Who doesn't love a rainy Saturday?

The sea was so still yesterday. Unusually so.  The clouds in the distance come nightfall: there are scenes here sometimes so startling that you'd think they were only possible in a CG rendering.  Strange for mid May to wake in the early hours needing a blanket.  A gentle rain had settled in and continues this morning.  Things are quiet and cool, a welcome respite this Saturday following a busy, hot week.  I have no problem hanging out with the houseplants this morning, catching up on the list of things that never quite gets done.  There were multiple parties in the school this week to celebrate Mother's Day.  The local community board is working on further developments at the Children's park next door.  Medical rounds in the community and working in the clinic.

Mid-week a lady came to the clinic.  She sat in my office for a while as we covered the needs and ailments.  This process is different than back in the states.  Patients rarely come out with everything right on the front end.  We chat and discuss one issue at a time, sometimes having to back track as new information surfaces throughout the conversation.  Often after handing out meds and getting things settled, a new piece of the story will surface.  After some time my patient began to express not only her physical  concerns, but opened up to share some anxieties and concerns she was having, opening up some very vulnerable places in her heart and that she desires to grow closer to the Lord.  She knew by heart a passage that she'd been reading this week.  So we spent some time discussing what the work of Jesus means for her situation and prayed together.  She feels convicted about some things in her life and the mis-understanding that her sin causes God to move away from her leaves her feeling hopeless, trying to be better but failing yet again.  Later in the week my intern and I discussed this further.  That while sin (choosing to live our way for our own glory vs. living His way for Him) breaks our fellowship with and enjoyment of the Father's love, it does not cast us out of family, out of relationship, if indeed we believe in Jesus for our righteousness.   This is very contrary to the religion of the island that says your behavior and performance merit you righteousness.  Pray for them.