The Scroll of Isiah

Our Last Day?!

Our amazing providers and nurses taught classes to local nurses: CPR, skin, STD... We had the privilege of Holy Communion tonight (however unorthodox), and we continued the tradition of writing each other affirmations. Tomorrow, we'll attend church and be on our way home... How quickly this week has flown by. Thank God for this incredible team. I'll never forget this life-changing experience. Love, Sera

Still more pictures!

One Punny Bus Ride

Cattle blocked the road in front of our bus, and the team made jokes (if you can call them that). 

"Don't STEER us wrong!

Use your HORN! 

That ain't no BULL! 

I've never HERD of this one. 

If we hit one, it would be an UDDER shame. 

We really MILKED that!" (referring to the amount of puns)

Another day, there were men carrying mattresses on their heads, and it began again...

"Looks like they're SLEEPWALKING.

They've certainly got a SPRING in their step!

Those guys are definitely not LYING DOWN on the job.

That's making a BLANKET statement.

Ok, guys, I think that about COVERS it.

Yeah, let's put this thing to REST!"

Friday.

"I used think being a believer was enough, but now I know Jesus wants us to participate, no matter what condition we are in." - Lauren Brashears, quoting Bob Goff

CEDAN by the numbers: 

10 surgeries 

27 dental 

25 OBGYN

261 general 

323 total patients! 

Weekly total? 1,085 people!! 

How blessed we are to have met and treated so many Haitians! Incredible job, team! Praise God. 

Last night's devotional included Fabienne relating the politics of orchestrating a mission like ours. Nicolas chimed in that "you have to be a strong leader." Pastor Ryan was reminded of the Keith Green song lyrics: "Rushing wind blow through this temple / Blowing out the dust within" triage :)

Denny told us that he had a woman come up to him and say, "I'd like to pray for your team." Surprising and humbling to say the least. 

Mary Sue was incredible, breaking every station and continuing her detailed administration at every turn. 

Liz was available to anyone that needed her--even if they didn't know it yet. She fit in perfectly to every station and never ceased asking if anyone needed help. 

Margaret said, "I'm not sure I was ready last year" and commented on God's perfect plan. He tells us to stop so we can feel "that settling" and just pray. 

Alicia usually works with young girls, so interacting with the elderly was a new experience for her. She said that they were "honoring us" by dressing in their Sunday-best outfits to come to clinic. 

Terry's translator told her: "We have nothing to give you." We, of course, know this is not true--that the Haitian people are so grateful and give us the opportunity to serve them. We are honored to give to them, and his comment is a blessing on us. 

It's our next generation, like the wonderful Nathan and amazing Joy, in which we must invest. I pray that God lifts them up and inspires them to become great leaders like Fabienne (a pillar in her community) and Nicolas (a mayor in his hometown). 

Pastor Ryan spoke of Jesus' homecoming to Nazareth and how he was not readily accepted. "Physician, heal yourself!" (an apt correlation to our mission) Nicolas will have to prove himself in much the same way, as he prepares to lead where he grew up. 

In the coming weeks, I pray that the group remembers their time here and continues to apply the same mentality, spirit, and energy that they have every day in Haiti thus far. I pray that we all look around our current lives and find all of the endless reasons to be thankful. 

More pictures!

Thursday.

Dutty (pronounced "doo-tay") by the numbers: 

4 surgeries

24 dental procedures

215 OBGYN & general 

243 total patients! 

Even though we started an hour and a half late (you must always be flexible in Haiti!), we served only 5 fewer people than yesterday AND managed to finish an hour early. The spirit of the Lord was definitely with us as we hit our stride today. 

Dr. Jim Korb "referred" a patient to Pastor Ryan. They drove the child to Dr. Ford's clinic down the road where she could stay and be fed for 6 weeks for only $37.

Pastor Bob Mabry was struck by the sight of a young translator laying hands on a patient and praying with him. 

Nathan was "touched when I saw my grandpa's walker being used by the old woman in the white dress." Pastor Ryan commented that the Ng family has been supporting the church's global endeavors for generations. 

Ian marveled at the possibility that any of his patients could have not survived 2 weeks, but because they came in we had the chance to see them walk out of the clinic with a smile on his or her face. 

There was quite an exciting incident that occurred at the end of the day where Dr. Sarah and Dr. Bordes worked together to rescue a male patient. The ever-prepared Yvonne then came to the doctors' rescue with supplies they would not have otherwise had. "God brought all of those ingredients together," Dr. Sarah said. 

Ian, Sabrina, and Jim all came out of nowhere to attend to Nancy's patient who fainted. She marveled at their incredibly fast response. 

Last year, Dr. Dan removed a mass from a woman, and she returned this year just to thank him! "You take it for granted sometimes," Dan said thoughtfully. 

Dr. John commmented on "the very personal nature of suffering" by reminding all of us that, although we may not make a dramatic impact on Haiti's medical system, we need only improve one person's life. 

