Day 5&6: Ups & Downs, in all ways

The last thirty six hours have not been short of challenges. However, perspective is always a powerful life tool.  Our challenges over the past day and a half are minor compared to those we see here...

It all started yesterday morning as we were closing out our shift when a wave of nausea overcame me. Oh no, I thought to myself, maybe it's just some indigestion from the cold Papa Johns pizza I ate? Yes, Papa delivers in China, so does McDonalds... Unfortunately, I came to find upon my return to the hotel that this was going to be a full bout of "Ho Chi Minh's Revenge", Montezuma's Asian brother. And oh the revenge he had...

In addition to me being laid up and with Susan getting little sleep, we were hit with some other interesting news.  The Orphanage would not have running water or AC for the next 24 hours or more.  This really is tough since where we are subtropical, hot and humid. We are at the same latitude as Havana, Cuba. However, Susan and Jessica (our shift teammate in the Starbucks photo from yesterday), felt confident that they could handle the shift without someone doubling up with them except for the last hour or so when the kids wake up.

With me laying in bed for 24+ hours, my awesome teammates set off for a new adventure in sterile baby care without water.  Fortunately, the water cooler and various filled tubs provided water and the orphanage has had such episodes before and was prepared with fans and a cleaning system. There was lots of boiling the water for cleaning and some necessary bathing, but no mopping of the floors!

Nine hours later, upon return from their shift, I ventured out of our room. After a much needed shower, to test my sea legs, I went downstairs to meet them for breakfast.  As Susan and Jessica entered the hotel lobby, sweaty and tired, I could see a lift in their step, a sense of accomplishment, pride. It was great to see that they made it through the challenging circumstances with flying colors. I was so proud and appreciative of them!

After another breakfast it was back to the room for some more needed and deserved rest.  While the body is behaving, I was wiped out after my journey to breakfast, and much to my surprise was able to sleep some more.  We pray that the facilities will be back online again for our next shift, or I might have to call in sick again.  ;)

Until tomorrow...

Family dinner outside the family business. Very common scene.