OK, I’m at the clinic and I have a few hours to spend, so I better start using my time here. Knowing I’d have that, I even brought my laptop! The reason? I had this SEVERELY dehydrated 60 yr old man come in so I put in an IV and now have to wait. I don’t usually do this – normally patients this ill would get sent to the hospital but I’m going to give it a try. He’s got a severely swollen leg too, still not sure from what. Otherwise, it’s been quite a calm day; which gave us a chance to do some play-acting. Or should I call it teach-acting. I pretended to be a patient, and my staff did their jobs. Funny how much friendlier and fun that can be. We didn’t have time for them to role play yet, but I want to give them an impression how it feels to be a patient.
Yes, this was hurricane week. Thankfully it didn’t hit our area much. We did have an unusual amount of rain. Usually our rains will last an afternoon maybe or an evening. But this one started Tuesday afternoon, all through Wed. It would stop, then start, which seems normal to me. A couple times it was a bit windier than usual and I thought, oh, this is the hurricane. Today it didn’t start drizzling till around 3 p.m., which gave patients a chance to come. It’s been a bad week for our little mamba patients. Only 5 have showed up this week total. (OK, 2 more came late today) One came Tues. in the drizzle and 2 yesterday morning and one in the afternoon. Those moms are what I call either dedicated, loving, or desperate, bringing their babies out in the rain. One mom commented when I said she was brave to come “I don’t have any other food to give her”. One didn’t bring her baby but came herself (which I was fine with because he really isn’t healthy enough to be out in the rain (Edgerson). So I guess I can only hope the others are getting other foods.
I’ve learned an important lesson from one of the moms. In a place like this, you struggle with who to help, since EVERYONE is so poor. Everyone has needs. You give what you have, and then you have needs too. How do you handle that? Do I give everything I have, till I have nothing or do I give what I have available to give? I know the easy answer to that question, especially put like that, but what’s the practical answer? What would you do if you had something you need, and someone else needs it too? It seems to have been the subject of the week, since that was our topic last Sunday at our missionary meeting also. Anyway, yesterday it was raining when the two moms, one baby came to the clinic. As they were leaving, I gave them my umbrella. So what if I have to dash from my house to the cafeteria when it rains. Everybody else does, too.
So I was surprised when she came back today, and not only did she bring back my umbrella, she brought me four of the biggest avocados I’ve ever seen I think, and a mixing bowl full of kaneps (a Haitian little round fruit). I’m not sure what God was teaching me because I think He wants me to give. So why does He give it back again? Is it maybe to show how, when we give God rewards us even more abundantly? It’s a lesson to me. Maybe you can all be reminded of that as well. I really appreciate everybody that prays for me; and at the same time I want all of you to get a special blessing for those prayers as well.
My pastor Wayne Shenk from Vanderhoof has been here since Monday. Since he is also my confidante and a good friend and like a father, it’s been very nice for me to connect with him. This time he brought his 10 yr old daughter Alex with him. She’s been hanging out with me some, esp this afternoon when he went to Port. I think it’s been a great experience for her – Pastor Wayne decided not to spare her, and she’s been helping out with the youngest kids in their class. This afternoon she also saw some of Haiti’s poverty when she watched a patient go home in a wheelbarrow.
And tomorrow is her birthday so since she’s leaving tomorrow, they had a nice birthday party for her tonight. We had a nice CHOCOLATE cake, and pop and balloons and signs. I think she’s never had so many people at her birthday party before. And she’s made a lot of new friends.
Two other events have happened this week. Sunday, Mark Pohl (aka Marco Polo) from Lima, Ohio came to join our family here. He is 25 and is taking on the school. Pray for him as he adjusts to a totally new culture.
And following that, school has started for another year and seems to be going good. There are some major differences, the main being that the adult kids are now taking on more “life responsibilities” by doing jobs in the morning, so they are doing night school now. Starting at 3:30, a break from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and going again till 10 p.m. It’s not easy, cause they’ve had a very easy life in many ways here, but this is a very wise decision, I think. However, this will take away time from some of the rest of us also, as somebody has to be there for them every evening. So I may start dividing some of my evenings there too.
OK, my attention is needed elsewhere so I better go.
Stevenson (11) says God bless you all.
Joel (11) says "Hello to everybody and Canaan loves you. Hello sister Elsie's family. Did you need piece of cake? come get it.";
Loveline (12) says "Hello everyone especially Sister Elsie's family, bye bye".
Anne Guerdy (14) says "I would like you to come to visit us"
God's peace on all!!
Elsie
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wednesday, Aug 20, 08
Greetings from ‘A yee tee’!
Yes, no one week is ever the same here!
John’s friend EDH (Electricity of Haiti) hasn’t made it’s appearance in over 2 weeks. Everyone’s a little disgruntled about it, though we now know most of the reason for that is the construction of the road in this area, which is actually going quite speedily, and we keep getting loads upon loads of gravel dumped on our land across from the clinic to build up our soccer field. And the naked and otherwise kids of the nearby neighbourhood continue scrounging around for stones to sell and pieces of wood amongst the loads.
