Reflections On A Year.

Things I have learned after being here in Togo for one year.

• Always turn the light on if you are getting up at night. Guys… you just don’t know. Two weeks after I arrived there was a snake in my bedroom so this is a quintessential rule. No way am I risking being surprised by anything in the middle of the night no matter how much it hurts my eyes. 

• Sometimes buying frosted mini wheats for $20 is worth it.

• I actually literally have some of the best friends and family in the world. I’m sure everyone says this, but for me its actually true. I have never felt so supported and loved as I have going through hard things 4,000 miles away and having people “show up” for me however they can.

• Basically, you can learn anything on youtube. Either how to do a complex sphincter repair, or become a dog trainer.

• Getting a roommate has positives and negatives.
  • Positives
    • They might be Great British Bake Off level bakers which will lead to delicious treats after a hard day of work
    • They can listen to all of your rants
    • Accountability for ab workouts
    • While living with someone, it’s harder to hide your true feelings so you are forced to actually confront and deal with them…. which I guess is a good thing.
    • You have someone to do half of the dishes. (she probably did more than half, lets be real)
  • Negatives
    • You will likely gain 20 lbs
    • You may forget how to take care of yourself at all when they leave you for 6 months.
    • There is someone to argue the opposing view and hold you accountable during your rants (if I was a better Christian I would put this in the positives)
    • You will get behind on your podcasts
    • You cant leave your stuff all over the place, which, people who know me know I love to do that.

• It is remarkable what you can do with just some suture, some pickups and a needle driver. Surgery is truly an incredible profession.

• God can do a lot with a good attitude and availability.

• Sometimes, you might not know how to do something, but if you know the first step, start there.

• I am capable of more than I thought.

• Use your resources! I used to joke with people I met in residency that I would call them some day when I was overseas and I meant it. My urology friends and pediatric surgery friends have answered the phone at whatever hour to help me problem solve and walk me through something. They have all been more than happy to be involved and usually go above and beyond.

• Drink water. Seems obvious. But important.

• Be quick to say “I don’t know, but I will find out”

• Freeze mangoes during season when they are $1 for 6

• Don’t get a dog. Or get a dog. I still can’t decide if it’s the best thing or worst thing I did. Usually depends on the day. Today as I sit here typing in my house alone and she is curled up next to me, I’m thankful.

• ALWAYS refill your ice trays when you finish them…. You will not remember the next morning and you will regret it later.

• Throughout many situations this year, God has reminded me of why he made me the way I am. He made me bold and loud and passionate and on fire. He made me to push boundaries and ask hard questions. He made me thoughtful and inquisitive and creative and boisterous. However, this year He has also taught me the value of gentleness, of quiet kindness, of listening to other opinions and of deciding that sometimes a relationship is more important than being right.

• And finally, my current mantra every morning… we can do hard things.

What I’m Reading/Watching/Listening to

1. Field Notes for the Wilderness – Sarah Bessey
2. Kingdom of Ash – Sarah J Maas
3. My mom’s 2nd book 
4. Iron Chef – Netflix
5. Slow Horses – Apple TV
6. Last Week Tonight  – HBO
7. Podcast- Theology in the Raw 
8. Podcast-  Sermon Series from Northpoint “What the World Needs Now”