Tuesday, June 7, 2011

7 June Visitors, clinic, weather, prayers

One week from tomorrow morning my brother's family along with 6 people from his church will be heading into Haiti. This will be the first visit for all except Todd to Northern Haiti and his last visit occurred 35 years ago.

None of know what will strike the visitors the most. I try to imagine this place through my niece and nephews eyes but even with my healthy imagination I cannot. My first taste of Haiti happened on a trip during kindergarten, a long time ago. I know what adults often say on their first trips but not 8-14 year olds. It will be an interesting and exciting time.

Many prayers already been lifted for this team as they prepare for what we hope will be a positive, life changing trip for each one.

Kathleen helped out with school yesterday. Eli and Anna continue to wind down toward break. Looks like we will reach our goal of completing 75% of our school year this week. Then they will continue to learn from reading, helping with the team, travel to the USA...

Chris and I worked in clinic yesterday. Overview of the charts of the 3 folks in the hospital showed: a little girl in with suspected meningitis, a little boy with burnt hands and a lady who suffered her third miscarriage, this one at 5 months. We visited a bit with the girl who looked fine other than the IV in her right hand. She walked around the clinic with her mom carrying the empty IV bottle. She smiled when we gave her a children's book in Creole.

Monday clinics tend to be busier and yesterday only one of the Haitian doctor's worked. Chris and I consulted 7 patients. Bladder infections, malaria, anemia, itching, worms, and heart burn made up most of our diagnosis. Each person also received prayer and most tracts. Interestingly as we called the patients in for the second time, to provide laboratory results and treatment one lady stopped in who we had not seen. She requested a tract, which we happily provided.

Rain again last night and news reports 7 dead in Port-au-Prince from heavy rains collapsing houses. Radar indicates that more rain is likely on the way for Haiti and this is only day 7 of hurricane season. Tropical rains can dump several inches of rain in just a couple hours causing deadly mudslides and flash flooding. Please keep Haiti in your prayers.

Weather can also mess up travel plans as pilots need to land in Cap Haitian visually and not with instrument guidance. More prayers needed.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Sending up a prayer right now for the concerns you mentioned. It will be interesting to see Haiti through the eyes of your visitors.

Jess Furrow said...

it's not going to be my first time in haiti - i was there in 2007 :) but i am really curious to see how tay, tristyn, and ty do!

Kris Thede said...

Thanks Susan. Jess-I know that you and Beth have been before that is why I put in Northern Haiti..I don't think any of the team but Todd has been to the North? Unless it was to the beach at Labadee but that hardly counts.

Jess Furrow said...

nice, i guess i overlooked the northern part before :)