So this morning I sat bolt upright in bed, wide awake. I was certain I'd slept past my alarm and it was time to get ready for my shift. So I hopped in the shower, threw on my scrubs and went back to my cubicle for my socks and shoes when I looked at the clock and it said 1:30 am!!! Oh Jenna! Groan. Unbelievable. I was sure the clock had said 6:00 am when I looked at it before! So I went back to sleep with wet hair knowing it would be a curly disaster in the morning! I had strange vivid dreams the rest of the night, but still woke up refreshed somehow. I opted for a braided updo to hide the mess of curls, and it worked! I love it when my hair cooperates!
I had a very nice shift. I discharged two of my patients home, and just had two left who were waiting for surgery. I had time to enjoy a lovely decaf Starbucks coffee (I'm cutting back on caffeine intake), and help out here and there. This morning we had our last dress ceremony of the year. It brought tears to my eyes. The African worship music was so joyous and full of praise for our great God. People were dancing with joy. The whole time I got to cuddle the cutest little two-year old boy I've ever met! His chocolate brown puppy dog eyes make me melt every time I see him! The women who'd recovered from their VVF surgeries gave their testimonies, praising God for his faithfulness to them. I was overwhelmed by God's love and power. He is SO good!
I had a little bit of sadness in my day. First of all, there was a six-week old baby who died last night in ICU. We'd been praying for him to recover, but unfortunately he did not. At least we were able to show love and support to his family. They kept thanking the nurses who had cared for him as they said goodbye. That was sad, but we still put our trust in a good God who loves us and has a plan for our lives.
The second sad thing was the story my patient told me of how he got his injury. He was severely beaten during the war, and has suffered ever since. I hear stories about war and atrocities, but it's always been so far removed from me. A part of me breaks inside knowing how much sorrow some people have had to endure, and still are enduring in our world full of sin and strife. I can't imagine how much God's heart breaks, seeing the people he created torturing and destroying one another. God has given us such a precious gift of life. If only we would live our lives the way he intended us to!
This afternoon I went up on deck with my patients to give them a bit of time outdoors. We had such a great time. One little guy claimed my stethoscope and went around listening to people's lungs and hearts, legs, arms, the walls of the ship - pretty much anything he saw, he listened to it! I told his mom maybe he was practicing to be a doctor someday! I hope he will get such an opportunity in his future.
I'm going to a Liberian movie theatre this evening. Should be fun!
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