When one door closes another opens

As I sit here and reflect of my year living in Haiti, I wonder how it’s even possible that I will be heading home in just days. I remember all the exciting thoughts of living in Haiti, a country that I myself new very little about. However, with that excitement came butterflies, a mind fearful of the unknown, a heart sad to leave so many loved ones behind, but a Spirit at peace. Here I am a year later with all these very same feelings as I prepare to go home. I begin to question the things that have yet to been done and the many faces that I want to see prior to my departure. I have come to realize I will no longer be among the Haitian community here; my returns will now be only visits. I dislike the thought that many of these babies and little children will forget who I am (selfish I know), but it is true.

My American community is going to change completely. The memories and hours upon hours spent with my family here will no longer be present. I no longer will eat, sleep, work, play and breathe with Aubs and Brooke. I will no longer find myself hugging Papa Jim each day, seeing Mama Cheryl fiddle with anything she can get her hands on, the many many nights of Wizard, the laughter shared, the hot exhausting walks to Chambrun, the sounds of machetes cutting brush and the morning activites on my morning runs….the list goes on and on and on! Many people think that I have been in Haiti loving and serving the Haitians here, but I too have received from them the same. God says in Galatians 6:7-8: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Our Family

The Interns aka Alpha Squad 🙂

The Triagio!

I still find myself trying to process so many things in my mind, and still yet have no idea how to. I’m often asked how are you doing? Whats going through your mind? How are you processing it all? Are you really heading home? When are you returning? Honestly I’m not sure I have an answer . I’d like to say day by day it changes but its more like moment to moment. You may laugh or think it is completely weird but I would compare it to the birth of a child. No I haven’t birthed a child! However, my Mom has birthed 6 and has always said with the birth of a child comes a rush of every emotion imaginable. For me I feel that is exactly what I am going through.

Waves of every imaginable emotion possible. But the beauty of it all is God’s plan is greater and better than I can ever possible imagine.

 

The Word says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “ It is through faith that I know God uses all things for His Good!

Clinic Crew!

With that being God never promised that life decisions were going to be easy. The reality is there will always be reasons to keep me here, but it’s not about me, its about surrendering my life to His will daily. It is a walk of obedience and knowing that when God closes one door another will open and that it isn’t what I am doing it is what God is doing through me. I didn’t come to Haiti to put my life on hold, or to do my duty; God has lead me here and it has been a privilege. It has been a blessing to serve the people of Haiti!

Everyone has a story of their own.

 

Proverbs 3: 5-6     Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

 

This is the day that the Lord has made…..

I hope that many of you will find as much joy as I do every time I watch it. My apologizes for any shakiness with the camera 🙂 Happy Sunday too you!

The Echoing words of my Father….

I often here the echoing in my ears of a phrase my Father frequently used, “ Life just isn’t fair!” This phrase was typically followed by what seemed like real problems for me. I would complain when my older siblings had rights over me, having to follow my parents rules while living at home, having to live on a farm w/chores, or even just loosing a simple basketball game. As years went by my “real life problems” changed. Come to find out the things that I thought were real life problems, weren’t problems at all. They were just apart of what has made me…me.

Since my time in Haiti I have seen what I believe as real life problems or 3^rd world country problems. Problems that I once made myself believe weren’t there. Problems that went as far back as the beginning of time when sin first entered with Adam and Eve. Everyday I seem to find myself hearing my fathers words much louder and more frequently.

I would like to share with you 2 stories of infants:

Baby 1 (26 days old)

• Born at 10months gestation
• 4.57kg
• Mom 25 y.o and alive
• Mom breastfeeds baby
• Family is supportive
• Mother lives with the babies father

Baby 2 (25 days old)

• Born 1month early
• 1.4kg
• Mom 19y.o/died 5 days after babies birth related to problems with preeclampsia
• Mothers cousin who is 18 y.o. cares for the baby and her 1 ½ y.o.
• Baby drinks sugar water with a little milk
• Babies father is occasionally around
• Lacks family support

Now that you have read basic information about them, what do you picture? I’m not asking you to play God but what does their future look like? What will their lives look like 3 years from now? Will they still be so different, will one always be fighting to survive?

