There seems to be this theory that time by when you are having fun.. well, I think time just flies regardless of how I feel or what I am doing. Today marks the official completition of week 6, although I am on-call tonight. With it being 4th July weekend, we have been told to expect the unexpected in terms of crazy injuries, etc.. anyway, I honestly am amazed at how time does fly during the day.
The last few weeks have been rather hot and today there is lots of sun but along with flows a nice gentle breeze that I really do appreciate. I'm not sure I appreciate waking up to singing birds outside my window at 5:30am, but that is a part of life too. On our chapel door, where we meet every morning, a bird has laid three eggs that are waiting to erupt out of their shells into their new lives. These birds remind me of the life that raditates from the hospital: from new babies down in the birthing center to being healed of infections and recovering from surgeries. Of course, the downside is that sometimes life in this world finishes its cycle and we lose patients and help their families through the grieving process. It's a hard road to walk with people, but being present and caring through times of pain is a good learning process for me. I definitely have gained more confidence in talking with people both in rooms and waiting rooms and have thought about how/what I say may prohibit or open up conversation on various different levels.
This is a family-based community and within that there comes a lot of trust by people they know. As an outsider, I've had to figure out ways to break into that cycle so that I can understand where they are coming from. Breaking into tight-knit communities is not an automatic process and I've learned how to use different techniques and ways to conversate with people. Thinking of how to go beyond introductions and the initial "How are you today" is something I have been struggling with early on and have finally started to find ways to ask about family, community, and interets. There are those awkward stages but as one of my colleagues pointed out this afteroon, these are God-awkward moments in which God uses us and the awkwardness to relate and be present to the patient.
I have no idea what I will face in the next few weeks, but I can be sure that I will continue to reflect and grow from the ministry opportunities set before me within Rutherfordton.
And while I'm around, I would like to continue to take advantage of the opportunities near by. This past weekend I went to Asheville and Biltmore. I haven't been to Biltmore in YEARS and was amazed at the growth that has occurred up on the estate. But it was definitely a day of rest, relaxation, and rejunivation as I walked through the grounds, the house, and even participated in a wine and chocolate tour (ok, that costs extra but well worth it!). Taking care of my well-being, emotionally and physically, is something that I realize is necessary to prevent burn out in any kind of ministry. I have found that attending the aerobics class sponsered by the hospital is very beneficial, even though it kills me the next day, but that I actually enjoy that time (who knew I would like step aerobics).. and that doing simple things like visiting the coffee shop for use of wireless internet, could not only help entertain me, but give me time to relax. And I'm FINALLY on the of last mitford series fiction books.
Well, with all that being said, until next time!
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