It was already a very full weekend. Football game, family
time, friend time, not to mention I needed to get in about 20 hours of studying
somewhere. But this visit was a priority and I could not wait! When I walked up
to the complex the children immediately recognized me. Their smiles warmed my
heart in a way that hasn’t happened in a while. When I came to the door instead
of the traditional kiss she gave me an American hug and I was a little taken
aback by it. Instead of adapting my customs to honor her, she honored me. Her
neighbor, another friend of mine, came over and when asked if she was attending
that evening’s social event, she replied (in reference to me) “No, this is not
just a friend, this is my family.” It had only been about 2 years since I had seen
them, yet the bonds created where still so strong. It was a great visit, and a
wonderful reminder of why I am in medical school. She made me a wonderful
Middle Eastern dish and as I ate we talked about her back pain; how multiple
therapies have failed, and I wondered if my training as an osteopath would
enable me to actually fix the problem instead of simply treat the symptoms.
This discussion made me very thankful for the type of training I am receiving. She
is an incredibly smart woman. Her son even frequently tells her husband, “You
need mom’s brain.” I was honored that she would share with me and entrust her
friendship, but as I drove away my greatest fear was that I would allow my
schedule as a student to crowd out our relationship and others like it. It was
just the boost I needed to go back to school again. I asked her to call me
every so often, so we could keep in touch. My prayer is that our relationship
would flourish in spite of school and that His love would break through.
Now back at school, I had major studying to do to catch up
from the weekend. On top of that I really did not feel good. About midnight
last night I was studying GI cancers and disorders while I was already
nauseated and the studying only made it worse. I wanted to badly just to go to
sleep and not care about how I did on this test. Yet God sweetly reminded me
again why I am here. It’s about Him and obedience to what He has called me to.
He reminded me of my precious friend, and gave me the motivation to continue
studying. It never ceases to amaze me how God is so faithful in the big and
small things. Faithful to motivate me, faithful to help me focus and remember
during my exam, faithful to give me strength for the day despite only 3 hours
of sleep.
Thus, as this the 5th week of school comes to an
end, and the fatigue and stress begin to mound; I am so thankful for a faithful
God: One who never changes, One who I can stand on despite all else.