One day apart at birth, yet 2 worlds apart from one another. Isn’t that life ? Some are born with money others are not. Some are born with food on their plate, others are born dying of starvation, some children wish their childhood away, while others have theirs stolen, some are forced to go to school, while others are begging to, some turn the faucet on for water while others carry buckets and buckets, some women can bear children others cannot. I could go on and on. Above is just one example, yet it is found worldwide. Country to country, town to town, house to house, and person to person.

How do you get your water?

“There will be no more suffering…”

I am not here to speak of the unfairness of life, because that isn’t what God is showing me. If I want to get caught up in the act of fairness, lets look at Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. I don’t think God wants me preoccupied with these kind of thoughts, even though it is so very easy to do. I wish I could say that each day gets easier, but then I would be lying. Instead I’m learning that my focus is to be on Him with the knowledge that His Spirit will lead me well. I’m not to ignore the needs and unfairness of life but to embrace it. I’m to do the work that glorifies our Heavenly Father, placing the welfare of others before myself whatever that maybe. I’m to be an example of the light, to speak the Truth, and share the Good News of His return when suffering will longer be present. He makes good out of the bad. So yes “Life is Unfair” and yes I will continue to hear my Fathers words echoing in my ears, but I know that He has made a promise and God is FAITHFUL!

“ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, no sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelations 21:4.

Bernardia still smiling after losing her 15 day old baby in February

Kassan from a family of 7 full of life and love

Embracing the moment with our arms wide open

Gwo Bef, Gwo Pwason, Gwo Melon

 

What started out as just a trip to the airport, became a 5 hour adventure filled with lots of laughter. On May 1^st Haiti celebrates what is called International Worker’s Day, which is similar to our Labor Day in the US. One of the ways they celebrate this holiday in Haiti is through an Agriculture Fair.

 

When we first found out about this Fair I remember Brandon saying that this is a fair with “gwo bef, gwo pwason, e gwo melon.” In other words we would be seeing the largest beef cow, largest Tilapia, and largest watermelon. Exciting I know, who could turn a fair like this down. Pretty much immediately we were all in. We were so in we though we would be able to find the fair on our own. We figured we would possibly look for a sign that said “ gwo bef, gwo pwason, e gwo melon…this way.” Lets just say it was a good thing we followed Pastor Pierre and his family.

 

 

 

 

 

There were so many people that it was going to take us nearly 2 hours to go about 1 ½ miles in traffic. Pastor thought it would be a good idea to park our vehicles and either walk or take a moto; most of us were interested in the moto but we walked. In all honesty I really enjoyed the walk and seeing all the street vendors at eye level. It was completely different than when you pass it all in a vehicle.

With in 20min we arrived at our destination, I belief some type of Haiti Agriculture Institute. Couldn’t believe the people, pretty sure half of Haiti was there. Of course there weren’t a lot of Americans. It was funny at one point a girl pointed at Maggie and said “ blan.” Other little girls would touch our skin to get our attention and then smile. Without a doubt we didn’t blend in.

Entrance to our destination

 

There were anywhere from farm animals (cattle, chickens, geese..), Iquana’s, clay charcoal, various plants, equipment, food/cotton candy and several shops. There were a lot of what looked liked several education booths. In no time we found our “gwo bef,” he seemed to have quite the crowd. Any how the Institutes grounds were filled with several people enjoying an afternoon out with friends and family.

Maggie and I enjoying our vanilla fudge-cicle

After a couple hours we found ourselves heading home, while enjoying a little grilled field corn on our way. So glad we didn’t take a moto, pretty sure we were walking faster than they were driving. The traffic was crazy, and if anyone know Haiti traffic they will also know you never know what to expect. At one point I about jumped into Brooke’s arms as a vehicle passed me, Brooke couldn’t help but giggle.

