WEEK SIX

So it's time for me to catch up a little bit. The week before spring break I went to to community clinic and actually had a super good time that afternoon. Again, I showed up in my Purple People Eater Scrubs, and was hoping to be put to work. Upon my arrival, Kathy was bustling about.... like always, and we waited for the physician-of-the-day to arrive. Kathy had told the doctor that the clinic started 30 minutes later than the actual time; however, this was not realized until he arrived. I really enjoyed that week's clinic. The physician was very sarcastic, so of course, I had a field day! He also allowed me to kind of stand over his shoulder and ask any questions. I felt as though I was kind of a pest but he was more than happy to verbally take me through each step of the process or treatment he was providing that day. He also let me assist in a few extractions. This, in summary, entails, me.... sitting and sucking blood and keeping the patient in control. LOVELY! I know that this is sooooo appealing. Anyhoot, I had a super wonderful time!
THEN.....
Over spring break, I decided to come up to Joplin with aspirations of volunteering at the dental clinic on Wednesday. I showed up, again, in my purple scrubs, and ironically pulled in the parking lot at the same time as Kathy. She ran over and shockingly asked why I was there. Unfortunately, I didn't have a schedule with me at home and there wasn't a clinic that day. However, she was more than happy to give me some things to do. I WAS SO HAPPY! This woman NEVER asks for help! The clinic the previous night had gone late, so all the remnants of it were still laying about the rooms: blood, gauze, instruments, etc. So I spent approximately 2 hours cleaning everything and sanitizing instruments. Then she had me label and stuff envelopes. I was really glad that I could be helpful in that way.
You know, I think that it is quite peculiar that since the VERY first day I went to the clinic in my high heels, there has not been a overwhelming business about the community clinic. I would think that they would be flooded with people all the time. I also noticed that on the volunteer monthly newsletter, the author had incorporated scripture and Christian clip art. I guess that answered my questions!
"Da da da That's all folks!"

So I wanted to write a little bit about something that happened this week, dealing with the second place that I am volunteering. I mentioned in the previous post that I have been blessed with the opportunity of helping with the youth ministry at my local church.

MIDDLE SCHOOL.

DUN DUN DUN!!!!!!!

Some of you will possibly understand the reason why I write with this particular attitude. I returned this past Wedsnesday before service started and decided to attend the "adult service," in the sanctuary, and then go back to the youth ministry after it was over. So..... this is what I did. I must admit, after I had prayed for these kids that I had met the week before, I had become slightly discouraged, thinking, "how in the world are these kids, and girls in particular, going to change?! How will MY being there catalyze it? What can I say to them that doesn't make it seem like they've got another mom?" When I went to bed that night, I had to repent. I felt guilty that I deserted them.... because of me. This Sunday night the youth and college-age services were combined, and this group of girls astonished me. I stood there watching their every move, not critically, but just almost in tears that they were so desperate for attention. This sounds ridiculous, but I wanted them to think that I, was cool, that THEY could trust me, that they could be REAL with me. So I've meditated on the words of Helen Keller:

"I am only one; but still I am some one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do."

Talk about piercing the heart with WORDS!!!

Interestingly enough, this revelation was not the one thing I would consider. My best friend and I were talking about how at college, it seems as though I have an infinite number of best friends...that there is no differentiation. He said, "Heidi, if you love on people so much that they come repeatedly to you with their problems, how will they ever go to Jesus?"
I can honestly say that I teared up when reading this statement. It answered everything. I COULDN'T and shouldn't be everyone's mom. I can't solve all the problems of this world. I can't stand in the way of Jesus, if HE is the whole reason why I am there.
However.....

All things are possible. "God can do all things." Mark 10:27

Thus, there WILL be a day where I will see this group of girls as women. I will see them and not be saddened by their being lost. I will smile and be proud of how they have changed and learned. And maybe.....just maybe, I might be a part of that. If not, at least I can say that I was there at the beginning and not only that....
I pointed them in the right direction.

So it's been truly interesting to see how volunteering has brought forth many other opportunities and also has opened up my heart and personality to the people around me. My mother had seen my dentist, Audrey Crawford, back in Grove; Audrey is actually the person who encouraged me to go into the dental field, and do dental hygiene instead of dentistry....for now at least. Audrey has also been a sort of 2nd mom. My best friend of my childhood is her niece, so let's just say that Audrey has been with me through all kinds of ruckus...including my teeth.
Well my mom had mentioned that I was volunteering at the community clinic here in Joplin and mom shared my first blog with her. Audrey then emailed me and pretty much threatened me with my life, to come back to Grove and work for her after I graduate...... that's Christian huh?! HA! Just kiddin'. But Audrey and her husband travel 4-5 times per year overseas to Israel and set up a free dental clinic, where they obviously, also share the gospel, so that their ministry is by service and word. She invited me to go with them next time, perhaps over the summer. She also plans to share my blog with her staff at their next staff meeting. I thought to myself, what an honor!? This dentist office is elite.....seriously; they provide the most elite and up-to-date care and technology in the area. So there is one bit of information.
I also started another kind of side-volunteer job. At church, I will be acting as a "youth pastor," for middle school and high school youth. One Wednesday, I had a group of about 10 "middle-schoolers." Let's just say that I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO thankful that God did not call me to education because, my patience was tested. I was very interesting to see what this kids deemed as "respective" behavior. It was absurd. Honestly, they were obnoxious and terribly rude. It was sad to me. I was really troubled by their personna and their spirits, and their great efforts to be heard and be seen as comical. I am really going to have to pray about my ministry there because....
"my momma didn't raise no fool. i don't deal with that." HAHAHA!
But that is the truth. I was taught discipline and I aim to enforce discipline with love. It is all constructive. I pray that I can serve these youth. Honestly, it's going to take a miracle.....a breakthrough.