Back Home in Haiti

So hard to believe I am here back in Haiti after visiting home for a few weeks. As we all know time doesn’t ever seem to slow down. Although the time spent with family in friends was wonderful, I was looking forward toward my return to this country of simplicity and join back with my family and friends here. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I felt a sigh of relief. The sites of hard manual labor, children running naked, women cooking over little fires, the goats and cows grazing just about anywhere, dirt all over everything, motorcycles and tap taps filling the streets, the smells, and so much more . It has been great uniting back with my community of 10 here at NVM; Papa Jim, Mama Cheryl, their girls, Brandon and Katie Hutchens, Adam, Fifi and all 3 of my roommates. I also cannot forget about Maggie our new intern and Anna Schultz. The best however was the people of Chambrun, the hugs, kisses, smiles and overall hospitality.

Kiki...

 The children all calling my name and telling me how much they missed me and how happy they were to see that I had returned. It wasn’t until after leaving the village with dirt covering me pretty much head to toe, that I knew I was back.

Me holding Landia and Kiki

A busy week it has been with hosting 3+ short term mission teams; Mercy Ships, GAIN, Chuck and his crew, and Saddle back. They all have been so great between providing medical care in the IDP camps, beginning the building of our fence around our AG project, building our prayer garden, providing water filters to over 100 families, the washing of dishes after dinner (yay!) and most importantly showing the love of Christ to the people. I just love watching their interaction especially with the children, it is rare to see an American with out a child on their lap in church.

Jump-roping with Mercy Ship volunteers...

Our New Ag Fence...

It has been nice to be back in the clinic; thanks to a few people while us nurses were away it has been nicely painted as well as the preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

Baby Moses....

Noah's Ark

Jesus Loves the Little Children all the Little Children of the World...."

As expected we have been fairly busy since our return. I can’t imagine what kind of medical treatment if any would be provided if we were not present. Anyhow Tuesday we had a full clinic with 3 nurses so it went pretty smoothly. Wednesday I was busy suturing, giving IVF’s, and wound care. Thursday all of us nurses went out to Trou Caima to serve along Mercy Ships providing care to more than 170 people. I found myself mainly helping in the pharmacy with Brooke and closer to the end of our day Aubree soon found herself there too. When we finished I’m pretty sure neither one of us wanted to speak another word; I am amazed on how exhausting educating patients on their medical regime can be. Today (Friday) Dr. Edmond, Natacha and I held the fort down at the clinic while Aubree and Brooke lead the Mercy Ships medical team along with Peggy (Aubs mom) and Gail (Peggy’s friend) out one last time to Onnaville. Needless to say I am slowly getting back into my Haiti routine; up early mornings, working in the clinic, hanging with the people of Chambrun, cooking dinner (not for much longer thanks to Katie working with our kitchen ladies!) chilling in the dining hall or our houses at nite and lets not forget the constant killing of bugs. I’m very excited and looking forward toward my next 6months of serving here in Haiti and sharing my experiences with you!

Cherlanda

“Jan ou vini se jan an yo reswa ou.”— “ The way you come is the way people will receive you.” (Haitian Proverb)

Giving Thanks in Haiti…..

 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

Thanksgiving, a holiday that I just love was shared this year with my Haiti family. It is always a time spent together laughing and really enjoying each others presence, a wonderful meal prepared to eat, and a day where I think about all the things I am thankful for. Pretty sure it was my first time away from my immediate family on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving for me began at 6:45 am with Haiti’s 1^st annual Turkey Trot thanks to Brandon and Katie Hutchens. With most of our staff the idea sounded a lot better the night before. When morning came only 4 actually participated 1 being Hutchens dog Zepplin, but we’re hoping that it will continue to grow every year. It was my most scenic run I had ever been apart of; children bathing/dressing for school, goats, donkeys,cacti, the mountains that surround us and lets not forget the wonderful aroma from the river.(right Brandon) On our way back we picked up a few extra members to help finish the race strong. Katie and I both had a child holding each one of our hands. I’m curious to what the Haitians had thought when they had saw us running with numbers duct taped to our shirts.

