Everything hurts; especially my left shoulder and ankle. And, I have added a few new bruises to my collection. My body aches with that feeling of extreme fatigue ... That feeling that follows an infrequent and intense workout. Although I keep mentioning my desire to join my Haitian friends at their gym (half for the workout, half for the shock of seeing the white girl walk in), I have yet to venture there.
Now, I am sure you must all be thinking that I am just working so very hard that my body is fatigued. While my days have been busy and I sleep well at the end of each day, which is not the cause of my problems. To get that all over ache and hurt, I prefer to fall off something or down something, hitting various body parts in the process ... Which is precisely what I did last night. And anyone who knows me and spent any time with me in Haiti, knows that this nothing new. Whether it is mooning pastors or falling on stairs or slipping on wet floors, accidents and adventures know how to find me.
However, that is not the point of this update ... Just one small little piece of the past few weeks.
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As I returned home to family and friends in May, I knew that it was likely I would be returning to Haiti to assist with a few things. So after spending a few wonderful weeks with family, friends and my fabulous co-workers at the Tofield Hospital, I wandered onto a plane and ventured back to Haiti.
Arriving on the 25th of May, I spent the first week at the Heartline Field Hospital, where I had spent the majority of my time after the earthquake. It was great to see how time and love had helped heal the bodies, minds and souls of the patients staying at our little makeshift hospital. Returning to the hospital with a suitcase full of clothes, English study books and water guns, it was great to bless everyone with a little love and attention. And, I wish I could accurately describe to you how wonderful it is to be working with John and Beth McHoul again or driving for long hours (despite short distances) in a truck with Chris.
Ironically enough, it seems that May bad been a rather relaxed month and some had missed my assertive charge nurse attitude, so I was quickly thrown back into the role. Although it sometimes feels like I am always telling people what to do, there are still ample amounts of love and respect flowing between the patients and me.
The following week, I added another element into my adventures by returning to the Faith Hope Love Infant Rescue Centre, where I have been overseeing activities of the house while Dorothy remains in the US pending her grandson’s surgery. I arrived to the house with enough time to start payroll and check in with the staff and children. Abby, a girl from Eastern Canada joined me the next day, as she had previously planned to spend two weeks with Dorothy.
Due to the amount of strange adventures we have had at the house this month,I am not sure she will ever want to return. But seriously, it was nice having company through all the adventure. Our car, which has been on his last legs for a while now, has had multiple problems – The key broke in the ignition which required the steering column to be taken apart, overheating, and head gasket. It is currently in being repaired for far more money that we’d like to pay. Especially since Dorothy’s new vehicle has arrived in-country and is almost ready for us. Thankfully, we have been able to use a vehicle and driver from a nearby guesthouse, but that does not come without cost. Both, yes both, refrigerators have died in the past two weeks, one not smelling as pleasant as the other. And, an outbreak of chicken pox over the last three weeks has eleven of the toddlers covered in pink calamine lotion and bathing frequently.
Despite all the misadventures listed above, many great adventures and blessings have occurred during the past two weeks. We were able to purchase the new truck for Dorothy with the donations she had been blessed with. The new generator was purchased and is now installed at the house ... With installation happing on the day the group who blessed her with the funds stopped by for a visit. We got to spend hours upon hours playing with the many amazing children that live here at the house, hearing them giggle and cheer as they enjoyed our visits. Also, we were able to sort through many boxes that had arrived in the past months, repacking them or distributing them throughout the house. I thought that we had received an abundance of diapers and formula but I didn’t fully realize how much we use in a week to feed and toilet 29 infants and toddlers.
Early in the month, we had an enjoyable weekend when my friend came to visit from elsewhere in Haiti. We watched movies with some of the older kids, had some tasty canned pasta products and enjoyed a Sunday church service with some of the kids. Sadly I don’t have too many pictures of the weekend, as my camera found its way to the floor. But it was a great weekend, especially being able to enjoy the company of my friend on his birthday.
Thankfully, through these past few weeks of adventure at the Infant Rescue Centre, I have had the help and support of Frank King, who arrived in Haiti with me back on the 25th of May. Kings Kids Worldwide (www.kings-kids.ca), run by Frank and Esther King, is the Canadian group that I have been partnered with on this trip. He’s been helping me problem solve as each misadventure occurs and has allowed me to ramble or vent as needed. It has been very reassuring to know that he is just a phone call away when needed.
While managing adventures at the Infant Rescue Centre, I have continued to jump back and forth to the Heartline Hospital regularly, to assist with patient follow ups and dressing changes ... Spent a few wonderfully long days at a nearby hospital, getting x-rays and consultations for several of our patients. While most bones have been healing nicely and some casts have been removed, we did encounter one infection requiring more surgery. On a more positive note, we have had some progress with the two medical visas we are pursuing, which has involved some interesting paper and computer work for me. And, I have been able to enjoy some evenings at the hospital, working the nightshift while visiting with patients and friends.
Now as my third week comes to a close and I venture into my forth week, time seems to have flown by. Although there is more time behind me than before me, there are a few more adventures to come including road trips east and west, visiting old friends and patients and the return of Dr. Jen. But after a few short weeks, I will be returning home and planting myself for the summer. With the many challenges, both personally and professionally, it has become quite obvious that I have some clear objectives to achieve this summer. It is very important for me to spend time with God and getting reconnected at church. Also, I hope to pursue various bits of education, in regards to my nursing, my faith and my language skills ... With application to my future adventures in Haiti.
As always, thank you for the endless prayers and support ... Between God’s grace and strength and the support of countless friends and family, I am able to remain upright through these many misadventures on Haitian soil. And, loving every minute of it ...
