Back in Haiti: highs and lows from week one…
highs:
-out in the beautiful countryside of haiti, we set up a clinic for three days. we were blessed with great translation and a group of helpful guys, who not only served willingly, but were alot of fun :) a boy came in on the second day with a tooth so infected that the whole left side of his face was immensely swollen. we were able to send him immediately to the hospital, with money to cover the cost of his care. thank you, Jesus, for sending him to us.
-my mom and my brother came with on this trip. they loved their experience and both want to return :) this make my heart a happy one.
-a delightful family, very involved in the the church, brought three of their kids to us on the last day of clinic. all very sick with high fevers, we equipped the mom with pedialyte, tylenol, and education on the importance of rest and fluids. the highest fever, at 104 degrees, belonged to 7yr old, julie. i sat through the next two patients with her, weak and shaking, on my lap. i told their mom that we would come over to their house later to check on the kids, and we did just that. thankfully, all of their fevers had come down and they were resting comfortably with juice and water nearby. i wouldn’t wish illness on anyone, and my heart ached and worried about those sweet children. but i also thank God for the door that was opened in that situation to build relationships in the community. to show them God’s love through our care and concern for their well being, was an honor.
-my week was spent with much loved team members who worked hard and served well, with great attitudes through it all.
-during clinic hours while people waited or once they were done, we served them by offering feet washing and “pedicures.” men and women alike took the opportunity, and i am so excited by how well it went over! what an honor to offer them a chance to be pampered :)
lows:
-bug bites
-less time playing with the kids than in passed trips
-a difficult, heavy, and distracting week and a half prior to coming. i am so thankful to be here.
