It is funny how many things can get lost in traslation. You never know if what you said was the point that was really made. Especially with a people who want to please and say oui, oui (yes, yes) and shake their heads. Today brought a laughable situation. I had a patient from the Dominican Republic (who had shot himself accidentally in the foot. ) People from DR speak Spanish. So I found myself explaining scar massage and range of motion from: English to Creole, Creole to Spanish.. Another of my pts stood in as translator and we created a 4 peson path from therapist to pt. Ha!
We distributed water again and peanut butter sandwiches. (To give a little fat to the children) Everyone is grateful, and did not take more than one for themselves so it could go farther.
Jefferson was not at the clinic when we arrived this am. He showed up later with a gift for me- a pair of sandles he had made out of a cornflake box. Beautiful. I would have worn them all day if they would have stayed on. He asked me who would taake cae of him when I was gone. I told him to pray to Jesus to meet his needs, even to the poit of bringing someone else to him. He is a christian boy, so he understood. As the truck pulled away he cried.
They translators were in a mix of joy and sadness. They did not want to see us go. They have learned about hope and Jesus' servant attitude. And have taught us more than they know. The joy comes from the connections that are being made to create a therapy school here in Haiti. So many are in need of our services.
This trip was very spiritual for me. I am learning about listening for Gods voice, following His will and showing His love and mercy. Thank you for all who have prayed for our teams.
Now I must go, Deet myself one last time, and head back for the US.
Heather
Friday, April 23, 2010
My 7th (and last day in Haiti) - Kirsten
Bonswa,
Today is my last night in Haiti. I have really had a life changing experience during this trip. We leave for home tomorrow. I will leave with gladness and sadness. I have met some outstanding people here. Hatians are a very proud people and are true survivors, despite the tragedies they have suffered. Maya Angelou has written many books and poems. One of my favorite poems is titled: And Still I Rise. That completely covers the feeling I get from the Hatian people.
,
As I said, today is my last day. I will miss so many of the people I have had the honor of working with. As I said goodbye to those I have come to know for this brief length of time, I will always be grateful to them for teaching me. The conditions have not been optimum, but I have loved the challenge of using classic OT skills to provide creative ways to help those in need. This position has reminded me why I love OT, and why I love working with people in need.
Bonjour,
Kirsten
Today is my last night in Haiti. I have really had a life changing experience during this trip. We leave for home tomorrow. I will leave with gladness and sadness. I have met some outstanding people here. Hatians are a very proud people and are true survivors, despite the tragedies they have suffered. Maya Angelou has written many books and poems. One of my favorite poems is titled: And Still I Rise. That completely covers the feeling I get from the Hatian people.
,
As I said, today is my last day. I will miss so many of the people I have had the honor of working with. As I said goodbye to those I have come to know for this brief length of time, I will always be grateful to them for teaching me. The conditions have not been optimum, but I have loved the challenge of using classic OT skills to provide creative ways to help those in need. This position has reminded me why I love OT, and why I love working with people in need.
Bonjour,
Kirsten
Janean
Bonswa!
My time in Haiti is nearly over; I can't believe that it's been two weeks already!
Today, I saw a 9 year boy named Bernard. His house fell on him in the earthquake. He had a compound fracture of both bones in his lower leg. He first had an external fixator, and then another external fixator, then a cast, and two days ago had his cast taken off. He did not have any crutches, and so his mother has been carrying him on her back for over three months. All he needed was crutches! They both had huge smiles on their faces when they walked out of the clinic.
Judeline did something today that brought tears to my eyes. She got herself out of bed, put on her own prosthesis, and walked by herself (with the walker)out to the physical therapy clinic! No one helped her! It was a beautiful site to see this precious 15 year old girl smiling at us with a new confidence and determination. That girl grabbed my heart on day one, and it was tough to say goodbye to her. I told her I would continue to pray for her.
Alex, one of the translators, said that he had been thinking all last night about giving the water away yesterday. He said, "Why did you do that? Why are you giving things away?" He had just gone with me to give one of the nurses one of my scrubs tops. I told him again that God has given freely to us, and so we are supposed to freely give to others. He said that we were a great example to him and that it encouraged him greatly in his walk with the Lord. He is also very interested in becoming a physical therapist, and he used Judeline's progress as an example. He said, "I saw Judeline at the beginning, and I see her now, and it's a miracle! It's a miracle beyond miracles! She would not be anywhere without what the therapists have taught her, and I feel so proud to be part of it. I want to do this for others." Wow, Alex, also made me cry today!
