***This is the blog, very well written of Bethany's account of our trip, about a typical day, the things she saw, eye opening things she learned, and encountered along the way.- By Emily Galimore
http://theinnerharbor.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/on-missions-and-serving-part-1-a-haiti-report/
Blog written by Emily about Bethany's trip one year ago and her thoughts anticipating our recent trip in Haiti.
http://theinnerharbor.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/interview-with-b-rehaiti/
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Photos Capture Daily Life in Haiti
The Market
 |
| Enjoyed Watching the man weave a chair with Plantain Leaves |
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Day 6: End of the day
The rest of that day we toured an historical park where the first flag of Haiti had been sown. We walked around to see the mural painting explained Haiti's history. I watched as a group of boys played soccer with a small ball. (Dr. Merline said they use whatever they can find, often using an orange as a ball). Across the street was a catholic church, in which mass was taking place. We continued our scenic tour down the road to a beach where we got to go to the ocean side and feel the water, and walk on the pebble beach. There was not any sand, yet you would sink into the hard pit of small round stones. We were hoping to have time to stop at the orphanage on the way back home to give the children candy we had bought them. However we the missionaries were not aware of how far away the beach access was, and it was dark by the time we made it back to the compound. Time for a late dinner, and packing, cleaning, and devotionals.
Matt, the youth/young adult leader from Pritchard Memorial Baptist church led that night. He asked us to think about the week, what we will take away from this experience, what we have learned. He shared with us how he had seen God's revealed his sovereignty and grace to his this week. He shared the verse with us from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 which says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." That in our weaknesses He makes us strong, and though we may not feel adequate to serve the Lord sometimes, we may not speak Creole, but the Lord used us this week. Love is universal and can be showed though patience, kindness, gentleness, through a smile, holding a child for the mother to get weighed, wrapping your hands each day due to the blisters you acquired nailing the walls of a home for a families of 5-6 Haitians. We have not forgotten you the people of Haiti.
Another team member shared that she learned that at first she thought that the Haitians were very sheltered people, but yet seeing that us Americans are very sheltered. Most of the world lives in poverty, and is much more impoverished than even our homeless people, for they do not even have clean water to drink. They have not chosen this life, but are here just like us for a purpose. We are the ones that are shelter, we need to get out into the world and share with others about the God that saves, that died for us to have eternal life with Him. We get so caught up in our busy day to day lives, our jobs, our working out at the gym, our sports, our sometimes selfish ways to find happiness, to search for contentment, for more money, for love from others, for acceptance, yet we loose sight of the whole reason we are here on this earth, to serve others, to share the gospel, to worship, to love others as our selves, and live as Christ did. This puts in perspective our true needs of Jesus, and basic needs to live of water, food, medicine, shelter. Our life is really not any better than theirs, we do not need so much, in many ways these people are more strong more happy in their faith, their life than we are in our stressful day to day lives.
I shared with the group how God had been working on my heart beginning back in April 2010 at a missions conference I went and heard about this trip to Haiti. That weekend I felt called to go, and prayed that the Lord would make a way for me to go. Still struggling with some medical problems, I could not quite see how I could manage my health in Haiti, but knew that I was called to go. As a answer to prayer my health began to improve, and I signed up to go in December, however it was difficult because my grandfather was suffering from cancer and I was afraid that he may pass away when I was gone. Before he passed though I was able to drive to see him, and ask his blessings to go on the trip. He of course wanted me to go, and when he gave out some of his special belongs to our family, he gave me a Haitian dollar in which my mother had brought back for him when she went to Haiti at my age. He also wrote me a check for my trip, not knowing that it was the exact amount I lacked for the cost of the trip. My grandfather did pass away before the trip in December, but did remember him and his sacrifice as I was in Haiti, in supporting me for this trip, as others did. His Christian example lives on as he is in heaven looking down on me continuing the to serve in the way God has called me to my mission medically for the Haitian people. In December due to political unrest Bethany and my flight was canceled, however we would have been the only two on the trip. It was really blessing to have gone now in March, with the team from Pritchard Memorial Baptist, and getting to meet Rebecca, and Dr. Kevin, and Rachel from Florida. I also would not have been able to meet Williamson, our translator, or as many children at the clinics and they were out of school due to the holiday all week. All around the entire trip was such a blessing, even the plane ride home getting to talk to a oral surgeon nurse, retired now that has been 14 times to Haiti, and a man from Rwanda Africa, who works on HIV/AIDS treatments in Haiti, and hearing their stories. I cannot wait to go back, and continue to have a life time if serving, and continuing medical missions as I continue to learn more in Physician Assistant school in the fall, to begin a life of medical missions for the Lord.
Matt, the youth/young adult leader from Pritchard Memorial Baptist church led that night. He asked us to think about the week, what we will take away from this experience, what we have learned. He shared with us how he had seen God's revealed his sovereignty and grace to his this week. He shared the verse with us from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 which says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." That in our weaknesses He makes us strong, and though we may not feel adequate to serve the Lord sometimes, we may not speak Creole, but the Lord used us this week. Love is universal and can be showed though patience, kindness, gentleness, through a smile, holding a child for the mother to get weighed, wrapping your hands each day due to the blisters you acquired nailing the walls of a home for a families of 5-6 Haitians. We have not forgotten you the people of Haiti.
Another team member shared that she learned that at first she thought that the Haitians were very sheltered people, but yet seeing that us Americans are very sheltered. Most of the world lives in poverty, and is much more impoverished than even our homeless people, for they do not even have clean water to drink. They have not chosen this life, but are here just like us for a purpose. We are the ones that are shelter, we need to get out into the world and share with others about the God that saves, that died for us to have eternal life with Him. We get so caught up in our busy day to day lives, our jobs, our working out at the gym, our sports, our sometimes selfish ways to find happiness, to search for contentment, for more money, for love from others, for acceptance, yet we loose sight of the whole reason we are here on this earth, to serve others, to share the gospel, to worship, to love others as our selves, and live as Christ did. This puts in perspective our true needs of Jesus, and basic needs to live of water, food, medicine, shelter. Our life is really not any better than theirs, we do not need so much, in many ways these people are more strong more happy in their faith, their life than we are in our stressful day to day lives.