Ti Bef

Machinery

Iguana's hiding in the corner

Geese of some sort

It was great to take part in this Haitian Festivity with some of my NVM family as well as the Haitians there. Such an experience of its self, a time where we could get another taste of life in Haiti. No gwo melon, no gwo pwason, and 1 gwo bef.  Thank You Pastor Pierre for taking 5 additional children along with you on your family outing.

 

Compliance and Prayer

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8

Another crazy busy week for everyone here at NVM. Last week we had the honor of working alongside both Mercy Ships Medical Team as well as Living Waters Team medical/carpentry. Mercy Ships spent their time providing mobile medical clinic to Haitians in Onaville, Trou Caiman, and Lycee. Living Waters medical teams’ main focus was providing OBGYN care here at NVM Campus.

For a day I worked in the clinic with Living Waters Medical team. It was so great instead of sending patients out for exams, we were able to perform many of them here on campus and treat them. For the first time we had a lab set up in one of our rooms. For a brief moment I got a feel for what it’s going to be like when we have a lab actually up and running in the hospital. It’s going to be great!

Kimberly you're a pro : )

 

 

Sylvia, Syliana, and Christinlove

Primarily I worked alongside Mercy Ships and even better along the side of Sylvia Thacker. For those that don’t know, Sylvia Thacker Senior Team Leader for Mercy Ships, has a heart of gold. Everyday out was great and made a story of its own. However for me one story was more rewarding than all the rest, one that made me say “God you are so good and that ultimately we must trust in You.”

Toward the end of February my team from back home left with a heavy heart due to the unknown destiny of one particular child. A little child that’s mentally challenged,underweight, dehydrated, and in respiratory distress as a result to pneumonia. After lots and lots of education and prayer, they left knowing that they did what they could and the rest is in Gods hands. A child that I know has yet to leave the hearts and prayers of many back home.

Cindy Peterson and Our little buddy in February

So here it was Wednesday and I found myself back in Trou Caima the same village where this little child lives. After all those months of the unknown, I realized that today I may have an answer. It might not be the answer I want, but I will have one. As time was going by I didn’t see any sign of him or mom, and began to think I had my answer. So soon I began to forget about it and occupy my mind with other thoughts and the craziness of the camp. It wasn’t until near the end of the day our NP Kimberly came up to me and began describing her patient to me followed by a few questions. As I was listening to her talk, it all of sudden hit me that this child sounds very much like my little buddy from back in February that both Cindy Peterson and Carlton Osborne had cared for. Without hesitation I asked where he was, as she pointed him out I noticed the back of his head and thought for sure this had to be him. I quickly dropped everything. As I was walking toward him mom turned her head, as our eyes made contact we began to smile. She knew exactly who I was and he too. As I walked toward him and began talking he leaned forward for me to hold him. For a good 10 minutes he lied on my chest. Tears of joy filled my eyes, for I knew this baby was alive through compliance and prayer. 

Mom and Baby

Psalm 113:9 “He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord.”

 

A Servants Heart

Mark 10:44-45
…and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

How and Why do you serve? What characteristics describe your servant-hood? When you serve do you do it in looking for a reward or are you doing it because that is the desire of your heart? Do you seek to serve yourself or to serve others? These are just a few questions to challenge you, ones that continue to challenge me daily.

I myself love serving but I too have to remind myself am I serving myself or my God. For when I find myself seeking and serving God, I find my heart becoming more humble, giving, submissive, and thankful.  For me here in Haiti my friends have become humbling examples of servant-hood. Way beyond what I have experienced elsewhere. Haitians are known for “sevi” (serving) each other. Practically every where you go in Haiti, you find people serving one another. If there was only enough food for 2 people 6 people will be fed with it. If someone needs shoes, another will go without.  Doesn’t matter the age either it’s apart of the culture.  I love when the little one’s break a piece of their bread and share it with another child.  Not only to they serve us but they too serve their friends and family within the community.