Alicia, who gave out 84 Days for Girls kits today, was so impressed with the "people waiting for prayer." It's amazing how Pastor Bob remembers every person with whom he prays that day. Terry commented that "seeing Bob pray is so powerful." 

Debbie gave her socks to a young man who didn't have any... That kind of generosity doesn't need any further explanation.  

Ian thanked the group for praying for his ability to transcend the language barrier and pray with his patients. Remarkable. 

Jackie praised the strength of the Haitian people, while Sarah relishes every opportunity to help them "build themselves." 

Lauren gave sight to some elderly people for the first time today. They thanked her profusely and blessed her home/family just because she gave them reading glasses. 

Denny impressed Fabienne greatly today. She said he is what her definition of "follow-through." 

David often appeared out of nowhere to help me. Amy always had answers to my questions. Tara prayed with me when I made a mistake. Nancy engineered solutions in the most unlikely of places. Sherri can do anything, literally, and constantly cares for every person around her. Joy has an AMAZING attitude--and did you know she's been accepted to West Point??

I had the privilege of escorting a woman from the pharmacy to the prayer line. Unfortunately, her house had been badly burned recently. As I walked her, I laid a hand on her and prayed out loud (without a translator) the best I could. I felt embarrassed because I wasn't being eloquent, but I know God was hearing my meaning, and I hoped the woman could feel my my meaning. 

As I type this, Richard is regaling us with fascinating stories about Haiti's culture, politics, economics, and people... Dr. Bordes is playing Fleur de Lis tonight.. Not a bad way to end an evening, lounging by the pool, surrounded by people I admire. 

- Sera

Pictures!

And now...

...as we all settle into our rooms for the night (after a rousing food packing session - go Team Rice!) a warm rain begins to fall... And the magical notes of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata waft over the air, courtesy of the talented Dr. Bordes. 

Wednesday.

Eben Ezar by the numbers: 

6 surgeries

22 dental procedures

242 OBGYN & general 

270 total patients! 

Tonight's devotional consisted of the following testimonies: 

- Ken assisted a woman that he thought he couldn't help. She had all of the signs of tuberculosis. He prayed for her and made sure Pastor Bob did, as well, and then found out some amazing news: that the clinic offers free TB testing and that Haiti often subsidizes or covers treatment, so as to eradicate the disease. Ken's prayers were answered. 

- Dr. John spoke of a woman whose headaches were brought on by stress, trauma, and anxiety. She had been witness to her neighbor's murder. He prayed that the "closeness of an evil event" not weigh on her anymore and that she find peace and comfort. 

- Margaret had a patient with a toothache  who was in so much pain, but the dentist couldn't treat her until she got her blood pressure under control. Margaret and her team worked and succeeded until her admittance! Five hours later, the woman emerged from Dr. Aquis' with huge relief!

 

- Fabienne's hardworking husband, Richard, rounded up his fellow translators and instructed them to pick up trash around the site. Pastor Ryan aptly called this "leading my example," and it was a very "teachable moment." 

- Sabrina was an incredible asset to her patients today. More that once I witnessed her personally escorting them around and giving them an unparalleled level of care. 

- Jackie told us that one of the translators, William, had said to her: "Your people know what to do for my people." Such a simple and profound comment. And what a humbling sentiment. 

- "It didn't take me long to realize that God is doing amazing things here," said Ian Lemin, who admitted that his first time in an impoverished country has been unlike anything he expected. 

- Lauren felt "proud" of her team, and Alicia told us: "you shine!" She had some special things to say about Francie's work ethic, which made her blush uncontrollably. 

- Nathan becomes more and more "humbled" during every bus ride through the city. He observed the vast differences in the quality of life and has truly shown his appreciation for the people of Haiti since the moment he set foot here. 

- Sarah Lemin spoke about the "continuity of care" that she cannot provide with the limited supplies we have here, but she finds comfort and strength in God to push past those sometimes overwhelming feelings. 

Tuesday.

Today, marks the 6 year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. What's more is that it falls on a Tuesday, the same as that fateful day. Many people here consider this to be a bad omen because, as Fabienne admits, it's a "primarily voo doo town." She marvels at the amount of Christian conversions as a result of the misisons coming to town. Misisons like ours: Hope for Haiti. 

Today, by the numbers:

4 surgeries

30 dental 

37 OBGYN

177 general practice

A total of 248 patients!!

Today, 102 "Days for Girls" kits were given out. Alicia Zubiri passionately demonstrated and spoke about feminine hygiene, assuring the recipients of the kits that "each one was made with love for YOU."

Today, I worked in the pharmacy with the amazing Tara, Amy, Joy, Sherry, Nancy K., and David. These incredible individuals, deftly handled the influx of demanding patients. 

