People Matter

Several times this week, we were reminded that people matter.  People matter because they matter to God.  Sometimes during the hectic pace of a large clinic we fall into the “gotta see as many people as I can before we leave” trap.  Meaning, we fail to “see” the very people we are here to serve.  Yesterday and today, God blessed us with a light patient load.  Not only did that reduce our fatigue, it provided a more relaxed atmosphere where we could spend a little more time with the folks who came to see us.  I thought you might like to hear about some of them.

Yesterday, an older woman watched our clinic from across the street.  All day long she worked in her yard and watched the comings and goings.  Finally, near the end of the day, one of the volunteers gave her a pair of sunglasses and a handmade sunhat (made by ladies in Oregon).  She donned them both and then proudly proclaimed “Now, I’m the most beautiful woman in the world!”  She was beaming!

Sunday an older man with a partially amputated leg, came into our clinic on crutches.  It was late in the afternoon, and only a few patients were waiting to be seen.  Janet gave him his medical exam, but then sensed something was bothering the man.  Through an interpreter, she learned that the person he had been living with had died recently. Since he had only one leg, he was unable to work and had no food.  We weren’t doing food distribution that day, but Janet took the time to ask if we could make an exception in his case.  She collected a pound of rice, beans and corn, and took them to the man.  As he made his way on his crutches out of the clinic, he turned back to her three times and said “Gracias. Thank you.”

Barbara worked with a woman today who had a heavy wax buildup in her ears that affected her hearing.  Patiently, Barbara flushed the wax out, causing some discomfort to the woman.  Once the process was complete, they went back to Barbara’s medical station.  Through an interpreter Barbara took the time to pray with the woman before she left.  Both women were moved to tears by the experience.

Doug, our dentist, worked on a young boy today who needed several teeth pulled.  The boy was upset and big tears were coming down his eyes.  After the teeth were out and the blood was wiped from the boy’s face, Doug picked up the youngster and gently stroked his back to settle him down.  The boy left with a smile on his face (and a stuffed animal in his pocket)!

And then, there was Fransesca.  Fransesca is 82 years old and came to our clinic barely able to walk because of the arthritis in her knees.  James gave her injections in both knees. Not only was she able to walk, but right there in the elementary school classroom turned doctor’s office, she started to dance!      Missy gave her one of  the handmade sunhats and Fransesca wanted music (and it had to be fast music!). Missy played a couple of songs on her iPhone, but they were too slow.  Finally, Dr Ponce came in and sang the song she requested.  She danced alone. She danced with James. She danced with Joanne.  She was joyful!  And, her joy was contagious.  We all left the clinic with smiles on our faces - the beneficiaries of her joy and delight.

People matter. That’s God’s grace. That’s why we are here.