Today was a day of goodbyes....to the patients, to the translators, to people in the hospital like the administrators and the pharmacist, to our guest house friends, and to the country of Haiti.
What have I learned? That poverty has a face.
To God be the glory,
Janean
My time in Haiti is nearly over; I can't believe that it's been two weeks already!
Today, I saw a 9 year boy named Bernard. His house fell on him in the earthquake. He had a compound fracture of both bones in his lower leg. He first had an external fixator, and then another external fixator, then a cast, and two days ago had his cast taken off. He did not have any crutches, and so his mother has been carrying him on her back for over three months. All he needed was crutches! They both had huge smiles on their faces when they walked out of the clinic.
Judeline did something today that brought tears to my eyes. She got herself out of bed, put on her own prosthesis, and walked by herself (with the walker)out to the physical therapy clinic! No one helped her! It was a beautiful site to see this precious 15 year old girl smiling at us with a new confidence and determination. That girl grabbed my heart on day one, and it was tough to say goodbye to her. I told her I would continue to pray for her.
Alex, one of the translators, said that he had been thinking all last night about giving the water away yesterday. He said, "Why did you do that? Why are you giving things away?" He had just gone with me to give one of the nurses one of my scrubs tops. I told him again that God has given freely to us, and so we are supposed to freely give to others. He said that we were a great example to him and that it encouraged him greatly in his walk with the Lord. He is also very interested in becoming a physical therapist, and he used Judeline's progress as an example. He said, "I saw Judeline at the beginning, and I see her now, and it's a miracle! It's a miracle beyond miracles! She would not be anywhere without what the therapists have taught her, and I feel so proud to be part of it. I want to do this for others." Wow, Alex, also made me cry today!
Today was a day of goodbyes....to the patients, to the translators, to people in the hospital like the administrators and the pharmacist, to our guest house friends, and to the country of Haiti.
What have I learned? That poverty has a face.
To God be the glory,
Janean
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Hedda Thursday - Heather
Today began with a question last night: "what are we going to preach tomorrow?" Although we laughed at prospective topics, God was preparing us for the day. People were everywhere in the streets this morning along with the goats, chickens and pigs. Market day. We arrived at the clinic to find 2 out patients, both were hands. So the sermon began.
Let me start by saying that our interpreters have told us that they are Christians. We had a discussion about this. Come to find out they did not know about the true grace of God through Jesus Christ. They have a VERY legalistic view of Christianity. Works are everything. They felt like being poor they can not do "enough" good works to get to heaven. An hour discussion ensued. We had a Bible, which they were familiar with, and we seached scripture for answers.
Great gains were made in Judalines hand today. She relaxed and allowed Kirsten to do the treatment. She now has visible knuckles and increased flexion in her hand.
Don't let my teammates fool you. They readily went along with my plan. We actually had 60 gourds in one of the guys pocket to pick up a tap-tap. But they were all full. When we got to the to of the hill, Janean said to me: "Gibson says iti os very dirty and we cannot buy or eat the food. So what are we here for." That is when we bought a bag and then bought water bags from the vendors. Don't worry, Emmanuel lifted the bag to the top of my head. My hand go quite a rest today. The people laughed and clapped, and then were all happy for some water. It was 96 degrees with 100% humidity. God allowed us to bless his people. We wear bracelets that say "God's work, our hands." We say this in a mighty way today.
My son was at the clinic when I arrived and had made me a bracelet for me. He spent the rest of the day making another. They cut plastic from a bottle and then wrap it with string and weave a design. It was a loving gesture on his part.
Please continue to pray for us as we are to leave Haiti. Also pray for God to clearly show us what is next in His great plan.
It was nice to speak to my family last night. Thank you for giving up your mommy and wife.
Love to all,
Heather
Let me start by saying that our interpreters have told us that they are Christians. We had a discussion about this. Come to find out they did not know about the true grace of God through Jesus Christ. They have a VERY legalistic view of Christianity. Works are everything. They felt like being poor they can not do "enough" good works to get to heaven. An hour discussion ensued. We had a Bible, which they were familiar with, and we seached scripture for answers.
