What is so different here in Guinea, in a place where many
people make less than a couple of dollars a day? People don’t hold on to the few
possessions they have quite so tightly, and entitlement doesn’t seem quite as
prolific as back home. I am amazed with watching how people willing share from
the little bit they have.
How does this affect my experience as a nurse caring for people in Guinea? More often than not, I have been overwhelmed by the humble attitudes of thankfulness and appreciation from my patients and families. You may argue that they are receiving free medical care and surgery, so who wouldn’t be appreciative. There is still something so unique and different in this work environment, when many times a day I hear the words thank you. As you look into their faces you see the genuineness of their words in their smiles and gestures.
How does this affect my experience as a nurse caring for people in Guinea? More often than not, I have been overwhelmed by the humble attitudes of thankfulness and appreciation from my patients and families. You may argue that they are receiving free medical care and surgery, so who wouldn’t be appreciative. There is still something so unique and different in this work environment, when many times a day I hear the words thank you. As you look into their faces you see the genuineness of their words in their smiles and gestures.
I cannot fully describe the expression of their appreciation,
but I think part of the reason is patients don’t come to the ship feeling entitled
to surgery. Thus they are so grateful and thankful for the opportunity that we
provide. One recent example from this past week is a patient’s father who came
to visit during the evening shift. As
the father entered the ward and saw his daughter, he immediately grabbed my
hand and told me over and over again “Merci, Merci Beaucoup” during his entire
visit.
I am discovering the joy that comes from a thankful heart.
Maybe this is why on the outside it may appear that people in Guinea do not
have much, but when you look closer there is still joy in their lives!
Do you find yourself feeling entitled and not really being
satisfied after you received what you thought you deserved? Maybe we can learn
from the people here in Guinea who have so little, but find joy in receiving
things out of thankfulness rather than entitlement.
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| This is Mama from the January post "Giving Back." She expresses her appreciation everytime I see her whether at the Hope Center or while on the dock for an outpatients appointment. |
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