Not having electricity, we’ve been happy for our generator every evening. Do we take electricity for granted? We found out how much we do, and need it this week. Our generator stopped working on Monday. Or rather, I think there was a short or something wrong with the lines. For the last two nights we’ve been without that. It’s amazing how it affects what we do. Want a challenge? Try living without any electricity for two days – no computer after the first two hours of battery, no phone after one day, no car to go visit friends and hopefully get charge, or check internet. After dark, what do you do? Go to bed early; especially if you have no candles or flashlights (thankfully I had some).
So today, P. Henri and S. Gladys arrived home from 1+ week in the States. First thing PH had to do was figure out the electricity, poor guy. Took awhile, and still hasn’t found the real problem, which means he still had to leave some of the places without, including our internet building. But my house has and I’m extremely grateful. I’ve got more than 10 cell phones, etc charging here in my house, besides my things. I feel like I could blow up soon. Ha! The cafeteria doesn’t, much to the disappointment of the kids. They can’t watch movies!!! This is their last week before school starts and they wanted to use every single night for it. On Monday I had decided they needed a break, and wasn’t going to let them watch one (sometimes when bad attitudes start showing you have to make a choice and be the disciplinarian – right, parents?); I didn’t realize how strong you have to be to stand up against all these kids. I persevered and I think they learned something about me. It was time though, and when darkness came, God pitched in and made it a little easier by not giving powerJ. I know in things like this I have S. Gladys’ support.
On the Mamba frontier, this week has had some winning situations again. Praise God! I was so pleased to see Maikel (see two posts back) – he lost 2 kilos in one week!! His extremities’ swelling is almost gone, his belly much less. He still has the protein problem though, which is not from malnutrition; rather vice versa....
Edine was also back today. She gained very well also, despite not coming last week! She still doesn’t like the being spoon fed but Grandma is getting 4 tablespoons of mamba in. Not enough, but at least she’s gaining. She is looking much better. She’s standing up on her own now, holding on to something. That’s huge. Compare her picture with the one before.
Another mom was also very pleased at the progress her child made in this his first week. I love it when they say they never stood up or even tried to stand up before and now, even after just one week, they do. This mom said with a grin, that her friends were telling her not to give the mamba, because it looked too strange, but she did anyway.
Another mom was worried because her little one had gained so much in just 4 weeks of the mamba. “Is that good to gain so much so quickly?” I was quick to reassure her that our goal is to have her baby at a normal weight in 8 weeks. Of course, I wouldn’t encourage any adult to gain a quarter of their weight in 4 weeks, like this little one did!!
My regular morning clinics seem to be picking up more too. On Monday I had the most patients ever, around 27; made a long day for me. Thankfully my nurse was there to help me. I feel so sorry for some of my patients sometimes. I had a 10 yr old girl brought in by her brother (or cousin). She seemed so sick – 104 F here and they said sometimes she was hotter yet. I sent her for both Typhoid and Malaria testing because those symptoms are very similar. So I was surprised when the results came back that she’s got BOTH of those illnesses. No wonder she looked ill!
Another lady 2 months post losing her stillborn baby came with severe abdominal pain, and she comes from around Capiat – the 1 ½ hr hike up the mountains we do sometimes to the springs. She walked it in all her pain. Said when it got too bad she’d lie down on the path.
It’s when I can help people like all these that I thank God for letting me be here and experience this place and this work. I know it’s definitely changing my outlook on life and even on who I am. Thank you for your continued prayer support. In doing so, you’re a part of helping all these people too, because I very much feel like I could not do this except for God. I don’t have the education for it. But God is a great God, and His ways are so much bigger that ours. If He wants to, he can use whomever He wants for whatever He wants. Never forget that (in case you feel nudged to do something you’re scared to do!)
God bless you as you finish reading this. May He grant you an open Spirit to take the next step of faith that is required of you!
Elsie
OK, I was going to post some pictures of Edine but it's not working. Another time!
Greetings from ‘A yee tee’!
Yes, no one week is ever the same here!
John’s friend EDH (Electricity of Haiti) hasn’t made it’s appearance in over 2 weeks. Everyone’s a little disgruntled about it, though we now know most of the reason for that is the construction of the road in this area, which is actually going quite speedily, and we keep getting loads upon loads of gravel dumped on our land across from the clinic to build up our soccer field. And the naked and otherwise kids of the nearby neighbourhood continue scrounging around for stones to sell and pieces of wood amongst the loads.
Not having electricity, we’ve been happy for our generator every evening. Do we take electricity for granted? We found out how much we do, and need it this week. Our generator stopped working on Monday. Or rather, I think there was a short or something wrong with the lines. For the last two nights we’ve been without that. It’s amazing how it affects what we do. Want a challenge? Try living without any electricity for two days – no computer after the first two hours of battery, no phone after one day, no car to go visit friends and hopefully get charge, or check internet. After dark, what do you do? Go to bed early; especially if you have no candles or flashlights (thankfully I had some).
