Yes, the week has been a long one.
When I have had a few moments to contemplate it all (and believe me there have
not been a lot) I stand amazed at many things.
I am amazed at the vision of Marc
and Lisa Honorat and the difference that they have made to this relatively
small Haitian community through the sheer power of their faith. I have worked
under third world circumstances in the past and what I see here actually gives
me hope. Yes, they are materially poor and the effects of that, as well as many
other circumstances beyond their control, is so obvious as we work with the
people on a daily basis, but the people are essentially not without hope. They
have faith in a future and have something to look forward to.
I am amazed at what can be
accomplished with so little. Here the bricks of a new building is made prior to
the wall being built. When one looks at one brick at a time – the job seems way
too much to accomplish but when looking at what has been accomplished thus far
( a school, a medical clinic, a church, a computer college and a children’s
village on the way) I realise that nothing is impossible …….. we just need to
walk the road.
I am amazed at the fact that 16
people from frozen Canada could work in the searing heat for 6 and a half days
and furnish, stock and open a medical clinic that was a bare building the day
before and see 560 patients none of whom speak a language any of us understand.
(Try explaining risk: benefit ratio via a translator!)
I am amazed at how much one receives
back from doing this mission – both in insight about yourself and about one’s
own culture and the people that you share this journey with.
I am amazed at the blood pressures
we see (many above 200 systolic) and the glucose levels (many above 20mmol/L)
and how well antibiotics work. Also how a wound can heal in a few days after
being neglected for weeks. How large a belly can swell with constipation and
how malnourished a child can be with a congenital intestinal stenosis.
How
thankful a patient can be for my explanation of how incapable I am of doing anything
more than caring for their situation and sending them on a wild goose chase
because of the fractioned health care provision in Haiti. How Haitian children
can sit quietly for hours with nothing to keep them busy and how loving they
are. How the patients all share their personal space and has no problem with
open doors and others in the same room when they are being examined. How Haitian
people can quietly accept diagnoses such as HIV and cancer and blindness – not for
a moment think that they have a right to something better. The list is endless………….
But on a personal note I am amazed
at the wonderful child that God has given me. I always knew that she was
special, but having the opportunity to bring her with me to Haiti has been
affirmation that she is………….well, amazing! Dr Antoinette leRoux
Mignon leRoux at age 12 can run our medical records singlehandedly |
So happy to hear from you guys and see the work you are doing over there. Hope you are enjoying the heat, you are coming home to some nice spring weather! Supposed to be +14 on Thursday, but we just had a week of some smaller blizzards so there is still melting snow around. Be blessed as you finish out your mission this coming week. Looking forward to your return. Love from the Maat Five
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate reading your msgs. Thanks for the information; it sounds like the Lord is really blessing your service. Hi to Gord & Ruth. Would be great to visit with you again & hearing more about your trip. We are visiting with Chris & Chad and the medical "stuff" that Alice told you about is still available. We still need to go through it all and let you know more specifics for your next trip. It's not much but I'm sure every bit will help.
ReplyDeleteTake care & God Bless. Alice & Gerry Loewen
Hi Tannis, Noah and Jeanette
ReplyDeleteAll is well with us. Ben is doing his homework as required. We went ice fishing this morning (Noah didn't miss much). Noah you should try explaining ice fishing to a Haitian.
We miss you guys, the house is sure quiet. XOXO
Antionette: I am so glad to hear you and Mignon (and everyone too) are well and safe. It is good and inspiring to hear the personal experiences of all, and to know you are making a difference. May God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteAnd, of course Mignon is amazing....like Mother, like Daughter.
--Marj, Mark, Max, Joel, Ellen
Thanks for the comment. We are recuperating today for our last stretch of mayhem.
DeleteHi Antoinette and Mignon,
ReplyDeleteNot a day goes by that we are not thinking of you! What you, Mignon,and the entire team are doing is an inspiration for us all. Love the blog we look forward to seeing you when you get back (safely).
Dallas:London Drugs Regina well never be the same without you!
Debbie,Don,Garrett,Kyle&Callene
Dallas has left for the beach - Sunday afternoon!!
DeleteThanks for the nice note and see you soon
Antoinette