Today, a baby's life was saved. At first, his mother was not present because she had only enough money to send one patient and chose her child over herself. But when the team realized that she had a terrible condition herself, they worked with the Haitian team to get her out to the clinic site to be treated. 

Today, Lauren realized that she needed to give it up to God. When she did, she was given the incredible gift of clarity. As she drove along the road from the hotel back to the site, she was given a completely new perspective. She was able to "look [the Haitian people] in the eyes and pray for them right there." 

Tonight, Fabienne shared. She is convinced that, even if we help one person, we are fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. He arranged flights and buses and whatnot to get us to a certain place in our lives where we are present to HELP. What we are giving is "not a handout; it's a hand up," according to Jackie and Yvonne. 

Tonight, Dr. Bordes bravely shared with us his harrowing experience with the earthquake those 6 short years ago. His testified that God wanted him to be "useful to [his] community," which required him to rebuild after the devastation. He went from planning a clean, private clinic in his parents' home to a public clinic where "we don't have a lot, but we don't lack much." He believes that God gives one of three answers to prayer: YES, NO, and WAIT. After surviving the earthquake, rebuilding his practice, and making the decision to help his fellow Haitians, Dr. Bordes truly leads by example. 

Tonight, we discussed some of our KAIROS moments. What are yours? 

Observations

"You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!" Galatians 4:10 

Driving through the "Nord" region of Haiti is a blur of color and smells. 

Alicia Zubiri is hopeful for Haiti's residents, as she sees crops of corn, plantains, bananas, cucumbers, and other vegetables. She believes that, if they can become even moderately successful farmers, there is a bright future ahead.  

Clothes are strewn on cacti to dry. These barbed plants make excellent fences around each property.

Children play in the rubble of a 3-walled house. 

Several young men strike up an impromptu football (soccer) game in a nearby field. 

Pink-green-yellow shops pile on top of each other. 

We marvel at the incredible grace and poise of the women balancing on their heads large baskets--of laundry, yes, but also shoes, soft drinks, and even hundreds of eggs!

Goats, dogs, hens, cows, pigs, donkeys are all grazing in the fields and by the roadside. 

We witness what Mary Sue called "the beauty of Haiti" as we round the corner on our way to the top of a mountain. We are treated to a beautiful view of deep blue bays and rich green forests.

The pungent smell of the burning Cassava fields hits hits us all squarely in the face. "But it tastes great!" says Sarah G.

Expansive fields with random palm trees hold snowy egrets pecking bugs off of cows' flanks. 

A pair of siblings build a boat in their front yard. 

Inside makeshift bus stops of bamboo sticks and linen sheets, some stone-faced men and women watch our bus bounce by. 

Sharply dressed teenagers walk to school. Their crisp white uniforms are a stark contrast to their beautifully dark skin. They help each other across broken bridges suspended over deep gorges along the road. 

Iron gates hold back the lush courtyards of some of the wealthier neighbors. 

 

Four passengers to a motorcycle! as they speed past landscapes of plastic bottles, which Francie claims were knee-high just a year ago. The progress they've made is amazing to see, she says. 

"They work so hard," Nancy muses to herself, looking out at the downtown swarming with bodies, motorcycles, and loud music.

And that's the point of it all: the work. The people who need God's love work hard to simply stay afloat. Our duty is to help them help themselves and look forward to a brighter future. 

- Sera

Matthew 28:20KJV:  "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Volunteer Spotlight: John Hoefs

"To me, humility means the ability to learn." - John Hoefs spoke to me about being flexible and making sure you are open to hearing the lessons that God has in store for us. He has been coming to Haiti for 5 years. I asked him what made him decide to go the first time, and he attested that it wasn't his decision. "I believe that God calls us. I believe that He doesn't expect everyone to do everything, but that everyone can do something. I have no problem saying 'no,' but to this I can say 'yes." John has been an integral part of the missions team by practicing as a general practitioner during the clinics. At home, he specializes in adult liver diseases. - Sera

Mirdage's School

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14) For many of us, it was difficult to leave these beautiful children after spending time with them, playing games, and teaching them skills. Lauren demonstrated how to brush one's teeth properly, and it became an interactive experience. Alicia represented Days for Girls and taught the young women about feminine hygiene. I had the privilege of gifting the flannel graph after enacting the story of the creation. - Sera

 

The Chapel

"Prosternez-vous Devant lu Majesté du Seigneur" 

The chapel door was built with an extremely low clearance, so we must bow our heads in order to enter. The act is meant to encourage deference toward God and remind us that we should be mindful of coming humbly before Him. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:10

Pictured: Pastor Ryan Warne-McGraw, Nathan Ng, and Pastor Bob Mabry

We've arrived!

After a fairly smooth trip through Customs, we've arrived at Hotel Cana. 

Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner and fellowship and discuss the week's schedule. Stay tuned! 

Philippians 4:19

God has showered us with blessings.

Haiti, here we come!