By Jill Sanders
"Waiter? Yes, umm...I would like worms, with a side of amoeba. Giardia on the side and just a pinch of polio, please. Thanks!"
Putting a splint on Lael's "broken" arm...
We are taking class right now on medical safety. Prevention is a huge thing that we can do to keep ourselves and our family safe. Washing hands is HUGE. We need to let our kids go out into the village and get dirty, but wash-wash-wash when they come inside. And teach them not to put their hands in their mouths!
Living in Papua New Guinea is not like living in America. Things are a little…dirty! Just to paint you a picture: people in the bush don’t have toilets like you and me. Many times the kids go anywhere, and then they play in these same spots. Next, they scratch sores and put their hands in their mouths. They're basically asking the waiter for everything I mentioned above!
After being told to "pinch an inch", BJ gave me a shot of epinephrin (or adrenaline)!
Also, vaccinations ars a must. Dr. Bud is helping us realize all of the things we need to be doing now to prevent us from getting serious illnesses or annoying diarrhea. Our purpose in being here is to learn an unwritten language and bring them God’s talk. If we are laid up on the toilet or our bed or in a hospital, it’s hard to do what we came here to do! Serious medical issues could even send us home or take us out of the work for a while.
Jeremy is listening for brain function...I think...
BJ making sure Jack's ears are reasonably clean...it's hooked up to a monitor for all to see!
So I was thinking about this word “prevention”. 2 Timothy 4:5 says, “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation.” Most days, I have anything but a clear mind. I worry; I stress; and trust me…it’s not a clear mind! Philippians 4:8 talks about fixing your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Prevention—If I am thinking about what is lovely and pure and thanking God for everything, I don’t have space to worry and stress. We are here to learn an unwritten language and minister to people in Wantakia. If I am so bogged down with worry and stress, I am not doing what the Lord has called me here to do.
So pray for us – our whole team. Pray we keep a clear mind. Pray we fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, and lovely!