This past Monday, one of our missionaries became very sick and was admitted to the hospital in a little town of Tumayan. Actually a fairly good size town in the farming area outside of Mendoza. There was the possibility that it was appendicitis. I kept getting the feeling that I should go out to this hospital to check on things. So just at dusk we drove there. A very pretty drive. We arrived at the hospital. From the outside it looked ok, not fancy, but ok. The Zone leader had assured me this was quite a big hospital and was quite good.
We found our Elder, and he was in a room all by himself, the other bed was not occupied. It was siple, old, quite worn, but appeared clean. He was lying in a bed with an IV running in his arm-normal saline. He was NPO because of his condition and possible surgery. The nurse came in and talked to me. I asked if he had been started on antibiotics, she said yes, we have given him this and this. She named the meds, but none were antibiotics. He had received medication for pain and fever. OK? She said he was scheduled for an ultrasound in the morning, but actually not tomorrow, but the next day, as the MD's were going on strike tomorrow. WHAT? How can we have our missionary here where he might need surgery and no doctors?
I attempted to lower the lights over his bed and turn on the ones over the empty bed, so the light wouldn't be in his eyes. Whoops! No light bulb. They don't put light bulbs above the empty beds as they would be stolen. HUMMM! Then our Missionary had to use the bathroom. THERE WAS NO TOILET PAPER! Oh this is normal. You bring your own. They don't supply it as it would just be stolen! So his companion had to run across the street to a store, buy a roll of toilet paper, before he could go to the bathroom.
We did make the decision to transport him into Mendoza to a more modern, closer hospital, but . . .I felt totally humble, extremely blessed, and amazed at how spoiled we are with our health care in the States. I will never take for granted a roll of toilet paper and a light bulb ever again.
3 comments:
The Lord works in mysterious ways, it is a good thing that you listened to your instincts. All will be well!
Perhaps our health care system in the US isn't so bad afterall? I hope the Elder is doing well and gets better care. Apparently you are very needed, in case you wondered.
How wonderful for you to feel impressed to go check on that elder. You guys are doing what's right and not only being blessed, but blessing the lives of others as well. Way to be!
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