Pictures are the file converter of memories. Moments are taken from experience and turned into a viewable format for others. Some memories don't get captured by a camera, though, and they stay formatted to be replayed by only one.
A daughter with mysteriously swollen legs in Guatemala. A man with a barrel chest who cannot breathe in Cambodia. The little boy playing in the mud with 3rd degree burns in Rwanda. A woman with chronic pain and bleeding in Kenya.
My uncaptured moments.
I am a nurse. On the Race, this has presented some unique situations. My squadmates would have provided me enough questions in themselves about rashes and bug bites, but people we encountered would approach me with their medical conditions with hope that I brought new answers.
No tests or labs, but I listened.
No money for medications or doctor visits, but I offered as many solutions as possible.
And before the helpless feelings became overwhelming, we prayed together.
Prayer. The one tool I never brought to work before.
I relied on my knowledge and equipment to heal, and only when those failed did I pray. I had it backward, I realize now. Now that I have seen prayers "in Jesus's name" heal hearing, restore strength, and take away pain. Prayers are powerful.
I stand on that truth, although I don't always understand it. Because sometimes healing doesn't come. Things get a little confusing and a little awkward.
Nevertheless, God can heal.
I couldn't have imagined a more interesting start to a cool career.
Weird things happen on the Race. Acute kidney failure from toxic mushrooms, torn quads fromfalling off volcanos, blood infections, jiggers, intestinal parasites, unexplained whole body pain, sudden 104 degree fevers.
I ran clinics where the doctor never showed up. Prescription medications were mislabeledand over-the-counter. Some situations I was asked to intervenein were impossible and way above my pay grade.
Life as a nurse will be different back in the States. More regulations, more equipment, more resources. No more bamboo IV poles or over-the-counter antibiotics.
And I will be bringing the Ultimate Healer to work with me, whatever that may look like.