I shared with the group how God had been working on my heart beginning back in April 2010 at a missions conference I went and heard about this trip to Haiti. That weekend I felt called to go, and prayed that the Lord would make a way for me to go. Still struggling with some medical problems, I could not quite see how I could manage my health in Haiti, but knew that I was called to go. As a answer to prayer my health began to improve, and I signed up to go in December, however it was difficult because my grandfather was suffering from cancer and I was afraid that he may pass away when I was gone. Before he passed though I was able to drive to see him, and ask his blessings to go on the trip. He of course wanted me to go, and when he gave out some of his special belongs to our family, he gave me a Haitian dollar in which my mother had brought back for him when she went to Haiti at my age. He also wrote me a check for my trip, not knowing that it was the exact amount I lacked for the cost of the trip. My grandfather did pass away before the trip in December, but did remember him and his sacrifice as I was in Haiti, in supporting me for this trip, as others did. His Christian example lives on as he is in heaven looking down on me continuing the to serve in the way God has called me to my mission medically for the Haitian people. In December due to political unrest Bethany and my flight was canceled, however we would have been the only two on the trip. It was really blessing to have gone now in March, with the team from Pritchard Memorial Baptist, and getting to meet Rebecca, and Dr. Kevin, and Rachel from Florida. I also would not have been able to meet Williamson, our translator, or as many children at the clinics and they were out of school due to the holiday all week. All around the entire trip was such a blessing, even the plane ride home getting to talk to a oral surgeon nurse, retired now that has been 14 times to Haiti, and a man from Rwanda Africa, who works on HIV/AIDS treatments in Haiti, and hearing their stories. I cannot wait to go back, and continue to have a life time if serving, and continuing medical missions as I continue to learn more in Physician Assistant school in the fall, to begin a life of medical missions for the Lord.
Day 6: Last clinic day at a church
Day 6 (Friday): Most nights even though my body rested, my mind never went to sleep. Yet as I first laid to rest till in the early hours of dawn my mind would be processing the day before, the special moments with the children, and our Haitian friends, my mind spinning in anticipation for the coming day. Knowing this would be my last day doing clinic and being with the Haitian doctors, translators, driver, and staff, I woke up about 3:00am though my body lay still on the top bunk, my mind began to relay thoughts of the day. How could I make the most of this final day? Emotions of extreme sadness entered my mind knowing I would be leaving the next day. I laid their in silence just listening to the sounds of the fans in the room, and the breeze flowing through the open screened windows of the house. I began to pray to the Lord for each person by name, that I had met, and picturing their faces, and the moments I had with each one, the doctors, Williamson, Jennifer, the children, the drivers, the missionaries, political leaders for the upcoming elections. Then I began to think of how I wish I had spent more time getting to know these people, was I as intentional as I could have been, was I as open I should have been. Wishing, longing for more time, and praying that I would have some kind of peace about having to leave......
(Even as I type, I get teary eyed, holding back tears, my ears hurt trying not to cry. My body is here in Harrisburg, NC yet my heart is still in Haiti.)
Soon.....the sun begins to rise and peer into the window beside my bunk bed, it is now 5:30am and time to get up and get ready for the day. I gather in the kitchen as the rest of the team members begin to trickle in, we hold hands and say a prayer and eat breakfast. Then we disperse some cleaning dishes, hanging laundry, gathering our items for the day, fixes our Gatorade water bottles, and we wait until the Haitian doctors, drivers, and workers arrive to the house. After they have breakfast, they help us to load up the vans, we gather together hand in hand to say a prayer for the day before we disperse to our various locations.
Today I rode in a truck with our driver Innocence (can't quite remember his name right now), Dr. Vladimyr, and Jennifer (our pharmacist) and drive down the rocky path out of our guarded gate and down the rode to pick up our translator with our other team members in the taptap, and then head west to our clinic site. This ride seemed to take much longer to get to but the ride down there was very revealing of the daily lives and activity of the Haitian people. Riding down the road I see many people from young to old either packed on over loaded vehicles, or walking with filled buckets, or baskets on their heads towards perhaps their home or a market to sell. We pass by many homes mostly wooden, some made of cylinder blocks, and people are gathered either cooking, cleaning, or working around the house. This particular ride was quite beautiful getting closer to the ocean the green plants became more evident. Acres of plantain trees line the fields, as well as more trees, various creeks of water flow through with people bathing in them, or young children filling up there water jugs. We pass small my wooden buildings with various signs spray painted one being a bank, others perhaps vendors selling items or produce. At one point in the road there is a speed bump, forcing you to slow down, boys and young men gather and come to your vehicle trying to sell you cold water bottles, or bags or peanuts. I was excited that Jennifer showed me where she lives as we passed near by on the road. She points out great photo opportunities of the beautiful mountains, more green than the ones behind our compound. We pass by a very large truck that had completely turned over, people had gathered trying to clean up the produce that had been splattered all over the rode. We continue on down the road, I enjoy listened to the radio as the others hum along to the songs sung in French.
We eventually come to a sign on the left side saying something like "Bienveny A Luly" (tried to take a picture but did not capture the entire sign) and we turn down the small pebble road and come around the curve to a church on the left. A small boy waits there and opens the gate for us as the church and school building are guarded by a tall block wall. People are already gathered outside waiting on us to arrive. We pull the truck up to the front door of the church, called "Arnee De Saluy" and unload our medical items. The church is small yet lined with pews, and the open ceiling adorned with a few strands of fake flowers in various colors. I was very excited this day because Wiliamson had brought Bethany and myself bracelets that we had made for us. I love it because it is a tangible, constant reminder to pray for the people of Haiti, for the friends such as Wiliamson, Jennifer, the doctors, and the children I had met. (Since that day Bethany and I have yet to take them off).
As we set up for the clinic, the people gather outside to sing a song of praise and hear the lesson about Cholera, TB, and hygiene, then Dr. Vladimyr introduces Bethany, myself, and Evan (one of the construction members who wanted to try helping at the clinic for one day). Dr. Vladimyr translates for me and I smile and introduce myself, they respond, "Bonjour Rachel", and I tell them that I am very glad to be here, and hope to help make them feel better today. They reply "Amen"!
We then go into the church to begin the clinic as our one of the Haitian workers speaks on the megaphone about how the process will work. We first begin to see the patients that had an appointment (either they were to follow-up or were not able to be seen last week, and they bring there notecard with their name, age, and reason for visit). They sit the pew beside of us, as Wiliamson tells them "tre vah" (not sure of the spelling but it meant something like "next please"), and we motioned the next person over to the chair across from me beside the table that had our medical supplies on it. I would say "Bonjour" and begin to take their vitals (BP, pulse, resp. temp, O2, wt) writing each one on their paper, then thanking them (saying "Merci"). They would proceeded to the next pew to wait to see the doctor. The doctors sat across the room from us I would watch as they quietly talk to each person, most of the time a mother or father one, or grandparent, and a child or two. The doctor would address each complaint prescribing medications and also giving many injections.
