Mexican Monday, June 19

There is a bus stop outside my hotel window. A constant parade of gospel colored vans stream past picking up, dropping off in a constant rhythm of the morning.

This prompts me to look actively for how God’s rhythms are moving. I give thanks for each of the essential names He will have me speak today. My season of first reluctance is gone and my heart begins to sing: “My chains are gone. I’ve been set free. Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound.”

It is a ragamuffin day as the sun rises creating shadows on the pavement. The familiar, acrid smell of burning garbage floats on the soft, heat tinged wind and already the bus is a welcomed retreat.

We begin at the IGLESIA PRESBITERIANA MANANTIAL DE VIDA in El Paramisa, Chiapas, an hour drive from Villahermosa.

We set up clinic in the modest church sanctuary with spiritual counseling on the porch outside.

It is tight quarters but it flows well for the most part.

Clinic begins with Joe who eagerly sets up his post which begins with height and weight. He needs no prompting but goes right to work returning to the rhythms he began in Zanzibar last September. He is alive with positivity and it fuels his whole day and mine as well.

I begin in vitamins with Ari, teaching her its details. Irene, a medical student local, is her interpreter. They are both patient and helpful and kind and are running the station in no time. Ari proves herself to be a resilient, self assured, independent young woman. She is a delight and multiple team members tell her, and me.

We are in full swing when an elderly woman arrives with her friend. She is faint and weak with a history of seizures. We start an IV and begin hydration. It is a hot, high humidity day so it is not so surprising that a seizure patient’s delicate balance might be disrupted. It is surprising that it doesn’t happen more often. The IV does its job and she walks out on her own power a few hours later.

Our hosts prepare a lovely lunch of potatoes, carrots and beef. They are very attentive to our every need. Cold bottled water and towels are generously provided accompanied by abundant patience with my poquito language skills. They are as pleased with our service as we are with theirs.

And though 105° with 90% humidity is taxing my limits, I take refuge in the beauty in the room as the locals and the US team seem to meld seamlessly together, giving from the gifts each has been given in the beautiful rhythm of God’s provision.