waiting for the clarity that comes with the rising light of the sun. It is my story today as I, too, await the clarity of my Risen Son, Jesus. We have a grand plan for clinic today and we trust every detail to He Who has sent us.

Pasquel, my interpreter and father of 7, has a thick accent and is as difficult to understand as, I realized, my thick accent is for him. We struggled at the start but the pivot comes when he can not understand ‘poop’. I try my whole arsenal of words but have to resort to asking Pastor Peter to translate. With a quick laugh, we decide on #1 and #2. This helps us to accommodate each other and creates a whole new flow. While I take vitals he starts asking questions so that when I am done, we are ready.

I work beside Dr. Salma, the National District Officer from the government. She is a lovely, young Pediatric resident. Well spoken, tenderhearted and kind, I wonder what her take of me will be. My answer comes quickly as she treats me with respect, gratitude and confidence.

I am the blood sugar and urinalysis queen today; poking and dipping the majority of the patients between Dr. S and myself. So much high blood pressure, urinary tract infections and potential diabetes in the 40years and up crowd. They are so young.

Throughout the day, I watch a tiny walking girl who blasts in at will and kicks balloons and giggles, ducking under the dividing tapes, she is unstoppable. Her long flannel tunic and jeans cinches her whole aura of confidence and command. This simple endearing sight energizes my resolve with the delight of it all.

Towards the end of clinic, a barefoot, tiny, round elderly man wearing a box hat, typical of Muslim men, returns to me. I had seen him earlier in the day. I am with a patient but he reaches over and takes my hands to thank me. It is the sweetest, most tender moment of my day.

It is easy for me to get lost in the long lines and difficulties of my patients. I sort of lose myself sometimes as I put my head down and plug on. It is times like the man above when I am reminded that I am seen and that my contribution matters. The gratitude in this room from my patients, interpreters and leaders is echoed by my own gratitude at being invited in to be a part of God’s work. It is the circle of being blessed to be a blessing to be blessed to be a blessing…

Blessed by the journey,
Z-Anne-zibar