Stories
Healing Bodies
I stuff the rest of my breakfast in my mouth as I head toward the stairs, hearing my name being yelled for help from below. I weave my way past guys rearranging things and hear from behind me one of the staff tell a woman that we won’t begin until nine. She’s over half an hour early, and anxious to see the doctors since the price has increased so much to see one here.
From the moment we walked in the door today the set up began. We have the blessing of a team of seven doctors from the states who came to volunteer and so a last-minute clinic was set up for our beneficiaries. One of staff spent her Sunday evening sending out text messages to the neediest of those registered and they were already arriving by 8:15 am.
The rest of the day runs smoothly with only the occasional call for another translator. People are continually filling the waiting area and making their way down to receive care. They move from the interview with our staff member who gets all the vital signs and information, then down to the consultation with the doctor. After the consultation they are offered prayer and then given medication and have a chance to see the physical therapist also. These doctors spent five days with us meeting over 400 patients between our centers in Beirut and in Zahle.
As people come back up the stairs, for many you can see the relief in their bodies and faces. Smiles where there were furrowed brows and shoulders more relaxed. They all say a thank you as they go out the door and some say this thank you with tears of relief filling their eyes.
And these moments are the reason we do it. To lift the burdens and be the healing hands to the hearts and bodies in the community.
