So the first week of general surgery flew by and I still had made no plans on what to do with my time off over the weekend. Ever since coming to Africa, I have quickly adopted the carefree way of life and the word "plan" has been dropped from my vocabulary. Most weekends, I want to catch up on sleep. It has been a busy week with a couple long days in the operating room. We had general surgery screening, a few VVF procedures, hernias and goiters, and ended on Friday with a removal of a 17 kilogram tumor (about 37 pounds!). All the patients are recovering well!
So I was invited to different weekend activities and opted to head into town with friends to go to the market. It was pouring down rain, but it always nice to get off the ship and have a change of scenery. After I spent my small fortune on some scrap fabric, I started up a conversation with a friend. The usual topic of discussion with any Mercy Shipper are plans for next year. See, the ship will be leaving Togo and heading down to South Africa in just a month for an overhaul of the generators. Along with most of the medical crew, I will be leaving the ship to take a break. I will have time to visit friends in Europe and will be home stateside in October. That is the most planning in advance I have ever done since being here! And that is how far the planning extends- October 1st I will walk off the plane, greet my family, and go out for a mexican dinner. I am not sure what is next.
I have had dreams of what next year might look like. Sadly, some dreams that will never be a reality, but others that are a possibility. Now I guess its my turn to make some dreams into a plan? It is difficult for me to make plans when there are so many options. So I turn to my shopping companion to share this profound thought when I saw a sign in the distance.
Direction. I might not need to know exact plans, however I am praying for direction. I always pray for a neon blinking flashing sign to tell me where to go next in life. This is the African style version. So its not the answer I was hoping for, but it is at least pointing me in the right direction for making plans.
2 comments:
What an awesome sign! I'm praying for what plans He has in store for you!
Hahaha I have been reading thru your blog :) I did a DTS with YWAM and now I know God is calling me to nursing, idk how but missionary nursing too, I love reading your stories! I pray the same thing as you though a little bit different lol I went zipplining once and I was so scared I was about not to do it but my friend shoved me off! And I screened thank you all the way down! So now I pray "God what ever you want me to do please SHOVE me in the right direction!" Lol
Post a Comment