Great gains were made in Judalines hand today. She relaxed and allowed Kirsten to do the treatment. She now has visible knuckles and increased flexion in her hand.
Don't let my teammates fool you. They readily went along with my plan. We actually had 60 gourds in one of the guys pocket to pick up a tap-tap. But they were all full. When we got to the to of the hill, Janean said to me: "Gibson says iti os very dirty and we cannot buy or eat the food. So what are we here for." That is when we bought a bag and then bought water bags from the vendors. Don't worry, Emmanuel lifted the bag to the top of my head. My hand go quite a rest today. The people laughed and clapped, and then were all happy for some water. It was 96 degrees with 100% humidity. God allowed us to bless his people. We wear bracelets that say "God's work, our hands." We say this in a mighty way today.
My son was at the clinic when I arrived and had made me a bracelet for me. He spent the rest of the day making another. They cut plastic from a bottle and then wrap it with string and weave a design. It was a loving gesture on his part.
Please continue to pray for us as we are to leave Haiti. Also pray for God to clearly show us what is next in His great plan.
It was nice to speak to my family last night. Thank you for giving up your mommy and wife.
Love to all,
Heather
My 6th day in Haiti - Kirsten
Bonswa,
God's blessings and provisions continue. We are so spoiled in the US with ample everything available to us. This trip has reminded me of the ample blessings we enjoy without even thinking about it. Simple, basic things such as food and water. Just plain basic survival. In Haiti, food is minimal and water is scarce. Because we were slow this afternoon in the clinic (it is market day so they are busy buying food). We ventured to the market with our interpreters and purchased hundreds of bags of dlo. We passed them out to the venders, shoppers, passersby, at the nearby orphanage and at the hospital. The people are so grateful for all that we do. It cost us very little money, but made such a difference in the llives of a few who have suffered such a tragedy, and who struggle now for basic life necessities.
Tomorrow is my last day at the clinic. I will be sad to go, because I have met some very proud and grateful people. It has been an honor to be here and to do have I have been able to do.
Later, Kirsten
God's blessings and provisions continue. We are so spoiled in the US with ample everything available to us. This trip has reminded me of the ample blessings we enjoy without even thinking about it. Simple, basic things such as food and water. Just plain basic survival. In Haiti, food is minimal and water is scarce. Because we were slow this afternoon in the clinic (it is market day so they are busy buying food). We ventured to the market with our interpreters and purchased hundreds of bags of dlo. We passed them out to the venders, shoppers, passersby, at the nearby orphanage and at the hospital. The people are so grateful for all that we do. It cost us very little money, but made such a difference in the llives of a few who have suffered such a tragedy, and who struggle now for basic life necessities.
Tomorrow is my last day at the clinic. I will be sad to go, because I have met some very proud and grateful people. It has been an honor to be here and to do have I have been able to do.
Later, Kirsten
janean
OK, I just want to start off by saying that it was all Heather's idea. We have been so well received with handing out water at the end of the day, that Heather decided we ought to step it up a notch (a big notch) and walk to the market (over a mile), buy tons of those little water bags, and hand them out to people. So, we did! Our three translators went with us and were very protective of us, staying right by our side.
**Before I go on, I have a retraction from last night's email. We miscommunicated on the price of water with our translators. The little water bags (about a cup and a half) costs about 2 gourdes; therefore, we purchased about 100 of them for $5.00, or 20 of them for a $1.00.
So, anyway, Heather starts by buying an entire vendor's bag full of water and puts in on her head for a picture. Everyone starting laughing and clapping. Then, she started handing them out and the people came from everywhere. Kirstin and I also starting handing them out, and we probably handed out 300 water bags there. We bought about 100 more and gave them to the kids at the orphanage just down the street from the hospital, and we gave about 100 more to all the patients and staff inside the hospital. Alex (my translator) and I had a great talk on the way back from the market. He said that he couldn't believe how generous Americans were; he said that meant more to him than anything we had done this week because we spent our own money to give away something free to the poor. He said, "I think you really care about Haiti." I told him that since we are Christians, it is our privilege to share with others and that's what God has called us to do. Besides, I told him, if he is a Christian and I am a Christian, we are brother and sister in Christ, and as a family member, I am called to help when he, and his country is in trouble. That seemed to really touch him.
