A rainy paradox

The week started out as expected. Hot and humid. As the day in the OR progressed, I could feel the familiar trails of sweat as they tracked their way down my back, soaking through my scrubs.

But then the skies opened up Tuesday, and the dirt roads turned to muddy rivers and with that the expected destruction followed.

Bridge washed out at las crucitas, west of Balfate.

On Wednesday El Camino, the bilingual school, had to cancel classes as students couldn't get to school. The same for the hospital. Patient's couldn't arrive for their appointments nor for their surgeries.

Seemingly an uncrossable river, but for Hondurans... it was just another Wednesday, and by Thursday dirt was pilled up to allow vehicles to circumvent the destroyed road.

Today, while waiting for our last case of the day to be ready, the familiar melody of rain on a tin roof, filled the hallway. Immediately concerned about those traveling and the state of the roads, I exclaimed, "oh it's raining!" My voice filled with sadness and concern. Carolien, OB/midwife missionary from the Netherlands, responded with an exclamation of her own. "No, no, no, it's... Oh it's raining!" Her voice filled with a childlike giggle and relief. The coolness brought by the rains these past few days has been a soothing balm in the midst of the typical humid heat.

Can you be thankful for something that brings destruction, yet sad for the destruction simultaneously? Allowing the good with the bad, accepting both as valid and coexisting. We are in the midst of a rainy paradox.

Much Love.