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 :)