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.