So today, P. Henri and S. Gladys arrived home from 1+ week in the States. First thing PH had to do was figure out the electricity, poor guy. Took awhile, and still hasn’t found the real problem, which means he still had to leave some of the places without, including our internet building. But my house has and I’m extremely grateful. I’ve got more than 10 cell phones, etc charging here in my house, besides my things. I feel like I could blow up soon. Ha! The cafeteria doesn’t, much to the disappointment of the kids. They can’t watch movies!!! This is their last week before school starts and they wanted to use every single night for it. On Monday I had decided they needed a break, and wasn’t going to let them watch one (sometimes when bad attitudes start showing you have to make a choice and be the disciplinarian – right, parents?); I didn’t realize how strong you have to be to stand up against all these kids. I persevered and I think they learned something about me. It was time though, and when darkness came, God pitched in and made it a little easier by not giving powerJ. I know in things like this I have S. Gladys’ support.
On the Mamba frontier, this week has had some winning situations again. Praise God! I was so pleased to see Maikel (see two posts back) – he lost 2 kilos in one week!! His extremities’ swelling is almost gone, his belly much less. He still has the protein problem though, which is not from malnutrition; rather vice versa....
Edine was also back today. She gained very well also, despite not coming last week! She still doesn’t like the being spoon fed but Grandma is getting 4 tablespoons of mamba in. Not enough, but at least she’s gaining. She is looking much better. She’s standing up on her own now, holding on to something. That’s huge. Compare her picture with the one before.
Another mom was also very pleased at the progress her child made in this his first week. I love it when they say they never stood up or even tried to stand up before and now, even after just one week, they do. This mom said with a grin, that her friends were telling her not to give the mamba, because it looked too strange, but she did anyway.
Another mom was worried because her little one had gained so much in just 4 weeks of the mamba. “Is that good to gain so much so quickly?” I was quick to reassure her that our goal is to have her baby at a normal weight in 8 weeks. Of course, I wouldn’t encourage any adult to gain a quarter of their weight in 4 weeks, like this little one did!!
My regular morning clinics seem to be picking up more too. On Monday I had the most patients ever, around 27; made a long day for me. Thankfully my nurse was there to help me. I feel so sorry for some of my patients sometimes. I had a 10 yr old girl brought in by her brother (or cousin). She seemed so sick – 104 F here and they said sometimes she was hotter yet. I sent her for both Typhoid and Malaria testing because those symptoms are very similar. So I was surprised when the results came back that she’s got BOTH of those illnesses. No wonder she looked ill!
Another lady 2 months post losing her stillborn baby came with severe abdominal pain, and she comes from around Capiat – the 1 ½ hr hike up the mountains we do sometimes to the springs. She walked it in all her pain. Said when it got too bad she’d lie down on the path.
It’s when I can help people like all these that I thank God for letting me be here and experience this place and this work. I know it’s definitely changing my outlook on life and even on who I am. Thank you for your continued prayer support. In doing so, you’re a part of helping all these people too, because I very much feel like I could not do this except for God. I don’t have the education for it. But God is a great God, and His ways are so much bigger that ours. If He wants to, he can use whomever He wants for whatever He wants. Never forget that (in case you feel nudged to do something you’re scared to do!)
God bless you as you finish reading this. May He grant you an open Spirit to take the next step of faith that is required of you!
Elsie
OK, I was going to post some pictures of Edine but it's not working. Another time!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday, August-15-08
Count your blessings! It’s amazing how grateful I feel for little things, like a breeze. Do you know how precious a breeze is? I’m learning. It’s the most wonderful thing. It’s the difference between comfortable and sweat running down your back. There was one this morning at the clinic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you wonder why I’m going on and on about it, put yourself in a small 8X8 windowless room and add 5 adults and about 3 crying kids and see how long you can be comfortable in it. OK, so my building isn’t windowless but sometimes it feels like it, it’s so hot and humid. Imagine how you’d feel if suddenly, in the said room, windows magically appeared and a breeze flowed through. You’d stop whatever you were doing and just savour it. That’s what I did several times today. And it reminded me of the breeze I always had there the first couple months I was here, and now I’m waiting for cooler weather. I think September should be cooler already, though they’re saying not. Why is it that I can’t agree with the majority about Septembers? After all it’s my month. Before, in Canada, we usually had some snow in September already, and people never seemed to believe me later. And here, I think it should be cooler already, and they say no. OK, so I won’t claim that until I’ve lived through one here. Still, I hope I’m right.
It’s been another busy week, but they all seem to be that way now. I think the word about our clinic is spreading because it seems more and more people come every week. But at least my nurse is back, and though I still have to supervise her, it does make a big difference.
Want to hear an answer to prayer? Remember Maykel, the baby with the big belly in last post? I had asked the dad to come back Thursday. But “email doctoring” has it’s drawbacks and I hadn’t heard back from the doctors by Thursday, and I hated the idea of dad having to make the 3 hr tap-tap trip for nothing. So I asked God to somehow arrange that he not come. You know what? He didn’t come. It’s kind of amazing when you think about it. Of course, I’m trying not to worry about why he didn’t come, gotta believe God’s taking care of him. I’m hoping he’s doing so much better. He had already lost 0.8 kg in less than a week. That is really good. Hopefully the Mamba will be just what he needs. With his test I did it does look like he has some kidney problems, so please pray for a good recovery. I think, and I’m sure you all agree, that his situation can’t be comfortable.