I can't say that I was entirely comfortable; it was dirty, smelly, and there were flies everywhere. But there were people there too; valuable people to God, whom we were able to share with in even a small way. We made some pretty feeble attempts at "God Bless You" in Creole, and overall, I was so glad we went. So, thanks again, Heather, for pushing me WAY outside my comfort zone. (I'm kind of glad tomorrow is our last day; if we stayed much longer I'm afraid she would try to get us to ride a tap-tap!)
Luc Pierre still has his leg; they ordered an xray today to have a look at it. He was in good spirits and sat on the edge of the bed for some exercises.
Judeline did great; she walked with one crutch and mod assist on the other side today. She also did some really good stretching on her hand with Kirstin and Heather.
Anise had a fabulous day, walking over 250' with only one crutch. She is a beautiful, proud woman with a great smile, and such a joy to work with.
It is going to be so tough to say goodbye tomorrow. I'm dreading that...alot. Although I miss my family and friends, air conditioning and anything to eat besides beans and rice.
Blessings to you all,
Janean
**Before I go on, I have a retraction from last night's email. We miscommunicated on the price of water with our translators. The little water bags (about a cup and a half) costs about 2 gourdes; therefore, we purchased about 100 of them for $5.00, or 20 of them for a $1.00.
So, anyway, Heather starts by buying an entire vendor's bag full of water and puts in on her head for a picture. Everyone starting laughing and clapping. Then, she started handing them out and the people came from everywhere. Kirstin and I also starting handing them out, and we probably handed out 300 water bags there. We bought about 100 more and gave them to the kids at the orphanage just down the street from the hospital, and we gave about 100 more to all the patients and staff inside the hospital. Alex (my translator) and I had a great talk on the way back from the market. He said that he couldn't believe how generous Americans were; he said that meant more to him than anything we had done this week because we spent our own money to give away something free to the poor. He said, "I think you really care about Haiti." I told him that since we are Christians, it is our privilege to share with others and that's what God has called us to do. Besides, I told him, if he is a Christian and I am a Christian, we are brother and sister in Christ, and as a family member, I am called to help when he, and his country is in trouble. That seemed to really touch him.
I can't say that I was entirely comfortable; it was dirty, smelly, and there were flies everywhere. But there were people there too; valuable people to God, whom we were able to share with in even a small way. We made some pretty feeble attempts at "God Bless You" in Creole, and overall, I was so glad we went. So, thanks again, Heather, for pushing me WAY outside my comfort zone. (I'm kind of glad tomorrow is our last day; if we stayed much longer I'm afraid she would try to get us to ride a tap-tap!)
Luc Pierre still has his leg; they ordered an xray today to have a look at it. He was in good spirits and sat on the edge of the bed for some exercises.
Judeline did great; she walked with one crutch and mod assist on the other side today. She also did some really good stretching on her hand with Kirstin and Heather.
Anise had a fabulous day, walking over 250' with only one crutch. She is a beautiful, proud woman with a great smile, and such a joy to work with.
It is going to be so tough to say goodbye tomorrow. I'm dreading that...alot. Although I miss my family and friends, air conditioning and anything to eat besides beans and rice.
Blessings to you all,
Janean
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hedda Wednesday - Heather
There is no "TH" in Creole.
When our translators speek quickly they cannot say my name.
Today my son Jefferson needed new shoes. I asked the translators how much shoes are and gave him 5 dollars to go buy some and return to show me. He had very thinly worn flip flops that the had rigged a metal wire to hold the strap on the bottom. He did not even put them on until I had seen them. He was gone for several hours and probably had to walk a long way.
We were in the truck to go home and behind a tap-tap, but it only had a few people in it. I asked Janean and Kirsten if they wanted to get out and get on the back like the Haitians and take a picture. Janean was horrified that I even had the thought. Then we saw the patien had an externl fixator on her left lower leg. What a perfect time for some home health! I wanted to give her a business card, but they will not be here until Friday. I did get them to stop and actually get out to buy from some art vendors. It was fun and we were able to give to the Haitian economy, which has become important to us.
