Dashka

We took Dashka to the Miami Dade Hospital in POP today. She was at church and is not nursing well. Her mom finally agreed to stay but is reluctant to because she has a 4 year old at home and a sick mom. Seeing the hospital was interesting. Looks like a Mash episode. All of the people are in one big tent.
We also toured the city today. The pastor said there is 800,000 people living in the camps living under sheets. There are some portable toilets but not enough. The smell there is terrible!! There were people with tubs and water and soap just washing in street.
I will be at the clinic in Chambrun tomorrow. I may go to the camps on Tuesday but will wait and see. I like the environment in the clinic. You have more time to spend with people and hear their stories. The kids are so affectionate. They just walk up and hold your hand.
Dashka's mom asked if one of us would adopt her. If she goes home tomorrow like her mom wants her to, I will see her at the clinic tomorrow. I will be the only nurse at the clinic because they need a lot more people at the camps. The doctor wants me to teach mom how to insert an NG tube if she is not nursing well. I know how to do that!

Beautiful Flamande

We went to church in Chambrun today at Pastor Pierre's church. After about 10 minutes, I decided to stand in the back since the church was getting very crowded. When I got to the back of the church, I saw this baby and her mom come in. I saw her mom in the clinic yesterday but she didn't have the baby with her. I saw the baby on a blog before the trip. I asked her mom if I could hold her and she said yes. I sat and cried like a baby holding and rocking her for 3 hours. (yes, church lasts that long here and everyone sits on wood benches) I felt like Joey was there with us and told her that she would be seeing him soon. Her mom told me after church-through an interpreter- that nothing can be done for her. She carries the baby everywhere and she is so heavy. Her head must be 10 pounds. She is one year old and cannot move her legs. She did not seem to track with her eyes, so I don't think she can see. I asked her mom if she had a buggy or a seat to put her in. She said she does not and carries her to church. She lives approx. 2 miles away. At home she lays on a bed but sometimes rolls off on to the floor. I would like to send a stroller with a big wheel on the front that can roll easily on the rocks. I think I can send the stroller with the second team. The pastor told me that this stroller would improve she and her mom's life in a huge way. It was so great for me to see her mom able to worship and raise her hands while I held the baby. Mom said that she does not have help with her and has another child at home. The people in her village are kind, but do not help with her.

A DPC (displaced persons camp)

There are many of these camps all over Haiti. My translator, Marcus, is a 22year old university student. Now the university is not functioning and his family is living in a camp. He described the camp to me and told me about his dreams for the future. He is from a poor family but they did have a house before the earthquake. The people in the camp put their money together and buy food and share it. They meet to pray each morning. They shower by dumping water on their heads.

Sweet baby from the clinic today.

This baby came to the clinic today. We appproximate her weight at 4 -5 pounds. She has not been nursing and we were suprised that she had a heartbeat. She is very sweet! Her name is Dashka.

Airport in POP

First Evening in Haiti

We are eating crackers and tuna for dinner. And granola called blueberry cobbler for dessert. We will sleep on the porch tonight since there is another group here until tomorrow. We will set up a clinic tomorrow in Chambrun. The pastor will meet with us in a few minutes to tell us what to expect tomorrow.

Our bus driver in Haiti was amazing. Steve would be impressed. He was able to nagivate in very small places. We followed a truck with UN troops and rifles on the way to the pastor's house. Kind of scary. The roads are in very bad shape!

Many men were at the airport wanting to help and wanting to be paid. We have been told not to give anyone money. The pastor pays one man and he pays his helpers.

I miss everyone!

Robin

We made it

The angel on my shoulder

I have been thinking about Joey a lot today. I can't help but think that he has something to do with me going to Haiti. I cared for him for 13 years, starting when he was a newborn until he died a few months ago. He taught me to be happy with simple things like flashing lights and spinning objects. He taught me how to comfort by insisting that I touch and hold him. He had a happy life but also suffered so patiently. He showed me how to love.
I am wearing the angel necklace that Kathy, his mom, gave me years ago. So I believe he is going with me and will help me comfort the young children that are suffering and afraid. Like Sarah, his sister, said today, he would want me to go.

We depart from Grace Community Church at 3:30am. Steve Cobb has graciously agreed to drive the team and our supplies to and from the airport-another example of a willing servant-following Christ's example.
My co-worker, Carolyn, has been so enthusiastic and supportive and has kept her uneasiness about me being gone for a week to herself.

The staff and students at LN have been so kind and gave me one blessing after another. A gal, Gloria, that works with Tom is commited to pray for the team at 7am every day. And my mom, even though she is weak from chemo treatments, has been diligent in praying for us.

My kids came over tonight and we ate together and hung out.

I am filled with love. Ready to spill it out.

A co-worker brought cards made by her Sunday school class at New Bethel Baptist Church to give to the children in Haiti. They are beautiful! Maya age 6 writes "I hope you are doing good and working together". What a thing to hope for.

I have been reading a book by Dr. Paul Brand called "He satisfies My Soul". The chapter I read yesterday talked about water and how our bodies are designed to need a constant supply of water and use water so efficiently. And our spirits need the water of life to grow and bear fruit. Then....my friend, Alicia sent me a message and suggested I try to drink a lot of water today and tomorrow. Not a coincidence. So I have taken that to heart today.

My friend, Melissa and I prayed together tonight for our kids and church. I am praying that God will give me an opportunity to introduce some moms in Haiti to Moms in Touch. Praying for my kids gives me so much peace and allows me to let go of control. God knows I need that!

Bottles Donated by Students and Staff at School

Last week money was collected and bottles were purchased to distribute in the clinics in Haiti. It is a blessing to see young people who give so freely and are so excited about the trip. Their compassion inspires me. And, in this time of such uncertainty in the school system, the employees have given sacrificially and offered encouragement and prayers for the team. I truly feel like I am taking along so many others in spirit.

A Mighty Fortress is our God

Tom and I spent the weekend in Kentucky with his mom and sister's family. We had a great time talking and laughing together. Prayers were said for the team and the people we will be serving in Haiti. Susie and John are such great examples of how to serve cheerfully. IT was great to hear about how much they enjoy helping in the nursery at church. I will remember their positive attitudes and willingness to serve others while I am away.

Susie gave me an old hymn book and it has one of my favorites. I copied it so I can sing it next week. The words are beautiful! " We will not fear...for God hath willed His truth to triumph thru us. " Amen

Encouragement from LN family one week out

Preparation continues. Met with Travel Medicine nurse yesterday and got my Typhoid injection and script for chloroquine (anti-malarial). Then dropped off 20 large plastic tubs at Grace CC to fill with supplies for our trip. Met Aaron (the pastor leading the trip) face to face for the first time. I am so honored that Grace is allowing me to be a part of the trip and am looking forward to getting to know these brothers and sisters.
I have been enjoying a tremendous amount of encouragement from staff and students at LN. Dennis will be praying for me while praying for the persecuted church next week. Carolyn and Betsy took me out to eat tonight. Betsy offered a beautiful prayer asking God to bless my time in Haiti and those we serve there...and even remembered to thank Him for the food. She is a skilled and compassionate listener. Carolyn expresses love in a multitude of ways. I learn so much from her gift of hospitality as well as the wisdom she expresses so gently. I anticipate having opportunities to imitate their examples in Haiti.... to hear stories and offer help and compassion and prayer. I am reading psalms that cry out to God for mercy and help.
This morning I read Ps. 86. tonight I pray: "all the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name" Amen.