I am served everyday I visit my friends in the village through their hospitality and generosity. Us nurses are greeted with hugs, kisses, and smiles by the children as soon as they spot us. They always seem to know when we’re coming : ) If I want to sit they pull the best chairs out of their houses, chairs that they themselves do not use. When I asked my friend why they do not use the chairs, she said the chairs are too nice to sit on. If perhaps my clothes are dirty, which let’s be honest they are everyday, they want to wash them. One day I came to the village in my scrubs and left the village in a skirt, not by choice either! If our butt is dirty when we stand up, we always have someone slapping the dust off. If one of us are sick, we’re bound to receive some concoction from our friends to aid our recovery. I could go on and on. When they serve us it is with their whole heart; a servants heart!

Natacha preparing a feast.

The other day Brooke and I was served dinner. Not just any ole dinner. This was seriously like a feast. A meal that I myself rarely see cooked here. It wasn’t no rice and beans. It had plantains, carrots, potatoes, greens, chicken, and bread. Here I was sitting with a child sleeping in my lap assisting my friend Natacha in a little hut (aka kitchen) helping prepare the meal I was to partake. The best part was the time spent talking with Natacha.  While the meal was cooking, I had too continue to smile and reassure her that I would be joining her for dinner. She loved to remind of all the times I turned down her offers : ).

Here I was invited into her home to sit at a table and use dishes and spoons that I hadn’t seen used at any other time.  We had a bowl of water to wash our hands and our food awaited us on the table. As we sat I couldn’t help but look at all the eyes looking back at us. Not eyes of desperation either.  Each had a smile followed often by a giggle.   All those who joined us were either sitting on the ground or standing in the doorway eating with their hands out of their stainless steel bowls. To say the least, the food was delicious!

Ready to prepare dinner?

Chicken and Potatoes

Haitian Stove Top!

A few days later I returned back to her home to visit.  Prior to my departure she says “you’re not going are you, I haven’t made dinner yet.”  I told her that’s alright I will join another day.  So then I asked her why does she want to serve us…she says “ I want to serve you and when one eats here we all eat!” To her it doesn’t matter, she just wants to serve us. She doesn’t need a reason, other than she finds complete joy in it. The people here are family and provide us with the best of the best with such a humbling spirit.  Like Jesus Christ washed the disciples feet, they too would wash mine!

                                       Good to the very last drop..

Matthew 23:11
“But the greatest among you shall be your servant.

Busy week at NVM

Lots and lots of activities had been happening on campus. We had the honor of hosting 5 various groups; UCONN, APP State, Kanakuk Camp, GAIN, and West Point Cadets with Mercy Ships oh and I almost for got our amazing Mercy Chef from Wyoming Sheena. Thanks to Brandon, Jordan, Maggie and their detailed planning from weeks prior things had ran quite smoothly.

These teams had worked very hard both on and off of campus. Most of our teams had came in on Saturday while Aubree, Brooke and I were enjoying the beach with Aubree’s sister Andrea. When we got back later that evening there were people all over campus. We had 130 people present on campus! NVM staff always likes a good challenge : )

Sunday afternoon all the children were invited to come on to campus and play. It was crazy and yet so wonderful watching the interaction. The children were having so much fun playing, frisbee, soccer, basketball, cards, dancing and pretty much anything else. After visiting some friends in the village I came back and found myself joining the fun. The campus was once again filled in laughter.

Sanding the Warehouse

 

Village Jump Roping

 

Monday everyone was ready to begin, ready to tackle what ever task they were given. That same attitude seemed to carry over each day. Although us nurses were not working right beside them, we found ourselves interacting with them during their visit to the village. I find great joy in just sitting and watching, there is so much excitement and energy in each visit.