1st Annual Turkey Trot ContestantsKatie and I stretching before the run Our Turkey Trot Trail

Some of our beautiful scenic view during the Turkey Trot. Finishing Strong......

What a wonderful holiday it was in Haiti. We were able to bless a man with a wheelchair that hasn’t walked for 3 years do to a stroke (he left shining), eat amazing fried plantains prior to our Thanksgiving meal, serve and share a meal with 70 people both family and friends(can’t forget the amazing pumpkin bars with their secret ingredient! ) and then ended it watching the sunset up on top of the mountains with two of our Haitian friends who had never seen such a sight. God is so good….What is there not to be thankful for!

 

Thanksgiving dinner serving staff : )Brooke + Me = COOKING DISASTER

Brandon Hutchens and I in the kitchen

Enjoying Dinner!

Our Haitian Family Eating

Ladies Group Pic on the Mountain

Katie, Me, Aubs, and Brooke watching the sunset

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His love endures forever.”

                                                                                         1 Chronicles 16:34

 

Our Thanksgiving Sunset!!!!!!

“Break my heart to what breaks Yours!”

“See that you do no despise one of these little ones.  For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matt 18:10

Students singing Haiti's National Anthem

 School has been in session for a little over a month. I remember the first day it started; children of all ages walked in the gates in navy blue uniforms, boys in shorts or slacks with a light blue blouse and the girls in their jumpers/skirts with ribbons in their hair ready for school. The children held hands with their parents, siblings, or friends and were smiling from ear to ear. I loved watching as the children waited outside the school to enter, they were filled with joy. I also loved watching them stand in line singing the National Anthem to the rising of the Haitian flag. Quickly my mind traveled back to my first days of school; the unforgettable excitement that I shared with family and friends, when I too felt lie I was on top of the world. Standing in class saying our Pledge of Allegiance.

Nadia on her way home from school

What joy the children bring here on campus. It brings about a spirit of hope. I occasionally wonder if NVM was not present how many less children would be attending school. Children cover the campus and sound of laughter fills the air. Early morning I watch children utilize our playground and swing-set before beginning their school day and as soon as school is out they are right back at it. As I walk to clinic in the morning many children run up to me and greet me with a hug and a quick “Bon Jou.” I love it, it’s a great way to start the day. As soon as school is out Brooke, Aubree and I have our own little posse waiting for us on the backside of the clinic curious as to what we are doing. When I see about 6-8 heads peeking in the back of the clinic I know for sure it is about 1:30pm and school is out.

Some of the Children in Primary School

My favorite though is seeing children (especially my buddies) arrive on their first day of school full of joy and excitement even though they have missed a month of school. For example the other day I walking in the school and I had a student pulling on my arm. I wasn’t paying attention but then when I looked down I gasped, out of excitement of course. There standing was my friend from the village who for the last 3 weeks wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to tend school, but there he stood attending his first day of school with uniform and all. And now I see him and his little brother walking into school everyday with such dignity. They are just happy to be there for the rest of the year. Their facial expressions are PRICELESS!

 

Brothers attending school

 

It’s hard to believe that 4 weeks ago Dr. Anna and I began the children physicals. It seems like just yesterday I was walking our 3 year old preschoolers to the clinic undressing and redressing them and tying their shoes; shy as ever. They were so cute, one little girl was so scared of us she couldn’t stop crying. Doctor Anna and I would just laugh because it would easily take us an hour to assess 5 preschoolers. I still can’t figure out how the little girls put their uniform on without any difficulty, there is no extra room for movement what so ever. There were many occasions where it would take both Dr. Anna and I to dress one preschooler and we often had to try more than one technique. We would just laugh. By week two we began on the 1^st and 2^nd graders, so different than the little ones.

