There was crazy rain and wind last night and the mosquitoes ate me alive! Because of the mess the rain made we were delayed in getting out. We had devotions and prayer and then headed for Carrefour. We had to drive through the capital and got a first hand look at the devastation. Unbelievable. There are more fallen buildings than ones standing. And people have taken up residence in tents anywhere and everywhere...local parks, empty plots, even in the middle of the street divides. So many camps of displaced people, so much need. We got to Carrefour (basketball court camp). Annie and I set up the medical triage and the pastors began to sing and pray and preach with the people. Again we saw many people with headaches and stomachaches since the earthquake, several children with diarrhea and dehydration. One child was almost motionless he was so weak. We went to the hospital later and were able to get some re-hydration formula for him and bring it back. The line for medical attention was endless, mostly people wanting some attention and care. The weather became threatening so we had to leave. On the ride back Pastor Mimsie shared that he was able to gather a group of men and pray for them and share the gospel. Several men accepted Christ including one man who spoke perfect English. Turns out he was an English teacher before the earthquake and has now lost his home and his job. He and his family are now living in a tent. Pastor Mimsie had a good time ministering to him. We left Carrefour and went to the hospital. Big Paul was gracious enough to give us everything on our list so we can now go back to the camps and provide the children with much needed medicine. We had a chance to stop in town for some lunch, Annie and I had some local fare, crepes. Then back home to pick up food and Bibles for Carrefour. We were also able to use the baby bottles that were donated to help dispense the re-hydration fluid to the infants. We got to Carrefour and met with the committee and again there were more families than expected. The camps are growing quickly. We provided 52 buckets of food, water and Bibles to the families of Carrefour. It was a long day and we arrived home just as it got dark. We were able to eat another delicious meal of fish and rice before the lights went out. Now we are all sitting in the dark under tarps (its raining again) talking about the day. Thank you for your prayers. Team 3
2/17/10
The night air was perfect for sleeping last night. We were well rested even though we slept outside on concrete with pads and sleeping bags. We started the morning with devotions from Isaiah led by Pastor Mimsie and then prayer. Before we left Pastor Mimsie was able to share the gospel and pray with Didier, Carla's husband. We left our home base and headed to Jephte's church. Many were there digging thru the rubble and attempting to clear the site. They invited us to their Sunday service they hold just outside the church site. From there we headed to the first camp, Delmas 62. We went to the Madame, who had a foot injury, and Annie changed her dressing. Thankfully her injury was healing well. Then Annie and I set up shop and starting seeing patients, almost all children. James was our amazing translator. Annie took a lot of vital signs, listened to people's lungs and assessed their needs. There were mostly minor fevers and coughs, except on girl with a heart mumur, but the most common diagnosis was sadness. Children who did't run or smile or play anymore. If only there was a pill for that. But there is hope and we prayed with each one that God would bring them that hope. As Annie treated people and I kept the medical log, Pastor Mimsie and Pastor Michel shared the gospel with the camp. Several people accepted Christ and almost all of them asked for Bibles. So thanks to a generous gift from Pastor Mimsie's church we were able to go to Petionville and purchase 200 French Bibles to distribute with the food. Over a wonderful lunch of rice and beans we wrote "From One Life Missions With Love February 2010" in each Bible. After lunch we returned to Delmas 62 with the buckets of rice and beans and water the Bellevue family had packed. James went ahead and got a police escort because the crowd was getting large. Although there was some confusion because new families had not registered with Madame and others had come off the street looking for food, God provided us with safety and a system and we were able to complete the mission successfully. As we drove home you couldn't help but notice the life on the streets. Vendors were out with their colorful ware, buses were full and many had returned to work. Unfortunately, schools are still out and will be for some time. We got home and de-briefed the day and made plans for tomorrow. This is my first time in Haiti. Back home I have several Haitian friends who I consider angels walking on earth (mostly because they put up with me as a friend), and now I am surrounded by a household of angels. They are so kind and so sweet and treat us like royalty. Did I mention that MaMa is a chef...mmmm! Another great dinner! This "ground team" is truly a godsend and a blessing. Thanks for your prayers! Team Three...Mimsie, Michel, Annie and Tara
No comments:
Post a Comment