Farmer Bill and GaIN volunteer working hard

The beginning work of where the school lunches will continue to be prepared

 

So much is getting done on campus! The fence around the AG Project is completed, the Warehouse is getting sanded and painted, the picket fence for the garden is painted and almost completely up, the painting of Mierta’s house, the layout of our mechanic garage, a new kitchen area for the school lunches, sharing the Gospel along with so much more. The hospital and Children homes continue to look amazing thanks to our Haitian construction workers and their hard work.

West Point Cadets placing the picket fence

 

 

Last evening was a perfect end to a wonderful week! A nice run to the lake with some of West Point Cadets and the watching of our American vs. Haitian soccer game. Needless to say the game had to end in penalty kicks, for some reason know one agree on a score ; ).

Gratitude’s and good-byes were shared and before we knew it they departed. People continue to come and go and at the end of the week campus is once again quiet with our Haitian and American NVM family only present. Today we will rest and catch up with one another, for planning our next adventure on campus shall soon begin.

 

It's Beautiful...

Our Haitian Construction workers smoothing the sides of the children homes

 

Prime example of how you will find us after (Love you Maggie)

             Si se Bondye ki voye. Li peya fre ou.
If it is God who sends you, he’ll pay your expenses.

 

 

 

 

A Piece of Home

Morning Sunrise

Gods timing is always perfect. I have always been told there is no place like home and the next thing better than that is receiving a piece of home when you’re away. On February 21^st I was blessed in welcoming my friends and family (Tim & Cindy Peterson, Becky Osborne, Carlton Osborne, Dan & Barb Woolton, Dena Jewel, Cassedy Meade, and Phil Wirsing) from back home to our NVM home. This medical group was coming down to serve for a week here in Haiti; all but 2 of them have been here before and the Peterson’s were present on my first journey here. It was so wonderful to see their faces as they exited the airport, lots of hugs and smiles were given! I loved seeing the excitement on their faces.

Tim triaging with Cassedy in Onaville

A busy week it was and F.A.T. (flexible, adaptable, and teachable) they were. From day one things were a little out of sorts and pockets a little lighter : ) Day 2 wasn’t much better! To make a long story short we had lost one our Haitian staff members/a friend from a seizure disorder that he had suffered from for a long time. Without question they jumped in and did whatever needed to be done. For me just their presence alone was touching during this time.

My greatest enjoyment was going out to the IDP camps and working along their side. Watching them love, touch and serve the same people I love here in Haiti. They came together as a team and worked so well with one another. You could see the medical and cultural challenges they faced, ones that are difficult to understand, ones that we nurses here come across on a regular basis. Instead of feeling defeated they persevered through these challenges in knowing that the rest was completely in Gods hands. It was rare to not find them filled with joy in what they were doing. They always looked forward not only toward caring for the Haitian patients each day but also in spending time in getting to know their translators and listening to their stories. Anyone who has been apart of our Medical Mobil Clinics, know how important our translators are. They play a huge role in what we do in Haiti.

Phil an Amazing Man of God

                               Becky,Cassedy, and Carlton walking to the lake

Becky pouring out some love !!!(sry unable to turn photo needed to show)

Some of our NVM translators

Dan and I February of 2011

*Haitian Proverb…. The pencil of God has no eraser!!!

Below are faces of just a few lives that were touched during their time.

Daniella

                                                      Darkens

A Ray of Sunshine

*Davidson*

“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans plans to prosper you not to harm you, to give you a hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11

There’s nothing like a ray of sunshine to brighten ones day. At 10:00am yesterday morning I was greeted by one of my little buddies “Kesna” at our back door. Like most of our school children, I figured she was just sick. Instead she told me that “Davidson” is outside. Davidson is a little boy from our village that I have known since the first day I stepped into Chambrun back in July. He was the little baby you would find on the ground half naked, with dirt all in his mouth, without mom in site. When he found himself in one of our laps (Brooke, Aubs, Leslee or I) he would nuzzle in and fall asleep in minutes. We acknowledged him, held him,fed him, played with him, bathed him and most importantly loved on him. We earned his trust. Many days as we left the village to head back to campus, he’d cry.

