Esther

Here is Jackie's personal blog post about a woman named Esther who came to our first clinic. Beautifully written, Jackie!

http://hylandsisland79.blogspot.com/2015/01/how.html?spref=fb

We're home!

We are all home now, safe and sound, including Ken Eckberg who lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti. We saw over 1000 Haitians whom we healed, prayed with, comforted, befriended, taught, laughed and played with and hugged.

The presence of God was felt continuously in our hearts while we were doing his work.

We are grateful for all your prayers, donations and other support.

Thank you!

Our flight is delayed...posting three more pics

Patrick and Ken with their babies. One of our classes Friday was on infant resuscitation. 

It's common to see trash like this in the city of Cap Haitian. The lady is carrying eggs. 

There are a lot of motorcycles, often carrying a whole family. 

Mirdage's school Friday

Our last day and evening

"Traveling through the city of Cap Haitien puts the traffic on the 405 in a whole new light...traveling via school bus through crowded streets while hundreds of people wander in and out of traffic, donkeys pulling carts, and motorcycles whizzing past, at times you are so close you can touch the other vehicles! It is noisy, dusty, busy and wonderful...you truly experience the "beat" of the people and the city. Working here in Haiti is both everything and nothing you expect, and still...I can't wait to come back..."Sarah G

"What stood out to me today was going to Mirdage's school. It was like nothing I would ever imagine a school to be, at least not in the States. Even while the conditions were shocking, the students were beautifully dressed and well behaved. They were gracious and loving while we were there. We were able to bring few jump ropes and balls and had the opportunity to pass some of them out before we left. Watching the kids immediately grab their new equipment and take off to play was awesome,and then we were able to join in on the fun. We held a lot of hands an had a lot of laughs. It was a humbling and beautiful morning. God is good." -Lauren 

"Today I went to Mirdage's school and I was moved in ways I never thought I could be. All of the kids were so happy and so cute even though they didn't have much. I didn't know what so say that would make there lives better. When we actually got to talk to them and play with them I realized that there was nothing that we could do but love them they had everything that they needed and that they were happy with what they had. So it was an extremely moving day for me not just because the I got attached to the kids but because of how they looked but because of the way they acted. Today was a good day." ~Kaitlyn

"Today was the  first day I was able to breath a sigh and sit back just to watch my wonderful team at work. We have been in clinic for the whole week, tirelessly in an effort to serve those in need. I haven't been able to sit back and just watch how well the team worked together. But today during our teaching session, I had time to sit back and just observe an amazing team at work. I saw a team full of love for each other and the people of Haiti." -Dr. Summer

Mirdage's School today

More photos from Thursday

Team members reflect

Today wrapped up the last day of our clinics, totaling 1,007 patients over the course of our trip. We are floored by this number but then again, it is a great reminder of God's power and how he can work through his people. Together we have laughed and cried, been tested and challenged, and through it all we sweated-a lot! Everyone is ending the day with multiple kairos moments, a term we have been using to describe a time where God was extremely present. Let me share a few with you from over the course of our clinics...

"Events at the O.R. were especially exciting as three to four members of our group came and went to observe and assist with surgeries.  It was a great blessing to see everyone working together and using tools under the instruction of Dr. Dan. The last procedure did not finish until the sun had set.  The patient began thanking us and immediately jumped up and gave Dr. Dan a hug just as we finished his bandage. It was beautiful to see a small glimpse into how God can bless lives and bring joy." -Patrick 

Seeing ordinary people step out of their comfort zone (me and others).  Finding stamina, energy and calm beyond what we feel we have inside of ourselves.  Definely God inside, our heart, giving us wisdom in our souls and his light shinning through our eyes...   He is amazing... Love this team. And the Haitian people...  Jackie 

Working in Haiti is about as far removed from Irvine as a person can get. We have become masters of improvisation...cleaning and treating wounds on grassy slopes, creating sun shades from shower curtains and rigging up triage stations...not to mention the creative methods we have found for transporting our supplies! Though we are tired, we have managed to find the extra energy to keep going...looking forward to sharing our stories with all of you when we return...Sarah G

Getting ready to teach classes tomorrow and visit Mirdage's school

Thursday's clinic

Triage today at our final clinic in Eben Ezer up on the mountain. 

Waiting to see a provider. 

We're finished and ready to get on the bus. Dr. Dan and his crew (Annie, Kaitlyn, and Patrick) were still in surgery. 

Photo of the group this a.m. before our last clinic

Thoughts from today...

Lauren Brashears here! In a nutshell, today was amazing. We have truly fused as a group. We operate and flow as one body. We give grace when there are mistakes, support in challenges, and celebrate successes. Our clinic today was set up in the jungle...literally. If you look at the picture above, the wooden structure held all of our medical providers, OB/GYN, surgeon, and examine table. This doesn't

include the patients, translators, and other members coming and going. My assignment gave me the privilege to not only see most of the patients but also see the medical providers working in such a small space. It was such a beautiful sight looking out and seeing the separate interactions of each group but also the cohesiveness of so many bodies in one room doing such big things. We saw about 250 people by the end of the day-more than the other two days! What a blessing to see how God works through us to do things greater than ourselves. As my heart breaks for so many, it grows with the love of the people and their happiness. 

Ps. Hi mom!

Photos from today in the jungle at Dutty

'

Today's triage crew including nurses and translators. 

The Dan and Annie Ng surgery team. Our young team members have been able to assist the providers and have on-the-job training. 

Bags of homemade donated dolls and blankets for our little ones in the clinics. They are so cute!

She has her doll.

Dr. Summer and Denny taking a 5 second break at the triage station.

Surgery!

Dr, Dan, Patrick Cummings and Dr. Bordes.

On the bus back to the hotel on Tuesday.

A little bit of Tuesday at CEDAN

Pharmacy

Sunday church service

More Saturday pics

We made it yesterday!

Three hours in customs. A couple real downpours at the hotel. Devotion before dinner. Tired and eager. This morning we're on our way to church. 

Our Team Verse: Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan

[25] On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

[26] “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

[27] He answered, “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ”

[28] “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

[29] But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

[30] In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

[31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.

[32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

[33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

[34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

[35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

[36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

On our way!

Thanks to our volunteer drivers for getting us to LAX safely and quickly. Here we are checking in all our huge suitcases of supplies.

And waiting for boarding.