 

We always assess 5 children at a time.....our group of kindergartener's

 Definitely fearless of pretty much anything with little desire to listen. By the end of 3^rd grade I wanted the preschoolers back. As the children began getting older I was able to carry on more of a conversation with the Creole I know. It’s been great, I learn so much about them, not only do I know their name now but I know their favorite color, what they want to be, their dreams and also who they live with and how frequent they eat. By week 3 things began to get tough for me, I think I finally hit my emotional peek.

 

 

Dr. Anna checking out the ears.... Me checking temps

Measuring arm circumference for malnutrition

  

 Story after story, some so hard to comprehend and their eyes just heavy on the heart. When you have a child one on one, it is so surprising to see how they open up to you. One early afternoon I was sitting talking with a boy, we were having a great conversation. I was hearing about all the things he’s so passionate about like going to school, playing soccer with his friends and helping his little siblings at home. Then I asked him about his parents and how they were. He told me that he wasn’t sure. He had never known his father and his mother had left him like 4 years ago. She chose a man over her own children, a man who she now is married too and living in another country away from her children. I know I’m not suppose to judge but how does a mother do that? What was her reasoning? Is there something more to the story that we don’t know?

The children love Dr. Anna (volunteer doctor from Austria)

In that same day I have a 9 year old girl tell me that her and her 3 younger siblings had lost their father 4 years ago in a motorcycle accident. Now it’s just mom, without a husband and without a job trying to raise 4 children. For now 2 of her children attend school and she prepares 1-2 meals for the children each day. I can’t count the number of children that tell me they do not receive a meal everyday unless they attend school or the children who do not know their parents.

 

How does a parent leave a their children to move out of the country? What would it be like losing my dad at age 9? When was the last time you had to wonder when your next meal was? Not sure I ever had! These are just a few of the things!

Sitting with some 3rd grade boys

My heart has been broken, although difficult and hard to process, yet needed. My heart will never be the same nor am I finished in processing it. I know that God is in everything and that His plans are greater than we can fathom, but it’s so hard sometimes to not want to question His thinking or His plans. To live on faith and faith alone can be so challenging. For me it has been especially hard lately. I keep telling myself if I turn away or stay naive to this suffering it would be easier. Yes, easier it would be but my heart would be beyond convicted, but I know God has called me to more than that!

Got to love the kindergartener's

 

                                They all love listening to their hearts : )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGJdTpMUcU

*If you have time listen to this song. This song has really been speaking to me*

The eyes of Haiti

Wahoo Bay...just some of Haiti's beauty

 

Do you appreciate the gift of eyesight God has granted you, do you use it to its fullest? Do you really see the beauty that God has created around you, how about the hurt? What if your sight was in jeopardy, would you appreciate it then?

 

It is so easy to forget about the beauty around you until it’s gone. Since coming to Haiti, I can’t tell you how many times I have walked to Chambrun village without looking at the beauty around me. Today it was not like that, things appeared different to me. NO… the scenery has not changed during my 2 ½ months here, but the way my eyes interpret things have. As Leslee and I were walking back from Chambrun today, we were talking about how beautiful the mountains were and I realized that I cant really remember the last time I sat and just meditated on the hands that created this earth. I then was taken back to the Book of Job in the last few chapters –

“ …Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” Job 37:14

Another thought that I’ve had related to eyesight is the blindness toward injustice in the world. A blindness that I myself have been guilty of before my time in Haiti. Sad to say but if it were not for the earthquake here in Haiti I probably would still be blind to its injustice. Now I know different, I see the devastation at hand, I see the faces, hear the stories and hold the hands. What does it take to get people away from their self centered lives and really see what is happening in the world? And for those that are aware of the injustice, what has to be done for action to take place? No longer can I turn back to my previous life of ignoring the injustice and not feel ashamed.

Faces of Chambrun Village

 

 

From the time I was a little girl my father told me that you can tell a lot by someones eyes. Like most children, I never took the time to understand what he was telling me, but now I see how true it is.