This week actually started a little different that any other. Before I had even gone down to the clinic on Monday morning, I heard that someone finally managed to break in. They cut some bars on one side of the window, ripped the screen and must have dove in, cause it’s quite high. They took out the hand sink and they took my 5 gallon water container. Those are the only things I can figure are gone, unless I count my little stapler, which to tell you the truth, anyone could have taken. I was SO thankful for what they didn’t take that I haven’t spent a lot of time regretting what they did. Every time I think about it I’m grateful. Although I’m not keeping as much meds there as before, still there was a lot they could have taken, including equipment. Apparently water was their concern! which tells us this isn’t a regular thief. So that night Pastor Joel and a few others spent a few hours making holes in the concrete wall and putting bars through and re-cementing it. Aesthetically not very nice, but security is a bigger concern here. At least I don’t have to haul everything back and forth every day, but am more concerned now. There’s still some high windows, if they get desperate. But God sure does protect us here. It feels very safe, knowing that. And it’s not like I didn’t grow up with people breaking in all the time.
Pastor Henri and Sister Gladys both went to Florida for medical appointments this week so it keeps Pastor Joel pretty busy here. There is a marked difference when they are gone, but thankfully things still run well.
Sister Bonnie left yesterday, and I think the kids learned again what it’s like to be spoiled! She does a great job of loving the kids. I feel a little honoured the way they call me ‘Sister Bonnie’ accidentally all the time now, but I’m not sure how she handles the stress of 20 – 30 kids begging for stuff all the time! I’m realizing I need more patience. They are wonderful kids, but if you have or had some, remember how they were sometimes when they were fussy or unhappy, and multiply that by 10. You so badly want them to know they are loved, but they also need their disciplines sometimes. I find myself being too much of a black-and-white person. But also remember the little hugs, or smiles, and you feel blessed!
I'm letting them watch a lot of movies these evenings. I'm the "movie person" since somebody has to be in charge of the equipment and it's hard to know how often to let them. It's the highlight of their days, and it doesn't matter how often they've seen the same movies. Of course they have their favourites (almost all of those are musicals). School is starting soon and then they're limited to weekends. Their favourites by far are "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Hair Spray, and the High School Musicals. I got a kick out of Cadet tonight - he's the youngest (3). The movie was already going when he met me on the way there, and he pipes up "did you give us a movie?" when I said "wee" he says in his little child voice, all happy "thank you".
Ok this is just a lot of ramblings here, but I wanted to touch base, remind you to continue to pray for the work here. I believe in prayer more than ever, it's almost a part of breathing here sometimes. Not just in needing things, but just the awareness that God exists. It's in the air. I think it's what makes this place special. You're reminded of that when you see people that have nothing but HIM - more than when you see people of plenty. Is it just that in desperate times, we seek Him? Or in seeing people with nothing, you're reminded of a different purpose to life than seeking to be comfortable ourselves? How aware of God are we in the daily things around us? Is He part of our spirit?
May God's presence be on us all the time!
Elsie
Count your blessings! It’s amazing how grateful I feel for little things, like a breeze. Do you know how precious a breeze is? I’m learning. It’s the most wonderful thing. It’s the difference between comfortable and sweat running down your back. There was one this morning at the clinic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you wonder why I’m going on and on about it, put yourself in a small 8X8 windowless room and add 5 adults and about 3 crying kids and see how long you can be comfortable in it. OK, so my building isn’t windowless but sometimes it feels like it, it’s so hot and humid. Imagine how you’d feel if suddenly, in the said room, windows magically appeared and a breeze flowed through. You’d stop whatever you were doing and just savour it. That’s what I did several times today. And it reminded me of the breeze I always had there the first couple months I was here, and now I’m waiting for cooler weather. I think September should be cooler already, though they’re saying not. Why is it that I can’t agree with the majority about Septembers? After all it’s my month. Before, in Canada, we usually had some snow in September already, and people never seemed to believe me later. And here, I think it should be cooler already, and they say no. OK, so I won’t claim that until I’ve lived through one here. Still, I hope I’m right.
It’s been another busy week, but they all seem to be that way now. I think the word about our clinic is spreading because it seems more and more people come every week. But at least my nurse is back, and though I still have to supervise her, it does make a big difference.
Want to hear an answer to prayer? Remember Maykel, the baby with the big belly in last post? I had asked the dad to come back Thursday. But “email doctoring” has it’s drawbacks and I hadn’t heard back from the doctors by Thursday, and I hated the idea of dad having to make the 3 hr tap-tap trip for nothing. So I asked God to somehow arrange that he not come. You know what? He didn’t come. It’s kind of amazing when you think about it. Of course, I’m trying not to worry about why he didn’t come, gotta believe God’s taking care of him. I’m hoping he’s doing so much better. He had already lost 0.8 kg in less than a week. That is really good. Hopefully the Mamba will be just what he needs. With his test I did it does look like he has some kidney problems, so please pray for a good recovery. I think, and I’m sure you all agree, that his situation can’t be comfortable.