As I have noticed each day there has been one child, one angel that captures my attention and my heart. Today it was Angelique. A beautiful young girl, 9 years of age with a pink outfit, and pink hair wrap. She had a beautiful face, and her smile lite up the room as she would watch me and smile whenever our eyes would meet. She waited patiently with her mother until it was her turn to come see me. She was very inquisitive, watching carefully each task I performed. Waiting to see the numbers on the thermometer, or on the small finger pulse ox. She stood closely by me, her small hand rubbed and twirled the ringlets of my hair. Even after I was finished helping them both, the mother moved on in the line and the little girl remained by my side watching me closely, rubbing my arm and holding my hand when she could. She showed me innocent pure love and compassion. Although she would say things to me in Creole, I longed to understand and be able to talk with her, but we could only smile and communicate though gestures. I gave her a heart silly band, and cross silly band (I would wear a few each day to give discreetly out to some children). The lines of people continued to come through each one special, and I could tell had a story I longed to talk with them, but we would simply exchange smiles, and gestures. Even after Angelique and her mother had been seen by the doctor, Angelique stayed behind and began to help around the clinic. I watched her as she stood by Dr. Vladimyr ready to assist. She began to hold a small plastic cup under another small girls ear, as Dr. Vladimyr used a syringe with saline to flush out the girl's infected ears. Young Angelique would hold the cup, and when it was full run the cup outside of the church to pour out the contents. The picture of this little angel girl, brought to life the bible verse that as she was serving the least of these, she was serving the Lord. This was a powerful picture for me to see, such a humbling, and selfless act of her serving others in her capacity even as a small child.
All too soon our Dr. Francis came over to us to tell us this would be our last patient. We had to end early today at 12:30 in order for Dr. Vladimyr to have time to drive into Port-au-Price to buy more medications. It was very sad, as I longed to continue on but new we had to go. As we began to pack up, and mother came up to the side of the building behind me, and held up her small child to the small open square window and was saying something in Creole. Wiliamson said that she was begging to be seen. I felt bad that we had to leave, but Dr. Vladimyr told later told the people that were not seen that they would be first next week to be seen.
As everyone began to load up the medications and items and small boy came up to me. He was very thin, very emotionless, had a dusty green shirt on and a small worn out brown hat. He had me a piece of paper that said size 5-6. I realized that he was asking me for clothes. Sadly we did not have any clothes his size, but I did have a small blow up plastic ball in my book bag, that I brought out and blew up. I motioned to hit the ball to him, and his face lite up. He smiled ear to ear and quickly hit the ball back to me. We would hit back and forth two or three times before it fell to the ground. Our playing captured the attention of Angelique and three other small children who came over to play. These otherwise quiet children became very excited, jumping around after the ball, hitting it high into the wooden beams of the church. We had a wonderful time playing together sharing these laughs. Then as it was time to leave I gave each child a dumdum, silly band, and small pad of paper. They were also very excited to receive the empty plastic containers that we used to dispense our liquid medications from into smaller bottles. I assume they would take the home, wash them out and use them to carry water in. I was very glad to get a group picture with these children (which I will post), before we had to leave.
On the way back to the compound I rode in the taptap with Wiliamson, Bethany, Evan, & Dr. Francis. I enjoyed the breeze on the way back being in the back of the truck. The ride was going well until we heard a "Whew" noise and the truck began to lean to the side. We had been forewarned of this frequent occurrence, but this was our first flat tire. I felt sorry for the driver, and other guys who had to change this tire, but this was an exciting experience for myself. We could to pull over to the side and just watch the people walking by and slow down to see them in their daily lives. I peeked over a stone wall to look down into someones side yard. There on a blanket laid a small child chewing on sugar cane, watching his grandfather side on a wooden stool and weave dried, brown strips of leaves from the banana tree to make the seat of a small chair. Tied to the tree close by was a pig soaking up the sun. Before I knew it the men had changed the tire in a flash and we were back on the taptap heading to the compound.
Back at the compound we ate lunch together, all the Haitian workers, and all the teams together. They had made some kind of stew with vegetables and meat over rice. All the Haitian workers gather together to eat in the living room sitting on the couches, and one table, getting onto the various computers to check their email, and give our team room to eat in the kitchen.
Longing to get to know the workers better, and loving to listen to them speak Creole I sat, in there with them at the table. I sat quietly eating my meal, not really knowing what to say but just listened to them talk, and watching them interact. After we finished our meal, it was very sad to say our goodbyes, and give our last hugs to the workers, especially hard for myself and Bethany to say goodbye to our translator :( But slowly they left down the road to go back to their homes. My only consolation was the hope that I will be able to return soon, to work with these people again, to be able to come back knowing more Creole, and hoping to be able to get to know them better, one week is just too short.
(Even as I type, I get teary eyed, holding back tears, my ears hurt trying not to cry. My body is here in Harrisburg, NC yet my heart is still in Haiti.)
Soon.....the sun begins to rise and peer into the window beside my bunk bed, it is now 5:30am and time to get up and get ready for the day. I gather in the kitchen as the rest of the team members begin to trickle in, we hold hands and say a prayer and eat breakfast. Then we disperse some cleaning dishes, hanging laundry, gathering our items for the day, fixes our Gatorade water bottles, and we wait until the Haitian doctors, drivers, and workers arrive to the house. After they have breakfast, they help us to load up the vans, we gather together hand in hand to say a prayer for the day before we disperse to our various locations.
