OJI

Well… strained my back at work. I told my boss on Friday this large patient was way too much for one person. Sure, there’s a hoyer lift for moving to the chair but that doesn’t help roll 300lbs of dead weight. It doesn’t help hold up that weight while cleaning the underside either. I roll him every morning to clean his diaper, get the hoyer sling under him, dress him, etc… I can’t do it by myself and the wife doesn’t want to help.
Yesterday, the hoyer was broken which meant extra rolling for a bed bath. He’s so large that the drawsheet only helps so much. And when I left I could feel pain between my shoulders but I figured it was just fatigue like the days before.
I went to my next patient which was very light work, just taking them grocery shopping. The pain got progressively worse and when I got off work I thought “yep, time for the doctor.”
I called to let my office know I was going in to the doctors and again when I left with a note telling me no lifting or pulling through Monday. I asked if there was any forms or paperwork I should fill out for my on the job injury and the office girl just advised she’d make a note that I can’t do heavy lifting. It’s the next day and the pain has become a pinching between my shoulder blades that shoots up my neck and down my left arm. I faxed in the doctor’s note with a statement detailing what happened, when, where, and specifically that it was a work injury. I made sure they got the fax and again asked if there was any forms or workman’s comp report I needed to fill out… they said they’d put the papers on the boss’ desk.

Here’s hoping they don’t mess me over.

In the mean time I’m still working light work, taking my anti-inflammatory meds, and praying for a speedy recovers.

In His name,
MohawkMissionary

Tomorrow is never guaranteed

With each new patient comes a new lesson. My newest of patients was fine 6 months ago. An unexpected onset of ALS and now he’s lost  function of his hands, lucky function is almost nonexistent, and he’s on hospice.  6 months can change everything.

His wife may need me more than he does in some ways. It’s hit her really hard and she’s checked out. Emotionally and mentally she has checked out. Five minutes after walking in I could tell how dire the situation was.

When I left I had a primary feeling of accomplishment.  I came in and took over. I gave her a much needed minute to herself. I mastered equipment I’d never used before… but that feeling was also followed with slight anger. I was as my angry at them, I was angry at the hospital. This woman pleaded with them not to send him home, that she couldn’t handle it. She was denied even putting him in a facility by insurance. Sending him home was almost negligence… not that big hospitals and insurance even care.

Anything that makes me angry or saddened is just preparing me. It is God preparing me little by little for what I will face overseas. What is ahead could be much worse, yet I still push forward.

In His name,
MohawkMissionary

Sunday, everyday

Let me just take a minute to say I wish every day was Sunday.

Sunday is my happy day. I wake up early and teach Sunday school, then I attend service, afterwards I get some rest and quality time with my daughter, and finally I close out my day with bible study.

At bible study I always leave with a new perspective on something that had been weighting on me throughout the previous week. Without fail one of my fellow members sheds some insight that I don’t believe I would have considered otherwise. They help me sort out dilemmas or even help me see the possible reason of God’s behind situations.

Today is a feel good day.
I wish every day was Sunday.

MohawkMissionary

No rain, no rainbows

Growing up I remember hearing the phrase “no rain, no rainbows” all the time. In fact, it became a phrase I use quite often out of habit; however, I truly understand the meaning of it now.

There will always be rough patches, no matter what subject or area. I’ve experienced it several times in my life and have come to understand that if I can weather the storm, so to speak, things always turn up afterwards.

Today was a particularly frustrating day to end a frustrating week. Finances have been very tight, hours have been short, it’s been a bit “one step forward, Teo steps back” for me. I got a part time job a few hours a week, then, I lost out on 30 hours a week with my patient being gone. As a result, I’ve had to pick up a few hours here and a few hours there driving all over the area. Luckily, yesterday after praying for some relief I  found out that after 6 years I may finally get some child support.

I had overwhelming frustration this morning though when I arrive to a fill in patient… she’s had a stroke and can’t really communicate so I have NO idea what she needs. The family just motioned me to her and went off. Her bed pad was saturated with urine and she was not wearing a diaper. I had to wash her yet couldn’t move her alone. To too it all off… the basin of urine spilled on my foot…. ugh. It doesn’t help that every patient’s house is SO hot that I am sweating. I prayed for patience and compassion. I can’t wait to have my normal schedule and patients back.

Finally, it’s over and I can go take a shower. Still, I thank God that I have everything that I do. I thank God that I  able bodied and sound of mind. I thank God for every breath.

Praise God,

MohawkMissionary

Counting my blessings

Lord, I hear you.
Right when I need it and everytime without fail, you show me just what I need to see. When doubt it stress begins to creep in and I say “no, I won’t let it get me” God sends someone into my life who needs my help and shows me how much I have to be grateful for. He reminds me of all that I am blessed with and he sweeps away the doubt and stress.
Hours are dropping at work with my patient out. I showed up to a fill in patient to find another caregiver already there. I’m thining… what? Apparently she didn’t tell the office she was coming back today. And I begin to stress on just how little hours I’m going to have. Then, I stop myself and say don’t give in. I pray to God and surrender all to him. I walk into my next patient and know that I am needed. I know God will take care of me bc he sent me here for a reason. I will not give up on his plan.
I will always have faith in him.

