Day two in Haiti has come and gone and as I reflect back on the day I keeping thinking of a quote I noticed on a rock in the guesthouse, "Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever. It describes our day at the home of the sick and dying perfectly. It is hard to walk away after placing an infant or child back in their crib, knowing that they may not survive through the night. Their cries for love and attention are not easily forgotten; their smiles and laughter seared into your heart and mind. It amazes me to watch them laugh and smile even though most could barely hold their head up or lift their arm because they are so weak from disease or malnutrition. Pardon the cliche, but laughter really is the best medicine. As always, I'm in awe of the nuns and helpers that work tirelessly to feed, change, play and treat the babies and children. I can imagine it being mentally, physically and spiritually taxing to the point of helplessness at times. Going to the home for the sick and dying for me has always been the most challenging day in Haiti, but always my favorite.
After dinner, the team decided to do an impromptu clinic out of the tap tap at one of the tent cities close by. Jean drove us to the tent city and did some much appreciated triage, translation and crowd control. Each day here has provided some critical knowledge & information on organizing and operating our "clinics". Once word spread, we had a line outside the tap tap and a crowd inside the tap tap. We treated 3-5 patients at a time and ended up treating 37 patients in 1 hour. The team as a whole was energized, encouraged and renewed by our mission. Our goal on this journey has always been to help 1 patient. Every life is precious and important and if we only touch one than we have accomplished what we set out to do. As always, God's plans abundantly exceed ours. We are blessed with any incredible team; a team who collaborates, cooperates and meshes well together. Each member has her role yet we cannot function without the group as a whole.
Tomorrow we look forward to hosting a clinic at Reiser Heights. I can't wait to see what God has planned for us!
Sounds amazing! Jean is such a great sport! Tomorrow will be a bumpy ride. Enjoy the fresh air. God Speed to your team!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of the work that you all are doing! My heart is with you and you have been a steady presence in my prayers. I pray for discernment and wisdom of the Spirit with each patient that steps into the tap clinic. You are His hands and feet!
ReplyDelete