My first clinic in Amatitlan

I can hardly believe it myself. Ever have times when you find yourself agreeing to do something that you told yourself you’d never do? Yet, that’s exactly where I find myself. And guess what…I’m loving it.

Last Thursday, I and a few others, drove back out to Amatitlan specifically for me to do a clinic from 10am-noon. Did you get that? Me…one person…a RN that hasn’t done hands on nursing for a long time…with nobody that has any medical training at all…with nobody to turn to for a 2nd opinion. This is exactly the position I told myself I’d never get into. Yet, who else was there?

I can tell you this much, I did my homework ahead of time. I spent a significant amount of time on my knees in preparation. I prayed like crazy as I carefully chose which items to pack into my one large Rubbermaid container. I had no idea of what I’d be walking into, but I knew God knew, so I trusted Him to show me exactly which medicines to pack. I was a little nervous as we drove up, but mostly peaceful, which is a sure sign that God was with us. We went into a small room that had an examination table, another round plastic table, and 4 plastic chairs. After getting my stuff unloaded and laid out, my team (Ginny, a translator, and Manuel our driver who is a Godly man) laid our hands on every piece of furniture, the medicines, and even the walls in the room, asking God to be very real and very present with us that day; to bless our efforts; to give me wisdom, and most importantly to point people to Him (which is ultimately the real reason for the clinic). When the prayer ended I had tears running down my cheeks, but I knew we were ready.

I originally had planned on having Manuel with us in the exam room to take the lead as we prayed with each individual. However, it quickly became obvious that each person would need a minimum of 15 minutes. So, Manuel went to another room where he greeted and organized the patients, and privately prayed with each person individually. At times I felt particularly led to pray for individuals myself in the exam room, so I (we) did. I don’t know if I’ve ever prayed so much in one room in one set period of time. Over and over I’d ask God which medicine would be right, or what question did I need to ask in order to figure out what was going on, and for wisdom in general. Know what? God came through…like He always does. I know all this prayer stuff might sound a bit over the top for some of you…but for me (especially here) it’s every bit as important as breathing. As anticipated, the 2hr clinic quickly became a 3.5 hr clinic, and we simply had to shut the door. I’m positive I could stay there a week and see patients all day long and still have a line. Thank God, I didn’t run into anything too huge or terrible…but I’m sure He would’ve handled it regardless.

Afterwards, we again went down bumpy dirt roads to check on Carlos and Maria. Remember me mentioning them before. I cleaned up and bandaged their wounds again. Maria’s (which is absolutely huge) even looks like it’s healing. I guess it helps that it’s being properly cared for again (the last nurse was there months ago). At the end of each visit we prayed for the individual and/or their family. Maria leaned into me, I put my arms around her, and she just cried as we prayed. If any of you know a person who specializes in wound care, I’d love for you to put me in touch with them. I’m about to run out of the supplies I have, and could use some guidance as to what to do next. I have pictures I could send.

At the end of the day, I was exhausted, yet somehow I was on an emotional and spiritual high. My desires all along for being here were to reach out and touch the community in Jesus’ name, to offer His hope and love. On the ride home I leaned over to Ginny and told her that I absolutely loved this day and could do this forever. In the meanwhile I’ll look forward to Monday, when we return to Amatitlan.

I don’t know if this is where the Lord will have me to continue to work. But I sure am appreciative of this opportunity to serve Him and the people of Guatemala. I guess I need to be careful about what I tell myself I’ll never do.