Praise Him,
MohawkMissionary

Not today satan, not today.

The enemy is trying extra hard to hold me down recently. He’s trying to make me doubt in the power of my lord but I will not. I have seen the glory of the father and I hold my faith that he will come through yet again.

The following events have taken place recently:
Glasses broke still had a warranty (thanks God!)
Phone broke phone insurance and loving family members covered that (thanks again God!)
Hours were short at work Got a part time job offered to me a few hours a week (Good lookin out God!)
Now, my patient in the hospital again and I have barely any hours. The office is still playing ridiculous games with my nerves and the scheduling, even putting me in for the wrong days and acting like I’m to blame.

Through it all I just need to breath.
Deep breaths.
And pray. I need to pray… a lot.
I will not let the enemy shake my faith by throwing obstacles in my way.

NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!

I’m on God’s team.

MohawkMissionary

He will provide

Things were really hard this past month with really shirt hours and my patients in and out of the hospital. I kept my faith in God through it though and it worked out. I was assigned another patient and ended up with more hours. Then, here we go again my patient providing 30 out of 40 of my hours is back in the hospital with compression fractures to her spine. The amount of damage will determine how it needs to be treated and just how long I’m going to be without hours. Luckily, I’ve been given the opportunity to work at the church part time doing some cleaning. Hopefully her recovery will be fast or I’ll get another client added on. I won’t let this shake my faith. I’ve seen how God comes through when my faith does not waiver and I know he will provide.

Trust Him,

MohawkMissionary

One sided love

How many of us have been in a one sided relationship or experienced one sided love? I’ll raise my hand, been there and done that. So, tell me, why are we doing that very thing to God?

His love for us is eternal. His love for us is unconditional. He loves us at our best AND at our worst. Can we say the same? Are we praising him even when times are tough? Are we unconditional in our praise?

I’m learning so much from my time as a caregiver and now I know why God sent me here. No, it doesn’t pay squat. I’m stretching pennies here; however, it is providing me with abundant riches of knowledge and growth. My newest patient can be credited with showing me great spiritual strength. A woman whom is riddled with scars and plagued with muscle spasms. She is chair bound and struggles to speak, yet, she says “praise God” every chance she gets.

If I answer that I’ve had a good night she replied “praise God” with a big smile. If I find the other earring to match her outfit, “praise God”. And it doesn’t end there. When changing her catheter or giving a shot her husband and her pray over it before proceeding and praise God when done.

It’s opened my eyes so much. Am I praising god not only for the good AND the bad, but am I also praising him for the little things as well as the big things? I can honestly say I’ve been lacking there. I make another step in my relationship with the Lord.

Praise Him.

MohawkMissionary

Never cry over spilled milk

I missed updating the past two days due to shattering my phone screen. It was one of those moments where you are fighting to get your child out of the car, trying to control the dog on its leash, balancing a pizza in the other hand, and absolutely exhausted from not sleeping the night before working a long day. The metaphorical straw on the camel’s back and I wanted to scream. Lol. Thank goodness for phone insurance and helpful family.

I used an old phone as a stand in for mine. A slow old phone. But the next day, first thing in the morning, I go see my wonderful new patient. It wasn’t an eventful morning. Light chit chat ensued whole I bathed and dressed her. When I went to leave she asked if she could pray for me. Here is someone who struggles to get words out and she asks to pray for and with me. I was honored. Of course I obliged no matter if it made me late. It was a beautiful prayer and a beautiful moment.

I’m that moment, I believe God was reminding me not to be upset over small things. He was reminding me of the beauty in this world.

God is so good.
MohawkMissionary

Message received

A friend of mine fowarded some information on companies that will pay individuals to teach English abroad. With my moving forward in an unpaid missionary position, it does seem tempting. Do I look for a paid position that is not centered in spreading the word of christ, or do I continue with an unpaid position that is focused on spreading God’s glory? I have to remind myself that the “responsible” choice doesn’t matter if it isn’t God’s plan.

Today, I was assigned a new patient for my mornings. I arrived at the house ans was greeted by the husband. He walked me through the house and explained the routine. He expressed that his only concern is that she be taken care of, kept beautiful, and happy.

As I laid out her clothes, prepared her bath supplies, and woke her for her bath, I realized how difficult it was for her to even form words. Despite the struggle her first sentence to me was ” are…you…a…christian?” I smiled and replied ” yes. Yes ma’am, I am.”

She asked me several questions about my life- how old I am, if I’m married, if I have children- and we came to the point where I mentions my possible future missionary work. She then tells me about her home country in Africa. She tells me that God will bless me for doing his work.

I smile inwardly and think ‘okay God. Message received, loud and clear‘.

In His Name,

MohawkMissionary