Much easier than the Fudge:  My first trip to the doctor--

Since last month the time has passed rapidly.  For the last few weeks ill health  threatened to take over. Finally, two weeks ago on Friday it won.  Fortunately we had a three day weekend ahead.  Staying in and remaining in PJs those days was most helpful, but unfortunately, it was not enough.  Last week it was a matter of just making it to class each day, going home early to take a nap, and then going to bed early to start the process over the next morning. Needless to say, that left me with a huge accumulation of material to be graded that still stands stacked on my desk as I write.  However, finally I’m able to say things are looking better!  PTL!  Monday this week was the first day I actually felt better.

Setting up the doctor’s appointment--a big dread for several reasons (like not feeling well and having to face expected difficulties to make arrangements, plus they have no dressing gown for exams)--turned out to be a non-event.  That Wednesday a person from school called to make the appointment, but the office was closed until Thursday.  Another person e-mailed me the website, so Thursday a.m. I called--even the receptionist spoke English to schedule the appointment.  Since they were only open a half day Thursday it was necessary to make it for Friday.  No problem scheduling, and I had the female doctor. Definitely this was not like any other first-time experience here with language and cultural barriers! 

Just like He as done throughout this year, even amid the difficulties, rays of sunlight pierce the clouds.  He has provided care here through friends.  Numerous ways could be related, but three events on Friday probably reflect how many little details He manages without our involvement.  That morning I stayed home for a 9:40 a.m. doctor’s appointment, planning to walk there.  Around 8:30 a knock on my door surprised me.  It turned out to be Bob, the our building caretaker, saying, “I hear you need a ride to the doctor this morning.”  Wow, that was unexpected.  It turned out that Julia next door was going to be out of town so she asked him to drive me there.  The walk isn’t far, but it turned out to be a blessing as it was rainy and cold, plus not having been there before, I would have had a difficult time finding it. The picture on the website and what was visible from my direction didn’t quite match. 

By the time I walked home from the office visit (without having to disrobe!!!), the weather had improved; it was still cold, but not rainy.  After a quick stop by the apartment for my things, it was on to school where the second blessing came.  My appointment on a normal school day schedule would have been fine, but it wasn't until Thursday night that I realized Friday's chapel day schedule would mean I would be too late for my first class.  I had been unable to finalize sub plans that night.  As I walked toward the main building, a fellow teacher was on the JB building stairs and asked how I was.  I never see her and had no idea how she knew I was not well. She then proceeded to tell me my class had been covered and just go and to planning and use the time as needed.  Amazingly it all worked out without a hitch.

Not long after settling down at my desk, another person came in bearing a gift:  split pea soup! How perfect for a cold day, plus my lunch bag wasn’t there, something that had not been realized until that moment. You can imagine the boost all of this was to the drained, limp-as-a-noodle stamina I had.  The rest of the day went well, and I’m happy to report, that things have continued to improve health-wise.  I’ll need to take it easy, but it certainly is MUCH better than it has been for several weeks.

I guess I wanted to share how very real it is when He says, “I will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.”  That’s a pretty big storehouse, and what a blessing to benefit from it.

PS  Monday’s lab work--fantastic!  Drawing blood always seems to be difficult in the states--smoothest experience in my life. :)  It's Thursday and grading isn't finished, but soon there's a weekend. :( and :)

White Magic

Free Ikea Snowman:  some assembly required
You can see my parking place is put to good use!

Having lived in south Florida all of my life, I’m used to changes in weather: a  bright, sunny, hot day that would quickly cloud over for a shower (maybe on the front half of the yard only) and then pass to reveal cooler weather and a beautiful day.  Well, Kandern is something like that, only in reverse.  I checked the wether for today--40s.  That meant I could wear fewer layers and expect grey skies.  Imagine my surprise with real rain, not drizzle--in itself unusual--just before having to go to the other building for classes.  By the time I emerged, it was only cloudy, but before too much longer some blue peaked between the clouds and actual sun could be detected.  A short while later, a coworker commented, “Is that rain or is it snow?”  It was probably sleet (understand I have only seen that once in my life--here, a few weeks before Christmas).  Before too long huge flakes (ones that remind me of school yard children holding hands in a circle and going around the playground) descended just as I had to return to the other building for my afternoon German class!  By the time we left at least two inches of wet yet airy snow had covered the cars and windows.  Fortunately it was soft enough to brush off.  Now I’m sitting in my apartment with unthawed feet telling you this.  Yes, Kandern weather is fickle, too, dry to rain to sun, back to rain and then snow.  It even beats south Florida for speed and range of change!

Pat laughs at me because I get so fascinated with snow.  We were driving back the other night from Haagan and it was falling heavily.  With low beams, it wan’t so noticeable, but with brights on the windshield transformed into Star Wars’ Hans Solo’s view going into warp speed--amazing, no longer flakes, just streams of light!

Elizabeth’s words to Robert have often come to mind: “How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.” 

• little, tiny flakes scurrying like ants in all directions
• purposed, bulleted, wet ones aiming to earth with determination
• huge, soft, dry flakes lazily gliding on air currents
• clusters of flakes roaming together before parking
• scout flakes that fall just a few at a time over long periods
• large flakes in ranks like an army determined to coat the lower world
• elementary school flakes of all sizes just playing their way down
• Saturday's listless flakes that seem defeated, aware of the impending warmer temps
• snowball fights among elementary children waiting for the bus OR the high schoolers between classes
• inches high stacks of airy foam atop leaves, table tops, roof tops, or creating white arches on the brown wooden fence in the back yard
• crunchy steps tracking across an undisturbed blanket of white
• dull grays and browns painted glistening white within hours

To me, it is just awe inspiring and a reminder of God’s creativity beauty.