Recently I have made myself aware of the faces of Haiti, particularly their eyes and I’ve began to wonder about the person behind those eyes, their story and what it entails. I feel as though their thoughts are ascertained through their eyes, but what is it that has distorted their sight and what will it take for the light to shine again? About a week ago I there was a man that came to the clinic to see the doctor. When I first called his name he did not answer or respond which isn’t unusual for us American nurses. Then I called it again and with the help of another Haitian they directed me his way. There he was sitting all alone away from everyone as if he was an outcast, wearing shoes that don’t fit,a pair of shorts and oversized tank-top that looked like they haven’t been washed in ages. I really did not think twice about what he was wearing, unfortunately it wasn’t the first time I’ve seen this. Then he stood up and my eyes were immediately directed to the vesicles that covered every part of his body; I’m not sure what it was, possibly HIV or syphilis. Here we were together he afraid to even hold his head up and me with my head held high walking with him into the clinic. I could feel the eyes of the other Haitians looking at us so I’m sure he could too. I greeted him with a smile like all of my patients and took his vitals.

Baby John

This man’s eyes displayed emptiness, fear, sorrow, helplessness,desperation. My heart immediately feels for him. I may never know exactly how he was feeling or why he felt that way. But I can at least be an example of God’s light in the midst of whatever darkness he is feeling. So I did my best to be that example, and was blessed to see his smile and receive a thank you as he walked away.

And the children, so many I encounter everyday, so many eyes filled with so many emotions and some just empty. Then I ask myself, what would my eyes say if I were caring for my little brothers at age 5 like a mother, if I never heard the words I love you, if no one was there to console me when I was sick or hurt, if there was no one to share a smile with me, if I didn’t know when my next meal would be, if I saw sexual intercourse from infancy because my family all slept in the one room we had. I think about the fifteen year old girl who showed up at our clinic in the back of a truck covered in blood holding her dead mother who had been hit by a car in front of me. She was left with no mother and 4 younger siblings to take care of. Her eyes spoke volumes.

Gonelda 3 years old

Is it their fault that their innocence is kidnapped from them at such a young age? No of course not, they are born in a culture where you need to be tough for survival. There is no room for vulnerability or affection. They carry the responsibilities of an adult at such a young age. The sad thing is when I think about the children at home I realize how quick our culture makes them grow up and how bad the children themselves want to be adults. Where here in Haiti they would die for the chance to experience being a child. When I share moments with these children, I try to allow them to be nothing more than a child at heart. To laugh, play, and even work with them. Surprisingly it does not take much at all.

So, where do I start to open my eyes? Where do you start? I challenge you to look a person in their eyes and see the emotions.

 

 

He refuses to smile......(in Onnaville IDP camp)

 

Matt 6:22-23

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness

 

Coloring with Elderlie...special little girl

Update on Me in Haiti

 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Elderlie on playground

 

 Its been great the past few weeks here in Haiti. I feel as though I’m doing my job and excited about doing it. You see, on my the third day in the clinic I came in contact with a dirty needle. Foolishly enough Aubree and I did not tell Dr. Edmund of this when it first happened; to be honest I never really thought about it. NVM however was prepared. Prophylactic HIV meds were already available in the clinic for situations such as this. It was a learning experience for Aubree and I. Needless to say, I had been on the prophylactic HIV meds for four weeks, morning and night. Anyone who may be familiar with these types of meds know how awful they make you feel. Many days after clinic I didn’t really care to do anything other than sleep and some other days I just stayed in bed all day.  Not all days were bad I had some real enjoyable days too.  Like when a group of us learned the “Salty Dog Rag” dance, card playing and scrabble.  But now, Freedom at last for both me and the two nurses (Aubree and Leslee) who have been caring for me. I feel like me again. I am even more cautious now in the clinic.

