It will Get You in the Feels

The week is over, and it's true we did a lot for these kids and their families. Their quality of life will be improved. Their parents' worries will be soothed. We provided them with an opportunity to receive care that would otherwise be too costly or completely unavailable.

I know that we did a lot for them, but I can't help but think of what they did for us - for me.

Every year when I travel with Project Perfect World to Ecuador I'm reminded of something that I don't see often in my competitive, quick-moving, American life.

I think the word is humility - a willingness to receive help. These people have it, and they receive help with such lovely grace. They embrace their dependence. They allow us to help them. Serving in that kind of environment - an environment where my help is welcomed and appreciated is a rare and heart-changing experience.

I had a couple of experiences this week that will stay with me for a long, long time.

Seven-year-old Allison woke up in the PACU surrounded by strangers all of whom were speaking a language she didn't understand. She was terrified. We sent for her mom, but her mom couldn't be found. I stood for 45 minutes holding her little hand, stroking her fingers where they stuck out of the bandage around her IV. If I tried to talk to her she cried; if I even looked at her she cried. But if I just held her hand she was quiet and content. I didn't know I had the power to do that.

Saturday morning I took one last trip upstairs to our inpatient unit. I said my goodbyes to the patients. We had photos and many hugs and kisses. As I was heading back downstairs I ran into the grandmother of one of the patients. She stopped me, held my hand, and looked up at me with tears in her eyes for the longest moment. I wanted to tell her that it wasn't me who helped her granddaughter. I didn't do anything! I'm not a doctor! I knew she was trying to thank me; but honestly, I wanted to thank her for allowing me to play a small part in their lives, for so thankfully receiving what I had to offer.

Project Perfect World offers me the opportunity to give of myself.

Quote of the Day: Sage advice from a medical student, translator, and dear friend of mine, Bianca, "It can take two people to be upset, or it can take one. I think I'll let her be upset by herself."