THE HONEYMOON MIGHT BE OVER June 10, 2023June 10, 2023 Okay. So the “warm-fuzzy” blog entries have come to screeching halt. Prior to working the infamous “swing shift,” I imagined how organized I would be if I started the laundry before making the trek to the clinic. When I wrote this did you imagine I was talking about starting a load of laundry? Close. However, given our water situation is precarious, I had to decide between an agitating somewhat-like-a-washer unit, or would I rather be able to take a shower in the evening post-shift. Hmmmm? So I found the large, red plastic bucket which I filled dirty garments, light on detergent, and heavy on the scrub-board action. If you are unsure as to what a scrub-board could possibly be, you are too young to have to subject yourself to such mundane issues and should not be reading this blog…..Hahahahahaha!Anywho, as I was carting the recently scrubbed nearly-clean clothes, I tripped and went down VERY HARD on cement. Turns out when concrete is laid locally, steel rings, and posts are inserted prior to its curing. Why, you say? I have no idea. I feel better blaming something other than clumsiness. Physical assessment: Nothing traumatic other than skinned knees, gash on left arm, and a bit of a sore, mildly “rolled” ankle. Sometime later, I strapped on my backpack and headed to the clinic. An hour into shift, I could not put any pressure on my foot at all. I was relegated to ice, elevation, ibuprofen and inactivity. Thankfully, we were slow and was able to stay off my foot.By the time shift ended, and I was dropped home, the pain was gone. SO GRATEFUL!And then……one morning during our time of respite and coffee, while moving the fan, my pinkie finger got a good nick with the fan blade and IT BLED like no tomorrow. I put direct pressure on the wound but even so, it took some time for the flow to slow enough to clean, disinfect, and dress. Progress report: the pulsing in my finger has resolved, wound is no longer sensitive, no signs of infection, and sealing well post 5 days (I utilized Bactine, alcohol, topical and oral antibiotics and made my own butterfly closures). All in a day’s work! So there you have it. These various inconveniences are really just that—somewhat of a bother. More importantly, we are healthy, learning more Cebuano, building relationships with a handful of the midwife students, challenged by a small prayer-walk group followed by Simply the Story Bible study on Saturday mornings, found an AMAZING coffee hang-out (beans roasted on site), and we have not run out of water for one FULL WEEK—SHOWERS EVERY NIGHT!!! NOW THAT’S SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!!!! Author: Sherry Gregory Uncategorized
Just catching up on your adventures. So amazing to see Gods provision in a place to live, water to shower, healing from injuries, friends, church and food (although not beans). He is so good! Thanks for sharing! Prayers for you!Reply
Oh friend- I understand blaming the tripping on other things! Be careful!! I don’t know how you could use a washboard with those injuries!!! If I was there I’d help you out! Stay safe and keep moving! It’s been almost a month! How time flies when you’re having fun?!Reply
RIGHT? I HAVE NEVER CUT MYSELF SO DEEPLY. IT TOOK A FEW DAYS TO BEGIN TO CLOSE! YIKES! HONESTLY, I AM CARELESS AND AM TRYING TO SLOW A BIT ESPECIALLY WHEN I WALK TO WORK ON THE CONCRETE THAT HAS HIDDEN STEEL SOMETHING-OR-OTHER. HA! LOVE AND MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!Reply
Oh my goodness! I didn’t see this blog till today! Sherry your ability to press on (with humor even) is so amazing! Between you and Rick there is so much God is doing already! Praying for healing and protection and God’s Spirit to continue to flow through you!Reply
IT IS AMAZING HOW THE ENEMY WILL USE ANYTHING TO THROW US OFF. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS!! HAVE HAD A FEW ROUGH DAYS, BUT THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED. LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!Reply
Not sure who is going to win the Blogging contest between you and Rick for the deepest emersion into the culture there. I didn’t know you were trying to one-up each other with your daily experience. How can I (your snarky friend) comment on this? You’re giving me soooo much to work with here. A cane? Walker? Wheel chair? Milo the seeing eye guide dog? I realize you and Rick are comparing battle scars at the end of the day but I really think you should slow it down a bit and pace yourself. We don’t bpneed the next blogs to have slings and casts in them. 😜😜. Glad to hear you were able to recover from your day. Maybe you should consider having Rick do the laundry…. I love the fact that in spite of your dreadful experience your choose to end with the focus of good health, great relationships, Bible stories, amazing coffee, and of course those celebrated showers…. As always, we will continue to pray for you guys that God will use you to be a Blessing to those you encounter around you.Reply