Inscrutable Counselees

Sometimes, the way that counselees describe their problems to a minister is as close to inscrutable as it comes. See whether you can see what this man was saying to me this week. It was the first thing he said: "I have TB, Reverend" (a very common complaint here). I said: "That's OK. Are you taking your medication to plan?" He said: "Yes, Reverend, to plan. But it's the second time." I asked: "Is it resistant?" The answer: "No, Reverend. But it's the second time." OBSERVATION: I didn't understand what he was saying -- in the moment. Next time, I shall speak to what I think the real problem is.