Haiti Team #3 Wrapping Up

I don't think we'll ever understand how difficult this trip was. Each time I get an update, the team is either up, celebrating some small - or not so small - miracle, or down, because of some horrible thing that happened. I just can't wrap my mind around it. Yet, I know that prayer got them through. They are a close group, and God is with them.

Sheryl Cuppy sent one last note of their final workday in Haiti.

Today was the best yet. The tetanus man made it through the night. He got his meds and is still there. Not conscious yet, but stable by Haitian terms. When I walked into the ICU this morning they were coding a small child, and there were no nurses in ICU. I started helping and we were doing CPR, and we got him intubated and a central line in him...then they wanted to ship him somewhere that could take care of him, and they found a hospital and we had to take him. So the doctors were deciding how to get him there and 3 doctors were going and they needed a nurse, so I got to go. We put the child in a SUV and off we went. We had the driver and father in front seat, me and two doctors in back seat and a PA in the very back holding the huge oxygen tank.
Then we took off on the ride of our lives. Took us 35 mins to get down town Port au Prince to an army tent hospital, and it was crazy. Took us an hour and half to get back. Can you imagine. It was scary. The driver was on his horn and we were going in the left lane into coming traffic, and weaving in and out. We only hit one other car. It made driving in Italy look like nothing. I was holding the baby in my arms and the doctor on my right had his arm around me holding me steady so I could hold the baby steady, and he was bagging the baby with his other hand. I was praying for our safety. After delivering the baby to the army tent we actually got to look at some bulidings and we saw the Palace ...and a lot of homes. Of course I did not have my camera today..I am trying to save my battery for our tour of down town tomorrow, so I did not have it with me today. Would have loved to get a picture of us driving an intubated child in a SUV through Haiti traffic. Incredible.
I am sad that tomorrow is our last work day. I want to stay, but yet I want to come home. I am torn. I know one thing,... I will be back. This has been the best thing I have ever done.. These people are awesome. Don't believe everything they are saying on TV. These people are incredible and I have not felt unsafe once. Of course I am being careful and staying with my group, but even today when we were out in the town and it was just a few of us, we stopped by the palace and were talking with some people. They smile at us and wave. They are so appreciative and they DON'T complain about anything.
Well thats all for today.

And from Rob Dawkins.

I'm feeling much better now than last night. I wanted to let you know sooner, but the hospital computers didn't work and this was the first chance to email with this computer. Hospital toilets also did not work. Too much choas here to call. I slept for 1/2 hour in a chair last night and about 3 hours in the lounge area. Bradley and Darrin kept people away from me and told them to go away when they came to find me. That was awesome!

We went downtown and it was very sad. The amount of destruction and the number of buildings down or near down was staggering. I took and lot of pics and some video. After a while, I had to stop looking and taking pics. I got out my Bible and read from Proverbs. I don't even remember what I read or if it was applicable to my current situation, but the peace of God came over me and since I have felt much better. I'm still heart broken for Haiti and all these people that are injured, but my own sadness seems much better. I slept on the bus back from the city for a while and then fell asleep for 1/2 hour after dinner. I actually feel rested at the moment.

I really miss all of you very much and can't wait to get home. We will likely leave at about 7 am for the DR. We have nothing to do there, so will probably go to the Hard Rock Cafe. Thanks for the love and support. Thank you for encouraging me to come. It has been an incredible experience.

As the team comes home, pray for their transition home. For their adjustment. For their hearts, minds, and souls. And for safe travel. Thank you.

WOW!!! Time flies!

Six years ago yesterday, a milestone passed, almost unnoticed.

Exactly six years (and one day) ago, Rob and I committed our hearts to a little girl on the other side of the world. We had no idea who she was, what she looked like. Her personality. Her passions. We took our first step toward adopting our sweet Ellie.

Then, exactly five years (and one day) ago - exactly one year - we got our first glimpse of her. We learned who she was: Qiu Li Xien. Our beautiful daughter, very tiny, but healthy. Today, she's better known as Ellie. Queen of hugs, princess of dresses and all things frilly. Tough as her brothers. Daring.

Ellie, we are so thankful you are ours!

Love,

Mom

Final Days

Hello everyone,
Please join me in praying for medical team #3 as they finish up their work in Haiti today. Yes, this is their last day to:

• see patients,
• find creative ways to diagnose problems,
• worry about whether the diesel will run out,
• struggle with the English-Creole language barrier,
• work impossibly long hours without breaks,
• sweat under the tarp that provides shade, but stifles the little bit of airflow that's there,
• cry - when they lose one.

It is also their last day to:

• play peek-a-boo with the kids,
• offer help to the Haitian volunteers (who work for food),
• deliver new life into the world despite incredible odds,
• offer a hug of reassurance,
• pray on the spot for their patients,
• encourage a family,
• share God's love as they give all they've got to help.

Pray for them as they come home. For safe travel. For no delays. And for peace in their hearts, minds and souls. They have been where few of us will ever go. We won't understand. But God does.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matt. 5:7