Today I rode in a truck with our driver Innocence (can't quite remember his name right now), Dr. Vladimyr, and Jennifer (our pharmacist) and drive down the rocky path out of our guarded gate and down the rode to pick up our translator with our other team members in the taptap, and then head west to our clinic site. This ride seemed to take much longer to get to but the ride down there was very revealing of the daily lives and activity of the Haitian people. Riding down the road I see many people from young to old either packed on over loaded vehicles, or walking with filled buckets, or baskets on their heads towards perhaps their home or a market to sell. We pass by many homes mostly wooden, some made of cylinder blocks, and people are gathered either cooking, cleaning, or working around the house. This particular ride was quite beautiful getting closer to the ocean the green plants became more evident. Acres of plantain trees line the fields, as well as more trees, various creeks of water flow through with people bathing in them, or young children filling up there water jugs. We pass small my wooden buildings with various signs spray painted one being a bank, others perhaps vendors selling items or produce. At one point in the road there is a speed bump, forcing you to slow down, boys and young men gather and come to your vehicle trying to sell you cold water bottles, or bags or peanuts. I was excited that Jennifer showed me where she lives as we passed near by on the road. She points out great photo opportunities of the beautiful mountains, more green than the ones behind our compound. We pass by a very large truck that had completely turned over, people had gathered trying to clean up the produce that had been splattered all over the rode. We continue on down the road, I enjoy listened to the radio as the others hum along to the songs sung in French.
We eventually come to a sign on the left side saying something like "Bienveny A Luly" (tried to take a picture but did not capture the entire sign) and we turn down the small pebble road and come around the curve to a church on the left. A small boy waits there and opens the gate for us as the church and school building are guarded by a tall block wall. People are already gathered outside waiting on us to arrive. We pull the truck up to the front door of the church, called "Arnee De Saluy" and unload our medical items. The church is small yet lined with pews, and the open ceiling adorned with a few strands of fake flowers in various colors. I was very excited this day because Wiliamson had brought Bethany and myself bracelets that we had made for us. I love it because it is a tangible, constant reminder to pray for the people of Haiti, for the friends such as Wiliamson, Jennifer, the doctors, and the children I had met. (Since that day Bethany and I have yet to take them off).
As we set up for the clinic, the people gather outside to sing a song of praise and hear the lesson about Cholera, TB, and hygiene, then Dr. Vladimyr introduces Bethany, myself, and Evan (one of the construction members who wanted to try helping at the clinic for one day). Dr. Vladimyr translates for me and I smile and introduce myself, they respond, "Bonjour Rachel", and I tell them that I am very glad to be here, and hope to help make them feel better today. They reply "Amen"!
We then go into the church to begin the clinic as our one of the Haitian workers speaks on the megaphone about how the process will work. We first begin to see the patients that had an appointment (either they were to follow-up or were not able to be seen last week, and they bring there notecard with their name, age, and reason for visit). They sit the pew beside of us, as Wiliamson tells them "tre vah" (not sure of the spelling but it meant something like "next please"), and we motioned the next person over to the chair across from me beside the table that had our medical supplies on it. I would say "Bonjour" and begin to take their vitals (BP, pulse, resp. temp, O2, wt) writing each one on their paper, then thanking them (saying "Merci"). They would proceeded to the next pew to wait to see the doctor. The doctors sat across the room from us I would watch as they quietly talk to each person, most of the time a mother or father one, or grandparent, and a child or two. The doctor would address each complaint prescribing medications and also giving many injections.
As I have noticed each day there has been one child, one angel that captures my attention and my heart. Today it was Angelique. A beautiful young girl, 9 years of age with a pink outfit, and pink hair wrap. She had a beautiful face, and her smile lite up the room as she would watch me and smile whenever our eyes would meet. She waited patiently with her mother until it was her turn to come see me. She was very inquisitive, watching carefully each task I performed. Waiting to see the numbers on the thermometer, or on the small finger pulse ox. She stood closely by me, her small hand rubbed and twirled the ringlets of my hair. Even after I was finished helping them both, the mother moved on in the line and the little girl remained by my side watching me closely, rubbing my arm and holding my hand when she could. She showed me innocent pure love and compassion. Although she would say things to me in Creole, I longed to understand and be able to talk with her, but we could only smile and communicate though gestures. I gave her a heart silly band, and cross silly band (I would wear a few each day to give discreetly out to some children). The lines of people continued to come through each one special, and I could tell had a story I longed to talk with them, but we would simply exchange smiles, and gestures. Even after Angelique and her mother had been seen by the doctor, Angelique stayed behind and began to help around the clinic. I watched her as she stood by Dr. Vladimyr ready to assist. She began to hold a small plastic cup under another small girls ear, as Dr. Vladimyr used a syringe with saline to flush out the girl's infected ears. Young Angelique would hold the cup, and when it was full run the cup outside of the church to pour out the contents. The picture of this little angel girl, brought to life the bible verse that as she was serving the least of these, she was serving the Lord. This was a powerful picture for me to see, such a humbling, and selfless act of her serving others in her capacity even as a small child.
All too soon our Dr. Francis came over to us to tell us this would be our last patient. We had to end early today at 12:30 in order for Dr. Vladimyr to have time to drive into Port-au-Price to buy more medications. It was very sad, as I longed to continue on but new we had to go. As we began to pack up, and mother came up to the side of the building behind me, and held up her small child to the small open square window and was saying something in Creole. Wiliamson said that she was begging to be seen. I felt bad that we had to leave, but Dr. Vladimyr told later told the people that were not seen that they would be first next week to be seen.
As everyone began to load up the medications and items and small boy came up to me. He was very thin, very emotionless, had a dusty green shirt on and a small worn out brown hat. He had me a piece of paper that said size 5-6. I realized that he was asking me for clothes. Sadly we did not have any clothes his size, but I did have a small blow up plastic ball in my book bag, that I brought out and blew up. I motioned to hit the ball to him, and his face lite up. He smiled ear to ear and quickly hit the ball back to me. We would hit back and forth two or three times before it fell to the ground. Our playing captured the attention of Angelique and three other small children who came over to play. These otherwise quiet children became very excited, jumping around after the ball, hitting it high into the wooden beams of the church. We had a wonderful time playing together sharing these laughs. Then as it was time to leave I gave each child a dumdum, silly band, and small pad of paper. They were also very excited to receive the empty plastic containers that we used to dispense our liquid medications from into smaller bottles. I assume they would take the home, wash them out and use them to carry water in. I was very glad to get a group picture with these children (which I will post), before we had to leave.
On the way back to the compound I rode in the taptap with Wiliamson, Bethany, Evan, & Dr. Francis. I enjoyed the breeze on the way back being in the back of the truck. The ride was going well until we heard a "Whew" noise and the truck began to lean to the side. We had been forewarned of this frequent occurrence, but this was our first flat tire. I felt sorry for the driver, and other guys who had to change this tire, but this was an exciting experience for myself. We could to pull over to the side and just watch the people walking by and slow down to see them in their daily lives. I peeked over a stone wall to look down into someones side yard. There on a blanket laid a small child chewing on sugar cane, watching his grandfather side on a wooden stool and weave dried, brown strips of leaves from the banana tree to make the seat of a small chair. Tied to the tree close by was a pig soaking up the sun. Before I knew it the men had changed the tire in a flash and we were back on the taptap heading to the compound.
