Battling Pneumonia in France

Waking up in the middle of winter in Bordeaux, I felt an unusual heat radiating through my body. I had been studying abroad and attending classes at the University of Bordeaux. That morning, despite feeling off, I decided to push through and go to school. What followed was an experience that taught me about vulnerability, resilience, and the strength it takes to face illness away from home.

The Struggle Begins

Even though I was feeling unwell, I convinced myself that it was just a fleeting discomfort and headed to my classes. As the day wore on, my body’s signals became harder to ignore. A throbbing headache set in, and my energy started to drain. By the afternoon, I realized that this wasn’t something I could simply push through. After my classes, I decided to visit a doctor.

The Diagnosis

The doctor’s office was a blur of French phrases and medical terminology, and as I sat there waiting to be examined, I felt a mixture of anxiety and exhaustion. When the doctor examined me, he delivered the news: I had pneumonia. He prescribed antibiotics, and I was advised to rest and take care of myself. While grateful to have a diagnosis and treatment, I was hit with a wave of concern about how I’d manage this alone. I found comfort in the scripture, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7). Even in a foreign land, I reminded myself that I was not truly alone.

The Journey Home

With a prescription in hand, I began the arduous journey back to my apartment. The walk felt endless, and every step was a battle against the dizziness and weakness creeping in. At times, I felt like I might collapse right there on the street. But somehow, through sheer determination, I made it back to my place, each step a testament to the inner strength we find in moments of vulnerability. I remembered the words of Helen Keller: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” That thought became my anchor as I pushed myself forward.

Solitude in Sickness

The reality of being sick in a foreign country soon settled in. I was far from home, without the comfort of familiar faces or places. My friendships were still in the early stages; I hadn’t yet developed the kind of closeness where I could rely on someone to take care of me. My roommate was kind but not someone who could provide the help I needed. The isolation was palpable. It was just me, my fever, and the daunting task of getting better on my own. Yet, I held on to the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” This illness was a fear I had to face head-on.

The Road to Recovery

For days, I lay in bed, battling fever, chills, and fatigue. It was a lonely road to recovery, but there was also a kind of quiet strength that came from within. I remembered, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). This verse became a mantra as I waited for my body to heal. I realized that while I was physically alone, I was not without resources. The doctor’s visit, the medication, and my own perseverance became my anchors. Slowly, the fever broke, and my strength began to return. I found comfort in the small acts of self-care and the realization that I could rely on myself even in the most challenging situations. As Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” My ‘why’ was simple: to reclaim my health and continue my journey.

Soul Insights

1. Resilience in Vulnerability
   Being in a foreign country without the comfort of a close support system taught me that resilience often comes from being vulnerable. It’s okay to feel scared or alone; those feelings do not diminish your strength. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2. The Power of Self-Reliance
   When faced with challenges, especially when away from everything familiar, self-reliance becomes essential. Taking charge of your well-being, even when it feels daunting, shows a level of courage that we often don’t recognize in ourselves. “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one,” said Bruce Lee, capturing the essence of self-reliance.
3. Embracing the Unknown
   Navigating illness in a new environment forces you to confront the unknown. From finding a doctor to understanding medical advice in a different language, these experiences help you grow and adapt in unexpected ways. Trusting in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” was vital in embracing this unknown territory.
4. The Importance of Health
   Health is a cornerstone of our ability to thrive. This experience reminded me of how easily we take our health for granted and the importance of listening to our bodies when something feels off. Taking time to care for ourselves is not just an option but a necessity.
5. Growth Through Adversity
   Challenges, like getting sick in a foreign country, offer profound growth opportunities. They push us out of our comfort zones and teach us to find strength within ourselves, even in solitude. As James 1:2-4 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Final Thoughts

This experience of getting pneumonia in France was more than just a bout of illness—it was a lesson in self-reliance, vulnerability, and inner strength. It taught me that being alone doesn’t mean being helpless, and facing adversity in unfamiliar settings can reveal the depth of one’s character. Sometimes, we are tested far from the comforts of home, but in those moments, we often find parts of ourselves we never knew existed.

© 2024 Amelie Chambord