This week actually started a little different that any other. Before I had even gone down to the clinic on Monday morning, I heard that someone finally managed to break in. They cut some bars on one side of the window, ripped the screen and must have dove in, cause it’s quite high. They took out the hand sink and they took my 5 gallon water container. Those are the only things I can figure are gone, unless I count my little stapler, which to tell you the truth, anyone could have taken. I was SO thankful for what they didn’t take that I haven’t spent a lot of time regretting what they did. Every time I think about it I’m grateful. Although I’m not keeping as much meds there as before, still there was a lot they could have taken, including equipment. Apparently water was their concern! which tells us this isn’t a regular thief. So that night Pastor Joel and a few others spent a few hours making holes in the concrete wall and putting bars through and re-cementing it. Aesthetically not very nice, but security is a bigger concern here. At least I don’t have to haul everything back and forth every day, but am more concerned now. There’s still some high windows, if they get desperate. But God sure does protect us here. It feels very safe, knowing that. And it’s not like I didn’t grow up with people breaking in all the time.
Pastor Henri and Sister Gladys both went to Florida for medical appointments this week so it keeps Pastor Joel pretty busy here. There is a marked difference when they are gone, but thankfully things still run well.
Sister Bonnie left yesterday, and I think the kids learned again what it’s like to be spoiled! She does a great job of loving the kids. I feel a little honoured the way they call me ‘Sister Bonnie’ accidentally all the time now, but I’m not sure how she handles the stress of 20 – 30 kids begging for stuff all the time! I’m realizing I need more patience. They are wonderful kids, but if you have or had some, remember how they were sometimes when they were fussy or unhappy, and multiply that by 10. You so badly want them to know they are loved, but they also need their disciplines sometimes. I find myself being too much of a black-and-white person. But also remember the little hugs, or smiles, and you feel blessed!
I'm letting them watch a lot of movies these evenings. I'm the "movie person" since somebody has to be in charge of the equipment and it's hard to know how often to let them. It's the highlight of their days, and it doesn't matter how often they've seen the same movies. Of course they have their favourites (almost all of those are musicals). School is starting soon and then they're limited to weekends. Their favourites by far are "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Hair Spray, and the High School Musicals. I got a kick out of Cadet tonight - he's the youngest (3). The movie was already going when he met me on the way there, and he pipes up "did you give us a movie?" when I said "wee" he says in his little child voice, all happy "thank you".
Ok this is just a lot of ramblings here, but I wanted to touch base, remind you to continue to pray for the work here. I believe in prayer more than ever, it's almost a part of breathing here sometimes. Not just in needing things, but just the awareness that God exists. It's in the air. I think it's what makes this place special. You're reminded of that when you see people that have nothing but HIM - more than when you see people of plenty. Is it just that in desperate times, we seek Him? Or in seeing people with nothing, you're reminded of a different purpose to life than seeking to be comfortable ourselves? How aware of God are we in the daily things around us? Is He part of our spirit?
May God's presence be on us all the time!
Elsie
Friday, August 8, 2008
Malnutrition
You mean another week has gone by? This one went fast! I guess that means I didn’t sit around, doing nothing. Did my past, where I’d sleep till 7, go to work at 9 a.m., have an hour off at noon, go back to work till five, and come home and watch TV, or read or do whatever I wanted, really exist? I can hardly grasp my “prior life” now.
Edine! We will win over her stubborn little 16 month brain yet!.JPG)
Grandma reported on Wed. that she actually has finished the bag of Medika Mamba that was given to her in the hospital. Part of it went in forcibly by spoon, and part as a diluted-with-milk drink, but the important thing is it went in; which is good because I was out of infant formula and grandma was suppose to buy more, and she didn’t because it was too expensive. She figured she could get the 8 required tablespoons of M. Mamba into her every day this week and I told her if she does, then I don’t care what else she eats. She was eating salami (something like spam) when she walked in Wed. She likes adult food... (if she can eat it with her hands. She does NOT like spoons). She was quite cheerful, very observant, and smiled quite readily. Her chest infection has almost totally cleared up (Dr Ric checked her) so I’m happy. She’s still running fevers according to Grandma, so please continue to pray for her.
Gail – another strong little girl.
At 15 months, 3 weeks ago she weighed 4.2 kg. After her 1.2 kg weight gain in the first week, I didn’t expect much this week, but she surprised me by gaining over half a kilo (0.55). She went from below our red zone to the yellow zone in 2 weeks! That’s totally amazing, unheard of!
Edgerson – He’s still gaining a little weight, but will need continued prayer to survive.
His fevers continue, and some diarrhoea again (not a good sign). I had Dr Ric check him over as well. He has multiple problems, and even if he recovers from his malnutrition, it will be a challenge. Medically speaking, he will not be normal. Which means his nutrition will always be a challenge, and it will be a challenge for his mom also, since it will become very difficult for her to care for a needy child. It will depend largely on how better nutrition will change him. So continue praying for him.
And this little girl is a good example of how even your personality changes with health.
For the first 6 weeks she came, she was so shy, every time she saw us looking at her, she would cover her eyes with her hands (if I can't see you, you can't see me). If curious, she'd peek from beneath her arm, but that's where it'd stay, and weighing was a fright every time. Last week she came in smiling, allowed us to weigh her, and even played and twirled in circles in front of us and at our request. This week I was able to graduate her from the program!!
