You won’t believe this, but when I finally made it to the grocery store here in San Juan, it was totally different! I mean, new aisles, everything is on the opposite side of the store from where it used to be, and I’m having trouble finding anything. What’s my problem with grocery stores?
Okay, let’s be honest, the problem probably isn’t with the grocery stores; it’s perhaps with the girl who doesn’t always adapt well to change.
I spent my last Friday and Saturday at home, spending time with friends and family. Having breakfast with Tiffany (not at Tiffany’s). Movie night with Lydia and Braegan. One last Saturday morning walk with my dad, Francie’s soccer game, and the new sport of girls’ flag football for my cousin. I had lunch with my mom and sisters, and then spent a few hours at a movie night with my girls.
Just as I felt I should have stayed in the DR before heading home, I actually considered changing my flight late Saturday evening and staying in Indiana for a few more weeks. I was even texting with our friend Kailey. While we both considered changing our flights, we ultimately decided to meet in Atlanta the next morning. I’m not sure why, but I had this feeling that I hadn’t had enough time there, or I was supposed to stay longer. I think this feeling is closely tied to not knowing precisely when I’ll return to Indiana.
I had hoped that my return to San Juan would allow me to get back into a routine. Soon I would be back to my “normal”, but I find myself still struggling with wanting to be in Indiana. I’m hoping that the return of teams this coming week will allow me to get back into my everyday work and ministry routine, if there is such a thing as a usual routine.
To put it another way, and to acknowledge some vulnerability, the transition to and from isn’t always easy.
Since I have been back in San Juan, I have done a little bit of work. The pharmacy is always a labor of love to prepare for the next set of teams, and I spent a few days making sure everything is ready to go. Hector, Kate, Nick, and I have also been discussing relocating the pharmacy to the old clinic to avoid worrying about flooding. We are starting to plan where everything will be placed, and I look forward to beginning and completing this project. I also took a morning to organize the t-shirt wall in the back of the dining area. People don’t realize how much goes into keeping that wall stocked, so when I can help Kate with those things, I try.
We had a staff retreat outside of San Juan for a few days. I know I have said it before, but it is always so good to spend time with our friends outside of work and outside of San Juan. We completed a training session with Pastor Hugo Reyes from Pinehills, titled “Unique Calling.” This time was even more special because we all spent intentional time learning about our callings and ended the week with a sermon with Pastor Alejandro from Mennonite Central. My favorite part was at the end of the week, when Alejandro handed us all cards asking us to write to three people, encouraging them, and how we see God shine through them. Words of encouragement are always so meaningful. I’m thankful for Kate’s efforts in planning this weekend, as well as for Hugo, Alejandro, and Hannah for leading our team.
I tried to make a trip to El Cacheo since I returned home. It has been about six months since I have been able to go, but the rain had other plans that day.
I presented to a group of students from Utah Health Scholars on global health this week. It’s actually something that I wasn’t feeling super qualified to do. Still, I’m glad I said yes and took the opportunity! In preparing for that presentation, it was actually helpful for me to recall and compare healthcare in the Dominican Republic with what I’m used to at home.
Bianca and I delivered some donations to CCED, San Pablo, and UASD for their nursing programs. And then we took a trip to the river, it has been hot in San Juan during the day, and we figured this was a great way to beat the heat.
I haven’t restarted my Spanish lessons yet, but I will do that with the return of teams. When I have more structured weeks, it’s better to take classes than when I have lots of free time.
Prayer Requests:
- surrender to the Lord, and trust in him during the struggles
- endurance, patience, and cohesiveness for our team
- successful surgery weeks
- return and growth of new surgery teams
- continues relationship building with clinic staff
- work-life balance
