First home visit.

I did my first home visit this week. I typically have patients come see me at the international clinic. For those that aren’t able to travel that far, we’ve set up a semi-makeshift clinic on the other side of town, 2 half-days a week.

However, this patient wasn’t able to make it to either place. She’s a local who works at a nearby manufacturing workshop for the handicapped. She’s a chronic diabetic with a left lower leg prosthesis (from diabetic complications), along with right lower leg paralysis (from a childhood illness). She had a left stump infection, thus couldn’t use her prosthesis, and needed me to come by her place.

She lives alone, in a dingy group-home like apartment building. She has one room to herself, that she cleans up quite nicely…unlike all the other rooms in her complex. I’m so proud of her, that despite all her health issues, living alone in a not-so-“nice” place, she’s able to go about her day (every day) with so much of His joy…and it’s so evident to everyone around her. That is what I crave. True joy that isn’t tied to anything of this world.

It’s overwhelming here. So many people to help. So much to learn. Then slowly we begin to realize…it’s us that needs His help…and by serving others, we’re being served in return.

Building's entrance:

View going out of the building's entrance:

Initial hallway:

Stairway up to second floor:

Second floor with 4 rooms rented out; common area very dark:

Sister Zhu's humble home/room: