Not as Beautiful as Rainbow

Back when I was in medical school, many of my peers dreamed of serving in Papua after graduation. It was said that in Papua, doctors received high incentives, were highly respected, and it was a “wet” place to fill one’s pockets, with plenty of promised scholarships for further studies. This dream and hope were what motivated me to submit my central government application to serve, choosing a placement in a very remote area of the Papuan highlands along with a few other doctor friends.

Coming from an ordinary family, not a medical dynasty, was a challenge from the start of my education until I looked for a job. My wish was granted when my application was accepted, and I was placed in an extremely remote area in the Papuan highlands. It felt like a dream come true, one step closer to getting a specialized education, an idealistic thought that aligned with what I heard from seniors who had successfully saved money and earned scholarships for further studies from the areas where they were placed.

My enthusiasm was soaring as I arrived at my placement. A district very far from city civilization. Back then, the only way to get there was by a small Pilatus plane that could only hold six people. There was no land access whatsoever. I was isolated from the modern world and left behind from the digital world’s developments out there.

In the middle of these mountains, there was no electricity, no running water, and no phone signal, let alone the internet. Communication was only possible on certain days, at certain hours, and in a specific location on the top of the hill, where there was a limited signal from a CDMA phone. But the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. The vast, green valleys, the steep mountains, and the cool air—it was all a kind of therapy that healed my weary body after a difficult journey.

The rainbows here were truly beautiful; sometimes, two or three would appear at the same time. But I wondered when my own rainbow would rise in this place. Maybe it was not yet time, or maybe it would never happen.

The hope of getting an educational scholarship faded with time. By the time I reached the age limit to apply for specialist education, the scholarship was never heard of, even after I had searched high and low and even after there had been several changes in leadership. Permission to continue my master’s degree was also very difficult to obtain, despite having served for more than ten years in this place. I came here with a bag full of dreams, but now I have to let go of that dream because the circumstances are not on my side.

In my mind and heart, I hold the conviction that nothing is in vain. My service, which feels worthless, my sacrifices that seem to have no value, and the time that has passed as if it has no meaning—these are only in the eyes of humans. I believe, I have faith, and I say amen that His plan for me and my family is not always as beautiful as the rainbow I imagined, but prosperity and peace will always be His gift.

Even if it’s not as beautiful as the rainbow I dreamed of, there’s no reason to give up or stop serving the people of this country in the field of health. May His blessing continue to enable me to carry out the duties and obligations He has given me, and may His grace be a blessing to me and my family.

Kreator : Vidya D’CharV