Last Monday not knowing we three nurses showed up to work with no patients, no doctor and no Natacha. Confused as ever we weren’t sure what was going on. Considering we are the nurses we figured we would have been notified. After talking to a few employee’s on campus they told us that the clinic was closed today and later we found out that it was because of a Catholic holiday, not exactly sure which one it was. So that day we tagged along with Aaron, Shelli and our Mercy Chef Lisa to the grocery store. I enjoy going when I get the chance. You get to drive ride around a bit watching the Haitian culture at work and it’s a little time off campus.  And who can say no to fried plantanes. On average a journey to the grocery store happens once maybe twice a week. 

Since our clinic had been closed on Monday, we had seen 50 or so patients on Tuesday our longest day of the week. The rest of the week we had seen anywhere from 17-35 patients daily. Those days we spent lots of time cleaning and reorganizing the clinic and loving on the little ones; feeding, swaddling, laughing, playing,hugging and so much more. In which all of us nurses are very passionate about.

 

Me with a little girl from Chambrun

 Weekends have also been great! Two Saturdays ago Aubree, Leslee and I spent lots of time in the garden. It was bonding time. The weeds unfortunately have not stopped growing and I refuse to let them to take over, as of right now. Aubree and Leslee helped all afternoon until it was time for English class and then I continued working why they were teaching our NVM Haitian staff English. Gardens are a lot of work in Haiti. No wonderful rototillers like at home, but we make do.

After I finished up in the garden and Aubree and Leslee finished with English class we headed to Chambrun for a visit. We try to visit at least every other day. Because of the relationship Aubree and Kacie have made with the village they often call out Aubree’s name on site. They get so excited when they see her. It is obvious how much time they’ve put into building this relationship. On occasion I am beginning to hear mine too: ) When we arrived it was bathing time for the babies, my favorite.(more to come) Then as always we sit and interact with the children and socialize with women.

Bath time for NatamaraNow this past Saturday we started in the garden...as I said before this thing is a lot of work. About an hour in or so suddenly we had a visitor, Elderlie one of our patients and her father. She came to play on the playground for the day. So for a larger part of the afternoon we played tag on the playground. Elderlie is diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis, an autoimmune disorder that can be controlled by a gluten free diet and medications. It is so nice to see the little girl who could barely walk a month ago to running, climbing and sliding down the slides. I don't think she stopped smiling that whole afternoon. It's a win as Aubree puts it. Elderlie's dermatitis herpetiformis prior to Dapsone treatment

 We then ended our afternoon in a water war. Leslee and I filled a bunch of water balloons, that lasted for about ummmm…yea 10 secs. That may even be pushing it. I think Leslee would agree with me that it was a lot more work filling them. We all really had a good time, it was like being a kid all over again. I am not sure the last time I was involved in a water war. By the end I still think I had more water on me than anyone else…Thanks Aaron.

Blessings for the Little Girls of Haiti

 

                                            

 

During the winter of 2010, a lady by the name of Susan Kisinger was in search of helping Haiti following the earthquake. After seeing a variety of pillowcase dresses on display in a library she thought how easily her Grandma could sew these dresses. She decided that her goal was to make a 100 dresses in honor of her Grandma for the little girls of Haiti. Susan was taking back by the support she had received with Grandmothers Little Dresses for Haiti. Her original goal as stated prior was 100, at this point nearly 1,500 pillowcase dresses have been made from 14 different states involving over 120 people. The dresses are distributed in various areas of Haiti including Chambrun, Haiti and on NVM campus.

The many women who have sewn these dresses have also been a blessing to me. You all allow me as well as many others to provide these little girls with such a gift. You see, each day we have several little girls in and out of the clinic. And just about each one of the little girls receive a dress. There eyes immediately gleam and a smile from ear to ear as if we have giving them the world. My heart feels nothing but complete utter joy.

Thank you Little Dresses for Haiti, Grace Community Church small groups, Sandusky Baptist Church Women’s Group, Sandy Shafferan and Central Community Church of Seymour Indiana for taking time in making each dress special. You have blessed the little girls of Haiti.