We’re still looking for more help at the clinic here, so please, if you or someone you know is interested in spending part of yourself here, please let me know and I’ll tell you who you can contact. One thing I can tell you from personal experience and from others’, it will change your life. (John, send your contacts to my blog. Maybe it’ll help inspire them! :)
Monday started off fast paced – my nurse is gone for this week. Thankfully I’d just trained one of the ladies working here at Canaan to check-in my patients for me. But I had 16 patients to see by myself, and that makes for a long morning! (till 2:30 p.m., in the heat, and you’re almost wilting by then.)
I found out of one huge answer to prayer for Canaan. Mark Pohl, one of the guys on the team here for a week, has committed himself to come back again on the 24th of this month. He will be in charge of directing the school here at Canaan. (school starts again Aug. 25) That is such a big load of Sister Gladys’ shoulders. May God keep him here a LONG time! He will be an awesome addition to the family and a great influence on the kids, especially the boys. They need good male role models so badly. He is wonderfully equipped, both spiritually and academically.
I found out of one huge answer to prayer for Canaan. Mark Pohl, one of the guys on the team here for a week, has committed himself to come back again on the 24th of this month. He will be in charge of directing the school here at Canaan. (school starts again Aug. 25) That is such a big load of Sister Gladys’ shoulders. May God keep him here a LONG time! He will be an awesome addition to the family and a great influence on the kids, especially the boys. They need good male role models so badly. He is wonderfully equipped, both spiritually and academically.
Tuesday – full clinic in the morning and malnutrition in the afternoon. My girls translating stepped up and helped a little more with the actual clinic, since I’m by myself. I’m trying to teach them more, since they dream of being nurses one day. I had other help as well at the clinic today. Karen, one of the ladies with the team that was here for a week is a nurse and spent the day with me, as well as Erica, who is planning on going into nurses’ school.
In the evening Dr Ric got here, as well as Bonnie, 2 of her nieces, and 4 of the Canaan girls that have been in the US since May. It’s starting to feel like I’ve been here a long time when people come back for their second visit since I’ve been here. It was also the visiting team’s last night here.
In the evening Dr Ric got here, as well as Bonnie, 2 of her nieces, and 4 of the Canaan girls that have been in the US since May. It’s starting to feel like I’ve been here a long time when people come back for their second visit since I’ve been here. It was also the visiting team’s last night here.
Wed. – While Steve took his team to the airport, I was able to have Dr Ric at the clinic. Why is it so much easier to have a doctor around? Though I was trying not to fill up more than one morning for him, I had quite the list of patients I had asked to come back for him to review, as well as the normal people coming. It seemed the last week I had quite a few more difficult cases. Or maybe it was just I knew he would be here. Anyway, we worked till after 2 p.m., after which he went with Steve to visit another clinic, visiting other medical facilities being part of the purpose of his trip. By that time my malnutrition clinic was suppose to start as well, and I hadn’t stocked my Medika mamba yet. I also got a visit from a nurse in a different area who is thinking of starting with the Medika Mamba program and wanted to come see how it works. In the middle of all this, one of my girls finally decided she was brave enough to start interviewing/questioning the moms herself, so I helped her with that. By the time evening rolled around I think I beat the most tired day in Haiti record.
Thurs. – Steve and Dr Ric’s plan for the day was to go visit medical facilities to the north of us, and I really wanted to go along. So I decided to start clinic a little earlier so we’d be done by 9 (hopefully) so I could go with them. Thurs. tends to be a more quiet day, and I was hoping it would prove true again. We didn’t make it by 9 but were done soon after 10, Steve graciously waiting for us and by 10:30 we were locked up and ready to go. Felt a bit strange; but we had a good day. First stop was Pierre Payen hospital (I felt almost at home there!) - Steve showed Ric the operating room. Possibly in the future we will have surgeons come, and use that facility.
Had lunch in St Marc – that was a rare experience for me here. I think the only time I’ve eaten out, other than the resorts, is once in a nice restaurant in Port, so this was a little different. About time, after 6 months, eh? I’d go again.
We went on to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, maybe half hour beyond St Marc, which reputably is (or was) one of the best hospitals here in Haiti, and therefore, we wanted to see it. Honestly we were all disappointed. Apparently it has gone downhill a lot as far as quality in the last couple years. Ric and Steve are planning how to build our new clinic, and I think they felt it wouldn’t be hard to beat that. If that’s their measurement, I think they felt they could make ours one of the best clinics in the country. (there are other better ones) A European nurse showed us around. She’s here to train the other nurses, and some of her frustration showed through. Everything was “but it’s not working”.
On the way back we stopped at a little orphanage that Karen, a friend of Steve, has; 15 kids.
In the eve we sat working on coming up with clinic layouts. It got me excited about the clinic’s future. Things could change in the next year!! I’m going to try not to think about it too much though. That works better for me here in Haiti. Expectations are difficult to have here. (Sorry if that sounds pessimistic. It’s not. I’m very optimistic about this. I’m just also being practical). Life here is more difficult than in N.A. and though dreams are big, money and time aren’t. (by the way, anyone wanting to have a part in building a clinic in Haiti, let me know how you want to help and I’ll be happy to direct you.)
