Yesterday I received a phone call from Alma who needed my help with getting a doctor appointment. She had been having pain in her side for more than three days and it was getting worse. Alma tried to call her doctor to make an appointment herself but whomever she spoke to on the phone told her they had no appointments available; they were too “busy”. I know that Alma speaks very little English even though to me she has improved her English a lot in the past two years. Maybe I am used to listening and understanding Alma. Others seem to have a lot of trouble communicating with her still. I don’t think she was able to communicate her situation clearly to the appointment setter. I decided to call her doctor to see if I could help.

The conversation I had with the doctors office went well. I stated the facts. I’m calling on behalf of my friend Alma. She has been sick with a severe stomach ache for 3-4 days. We need an appointment or we may end up in the ER. Could she please help? The lady said, “Of course, bring Alma in as soon as you can.”

I called Alma back and she was very happy to have an appointment. She giggled as she thought it was silly how I could say the right things and get an appointment and she struggled. I felt sorry for her because I was so proud of her for trying to call and make the appointment herself, but she didn’t succeed. I drove to Alma and took her to see the doctor.

At the doctor, it was determined that she had a kidney infection. We went to the store and picked up cranberry juice and got her prescription filled. Poor thing! She was hurting! I’m glad I was able to help her.

Many of our Asha’s Refuge volunteers help by making doctor appointments for our friends. It’s often difficult for them to do this on their own since most of them speak little to no English. It’s challenging even to those that do speak English if they haven’t had experience with the way our culture does this. We are happy to help our friends in this way. It’s an easy way to come along side of them to offer a little encouragement and help when they are not feeling well.