X {X-Ray}

Again...you doubt my ability to come up with something for such an under appreciated letter?! I know it's not original or exotic, but there is a point to it...maybe...

This actually stems from a conversation I had with my younger brother a couple of weeks ago...tied in with our last visit with them in the spring. I'm pretty sure he made fun of my recent series of posts, not once, but maybe twice during the convo?

Hard to say and since he probably doesn't even remember the conversation or the visit...you'll just have to believe my side of the story. I mentioned something about what to write about for "X" and he said we should talk about what happens if when we get sick or hurt during our tenure in PNG.

This would make sense seeing as how he's a doctor. And not a physician, but a neuropsychologist. Yes, I'm sure he's already evaluated my family and withholding his results. Maybe he went into that line of work as a result of growing up with me? Hmmm...

My brother's wife, my SIL, mother of my two cute nephews, asked a string of questions during our last visit and many of them surrounded worse case scenarios while we're in PNG. While discussing this, I also found out that whenever she's with my dad (whom she claims is her favorite person on this side of the family-my brother and I will try not to be offended) they spend hours coming up with things to worry about. I'm not sure if they've discussed our future situation specifically but you can bet, I've just given them yet another reason to get together soon, as if they needed a reason!

Your welcome SIL and dad.

So during our visit, SIL asked what would happen if the kids contracted some crazy disease, broke an arm etc...things that I kind of take for granted because we haven't really dealt with anything over the top other than a sliced head, busted lips and massively smashed finger. We are blessed that we've never darkened the door of the ER or spent days in the hospital...yet. So let's face it, at some point in my life, with three kids, that's probably going to happen sooner or later.

But what if it happens while I'm in a third world country?

What we know is that there is a clinic on sight in Ukarumpa. This clinic is staffed by Wycliffe nurses and I'm assuming a doctor or two? The clinic can treat the minor things and I'm sure provide stitches and x-rays if need be. But what about something major?

At our training in April, we heard some awesome stories about how God provided just the right medical staff, at the right time, to deal with medical situations that came up. Some had to travel to the closest "big city" that being, Cairns, Australia. This trip is not cheap or easy when you live in the Highlands of PNG, but God provided all along the way from the plane and finances to the doctors involved.

So for my brother, thanks (I think?) for the round about way to get a topic covered. To my SIL and dad--don't worry...we'll be taken care of one way or another, although I'd rather not find use every option available, so let's just pray for good health instead.