Today in Haiti it is a holiday. Most workers were given the day off of work (similar to Labor Day in the States). Due to the National holiday, there were many Haitians out at market, and going to spend time with their families. The dedication and commitment of the whole staff here at the Guest House is amazing. The team really works hard behind the scenes taking care of the teams, cooking, cleaning, washing and taking such amazing care of all of us here. Special people are involved who sacrifice their time for us. It doesn't go unnoticed by our team.
Our plan for today was to go to Carrfours, which is a home for the sick and dying adults. We planned to go in and give them supplies along with comfort and care. The plan changed due to the holiday today. We arrived at Carrfours and were unable to go in to serve because they let many of their staff have the day off to be with their families. While we were outside their gate, we did serve many families and children with the pampering of lotion, nail polish, jump roping and taking pictures of the teenage girls as they loved doing silly poses while waiting by the gate. It amazes me how smiles and just the most basic of items when given with caring hands, bring such joy to so many.
We met a woman being helped to the Carrfours gate by her husband. She was very ill. She was feverish, dehydrated, could barely hold her head up and was being helped to walk the long way there. We were able to attend to her need with some shade, fanning her with a plastic tub lid, and were able to convince her to take a water bottle with electrolytes from us. We gave her some very basic snack food and stayed with her until we were able to have the gates opened for her admittance. We did not take any pictures of our encounter with the ill woman.
Our next stop was to go to the General Hospital and distribute care packages we had assembled the previous night. The packages consisted of lotions, soap, wash cloths, granola bars, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other basic necessities were included in these packs that our team spent time assembling last night. Many of the staff where I work collected and bought medical supplies to bring down to meet this need for the sick.
At general hospital we entered to a long line of sick children awaiting care. There were many cribs inside lining the room. The space was very tight with crib upon crib and only enough space for one to walk between or for a mother to sit and hold a child. Some children didn't have beds and these were held on a mother's lap between cribs or in a walkway. Each child brightened and many reached up to be picked up when we entered. Many, however were to ill to be held. Many had diseases that have been eradicated in the US including Typhoid Fever, Tuberculosis, Elephantitis and another with a possible yellow fever. The mother's and family members were present and they were so attentive to their children. The staff of the hospital were working hard. The numbers of children present, we estimated would fill all of the Children's ICU's in the Twin Cities. There were primitive and sometimes ill-fitting supplies present.
A child was pointed out to us who was having difficulty breathing. The mother was distraught, limp and desperately resigned to allow anyone present to help her child. This child was not moving and had a diminishing heart rate and was breathing shallowly and ineffectively. The team did initiate CPR and were able to revive her. However, after obtaining her history, it was clear that she had an underlying condition of spinal cord abnormality. She is unable to receive the care she would need over her lifetime.
The people surrounding this child were extremely touching. The other mother's and family members surrounded this mother and child while the team worked on her. They began a cultural hum of support and it was clear to us how much the Haitian people love and support their fellow neighbor.
This was a very difficult departure for our team. The people and children were so gracious and will forever be remembered in our minds. God was truly at work making sure that we were at the right place at the right time to intervene. And while we aren't always able to intervene with more than our very basic gifts and talents, He is still in control and directing our steps.
The Haitian History Center was the tour we were able to take on the way home. It added to our knowledge of this amazing country. From the Indians and Christopher Columbus's arrival throughout history up until the present Heads of State, we were able to see and clearly understand the history and culture of the island. One artifact that was present in this museum was the anchor from the Santa Maria. There was also a moon rock from the US Apollo 11 moon mission.
We came back to a home made Haitian meal which was delicious. We were very thankful for this amazing glimpse into the Haitian culture. The staff worked very hard and we were very appreciative for all that they do to serve us.
Team meetings, slide shows and reflection closed the day. Many had insight into how we are being used on this trip
..... What so ever you do to the least of your brother, that you do unto me.......
~Sherri & Ann
Our next stop was to go to the General Hospital and distribute care packages we had assembled the previous night. The packages consisted of lotions, soap, wash cloths, granola bars, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other basic necessities were included in these packs that our team spent time assembling last night. Many of the staff where I work collected and bought medical supplies to bring down to meet this need for the sick.
A child was pointed out to us who was having difficulty breathing. The mother was distraught, limp and desperately resigned to allow anyone present to help her child. This child was not moving and had a diminishing heart rate and was breathing shallowly and ineffectively. The team did initiate CPR and were able to revive her. However, after obtaining her history, it was clear that she had an underlying condition of spinal cord abnormality. She is unable to receive the care she would need over her lifetime.
The people surrounding this child were extremely touching. The other mother's and family members surrounded this mother and child while the team worked on her. They began a cultural hum of support and it was clear to us how much the Haitian people love and support their fellow neighbor.
This was a very difficult departure for our team. The people and children were so gracious and will forever be remembered in our minds. God was truly at work making sure that we were at the right place at the right time to intervene. And while we aren't always able to intervene with more than our very basic gifts and talents, He is still in control and directing our steps.
The Haitian History Center was the tour we were able to take on the way home. It added to our knowledge of this amazing country. From the Indians and Christopher Columbus's arrival throughout history up until the present Heads of State, we were able to see and clearly understand the history and culture of the island. One artifact that was present in this museum was the anchor from the Santa Maria. There was also a moon rock from the US Apollo 11 moon mission.
We came back to a home made Haitian meal which was delicious. We were very thankful for this amazing glimpse into the Haitian culture. The staff worked very hard and we were very appreciative for all that they do to serve us.
Team meetings, slide shows and reflection closed the day. Many had insight into how we are being used on this trip
..... What so ever you do to the least of your brother, that you do unto me.......
~Sherri & Ann
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