Arriving at the church/school site we faced choosing a safe place amidst the rubble. Not only safe but with some shade, a way to control the line and places for our supplies. We ended up using a few tables, school chairs and church benches. Someone went for water. I started explaining what we could and couldn't do and what the people could expect.
Similar to the preceding days people came for broken bones, swollen limbs, infected wounds, as well as many general complaints. One dear lady, bedridden for a while with grossly swollen legs was carried to us sitting in a old wheelchair. Her femur was splinted and pain medications given for her fracture. Because she doesn't walk-the splint only needed to prevent major movement of the bone pieces.
Almost anywhere in Haiti you can find young folks who enjoy the past time of teasing. There was a group of young men-obviously healthy who decided that I would make a good target. At first I mustered up a bit of energy to respond in like, explaining that I had the power to add 00's to their number and they would be seen last.
Soon my energy dissipated and I found myself growing angry. Thanks to those of you who were praying I didn't yell [not this day, this moment] I quietly explained to them that I left my family and home a week prior. I came to help medically and had been doing so for the last, long 5 days. I had seen many hard things that had drained me and I had no energy to goof off. Sorry.
While I talked their smiles slid off their faces and understanding dawned. Shortly after this I noticed the Pastor talking to them and they left.
After providing care for close to 100 people, we packed up to head back. Before we left the Pastor handed us a plastic container with 30 some eggs. A gift. Here these folks had lost their church building, school, likely homes and didn't have a clue what tomorrow or their future would hold. But they blessed us with food. What a powerful example to me of their faith in the Lord and His love in their lives.
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