Earthquake Reflections-Leogane part 2

I think that if the Lord would give me a choice of a fast death vs. doing additional good but suffering from major broken bones, and infections that I would wimp out and choose death. I don't think I'd have the strength and courage to choose pain in order to help others. Combine my fear of suffering with the pull to see the Lord face to face and I know I wouldn't be able to carry on in this life. But maybe that is why the Lord doesn't give us a choice. He walks with us, carries us, supports us and helps us to grow when we turn to Him.

Medical Warning. Graphic.

At one point during my first day of providing medical help to the earthquake victims I almost lost heart. The morning endlessly stretched before me. I bounce from one victim to another advising those giving care on what to do. Large scalp lacerations received carefully cleaning and removal of the rocks. No suture materials but we could use yarn to tie together the little girls braids on either side of the wound bringing together neatly the large gash that left nearly half of her skull exposed.

Small babies received crushing injuries to fingers and toes. In less than 48 hours the putrid smell of gangrene announced the very real threat to their lives. With only Tylenol for pain control I ignored two precious ones screams of pain as I completed partial amputations. Praying that the cleaning and dressings they received would buy them enough time to wait for more definite help to save their lives.

Finally one part of the slowness of time came to light. At 10:30 a.m. I had removed my gloves-pulling out the stem of my watch and stopping time. Relief flooded my being to realize that only four hours remained of clinic time. A small grain of hope dropped into my mind as I thought I may be able to make it. Lunch consisted of a hastily chewed granola bar. Thankfully a team member took it upon herself to keep my water bottle full.

The Lord graciously sent me a smile in the afternoon. A healthy, chubby baby of about a year and a half sat on his concerned mother's lap. He smiled a huge toothless grin at me, reassuring me that the falling bricks had not caused him harm.

A young boy of a few years with a femur fraction could not understand why we cause him pain by pulling on his leg. Other children endured painful dressing changes or splinting as well. Adults at least could understand that the painful treatment benefited their well being [although some still begged for us to stop]. To deliberately cause great pain drains the emotions, spirit and physical strength.

T.V. and books lead one to believe that people will mercifully faint with great pain. I wished and prayed for this to be a fact but the cold, hard fact is that people can endure great pain without the blessing of loss of consciousness.

Please keep Haiti in your prayers even as the media coverage fades.