Back at the compound we ate lunch together, all the Haitian workers, and all the teams together. They had made some kind of stew with vegetables and meat over rice. All the Haitian workers gather together to eat in the living room sitting on the couches, and one table, getting onto the various computers to check their email, and give our team room to eat in the kitchen.
Longing to get to know the workers better, and loving to listen to them speak Creole I sat, in there with them at the table. I sat quietly eating my meal, not really knowing what to say but just listened to them talk, and watching them interact. After we finished our meal, it was very sad to say our goodbyes, and give our last hugs to the workers, especially hard for myself and Bethany to say goodbye to our translator :( But slowly they left down the road to go back to their homes. My only consolation was the hope that I will be able to return soon, to work with these people again, to be able to come back knowing more Creole, and hoping to be able to get to know them better, one week is just too short.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Little Venia, a miracle that the Lord sustained her for 3 three days trapped under her crushed home from the earthquake.
Venia is in need of sponsorship for her schooling. Our team was able to collect enough to send her to school for three years. However, if anyone else feels led to support her continued schooling let me know and I can get you in touch with Dr. Vladimyr and this ministry opportunity.
Day 5: Thursday- Tent city clinic
Today was a wonderful day of new experiences and many blessings. I began my day awaking at 5am, and helped to PB & J sandwiches for the crews. We had a wonderful breakfast made each morning by Wanda, said our morning prayer as we circled outside, hand in hand. The weather was once again beautiful, the sun shining bright, the rolling Mt's. behind, and the refreshing breeze. Many geckos (like our lizards) crawl around, on the windows, the ground, and make a chirping noise at night. My Alpha team road out to the tent city today to have clinic under a UNICEF tent. As we set up, the doctors begin to educate the lines of patients that have already gathered, waiting on us about cholera, TB, hygiene, etc., as well as present the gospel, and have singing and prayer. Each day we have had about 3-4 salvation's at our site, today we had six at our site! Bethany & I enjoyed seeing these patients, from pregnant women, to a lady who was 90 years old!! These patients seem to have similar problems I had seen before, stomach pain, body aches/pains, cold/cough, UTI, eye problems, High blood pressure. I did see one lady that had injured her wrist. I felt very bad for her, but got excited inside having an orthopedic problem that I was used to seeing at work. She still had good pulse in her fingers, but with unable to x-ray her arm, we splinted and wrapped it with the bandages we had.
-I met a miracle little girl today, named Venia. She is three years old and came to me today with complaints of mouth sores & pain, & ear pain. As I examined her and began to get her vital signs I noticed that he right arm was extremely scared, and her little hand mangled. The right side of her face droops, and is swollen. I soon came to learn from Dr. Vlad, that this little girl had been injured in the earthquake. Her house collapsed on her and he right side had been caught under debride. Her mother who had was outside at the market during the earthquake after three days could still not find her daughter. She paid someone to bulldozer the house to get her daughters body. However, to everyone's surprise and amazement, they found her alive. Dr. Vladimyr said they gave her two drinks that she guzzled down, after they found her. She did have to have surgery to save her right upper extremity and her face, but is alive and doing well. She only had trouble eating food because she often bites and gets sores in her mouth on the right side, but is adapted at using her right limb. This little girls personality and cognition was all there, she actually caught my attention as soon as I met her, standing apartment from the other children that have only some smiles. This little girl quickly grabbed my hand and just wanted to hold my hand while I treated her and her mom. Venia smiled, and was curious about each thing I was doing. Dr. Vlad had to flush out her right ear because of the injury it was totally stopped up. Venia sat so patiently, letting him clean, until the very end when he had to apply a lot of pressure to release the plug. She burst into tears, however was comforted by a small prayer beanie baby I was able to give her, the bear's name on the tag was hope. My sister gave me this bear to give to a child who might need it. I carried it in my bag each day to the clinics, but was not sure if I would find the right child to give the gift to until today. Venia was hope because she had survived the earthquake for three days at age 2, now age 3 her mother hopes to send her to school. (I learned that Haitian children begin school at age 3). Dr. Valdimyr got the mothers phone number to contact her later and possible helping her be able to go to school. Unaware that they had discussed about school, at the end of the day Bethany & I asked Vladimir about how we can continue to support these people. He mentioned Venia and her need for schooling, and we both said we would love to sponsor her. It is only $100 to send this little girl to school for one entire year. Then Crystal (another team member from Charlotte), said that she was given $ from a friend to use for a need she might find in Haiti, and over heard us talking and said she was also like to help support his girl. I was so thankful that God sent her to our clinic today, as she was such a blessing to us!
Another amazement today was Bethany treated a set of triplets, and later a set of twins!!
Towards the end of clinic, I asked Vlad if I could come sit with him and see the end part of the clinic when he exams them, talks to them more in depth, and prescribes them medications, and treats their needs. I had the most amazing time, as with the first patient he had me write down what their problems/ complaints were then told me how he would examine them. He let me then listen to their breathing, and taught me where to properly listen. Then he asked me based on the findings what medications I thought we should give them. He helped me determine the medication, dosage, and amount, as I would write it on their sheet for them to give to the pharmacist/volunteer. I enjoyed helping him treat a older women with an abscess in her ear, he let me look in the otoscope, and taught me tips to cleaning out the pus. We flushed her ear with half saline, half hydrogen peroxide, then he drew up a syringe of lidocane and Keflex, and let me give her the shot. It was quite a long needle, but it was no problem sticking in the lady's small but muscular arm. She was very tough and did not even flinch. I aspirated back and there was no blood and continued to slowly inject the medication. I also saw a women 5 mths pregnant coming for prenatal care. Dr. Vladimyr said if only I could stay longer to help deliver a baby, I could have a baby named little Rachel after me like he had (the child named Vladimyr after him, that he delivered). I could only hope that I could help one day help with a delivery here in Haiti :) There are many women pregnant, I probably saw about 5 today.
