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545 days ago
Last night there was a pretty big accident at 6:00. Multiple victims, we ended up setting up our 'workspace' at a hospital (picture a 2 room building with beds) across the street. It was totally how I pictured nursing in Haiti, no supplies, no oxygen, no suction, no intubation/surgical trays. Cutting off and through fingers and bones with a pair of suture scissors. Yeah really exciting, sad, dirty, emotional. So needless to say after about 3-4 hours, we had done all we could do and left. God had blessed us with a 2nd doctor who arrived yesterday afternoon so we had some extra hands which was awsome!
548 days ago
I have had the opportunity to connect with 2 nurses from Sick Kids and McMaster hospital burn units. Both nurses have provided a wealth of knowledge, expertise and guidance for me. Although Woodlawn has not healed and I am beginning to doubt that she will heal, her arm is getting better each week. About once a month she has a bad fall which sets us back a bit. But one day she came into the clinic and was sleeping. I almost changed and cleaned her wounds without her waking up. This is a good sign because she is tolerating the procedures better. She used to scream for the whole time I was doing her dressings. With the help of the nurses from home, we have been able to really simplify the dressings so that when I do leave, the nurses here in Haiti should be able to carry through with her treatments. Pray for Woodlawn. I have gotten to know her family quite well. Her dad left last year to go and find work in the DR. This is quite common here in Haiti. But they have not heard ...
548 days ago
Yesterday, we had an opportunity to see an old fort here in Haiti. Julie, Dorthy and John, and I along with my friend Wadner took the trip. We had a great day up in the clouds. Please take a look at the pictures. Of course pictures never can take the place of seeing it first hand but it was really neat. We hired a tour guide and got a grand tour.
548 days ago
Thanks for Praying... Just a little note to help guide you with prayers... Today a six month old baby boy came to the clinic. He was lethargic but alert (if you can be both at once) he had been vomitting since Sunday. He was a chuby, healthy looking baby boy. Unfortunately after being in our care for 2 1/2 hours and after an hour of CPR, he died. His parents aren't Christians and this little boy was the only child they were able to have. He was a gift they said. Pray for this family. Death is frequent in Haiti and 50% of children don't see their 5th birthday, Death in children is common and expected. But it has rocked this family! For 2 hours after their sons death, the mother wailed! I have been shaken, obviously we tried everything we could to save this young life. The suffering here in Haiti is so great that sometimes it is a relief when you know that people have gone to live with our saviour in a perfect place. Today, God has taken this little life home. There will be ...
548 days ago
Well today we were on a tap-tap (Haitian truck that acts as a taxi for like 15-20 people at a time). A little girl got on. I guess she was about 7 or 8 years old. She hoped right on said HELLO to all of the people in the back of the truck. Looked at the 2 blancs (whites, Julie and I) and sat down. I was a little worried about this girl getting off the tap-tap at the right spot and that someone would be there to meet her. Five minutes down the road we heard a strong voice say 'Merci Cheaufour' she jumped off the tap-tap and went on her way. I sat there and watched her. Would I let my 7 year old travel alone on the crazy streets of Haiti? No for sure not. I don't think I'd let my kid out of my sight! But this is just one example of survival here in Haiti. As soon as kids are able to do things independently, they are sent on errands and jobs. This was a happy little girl with a sparkle in her eye. When you remember, please pray for the kids of Haiti who have loads of ...
