“Have You Ever Passed Out While Getting a Shot?”

“Have you ever passed out while getting a shot?” the kind old lady asked me, picking up each of the needles and examining their contents.

“Uh, no,” I said. But for some reason I suddenly felt not-so-great. My heart was pounding, and I couldn’t stop biting my lip.

It was taking way too long, giving me even more time to wonder what three, small doses of disease (Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid) would feel like going into my arm. I tried to breathe slowly. I’m such a wimp.

I craned my neck to look as far away from the shots as I could. There were various travel warnings on the wall, and a small fridge from where she had pulled the vaccines. On the nurse’s desk was a map of Sri Lanka.

* * * * *

Maile and I thought it would be amazing if we sponsored a child who I could actually meet during my trip to Sri Lanka. We just got a picture of him the other day (which I’m having trouble linking to at the moment): he’s got big brown eyes, wispy dark hair, and a knack for very serious expressions.

He most likely lives in a house constructed of brick and metal sheets. He has two brothers, and his father struggles to keep food on the table for them. He’s almost my son Sammy’s age, just two years old.

I can imagine them together, playing in the dirt, chasing a ball. Sammy wouldn’t let the fact that he’s a stranger keep him from trying to run the show. Sammy would also be a huge fan of cricket: he loves any sport where he can hit something.

I can’t wait to meet this little boy.

* * * * *

“There you go,” the kind old nurse said, stretching band-aids over each of the three shot-spots. I had barely felt a thing.

In two weeks I’ll be leaving for Sri Lanka, and I’ll blog about the trip here for World Vision as I witness for myself the way that sponsorship changes lives. I’d love for you to join me.

Please consider sponsoring a child through World Vision. For around $30 a month you can change the life of a child and their family. Find out more about sponsorship (and check out my cool landing page) HERE.

5 Replies to ““Have You Ever Passed Out While Getting a Shot?””

    1. Ha! My bleary eyes read the same thing! So looking forward to your stories from your trip. Eden at http://www.edenland.com did the same type of trip to Africa through World Vision Australia not too long ago. Amazing stuff.

  1. I appreciated what you wrote, Shawn, but I also took note of how you wrote it. Reflections of anticipation sandwiched between present duty.

    What an adventure your life with Jesus is! I’m grateful to read of it.

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