At the end of clinic the children were told to line up by age and in a straight line and they could receive one donated item. Bethany and I were told we could do the honors. This started out well, as I passed out one pencil, or pen (they all asked for the "ploom", pen first), as poor Bethany tried to match the size of the clothing with the child. However, it soon got a little out of hand as she got down to the end of the pile, and there were only large men's t-shirts left, and the crowd that had gathered began to argue over the items. Dr. Vlad had to quickly take the last items and we loaded up the truck to leave.
Bethany & I got to ride back in with the rest of our group in a "tap tap", however this one was very safe and not overcrowded as you normally see. We had one of our Haitian drivers, and he drove very well to let us get somewhat of the experience of riding in this small truck that had benches built in the along the sides of the truck bed, and a cover over top. The name "tap tap" comes from the fact that you tap the side of the truck when you want to get off then pay the driver. This was a fun ride with the cool, yet dusty breeze back to the compound. Although we only had one scare coming back, when a large paving truck decided to try to pass a slow moving tap tap, and headed straight towards us, but right before us he swerved over to his lane. Tom, (one of our team members) joked that when the other Haitian team members on the tap tap gasped, and were scared, we new that this was truly a scary experience since they are used to riding on tap taps. This particular road we were on was just being paved today, and there are no lines painted, and no speed limit; drivers seem to go as fast and drive as crazy as they can on this one paved road since all the other roads are dirt/gravel, and they have to go slow and careful. But we all had a good laugh about it.
We arrived safely back to the compound this afternoon, in which the entire property is gated, with barbed wire fencing around the perimeter, and the gates are manned by two to four men carrying large guns, almost looking like bounty hunters. I was intimidated at first, but each day passing by them to go to the clinics and returning they always give us a way and smile back if we wave to them.
After showers, laundry, house chores, some rest, others play card games, I blog, as we watch the Haitian cook making baked chicken with vegetables, and cut fresh fruits that Reggi drove far to get us yesterday. I look forward to dinner tonight although I am not very hungry, because we are constantly drinking Gatorade, crystal light, etc. since there is not any air conditioning and the hot weather. However, the house we stay in is very nice, with many many fans in every room, and screened windows, doors, and a porch to let the breeze flow through the house.
I am sad that tomorrow is our last day at clinic :) It is such a fulfilling experience, even just giving a baby some Tylenol today that had 104.4 temperature, and other medications for anemia, worms, vitamins. Just knowing you are a part of saving a life, is so worth it!! Even though I wish I could speak to each person in creole, the simple smiles or waves, we exchange I hope speak volumes. I look forward to tomorrow, although I hate that it will be the last clinic day :( However, I pray it will be memorable, and life changing, I look forward to working with Dr. Vlad again at the end of clinic to learn hands on how he treats each patient. It will be hard leaving Saturday morning, the week of course has seemed to to go by all too soon.
-I met a miracle little girl today, named Venia. She is three years old and came to me today with complaints of mouth sores & pain, & ear pain. As I examined her and began to get her vital signs I noticed that he right arm was extremely scared, and her little hand mangled. The right side of her face droops, and is swollen. I soon came to learn from Dr. Vlad, that this little girl had been injured in the earthquake. Her house collapsed on her and he right side had been caught under debride. Her mother who had was outside at the market during the earthquake after three days could still not find her daughter. She paid someone to bulldozer the house to get her daughters body. However, to everyone's surprise and amazement, they found her alive. Dr. Vladimyr said they gave her two drinks that she guzzled down, after they found her. She did have to have surgery to save her right upper extremity and her face, but is alive and doing well. She only had trouble eating food because she often bites and gets sores in her mouth on the right side, but is adapted at using her right limb. This little girls personality and cognition was all there, she actually caught my attention as soon as I met her, standing apartment from the other children that have only some smiles. This little girl quickly grabbed my hand and just wanted to hold my hand while I treated her and her mom. Venia smiled, and was curious about each thing I was doing. Dr. Vlad had to flush out her right ear because of the injury it was totally stopped up. Venia sat so patiently, letting him clean, until the very end when he had to apply a lot of pressure to release the plug. She burst into tears, however was comforted by a small prayer beanie baby I was able to give her, the bear's name on the tag was hope. My sister gave me this bear to give to a child who might need it. I carried it in my bag each day to the clinics, but was not sure if I would find the right child to give the gift to until today. Venia was hope because she had survived the earthquake for three days at age 2, now age 3 her mother hopes to send her to school. (I learned that Haitian children begin school at age 3). Dr. Valdimyr got the mothers phone number to contact her later and possible helping her be able to go to school. Unaware that they had discussed about school, at the end of the day Bethany & I asked Vladimir about how we can continue to support these people. He mentioned Venia and her need for schooling, and we both said we would love to sponsor her. It is only $100 to send this little girl to school for one entire year. Then Crystal (another team member from Charlotte), said that she was given $ from a friend to use for a need she might find in Haiti, and over heard us talking and said she was also like to help support his girl. I was so thankful that God sent her to our clinic today, as she was such a blessing to us!
Another amazement today was Bethany treated a set of triplets, and later a set of twins!!
Towards the end of clinic, I asked Vlad if I could come sit with him and see the end part of the clinic when he exams them, talks to them more in depth, and prescribes them medications, and treats their needs. I had the most amazing time, as with the first patient he had me write down what their problems/ complaints were then told me how he would examine them. He let me then listen to their breathing, and taught me where to properly listen. Then he asked me based on the findings what medications I thought we should give them. He helped me determine the medication, dosage, and amount, as I would write it on their sheet for them to give to the pharmacist/volunteer. I enjoyed helping him treat a older women with an abscess in her ear, he let me look in the otoscope, and taught me tips to cleaning out the pus. We flushed her ear with half saline, half hydrogen peroxide, then he drew up a syringe of lidocane and Keflex, and let me give her the shot. It was quite a long needle, but it was no problem sticking in the lady's small but muscular arm. She was very tough and did not even flinch. I aspirated back and there was no blood and continued to slowly inject the medication. I also saw a women 5 mths pregnant coming for prenatal care. Dr. Vladimyr said if only I could stay longer to help deliver a baby, I could have a baby named little Rachel after me like he had (the child named Vladimyr after him, that he delivered). I could only hope that I could help one day help with a delivery here in Haiti :) There are many women pregnant, I probably saw about 5 today.
At the end of clinic the children were told to line up by age and in a straight line and they could receive one donated item. Bethany and I were told we could do the honors. This started out well, as I passed out one pencil, or pen (they all asked for the "ploom", pen first), as poor Bethany tried to match the size of the clothing with the child. However, it soon got a little out of hand as she got down to the end of the pile, and there were only large men's t-shirts left, and the crowd that had gathered began to argue over the items. Dr. Vlad had to quickly take the last items and we loaded up the truck to leave.
