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RURAL HEALTH.
Monday starts my 4th week on a rural health rotation that I have absolutely grown to LOVE. I've encountered human beings who, in my opinion, are sweeter than sugar. I'm borrowing this phrase from them since I hear it on a daily basis. I'm quite sure they won't mind.
Twice weekly I travel to two tiny rural clinics in two tiny West Alabama towns. The pace slows down a bit, each word is pronounced with at least 5 syllables, and not takin' care o' folks is out of the question.
At these clinics, life is simple (and sometimes blount):
*No matter how many times you encourage smoking cessation, you're informed that it just isn't possible because "my cigars keep the skeeters away while I'm fishin'."
*Medical services are often paid with a 5 gallon bucket of fresh squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and okra from the garden.
*Blood sugars tend to run high after mass consumption of fried pig ears on the 4th of July.
*The county sheriff informs you that his exercise routine consists of "throwin' a hefty lady in the back of a cop car 'cause she tried to hurt 'er husband."
*When glancing out the clinic window, you can't miss the mile long corn field.
*On your first day, your virginity may be questioned by a 64 year old woman who will proceed to list all of the reasons why her husband has been with her for 45 years {yikes}.
On a more serious note, it has been such a blessing to work with these people, co-workers and patients alike. I appreciate their honesty and the fact that they never meet a stranger. They are genuine, loving, thankful, and would give me their last penny without thinking twice. Through them the Lord has shown me what it means to live a life of selflessness, to be content, to be thankful no matter your circumstances, and to give freely. Mostly, the Lord has shown me what it means to spend time investing in others--even if it is only by listening. I'd like to stay on this rotation forever...can I order a salary?
Proverbs 30:7-9
7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God
