Clinic Day 4: Tent City & Minoterie/Lafiteau Clinics = 260 patients..Clinic Day 5: Luly & Archaie clinics = 272 patients.I was unable to go to these clinics due to sickness

     I am unsure what I actually had, or how I got it but I was violently ill, having to have 5 bags of IV fluids, IV antiobiotcs, and dextrose for the large amounts of fluid I was loosing.  It would be some of the longest hours of my life being in such pain, but God was so faithful and I was able to get better for the plane ride home.  Although this was not at all what I had planned, God taught me new things during that time. During my time of pain I tried to  think about the sick patients in Haiti whom are outside, sick and lying on the dirt, no bathroom, no IV, no doctor, I tried to think of the little child whom I may have gotten this illness from, and it broke my heart to think that even if we gave that child antibiotics, without IV fluids, they probably will not make it this night. That Friday,  for the first time I did not have the nauseating pain in my stomach, finally the antibiotics were working!! PRAISE THE LORD….I was so thankful!!!  I was able to stand, I was able to walk over to the front screen door, and listen to the team as they gathered circled, hand-in-hand to sing a morning hymn, and pray for the day.  It was a praise to stand and sing with them from the door. I hated not being able to help at clinic, but was just so thankful to be getting better.  I progressed to sitting in a chair with my IV I recounted the devotional I had lead Tuesday night. The verse was from 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”  In this passage Paul is praying to God to remove the “thorn in his flesh”, which was causing him constant pain.  It was such a deep difficulty that Paul pleading with God to have his suffering taken away.  Although God did not remove the painful burden Paul had, He answered his prayer promising something more….His grace.  God not only gave him his grace for this particular difficulty but promised his grace throughout life, in every trial.  Though Paul would suffer, he was still able to exalt the name of Christ.   When we are helpless….God’s strength and power is even more evident and able to shine through.  “These struggles we face are opportunities to fulfill God’s purpose as a Christian, more than we ever could in a pain-free life.”  This week I did not believe that this devotional would manifest in my life, so readily, but God’s power was an answer to my prayers this week.  I originally presented this devotional thinking only of the Haitian patience and what they endure in their daily struggles and pain, but God taught me first hand I needed his grace too this week. 

 When I was weak on my knees and in pain, all I could do was look up to the only one that saved me, and could be my stronghold to heal me. 

               That afternoon I could not wait till the workers and team returned. It was great to visit and fellowship with everyone.  It was so hard for me to stay at the house, wishing I could be helping the patients.  I felt so bad not being able to triage, knowing it took them a lot longer to see the patients.   But I knew that God still had purpose for me even through my sickness. I was able to talk more and get to know better the Haitian house keeper.  I also was able to be used to help one of the Haitian workers "Mik".  "Mik" is one of our translators, and he works week after week with new teams of volunteers to work all aspects of the clinic from triage, to the pharmacy.  He is a very hard worker at clinic and in his studies.  He has worked hard to win two certificates in an English program, and is striving to get a scholarship to go to college.  I have been able to be in contact with him some from the U.S., lifting him up in prayer as he has taken a test and been in the process of filling out an application for a scholarship to a college in the U.S..                                          

           The last clinic day "Mik" shared with me that one of his references fell through and that he would need one more reference. I told him I would be honored to write him a reference letter. Late that night I began to write the letter for "Mik".  Still with the IV in my arm, I got very good at typing with one hand on the computer.   "Mik" would then come the next morning all the way back from Port-au-prince to get the letter, and have me fill out one more form.  I am amazed by his dedication, and determination to want to go to college even though he does not have the money to afford it.  I told "Mik" I would read over his narrative essay for him. As I sat at the table reading over his life’s story I was so humbled by what he had gone through and endured.  He is one of nine children; his dad was mentally unstable, and had left his mother and family when "Mik" was younger.  "Mik" recalls the struggles his mother went through to provide for them.  He remembers many times going without food….his mother would place a salt cube under their tongue at night to sleep.  Yet through it all "Mik"’s faith in Christ has carried him and his family through.  "Mik" and his brother "Sch" have worked so hard in school, learning English proficiently, as well as other languages of Spanish, and French in order to find jobs.  "Sch" now runs his own business as a travel agent/guide, using his skills of translating, and selling internet access from his router.   "Mik" has such a powerful testimony, and it was evident as I read through his narrative that God has been at work in his life, and is providing for his needs.

 I am almost ashamed at how education in the States comes much more easily to us compared to education in Haiti.  School is Haiti consists of a teacher (sometimes not even paid) using chalk and a board to teach the children.  The children in all matching handmade uniforms sit in the hot weather some on only wooden benches absorbing every piece of information they can.  I know "Mik" has worked so very hard for the chance to go to a college, his family only makes a few hundred dollars a year, yet he says if it’s God’s will he will make a way for him to go to college.  "Mik" also makes it clear that he is dedicated to his people in Haiti, when he finishes his studies he will return to Haiti to use his skills to make Haiti better, to serve the people in the name of Jesus.   Every time I think about the struggles and worries I have with completing my schooling, I stop and think of those like "Mik" who would give anything to have my spot in a University. He loves to learn, and would work so very hard.  Please join me in praying for "Mik" as he begins to apply for a visa, and that God’s hand would be on his application for school. May the Lord provide for him this scholarship and opportunity to continue his education!