Haiti Studs:  5 Year Bracelets

Saturday, January 13, 2018

On our last day, we honored our 5 year Haiti Studs, the people that have served on the mission five times (does not have to be consecutive).  A simple Haiti bracelet was awarded by Terry Fee, which according to Jackie Hyland is better than diamonds!  Here is what Terry said (any mistakes are mine, I was note taking as fast as I could):

Sherri Orr:  Sherri’s the energizer bunny, whenever my energy is flagging, I look for her.  She’s a cheerleader.  She was in her prime when she was at the prayer table for the hotel clinic yesterday, when Sherri prayed, “God bless these mighty men.”   Sherri becomes the mama to our younger volunteers that serve without parents also being on the trip. Sherri watched over my nephew, who is a seeker.

Summer Nguyen: When Summer joined us in 2013, we were so thankful for another MD.  She doesn’t weigh much and has a “little” voice, but she also has the power of 50 people.  On her first clinic day Summer fashioned an “emergency room, using the suitcases.  She is Super-efficient.  Terry’s strongest memory – the first year she served, Friday morning, early before breakfast, she was out performing surgery on one of the hotel employees.  Summer had not known the much about the Haitian culture, nor had she talked to Fabienne about helping the hotel staff.  Terry asked Sumer, “what can I do?” and Summer rattled off a list of things she needed, and suggested Terry find them from Yvonne, who has everything!   Summer’s action were the precursor of the hotel clinic. 

Teresa Plank:  On the first mission trip in 2012, Teresa said “I can’t be a provider but can help in other ways.”  Well, Teresa quickly became a provider.  She is an angel of mercy wherever she was needed. What stands out in my mind is how she is connected with our Haitian doctors.  She finds out what each needs, she gets to connected to them.  My most profound memory is when my brother-in-law was ill and needed to be medically evacuated out of Haiti back to the United States, Teresa supported me with this difficult time.  She told me  “He needs to get home.”  That night, Teresa slept in his room, taking care of him until it was time to head home.  And let’s not forget, Teresa’s husband is a sweetheart.  Her husband, Ken, ships our supplies at a significantly discounted price.

Sarah Gagner – on the first mission trip in 2012.  She had recently graduated from college as an RN.  One of my most profound was Sarah caring for a man at Ebenezer.  The man had a foot infected with maggots and gangrene.  She worked with him under one of the trees, washing and cleaning his foot.  She was the main provider.  Yesterday, a woman walked in coughing, and to prevent others from catching her cold, we walked her straight to Sarah to quickly serve the woman.  Finally, yesterday Sarah was our breast cancer awareness trainer.  The Haitian nurses were mesmerized.  She found a clever way to integrate the bras that were donated to the mission trip. Sarah told the Haitian nurses that she wanted them to have a new bra as a reminder to do the self-examination monthly. 

Photo to be posted as soon as I get it!