Thursday, September 04, 2008

Overwhelming day...

Strange how a single day can bring out so many emotions. From laughter to tears. From frustration to enjoyment. An eventful day in too many ways. Days here can easily take you from one end of the spectrum to another. Today was one of those days. Actually this week seems to be one of those weeks...

Today it started when I had to turn children away at the gate at 8 this morning - frustration & guilt.
Then 2 children I had seen yesterday with a lot of malaria, came for review; only slightly better - concern.
A child shows up that I referred to Children's Hospital a few weeks ago looking great - joy.
Cleft palate patient missed her appointment for surgery on the Africa Mercy, showing up at our place a day after her surgery was scheduled - annoyance, frustration once again.
One of my staff goes missing and I found out after 1 1/2 hours she's at the bank - irritation.
Starting to film for our new clinic video in a nearby compound - excitement.
An expat lady comes with 3 patients instead of the arranged 1 patient - aagghhhh.
I found out 2 staff knew that the missing staff member was at the bank and lied to me - anger.
Hilarious conversation on the way home from work in the car - laughter.
Preparing worship for a Sunday evening service - contentment
Getting on facebook and wishing some friends were nearby - loneliness.
Struggling to understand decisions that are being made - anger, sadness, confusion, tears.
Holding on to the fact that God has everything under control - hope.
He has His hands on my patients, He has my future in His hands - peace.

3 comments:

Tyrone said...

Dr Gary will probably let the cleft palate reschedule...

At least my wife thinks so (she works as a nurse on board).

Yes, your day sure has had a range of emotions...

Anonymous said...

You are doing great. Yes life in Africa definetly can bring uis from laughing into crying and reverse.
Love
Marianne

Anonymous said...

Thanks Sandra for writing so amazingly so we can almost experience those ups and downs with you!

~ Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly. micah 6:8 ~