Rebecca Carpenter

At each of our seven clinics in Peru, people waited quietly and patiently for our arrival.  Seated in plastic chairs all eyes followed us as we entered and set up our supplies.  No one pushed ahead or complained about the wait while the line grew longer and longer.  At each station, tests were done, results noted, and instructions given for better health.  Everyone was thankful for what they received and gave us smiles, handshakes, hugs, and kisses.

Our limited medical clinic did not cure any diseases, set any bones, remove any cataracts, or provide long term health care.  Hopefully, we did prevent complications of high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels by identifying potential problems so they could see a doctor. We did furnish information about more healthful diets, exercise, and better sanitation that should benefit their lives.

Each day we gave away supplies that we had taken.  Reading glasses enabled the users to read easily and thread needles when that had been extremely difficult. Working in the cold market was made a little more comfortable for the elderly lady who received leg warmers.  Handing out band aids to families with children might prevent infections. A beanie baby placed in the hands of a crying child comforted him and made his mother happy.  Supplying vitamins to a family improved their health for a time.  Donating supplies to a school in an impoverished area, assisted children in rising from poverty. Putting a no longer needed necklace around the neck of an elderly lady brought happiness to her quiet life.  Speaking with a young couple to improve their English gave them encouragement as he prepared to take an English test for a scholarship at a US university.  Each day we met people that we served but who blessed us so much.  Their kindness, thankfulness, and helpfulness touched our lives.

I constantly thought of how little the people of Peru had but how happy and grateful they were.  If only all residents of the United States would have the same attitude.  Be grateful not demanding.  Put others first.  Show more compassion and love.

Our team did not experience huge miracles or newsworthy stories.  But every day we saw small life changing ones—both for the people of Peru and for our team.  We do not have to travel far away to be a part of the same miracles here at home.  If we open our eyes and hearts, God will lead us.

             Another sterile doctor’s office awaited us.  The new doctor entered the room and apologized for the long wait which was a surprising event. He then began asking questions about Alan’s condition, took notes, and analyzed previous tests.

As we flew from Orlando to Atlanta to board our plane for Peru, I was thinking about our mission and what we would be doing there.  While walking to our gate, my focus changed as I noticed a young soldier next to us.  Alan began talking with him and found out that he was headed back to Afghanistan after a two week leave.  He mentioned that it would be easier to stay in Afghanistan than to come home and leave again. We thanked him for serving our country and continued to our gate.

My thoughts were still on that soldier and the sacrifice he and his family were making.  I remembered how difficult it had been when Chris left for the Navy.  Each time he came home, I wondered where he would be sent and when I would see him again. I was sure the soldier’s family was wondering the same thing.

I was surprised when we reached our gate to see the large waiting area occupied with a huge number of soldiers and marines in camouflage with American flags decorating their sleeves.  Most were young men but a few women and middle aged men also sat waiting for their flights.

I studied them as we all waited.  Sipping a McDonalds drink.  Staring at an overhead TV.  Working on a laptop.  Talking quietly with a fellow soldier.  Eyes ahead listening to music from a headset.  Reading intently.  Head back and eyes closed.   Speaking on cell phones.  What was going through their minds as they waited?  Were they thinking of home?  Were they thinking of what lay ahead?

Alan and I each talked with a few as we all waited. They were headed to Kuwait where they would be deployed to other areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Some had already been to Iraq and at least one was going back for the fourth time. One middle aged man had three sons in the military who were also serving in that area. I thought of the wife and mother at home and what she must be going through. Each person had a story and loved ones at home. How many would come home?  What condition would they be in?  How would their lives be permanently affected?

At that time, Peru seemed far away.  I felt my mission then was to speak to them, thank them, and pray for them.  It is easy to hear about the wars on the news and forget that normal people have their lives disrupted.  Seeing them reminded me that we should actively support our troops and their families.  There are many things that we can do. Pray.  Send cards.  Support organizations that help the military.  The families would love a phone call, offer to babysit, a meal, an outing, or a hug.  We may or may not support the wars, but we should support our troops.

The still lake wrinkled slightly as sunlight streamed through the trees.  Overhead a bright blue sky glistened. Trees stood motionless, and bushes remained like statues.  I was enveloped with tranquility while I rested on my patio in the early morning.

A movement across the lake caught my eye.  Limbs of a tall pine bounced up and down followed by the next tree and the next. I spied the culprits.  Two brown squirrels jumped from limb to limb and tree to tree—chasing each other in a game of tag.  Their antics made me smile. Their courage amazed me. Climbing the towering pines was no small feat for such tiny animals.  Jumping from tree to tree with no harness or safety net was alarming to me.  Finally, they dropped to the ground and scampered off apparently unharmed by the experience.

A noise on the roof above me was followed by the rustle of leaves.  I turned in time to see another squirrel right himself, skim down the trunk, and scuttle away with no ill effects.

The adventuresome squirrels were much different than I would have been.  I would probably have stood at the foot of the tall trees and thought of a multitude of reasons for not climbing to the top.  Too high and I might fall. Branches were unsteady. Limbs were too far apart…  If the squirrels had done that, they would have missed the fun and excitement of their game of tag.

While I should not take unnecessary risks, I should sometimes look at new ventures with anticipation instead of worrying about possible obstacles so I do not miss the fun.

            Laughter echoed into the corridor.  Scattered conversations buzzed around the room. Old friends greeted each other and hugged.  A line twisted out the door as nametags were written to help identify classmates from the past. Yearbook pictures looked much different from the individuals picking up reunion booklets and CD’s. Groups formed as friends caught up on the years since high school.

            Lively chats continued while dinner was eaten.  The jovial mood lasted during the auction which produced much laughter and bantering. At the close of the evening, thanks were extended to those who had worked on the dinner.

            Before everyone rose from the tables, a quiet man stood and walked to the side of the room announcing that he had something to say. Most thought that he was going to thank the workers or say he was glad to see his classmates. What a shock when he spoke.

            “When I was in school, everyone made fun of me because I was the dumbest kid in the class.”

            Someone called out that he was not stupid. He held up his hand for quiet and continued speaking to his shocked audience. “Because of that, I was determined to succeed. I am now successful. I wanted to thank you.”

            Classmates looked at each other in stunned silence. A somberness covered the room as they all searched their memories of what had been said or done to this obviously hurt man. Slowly people rose and questioned each other as to what they remembered. Nothing came. They did not remember the high school years as he had. Several spoke to him and hugged him trying to erase his agony.

            For forty-five years he had nurtured the pain of feeling dumb and stupid. His memories of teasing had wounded him but ultimately given him a goal of succeeding. The speech to the class had released the ache for him but transferred it to the other class members.

            What had actually happened? Were the memories of the classmates hazy? Perhaps jokes were made that he took to heart? Did teasing actually occur or was it only his perception? Perhaps school was difficult for him, and he had low self esteem believing that others thought the same. Maybe a few had indeed teased him so he expanded that action to include everyone. No one really knew. It did not matter what actually happened because he was certainly hurt.

            That startling revelation conveyed a powerful message. Every person has perceptions about each situation which is colored by past experiences. One incident may produce quite varied perceptions.  Simple words and actions—often seeming to be quite innocent—may affect lives for years. How important it is to weigh our words and scrutinize our actions to minimize misconceptions and hurts. Just as one harsh word can cause untold grief, an encouraging word can give confidence and joy.