Had lunch in St Marc – that was a rare experience for me here. I think the only time I’ve eaten out, other than the resorts, is once in a nice restaurant in Port, so this was a little different. About time, after 6 months, eh? I’d go again.
We went on to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, maybe half hour beyond St Marc, which reputably is (or was) one of the best hospitals here in Haiti, and therefore, we wanted to see it. Honestly we were all disappointed. Apparently it has gone downhill a lot as far as quality in the last couple years. Ric and Steve are planning how to build our new clinic, and I think they felt it wouldn’t be hard to beat that. If that’s their measurement, I think they felt they could make ours one of the best clinics in the country. (there are other better ones) A European nurse showed us around. She’s here to train the other nurses, and some of her frustration showed through. Everything was “but it’s not working”.
On the way back we stopped at a little orphanage that Karen, a friend of Steve, has; 15 kids.
In the eve we sat working on coming up with clinic layouts. It got me excited about the clinic’s future. Things could change in the next year!! I’m going to try not to think about it too much though. That works better for me here in Haiti. Expectations are difficult to have here. (Sorry if that sounds pessimistic. It’s not. I’m very optimistic about this. I’m just also being practical). Life here is more difficult than in N.A. and though dreams are big, money and time aren’t. (by the way, anyone wanting to have a part in building a clinic in Haiti, let me know how you want to help and I’ll be happy to direct you.)
Friday – I’m ready! Almost weekend! The first months here I was surprised I didn’t see more people with malnutrition. Now in the last month, they seem to be coming out of everywhere. Out of the 12 patients I saw today, I must have put malnutrition as the diagnosis for at least 5. 2 were young and I’m entering them into our program. A few of them got the Busby special (some Mamba to strengthen them). The first patient of the day
is worthy of a picture because I think he’s going to need ALOT of prayer, and Medika Mamba, and worm medicine and I’m not sure yet what else! I’m working on it. Please pray for him (Maykel Pierre), as I start treating him. He had gone to the hospital yesterday, and they had given him medicine for gas. There’s no way that’s only gas. 
Even a non-medical person knows that. He is extremely swollen everywhere, except his hands and arms – the width of his arms are below the danger zone for malnutrition (the upper arms are the most accurate place on the body to measure malnutrition. They don’t swell like other parts do). By the time you’ve read my blogs long enough, you’ll be close to an expert at malnutrition too, eh? I’ve learned so much, just in the last month.
is worthy of a picture because I think he’s going to need ALOT of prayer, and Medika Mamba, and worm medicine and I’m not sure yet what else! I’m working on it. Please pray for him (Maykel Pierre), as I start treating him. He had gone to the hospital yesterday, and they had given him medicine for gas. There’s no way that’s only gas. 
Even a non-medical person knows that. He is extremely swollen everywhere, except his hands and arms – the width of his arms are below the danger zone for malnutrition (the upper arms are the most accurate place on the body to measure malnutrition. They don’t swell like other parts do). By the time you’ve read my blogs long enough, you’ll be close to an expert at malnutrition too, eh? I’ve learned so much, just in the last month.Now for those who want to know a little bit more about our other malnourished darlings – I have a few good reports.
Edine! We will win over her stubborn little 16 month brain yet!
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Grandma reported on Wed. that she actually has finished the bag of Medika Mamba that was given to her in the hospital. Part of it went in forcibly by spoon, and part as a diluted-with-milk drink, but the important thing is it went in; which is good because I was out of infant formula and grandma was suppose to buy more, and she didn’t because it was too expensive. She figured she could get the 8 required tablespoons of M. Mamba into her every day this week and I told her if she does, then I don’t care what else she eats. She was eating salami (something like spam) when she walked in Wed. She likes adult food... (if she can eat it with her hands. She does NOT like spoons). She was quite cheerful, very observant, and smiled quite readily. Her chest infection has almost totally cleared up (Dr Ric checked her) so I’m happy. She’s still running fevers according to Grandma, so please continue to pray for her.Gail – another strong little girl.
At 15 months, 3 weeks ago she weighed 4.2 kg. After her 1.2 kg weight gain in the first week, I didn’t expect much this week, but she surprised me by gaining over half a kilo (0.55). She went from below our red zone to the yellow zone in 2 weeks! That’s totally amazing, unheard of!Edgerson – He’s still gaining a little weight, but will need continued prayer to survive.
His fevers continue, and some diarrhoea again (not a good sign). I had Dr Ric check him over as well. He has multiple problems, and even if he recovers from his malnutrition, it will be a challenge. Medically speaking, he will not be normal. Which means his nutrition will always be a challenge, and it will be a challenge for his mom also, since it will become very difficult for her to care for a needy child. It will depend largely on how better nutrition will change him. So continue praying for him.And this little girl is a good example of how even your personality changes with health.