Snoozing after his bath

About 2 months ago we noticed a decline in his health, so much that we became extremely concerned. His family had brought him into the clinic and we provided him with some medication and nutrition. A week or so later we noticed that Davidson wasn’t ever there during our visits. Family and friends told us that he and his mother had moved to another village. I was extremely saddened, for we no longer could monitor his health during our visits to the village.

Davidson on his first visit to the clinic

 

Up and close

 

Edematous and Peeling

As we continued our visits in Chambrun, we’d come back always with an update on him. It wasn’t ever real encouraging news, which made it even more difficult. It got to the point where our friends from Chambrun also became concerned about his health.
This past Sunday Aubree was able to talk with Pastor Pierre and share our concerns. After sharing her heart, Pastor also agreed that something needed to be done. For me it gave me a spark of hope, I thought to myself now we’re making progress. That afternoon we found ourselves in the village talking with his grandma and sharing our concern and how we can help. Now all that we could do is pray, wait and hope that the message would be shared with his mother and someone would bring him to the clinic before it was too late.
So here Brooke and I were 2 days later when Aubree talked with Pastor; holding Davidson in our arms with such joy and hope in knowing that his life-story has many more chapters still to come. The process of intervening has begun. Davidson…our little ray of sunshine has found us again!
Davidson’s journey is just beginning. God has a plan for him and we know that it is far more than we could ever dream for this sweet little boy. As nurses, we are asking you to join us in prayer for Davidson. Please pray that God will give us and NVM the wisdom in making decisions. Please pray that as nurses and sisters in Christ we will be able to speak words of affirmation and love to his mom and encourage her. That ultimately Davidson’s family, neighbors, and friends will all see Christ glorified in all things.

How’s Haiti?

I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I confidently trust! For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
Psalm 91: 2-3

Campus Growth

So hard to believe that just over 2 years ago a 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed more than 250,000 people and left close to 2,000,000 people homeless and now living in over 1000 IDP camps. A day in history where a Haitian will always be able to tell you where they were during such tradgedy, just like us Americans with 9/11. Although so tragic for many God has redeemed it for His good. Sad enough, if it wasn’t for the earthquake, I’m not quite sure I would be here serving as a nurse, building friendships(both Haitian and American), trying to help re-mudd huts, spraying bug spray 3-4 times a day just to decrease the number of mosquito bites, learn Creole and all and all step outside of my comfort zone back home.

Dining Hall and bathrooms

Door #1 our home!

Thanks to Don Bradleys Team the hospital has electricity…

NVM as a whole has grown amazingly fast; 2 new children homes and a hospital in process, a warehouse, new office building, new dining hall, bathrooms, dorms for short term teams, housing for longterm volunteers, 2 dining halls with one now the church and so much more in the plans.

Just recently I returned from visiting friends and family back home. First time I considered my home a vacation spot. During my time home I couldn’t help but notice that the first words that seemed to pop out of one’s mouth was “ Hows Haiti?.” Although I was happy to hear their interest and concern, I never felt like I knew the correct answer. Is there a correct answer? Good yes because it has been 2 years since the earthquake. Their daily routines of life since then has begun yet again, the loss Haiti has felt is so real and will always be present.

NVM feeding our church family(Our churchs 3 year anniversary)

Now on the other side there is still 800,000 people occupying the tent cities, malnutrition is still overall a country wide problem, weak healthcare system, the economy is far I mean far from good, the government perhaps not all is crooked, education system hard to sustain, little access to clean water and more. Most of this was present far before media displayed it world wide following the earthquake. Haiti though has what it takes…. Hope in Christ!

Onnaville (outskirts of Port au Prince) IDP camp that became a village!

Haitian Proverb:

 Sa je pa weke pa tounen (What the eye doesn’t see, doesn’t move the heart!)