Bethany & I got to ride back in with the rest of our group in a "tap tap", however this one was very safe and not overcrowded as you normally see. We had one of our Haitian drivers, and he drove very well to let us get somewhat of the experience of riding in this small truck that had benches built in the along the sides of the truck bed, and a cover over top. The name "tap tap" comes from the fact that you tap the side of the truck when you want to get off then pay the driver. This was a fun ride with the cool, yet dusty breeze back to the compound. Although we only had one scare coming back, when a large paving truck decided to try to pass a slow moving tap tap, and headed straight towards us, but right before us he swerved over to his lane. Tom, (one of our team members) joked that when the other Haitian team members on the tap tap gasped, and were scared, we new that this was truly a scary experience since they are used to riding on tap taps. This particular road we were on was just being paved today, and there are no lines painted, and no speed limit; drivers seem to go as fast and drive as crazy as they can on this one paved road since all the other roads are dirt/gravel, and they have to go slow and careful. But we all had a good laugh about it.
We arrived safely back to the compound this afternoon, in which the entire property is gated, with barbed wire fencing around the perimeter, and the gates are manned by two to four men carrying large guns, almost looking like bounty hunters. I was intimidated at first, but each day passing by them to go to the clinics and returning they always give us a way and smile back if we wave to them.
After showers, laundry, house chores, some rest, others play card games, I blog, as we watch the Haitian cook making baked chicken with vegetables, and cut fresh fruits that Reggi drove far to get us yesterday. I look forward to dinner tonight although I am not very hungry, because we are constantly drinking Gatorade, crystal light, etc. since there is not any air conditioning and the hot weather. However, the house we stay in is very nice, with many many fans in every room, and screened windows, doors, and a porch to let the breeze flow through the house.
I am sad that tomorrow is our last day at clinic :) It is such a fulfilling experience, even just giving a baby some Tylenol today that had 104.4 temperature, and other medications for anemia, worms, vitamins. Just knowing you are a part of saving a life, is so worth it!! Even though I wish I could speak to each person in creole, the simple smiles or waves, we exchange I hope speak volumes. I look forward to tomorrow, although I hate that it will be the last clinic day :( However, I pray it will be memorable, and life changing, I look forward to working with Dr. Vlad again at the end of clinic to learn hands on how he treats each patient. It will be hard leaving Saturday morning, the week of course has seemed to to go by all too soon.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 4- Ash Wednesday, March 9th
I would like to start by talking about the end of our day, devotions. Today, Ash Wednesday had new meaning for me today. As this day is about sacrifice, in which Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for us to have eternal life. I saw today many living examples of true sacrifice. The sacrifices we may have made to come here to Haiti (time, money, etc.) seem to pale in comparison to the sacrifices the Haitian people make each day to live, to praise and serve the Lord.
The Haitian doctors come to mind, having the ability to practice in their home part of Haiti or even in the states, yet they choose to work with Baptist Men serving in some of the poorest areas. They even sponsor children from their salary for children to be able to go to school. (As many of the Haitians we met today that live on the Mt. are illiterate. Most schools are private & can only be afforded by the more wealthy people).
Another example I witnessed today in the Mt's. of Tapyo, was just the sharing and sacrifice the children make to help their siblings survive. In America we are very territorial, and whats mine is mine, yet here in Haiti the children although they are starving share their food. One such family came to me today with chicken pox, and all three children had very high fevers 102-103 degrees F. I immediately, went to get them Children's Tylenol, and began giving each of them the medication for their fevers. The baby had difficulty swallowing the medication, splattering a lot if it around. The middle and older child took their medications without any problem. As a token of appreciation I gave them my one last dumdum. It amazed me that without even being asked each child passed around the sucker to each other. Never complaining by calmly waiting for their turn. We saw this throughout the day as we gave some of our left over PB & J sandwiches to the workers that helped us and a few hungry children who began to break the sandwiches and divide them among the others. These children and families lived at the top of the mountain, covered in the dust that makes up these rocky Mt's. Many had no pants, no shoes, and were very anxious to receive any item, or piece of clothing we may have for them. I had a wonderful time with the children after the clinic was over. They enjoyed me taking their picture and them getting to see themselves for the first time. One baby girl I think I was the first white person she had seen. She was maybe 11-12 mths old, and would hide behind her sister as she tried to get closer to see me. Yet each time the sister would move, or I would move to try to just give her a sweet pink hat she would burst into tears and step away. The sister and I laughed, but after a while the little girl put on the hat I gave her, and smiled at me, but still would not get close to me. When I first arrived to the clinic, the children would stand off behind the cacti plants as I set up our triage table to do vitals. They would yell out "Yu, or Blah (white)" just to get us to wave to them. Just a simple wave and smile made them giggle and smile ear to hear as they repeated said "Yu, Yu, blah, blah". Gradually they would move closer and closer behind Samaritan's Purse sponsored shelters to get closer to us. Until they were right behind me, but as I would turn to see them they would run away. We ended up seeing 213 patients today, with a few others at the end that were not counted. Over all I saw similar problems of stomach, bone, back pains, cold/coughs, rashes, malnutrition, and few with fevers due to chicken pox.
As I looked around today during clinic their is a hen, and chicks pecker by, children and adults squatting in the small amounts of shade to watch as we saw the patients, one lady cooking on an open fire sweet potatoes to sell to the people coming to the clinic. Children chewing on sugar cane. One patient, a young boy, with beautiful full eyes, long lashes, captured my heart today. He wore girls flower adorned pants, and a blue polo shirt way to small for him, his frail father brought him to me, and told the translator his son was mute. Even though the child could not speak his beautiful face melted my heart.
Today the climb up the mountain was amazing seeing the sacrifice it takes the people who probably spend any entire day walking up or down for food/water, gasoline, etc. It was probably a 30 drive for us up a white dusty gravel road hugging the edge of the mountain. Along the way we saw children and families carry water, or food on balanced on their heads. Young children carrying the babies on their backs. Some have motorcycles, but most walk. One man whom we saw at the beginning of the day, was still chipping away at the rock on the side of the Mt. gathering stone to sell.
