Miriam Yoder, 8. Appendicitis. Ambulance (called from phone booth). Hospital. Surgery. 3 days. Bill: $47,000.
Dad (Josiah Yoder, not our Miller) came to billing. Black hat, beard, blue shirt. 'How much for cash?' Clerk: 'Excuse me?' 'Cash. No insurance. How much?' Clerk called upstairs. Discount: 60%. Total: $18,800.
Where the Money Came From
$5,000 — family (savings). $8,000 — church aid fund. $5,800 — community (collection over two weeks, $200-300 per family, 25 families). Total: $18,800. Exactly.
Miriam went home. A week later — back to school. Showed the scar to friends (proudly). Debts — zero. Insurance — zero. Community — priceless.