We don't go to the kitchen at lunch for beans and rice. Frankly, it is too hot to eat that kind of thing. (95 today). I also have difficulty eating when the children have nothing. The xray tech keeps bringing our lunch to us and we keep taking it to the kids. It is enough to feed 3 kids on each plate. Our translators don't like us to give it to them, but we do anyway.
I had an intense conversation with Emmanual about God's perfect plan and will for our lives. I see hope in him, but it is difficult in Haiti because there is no money. Day to day is a way of life. I am seeking information about providing therapy education here.
I has a tough discussion with our 15 year old about her hand. She needs to work it if she is going to be able to use it. She did some self mobilization and even relaxed her wrist on the armrest to listen to music. I saw my guy that had a long leg brace. I was able to mobilize his knee to 80 degrees with a therapy ball--my favorite technique at home! He really wanted to practice his English, so I was able to distract him enough to get his knee to move more.
I blew up some gloves and the kids played with them for quite some time. They are very good about giving to one another. This is what strikes me about Jefferson, if i give him anything he shares with his friends. It reminds me of the woman who gave much by giving a penny, but it was all she had. They give to one another like Christ would have us give.
(Luke 21:1-4)
One last thought: I asked one of the children how old he was. He said he didn't know. So we decided that today he is seven and he should add to that every year. This brings to mind the point about individualization. This is lacking here. We have a 15 year old girl that 3 therapists are working to make her more functional. It is an American approach...each person has value. Here there are so many with so much need,even a child does not know how old he is.
Tomorrow I will speak to our onlookers about God's love for them, each as individuals. Just like Christ would seek one sheep. I may make the point better if I say GOAT.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,
Heather
When our translators speek quickly they cannot say my name.
Today my son Jefferson needed new shoes. I asked the translators how much shoes are and gave him 5 dollars to go buy some and return to show me. He had very thinly worn flip flops that the had rigged a metal wire to hold the strap on the bottom. He did not even put them on until I had seen them. He was gone for several hours and probably had to walk a long way.
We were in the truck to go home and behind a tap-tap, but it only had a few people in it. I asked Janean and Kirsten if they wanted to get out and get on the back like the Haitians and take a picture. Janean was horrified that I even had the thought. Then we saw the patien had an externl fixator on her left lower leg. What a perfect time for some home health! I wanted to give her a business card, but they will not be here until Friday. I did get them to stop and actually get out to buy from some art vendors. It was fun and we were able to give to the Haitian economy, which has become important to us.
We don't go to the kitchen at lunch for beans and rice. Frankly, it is too hot to eat that kind of thing. (95 today). I also have difficulty eating when the children have nothing. The xray tech keeps bringing our lunch to us and we keep taking it to the kids. It is enough to feed 3 kids on each plate. Our translators don't like us to give it to them, but we do anyway.
I had an intense conversation with Emmanual about God's perfect plan and will for our lives. I see hope in him, but it is difficult in Haiti because there is no money. Day to day is a way of life. I am seeking information about providing therapy education here.
I has a tough discussion with our 15 year old about her hand. She needs to work it if she is going to be able to use it. She did some self mobilization and even relaxed her wrist on the armrest to listen to music. I saw my guy that had a long leg brace. I was able to mobilize his knee to 80 degrees with a therapy ball--my favorite technique at home! He really wanted to practice his English, so I was able to distract him enough to get his knee to move more.
I blew up some gloves and the kids played with them for quite some time. They are very good about giving to one another. This is what strikes me about Jefferson, if i give him anything he shares with his friends. It reminds me of the woman who gave much by giving a penny, but it was all she had. They give to one another like Christ would have us give.
(Luke 21:1-4)
One last thought: I asked one of the children how old he was. He said he didn't know. So we decided that today he is seven and he should add to that every year. This brings to mind the point about individualization. This is lacking here. We have a 15 year old girl that 3 therapists are working to make her more functional. It is an American approach...each person has value. Here there are so many with so much need,even a child does not know how old he is.
Tomorrow I will speak to our onlookers about God's love for them, each as individuals. Just like Christ would seek one sheep. I may make the point better if I say GOAT.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,
Heather
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