What a Great Day in Haiti

Hi everyone back home and abroad!  Wednesday started out on the roof top this morning for devotions and I lead for the first time! It was a year ago today under the mango tree on this very piece of land that I became a Christian! Who would know that a trip to Haiti would make such an impact in my life and the beautiful memorable story telling that would come with it about God and his love for all!

  We had an awesome half day in the clinic this morning – Elva moved into the clinic, Ruth S. took over pharmacy with Dallas, Dr. Jacob came for the morning to help out, and I had a chance to work in the clinic also – no one wanted to take on my foot care so I was multi – tasking – something like Regina Pasqua ER! I have had some great interactions with the Haitian people who have lined up for foot care – I don`t have an interpreter  but the smile on their face, the kiss on the cheek ,the chanting or the little dance step of the last Haitian of the day yesterday makes it all worthwhile. I don`t have the shade of the mango tree this year as one of the young Haitian men told me on Monday – “we have a new medical clinic so come sit  under the banana tree!” The people are not as shy as last year for foot care – they remember “the nurse” who makes their feet “belle” (beautiful).

As some of you remember from last year, I sponsored a little 9 month old boy, Dave, with a truly sad story. Pastor Marc and Lisa have generously kept me up to date with pictures over the past year. Monday morning little Dave and Gramma came to clinic – WOW! The little frail “failure to thrive” baby was now in the 80% percentile of growth – walking, talking and could even give you a “bump” for a hello gesture. Gramma recognized me instantly and gave me the biggest hug then pointed to her feet! Even though Dave would not let me hold him – a game of peek a boo was just as good. I will be seeing them a few more times before our mission is over. As for the goat I gave her last year – it had 2 babies but one has since died.

After lunch, our team went out into the village divided into 3 teams with an interpreter to visit families throughout the area – we were able to see the Haitian people in their own surroundings and hear their story. We ministered to them, invited the people to come to church on Sunday and then presented the families with a small token of hygiene products. The walk might have only been one hour in length but the impact on us  will be life long – the housing, the stories about the earthquake, their fears and worries will stay with us. The heat of the afternoon was starting to beat down upon us so there was nothing better than to finish our “free” afternoon off but with a trip to the beach!

The waters were very inviting – Elva said it best “the ocean is warmer than our showers and a lot more of it but the wind chill was getting to us” The snorkeling for some of the group was phenomenal –some of us decided just to watch for this time which was just fine now that we find out that Elva saw a lion fish that is definitely one you do not want to get to know!

The evening is ours tonight – some are resting, Dallas is back in the pharmacy prepping for tomorrow, others are comparing photos of our ministry walk, laundry being done, shopping in the gift shop and great visiting with our Moose Jaw team who are doing construction on the first duplex in the children`s village. Pastor Marc and Lisa are here tonight  visiting and told us that our 14 goats were purchased at market today – the goats are now housed over at the children`s village where there is plenty of green grass and security for them until the families are chosen for them. These families will be very blessed with their new gift!

As I close this evening we must remember how blessed we are and privileged to have the life we have in Canada. If we only choose to change one thing in our life may I pray that it will be that you come to know God – life does change once you have Jesus in your heart! God Bless one and all………..Lynnise the Nurse

Hi - casualty at the beach - small laceration from the coral - Dr Antoinette to the rescue. Yes I am the team leader setting example for all and yes I took freezing!!  Sharon