Out of our comfort zone.....bartering..temperature...decisions..

With reports of snow coming from home, today seems even warmer.  It was an off day at the clinic, so we had the opportunity to go to the market and then the beach.  Several of us went to Petit Goave, about 10 km west of where we are.  The market was dark, hot and crowded and word spread quickly ahead of us that the “blancs” were on the way. Several treasures were purchased. 

Marc negotiating price for the lobster.

 When the crowd of us hit the beach, the vendors congregated as well.  Commercialism thrives!! 







 As I reflect on the last week, I am amazed at the learning curve I have had the opportunity to be a part of.  Working with a translator has been both a challenge and a blessing.  Sometimes when the conversation takes place it seems the “non English” portion is considerably longer, then I find out afterwards that the patient is a friend, brother, or some other person that the translator knows.  It also means that I have a great advocate in encouraging someone to give me the whole story.  Presenting complaints like:  “spitting too much” and “she has a problem with the blood” don’t seem to be on the CEDIS list I use to teach!!  Dr. Antoinette is amazing, and has been so patient to teach us as well as care for patients.  I feel like I have learned a whole new skill set.  We see 120 patients between 5 nurses and a physician float.  Needless to say, when we were asked to remember to pray for patients as they leave, mine often includes a prayer that I have chosen the right diagnosis and written the right prescription.  Fortunately the pharmacy team is getting really good at reading our minds…and figuring out what we really want these patients to have.

It’s also been a huge blessing to see the smiles on the face of these people as they are given something to help them see, stop hurting, or make their lives just a bit better.  Doug figured out that asking people if they could read was not working, but when he got a needle and thread, they get a pretty good idea of which strength of glasses will work.  People will walk a long way to come to the clinic, but then they talk of coming to “Pastor Mark’s church” and one soon begins to realize how far reaching the ministry of this place is in the surrounding community.  When we went on a ministry walk, we met folks that told us of coming to the church as well.  God is working in the lives of these folks despite their adversity. 

Joyce with translator, Franklin.

Dallas and Elva manning the Pharmacy.

 Food supplement given from pharmacy.

A home visit

What the ..... is that?

Stopped for a visit on the way to the beach.

Please remember to pray for our safety as it seems the foreign bugs that thrive here really like to attack our northern immune systems.  Continue to pray as well for us to make wise decisions regarding patients that have significant medical issues.  The follow up system here is very complex and difficult to navigate.  Pray for Gord tomorrow as well, he is preaching in church.  Joyce