I think about the missionaries here, Bobby and Wanda sacrificing 6 wks to support and coordinate, and be the leaders for the groups coming each week. A man named Rodni, a Haitian who drove two hours to get us spare parts for our vans, as well as fresh fruit for us from the market. Rodni found out today that as part of a grant to give some Haitians citizenship in Canada, he & his wife were accepted, however he wants to stay and help Baptist Men as long as they are here. The many workers that help us each day do not get paid, but do this out of the love of the Lord, and their own ministries to the people of Haiti, and often are only paid with a PB & J sandwich and bottle of water at lunch.
The sacrifices I saw today really challenged me to pray about what I need to give up, not only for lent but in order to depend more on God, give up my control, my fears/worries, and crave Him/ serve Him more.
Tonight at the devotional, in closing we were read Psalm 51:1-17; in summary basically saying "have Mercy on us oh God, forgive us for our sins (our pride, control, worry, business, selfishness), for these are against you, cleanse us, create in me a PURE HEART, & RENEW a STEADFAST SPIRIT within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, & grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a contrite heart."
Tonight it is raining, our first sounds of rain on the house. I look forward to tomorrow working in tent city.
The Haitian doctors come to mind, having the ability to practice in their home part of Haiti or even in the states, yet they choose to work with Baptist Men serving in some of the poorest areas. They even sponsor children from their salary for children to be able to go to school. (As many of the Haitians we met today that live on the Mt. are illiterate. Most schools are private & can only be afforded by the more wealthy people).
Another example I witnessed today in the Mt's. of Tapyo, was just the sharing and sacrifice the children make to help their siblings survive. In America we are very territorial, and whats mine is mine, yet here in Haiti the children although they are starving share their food. One such family came to me today with chicken pox, and all three children had very high fevers 102-103 degrees F. I immediately, went to get them Children's Tylenol, and began giving each of them the medication for their fevers. The baby had difficulty swallowing the medication, splattering a lot if it around. The middle and older child took their medications without any problem. As a token of appreciation I gave them my one last dumdum. It amazed me that without even being asked each child passed around the sucker to each other. Never complaining by calmly waiting for their turn. We saw this throughout the day as we gave some of our left over PB & J sandwiches to the workers that helped us and a few hungry children who began to break the sandwiches and divide them among the others. These children and families lived at the top of the mountain, covered in the dust that makes up these rocky Mt's. Many had no pants, no shoes, and were very anxious to receive any item, or piece of clothing we may have for them. I had a wonderful time with the children after the clinic was over. They enjoyed me taking their picture and them getting to see themselves for the first time. One baby girl I think I was the first white person she had seen. She was maybe 11-12 mths old, and would hide behind her sister as she tried to get closer to see me. Yet each time the sister would move, or I would move to try to just give her a sweet pink hat she would burst into tears and step away. The sister and I laughed, but after a while the little girl put on the hat I gave her, and smiled at me, but still would not get close to me. When I first arrived to the clinic, the children would stand off behind the cacti plants as I set up our triage table to do vitals. They would yell out "Yu, or Blah (white)" just to get us to wave to them. Just a simple wave and smile made them giggle and smile ear to hear as they repeated said "Yu, Yu, blah, blah". Gradually they would move closer and closer behind Samaritan's Purse sponsored shelters to get closer to us. Until they were right behind me, but as I would turn to see them they would run away. We ended up seeing 213 patients today, with a few others at the end that were not counted. Over all I saw similar problems of stomach, bone, back pains, cold/coughs, rashes, malnutrition, and few with fevers due to chicken pox.
As I looked around today during clinic their is a hen, and chicks pecker by, children and adults squatting in the small amounts of shade to watch as we saw the patients, one lady cooking on an open fire sweet potatoes to sell to the people coming to the clinic. Children chewing on sugar cane. One patient, a young boy, with beautiful full eyes, long lashes, captured my heart today. He wore girls flower adorned pants, and a blue polo shirt way to small for him, his frail father brought him to me, and told the translator his son was mute. Even though the child could not speak his beautiful face melted my heart.
Today the climb up the mountain was amazing seeing the sacrifice it takes the people who probably spend any entire day walking up or down for food/water, gasoline, etc. It was probably a 30 drive for us up a white dusty gravel road hugging the edge of the mountain. Along the way we saw children and families carry water, or food on balanced on their heads. Young children carrying the babies on their backs. Some have motorcycles, but most walk. One man whom we saw at the beginning of the day, was still chipping away at the rock on the side of the Mt. gathering stone to sell.
I think about the missionaries here, Bobby and Wanda sacrificing 6 wks to support and coordinate, and be the leaders for the groups coming each week. A man named Rodni, a Haitian who drove two hours to get us spare parts for our vans, as well as fresh fruit for us from the market. Rodni found out today that as part of a grant to give some Haitians citizenship in Canada, he & his wife were accepted, however he wants to stay and help Baptist Men as long as they are here. The many workers that help us each day do not get paid, but do this out of the love of the Lord, and their own ministries to the people of Haiti, and often are only paid with a PB & J sandwich and bottle of water at lunch.
The sacrifices I saw today really challenged me to pray about what I need to give up, not only for lent but in order to depend more on God, give up my control, my fears/worries, and crave Him/ serve Him more.
Tonight at the devotional, in closing we were read Psalm 51:1-17; in summary basically saying "have Mercy on us oh God, forgive us for our sins (our pride, control, worry, business, selfishness), for these are against you, cleanse us, create in me a PURE HEART, & RENEW a STEADFAST SPIRIT within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, & grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a contrite heart."
Tonight it is raining, our first sounds of rain on the house. I look forward to tomorrow working in tent city.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Verse for the day Psalm 63:4
"Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry & weary land where there is no water. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."
Psalm 63:4
This verse brings to mind the people of Haiti, who are thirsty and hungry yet they still seek earnestly the Lord. I am reminded today that of out of the hundreds of people who waited in our clinic, no one had water to drink, except a small toddler girl who was sucking relief water from a pouch she had been given. As I was blessed to have plenty of water today to drink, that could have been me going without water. Oh how I pray to that I would thirst for the Lord more, and crave Him more and more each day.
Psalm 63:4
This verse brings to mind the people of Haiti, who are thirsty and hungry yet they still seek earnestly the Lord. I am reminded today that of out of the hundreds of people who waited in our clinic, no one had water to drink, except a small toddler girl who was sucking relief water from a pouch she had been given. As I was blessed to have plenty of water today to drink, that could have been me going without water. Oh how I pray to that I would thirst for the Lord more, and crave Him more and more each day.
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