For the first 6 weeks she came, she was so shy, every time she saw us looking at her, she would cover her eyes with her hands (if I can't see you, you can't see me). If curious, she'd peek from beneath her arm, but that's where it'd stay, and weighing was a fright every time. Last week she came in smiling, allowed us to weigh her, and even played and twirled in circles in front of us and at our request. This week I was able to graduate her from the program!!We’re still looking for more help at the clinic here, so please, if you or someone you know is interested in spending part of yourself here, please let me know and I’ll tell you who you can contact. One thing I can tell you from personal experience and from others’, it will change your life. (John, send your contacts to my blog. Maybe it’ll help inspire them! :)
Thanks for reading through to the end (if you got to here). It’s too long but there’s always stuff happening here.
And thanks for keeping me in your prayers. May God’s will be done in all of our lives.
Elsie
Elsie
Monday, August 4, 2008
God cares
Have you ever felt like praying about what feels a little selfish? Or a little petty? And maybe you decided "I won't bother God", or "He won't pay attention anyway". I'm learning how He cares for every aspect of our life.
One of the things I'm learning to pray for is the weather. As I walk to the clinic in the mornings, and already feel the sweat rolling down my back, I often wonder how I'm going to make it through the morning in my small 2-room clinic (no fan because there's no electricity). I'm learning to give it to God, praying for help to handle the weather today. And many times I find myself walking back up the hill at noon, and as I leave the clinic and enter into the heat of the sun, I remember that I haven't given the weather a second thought all morning.
Today I had another prayer. My only other nurse is taking at least 4 days off to attend a seminar. Mondays are usually my busiest days, and as I walked down to the clinic, I prayed for strength to do this alone. I thought - He can make this a day when there'll be few patients (it does happen sometimes). But no, in the end there were 16 and for doing it alone, that's a lot for me. (sometimes I compare with what the doctors at home would see - 1 patient every 10 min from 9 -11:30=15 - and they know what they're doing). And again at the end of the day (2:30 instead of the usual 11:30-12:00) I remembered my morning prayer and realized I just wasn't as tired/exhausted as I often am, and I worked harder. I had peace all morning, despite some difficult patients. God answered my prayer for strength in a very clear way. I wasn't wilting by 11 o'clock. He was there, as I saw: a 7 day old baby with fever, a man with skin TB (not a pretty sight), an 11 yr old boy vomiting and with a fever of almost 105 F, a 7 year old girl, pale and anemic and malnourished, a 91 yr old woman with aches and pains and high blood pressure, a young man with a cut, a 2 yr old with fever, etc. And I even had energy to come home and clean my "medical section of a big storage room", which becomes amazingly dirty from dust and rain and mice droppings and falling concrete pieces, and you name it (haven't seen the big tarantula again, Steph!).
Remember, God cares about what's happening to you. Just ask Him!
One of the things I'm learning to pray for is the weather. As I walk to the clinic in the mornings, and already feel the sweat rolling down my back, I often wonder how I'm going to make it through the morning in my small 2-room clinic (no fan because there's no electricity). I'm learning to give it to God, praying for help to handle the weather today. And many times I find myself walking back up the hill at noon, and as I leave the clinic and enter into the heat of the sun, I remember that I haven't given the weather a second thought all morning.
Today I had another prayer. My only other nurse is taking at least 4 days off to attend a seminar. Mondays are usually my busiest days, and as I walked down to the clinic, I prayed for strength to do this alone. I thought - He can make this a day when there'll be few patients (it does happen sometimes). But no, in the end there were 16 and for doing it alone, that's a lot for me. (sometimes I compare with what the doctors at home would see - 1 patient every 10 min from 9 -11:30=15 - and they know what they're doing). And again at the end of the day (2:30 instead of the usual 11:30-12:00) I remembered my morning prayer and realized I just wasn't as tired/exhausted as I often am, and I worked harder. I had peace all morning, despite some difficult patients. God answered my prayer for strength in a very clear way. I wasn't wilting by 11 o'clock. He was there, as I saw: a 7 day old baby with fever, a man with skin TB (not a pretty sight), an 11 yr old boy vomiting and with a fever of almost 105 F, a 7 year old girl, pale and anemic and malnourished, a 91 yr old woman with aches and pains and high blood pressure, a young man with a cut, a 2 yr old with fever, etc. And I even had energy to come home and clean my "medical section of a big storage room", which becomes amazingly dirty from dust and rain and mice droppings and falling concrete pieces, and you name it (haven't seen the big tarantula again, Steph!).
Remember, God cares about what's happening to you. Just ask Him!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog!
If you're interested in my doings or in Canaan, you should be able to learn some things here. I will try to keep this site up to date on what is happening here. At least to the point that I am able, with our limited power supply, internet access and full schedules.
Comments are welcome!!
God bless each one of you who reads this, and an extra blessing for your prayers and support for those that work here. May God bless you as He is blessing us here.
For Him,
Elsie
If you're interested in my doings or in Canaan, you should be able to learn some things here. I will try to keep this site up to date on what is happening here. At least to the point that I am able, with our limited power supply, internet access and full schedules.
Comments are welcome!!
God bless each one of you who reads this, and an extra blessing for your prayers and support for those that work here. May God bless you as He is blessing us here.
For Him,
Elsie
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