Here's a little more about screening day. I was at the history station, that meant I took vitals, and asked the 8 designated questions on the form that they were given. After asking those questions for 12 hours...I thought I was going to be asking them in my sleep that night!!!
The one thing I really struggled with was the time I was allowed and the expectations. Before screening day, those who have done it before said they 'love it' or 'it's the best day of the whole field service.' We were also told to see the person and not the disease or deformity, which I was fine with.
Before the day, we would pray together and a lot of times it was prayed that the patients who came would feel the love of Jesus, fabulous. When your stuck in one room asking 8 personal questions to complete strangers, and told to do as fast as possible how do you show love in that situation? Is it a simple touch, a smile, a compliment? I don't know...and that's what was so hard. I know psychically I was there and that helped, but was that all I did that day? Then when I here other share about different people they meet and are excited to see again as patients...that didn't happen for me.
I think that's what kicked off this realization that I have more walls to protect my heart than I thought. I wish I could say that they are gone and I'm no longer struggling with that, but I can't. It's been a daily struggle, and some-days its not easy.
I finally have access to some pictures that were taken my the Mercy Ships Communications Team which I am able to share with you.
The one thing I really struggled with was the time I was allowed and the expectations. Before screening day, those who have done it before said they 'love it' or 'it's the best day of the whole field service.' We were also told to see the person and not the disease or deformity, which I was fine with.
Before the day, we would pray together and a lot of times it was prayed that the patients who came would feel the love of Jesus, fabulous. When your stuck in one room asking 8 personal questions to complete strangers, and told to do as fast as possible how do you show love in that situation? Is it a simple touch, a smile, a compliment? I don't know...and that's what was so hard. I know psychically I was there and that helped, but was that all I did that day? Then when I here other share about different people they meet and are excited to see again as patients...that didn't happen for me.
I think that's what kicked off this realization that I have more walls to protect my heart than I thought. I wish I could say that they are gone and I'm no longer struggling with that, but I can't. It's been a daily struggle, and some-days its not easy.
I finally have access to some pictures that were taken my the Mercy Ships Communications Team which I am able to share with you.
Screening Day in Pointe Noire - August 2013
Last week, my first day in the ward was on Tuesday and surgery started Monday. One of my patients was a 6 year old who had a cleft lip repaired and was doing so well that I got to discharge him Tuesday morning. That makes it seem really simple, but yet it will make a huge difference for him.
You are doing good Jen... :o)
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