I have been trying to upload the most hilarious video of Benaiah I've seen (all 5 months of his life anyway). But the blog is not uploading it. I'll try again later. For now, I'll move on to another post.
Benaiah's pediatrician informed me, "The Ministry of Health has a little money right now, go get your shots free in the public health clinic." So, this morning, we did. As I walked through the door of the polyclinic in our neighborhood, all I could think was, why, oh why, did I not bring my camera? (My camera is now officially on the "List of Things to Throw In My Bag Before I Leave the House.") The clinic was small, clean, attended. But across the room from us sat sweet, sweet, covered from head-to-toe, village grannies tightly clutching their health records and government insurance papers. Next to them sat an old chap with his cap on. In we walked in Old Navy coats, jeans, and crocs. Such an interesting place this is. If I had a photo to post here, you would have thought I was doing a documentary on the health care in Iraq. I see them on CNN International. That is exactly what this scene looked like. I began to negotiate with myself about not bringing my camera at such an opportunity, thinking, "Oh well, I couldn't have snapped their photo anyway...it might have been awkward..." Then, "No. I could have gotten their picture with the kids. That's my inroad." 2 seconds later, one came to ask if she could hold the baby. Should have brought the camera. We chatted, but I understood less of her Turkish than most of the people I talk to. There is such a thing here as a country accent, a hillbilly Turkish. I felt proud that for a few minutes, while she waited to hear the doctor's prognosis of her aging body, she had my baby to hold.
4 comments:
Sara, I am not sure why sharing your life in this blog is such a blessing, but it certainly is. Don't know if everyone gets out of it what I do, but they should! Ha.
My 13 year old son, who is home schooled, said to me yesterday while riding in the car, "Mom, you know what? It's just a great day to be alive." Then he went on to list a whole list of things he was thankful for - some pretty deep stuff. I told David this morning that children have a way of putting their finger on the truth about the time we get sidetracked by the cares of this world. Maybe it is because their little hearts are so sensitive to G. He gets through to them so easy. Would that we adults take that lesson and open ourselves up to G like children do. Lean back and trust Him to take care of us and not try to "figure out" everything ourselves.
G seems to use your children to bless other people. Isn't that amazing, and isn't it wonderful? I know how it must thrill you. There are some things money does not buy -- the best things. :)
Love,
Melanie
You know - I've thought the same thing - I should totally take pictures in here (hospital, dr office, etc) but wonder how to do that without coming off rude or looking like the freaky gringo.
You gotta love the health clinic. I congradulate you for taking advantage of the free shots. I went once and decided that I think I'd rather go to the private doctor. But the clinic I went to would have been described a little differently! I did recently go to a place for a mammogram (the complete adventure can't be posted on the internet!)and it looked exactly as you described.
Unfortunately I didn't have my children with me to break the ice. Turks are so amazingly delighted by children. It really is such a wonderful part of culture here. I often wonder what it might have been like to have small children in another country where the people are not so enthralled with babies...a lot harder to eat at a restaurant, that's for sure. (No waiters and waitresses to hold and entertain them while we ate)
I didn't mean to be anonymous. still figuring out how to post. let's see if I can get it right this time!
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