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I was puzzled.  The Chien Chi Tow Herbal Steam Center is not exactly on the beaten track.  It is clearly not a fancy spa.  This traditional Chinese medical office is more sterile than anything else.  The office is on the ground floor of HDB housing block #44.  The office has a simple layout with bright florescent lights, linoleum floors, and old reading material.  It is familiar and foreign at the same time.  
I sat down on the stool in front of the messy receptionist’s desk, my limited Mandarin and her limited English combining into a moment of choice.  Take the risk or exit quickly, put myself in a moment of healing or stumble along on my own.
I opted for a complete package.  What followed, the herbs in the hot whirlpool for my feet, through the extremely intense foot manipulation, combined with the lemon grass and herb based steam box (1 person in an all wooden box with twenty minutes of intense herbal steam), and Chinese medical massage went in directions I never imagined!  I thought my footbath was hot only to discover a whole new level of intensity with the steam box.  I assumed I could easily handle a good massage only to find myself in an intense state of meditation, having to work at accepting the gift of healing.
I walked away rested, energized, and feeling as if I was on a path of healing.  I am still struggling to understand the medical approach.  I do know the natural herbs and techniques were a positive step. I also walked away wondering how willing I was and am to take a chance in other parts of my life.  Am I so reluctant that I only trust the god within?  Am I so arrogant that I cannot see beyond personal abilities?  When I hear the words,  “You'll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear!  Far from terror—it won't even come close!”  (Isaiah 54.14)  Will I trust? 
I start today trusting the God that always treats me with compassion, mercy, and love.