Test Run

Welcome to my blog.

The beginning of a new journey in Haiti…

Charbon Tree. (charcoal)

Wow so hard to believe that I have been in Haiti for one week.

Beginning on July 8th, my 1 year missions as a nurse in Haiti had begun. After hours of traveling I had landed in Port au Prince airport, such a great feeling. For months I have been planning this trip and now I am here. As always I have been provided with great hospitality from the NVM team.

On Saturday, about 10 young ladies from a youth group and I had worked in the NVM garden. For those of you who do not know, this past February myself and the team I came with worked the ground and planted seeds previously. Between the fire ants and the sharp like thistles it quite interesting. After finishing we knew why no one tended to the garden much. Praise God, most of the weeds were already pulled from a previous team which means very few thistles and the fire ants were barley noticed. Although, the ground was like cement. But with the hose and some manual labor we had the corn,beans and cucumber in. Pastor Pierre says Haiti has been really dry. After about 2 days of watering the garden, Haiti was provided with lots and lots of rain. For about 3 or 4 evenings it has rained heavy. Unfortunately probably more than they needed. Pastor says rain in Haiti is good it helps keep the dust down, but too much makes lots of mud. My the following afternoon most of the ground is all dried up again. Finally after about a week the corn began to sprout and soon followed by the beans. YAY!

This week has been a bit challenging. Slowly I am being acclimated to the clinic and to Creole. Each morning we see anywhere from 25-50 patients. We begin at 8am and end at various times usually between 2-4pm. After triaging patients they sit and wait to be seen by the Dr. Edmond. Many wait all day just to see the doc patiently. It becomes an all day thing for some Haitians. I am amazed on how well the children do. They make very little noise. Most people including myself would complain about waiting as little as a 1/2hour. They certainly have more patience than I. We had seen various patients with a few surprises in between. Early in the week we lost a premature infant partially d/t cultural beliefs but mostly medical. However, today I triaged 1month old Haitian twins, Nashka and Dashka (not sure if the spelling is correct). These babies were born prematurely. Now weighing 1.23kg and 1.40kg. Tiny yes, but well loved and still alive. I could not believe it. I’m not sure I have ever held any infant/infants this little. Although they both are malnourished, Nashka the baby girl actually looked fairly well. She was the biggest of the two and has been eating fairly well. Dashka the little boy did not look as well. Mom said he has not been eating well or sleeping much at night. Aubree attempted feeding Dashka with a dropper but he still did not take it well. After Dr. Edmond had seen the infants Aubree and I were to begin IV fluids on them. Nervous….yes I was. I have never placed a pediatric IV let alone a preemie’s. After several attempts by the both of us we felt defeated. Aubree talked to Dr. Edmond and decided to send them to St.Damien Peds. Hospital. It was great knowing that they were going to a hospital where they would be receiving proper care. And we both knew that they were going to need much more than a little IV fluid. Hopefully they will return to visit us when there health status improves and as they begin to grow even more.

Dashka 1.23 kgs

 

Nashka 1.40kg

 

Now the language Creole has been an adventure/challenge of its own. Between the cheat sheets, Aubree and Natacha I am slowly learning. Both, have been extremely helpful along with anyone present on campus from fellow Americans to our patients that we see in the clinic. Some times I get that look of complete utter confusion from my patients. At that point I call my Creole helpline aka: Aubree and at that point she translates then smiles. I cannot count how many times I have asked her the same question over and over again. Or the number of times she has corrected me which is great. She is extremely patient and continues to reinforce the Creole with me and translates pretty much everything. If anything, it is more frustrating for myself. It is the gap between the Haitians and I. But day by day I can say I begin to learn something new. Aubree says that one of these days it will all click together…I hope she is right.

So all in all, a exciting week it was and some days more challenging than others. But knowing that God’s hands are in it all, places my mind at ease.

Psalm 18:1-2 “ I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

 

Natacha

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