Should I have pushed?

One of those 'opportunities to serve' popped up on Sunday. And ever since I've wondered if I messed it up or not.

River valley next to campus.

Around twilight a nice man who owns a bakery down the road dropped in to see us. He attends the Wesleyan church in Port Margot and translated a few times for our teams when visiting preachers preached. Very nice family and I consulted his wife at least once in clinic.

He came to talk about his wife. Her history includes 2 rounds of chemo for cancer in the Dominican Republic but not recently. For the last couple weeks, after a medical visit to the DR with lots of laboratory work for head aches she has remained in bed. Weakness.

I asked many questions about her physical symptoms. Everything sounded similar to how she felt for days and no alarming symptoms. I noted that if he thought she could wait until morning then clinic would be open and laboratory testing could be done as needed. Unfortunately he did not ask for copies of her recent labs which would of been very helpful. I also suggested that a second possibility is getting the results over the phone or returning to the same doctor. I offered to go see her if he wanted at the house. No response.

After a while I ran out of questions and Cory prayed. He left for home in a light drizzle and I started to question my recommendations. Did I miss something? Surely he would of asked if he needed specific help? My offer to make a home visit was clear, right? Cory thought so.

The next morning on my way to clinic I asked John Pierre if he knew any news about the family's decision. Well he thought that they did not have a return date to the DR. Impression-that nothing more could be done for her. A huge difference with medicine here, often the patients do not know a diagnoses and rarely know what treatment they received.

Oh, and the Haitian doctor went Sunday night to see her. ??

New questions- did I miss something?  Was just his coming to the house an indication that I should of made a house call? Should I of offered a second time? But maybe he preferred the other doctor? Did I miss cultural cues?

I sent Cory to ask John Pierre if I had messed up. 'No' was the response. Doubts lingered.

Yesterday Cory and I walked to the bakery. After praying about this situation I felt we should bring a health book that includes a section on taking care of bedridden patients. We also brought some fresh avocados. Unfortunately we arrived at a busy time. A group of about 10 women and children waited to buy bakery goods but he stopped a moment to accept our gifts. We asked him to tell his wife that we continue to pray for her and let us know how we can help.

Now I feel better. Human relationships complicate and bless life. Thankfully the Lord promises to grant wisdom when we ask. May I never stop learning and trying to improve my communications with others. Help me Lord to know when to push and when to back off.

Prayers: For this family. Pastor Rigo's wife and baby to adjust to nursing.
Thankful: For a nice walk with Cory. That the misplaced box of medications made it here.