Monday was the start of a new week ,which as always brought new challenges. The first hurdle the team faced was no water. Because the campus is located roughly near the middle of nowhere, all the water comes from a well. Because of the risk of potential diseases, the water must be treated before anyone is able to use it. During the night a part of the water treatment system broke, making water on campus a precious commodity and reminding everyone that nothing, not even basics like water, can be taken for granted. The pump that circulates the water to all showers, faucets, toilets, etc. still works occasionally and it became easy to tell when it was working by the mad dash to the shower and to fill empty water bottles. Luckily, the school house still contains the old showers, which at at current have running water.
Today the team split up again into three teams. One team went to an IDP camp to conduct a mobile clinic, one team continued work on the thrift store, and the final team of two traveled to cholera clinic in Bosi.
It’s hard to describe an IDP camp, as it is nothing that most people in America have ever seen. It is nothing more then tents made from tarps supplied by relief agencies. These tents are inches apart , with people basically living on top of their neighbors. Imagine at least 1,000 people living in tents in an area no greater than a football field. For the team’s mobile clinic, someone had previously sent up a large tent, so the team and the patients could remain out of the sun. Many of the IDP residents were using the tent an shelter when they arrived, including one lady who was lying on the floor waiting. It reminded many of the team of the story when the sick man was lowered on his mat to be healed by Jesus. The docs immediately gave her attention and administered an IV. After two IV bags, a few glasses of Gatorade and nursing by Susie and Patty, the woman was able to stand and walk out of the tent under her own power. Once the pharmacy was set up and the doctors were ready to begin their work, the doctors and nurses saw over 140 patients and plan on returning Tuesday to see more.
While the experiences at the IDP camp were extraordinary, the team of two experienced nothing short of God’s divine intervention. Gary and Mel were asked to accompany another missionary to Bozie, where a recent cholera outbreak had occurred, to assist in the installation of a water testament system. The village is located only 10 miles away, but is accessible only by 4-wheel drive truck and because of road conditions it took over one hour to complete the trip. Upon arrival, they were invited as the guest’s of honor at a church service. While Gary and Mel were there, they were able to give two local pastors solar-powered audio bibles translated into Creole. These Bibles came in to Haiti at the last minute by the grace of God thanks to Mercy Ships. For both pastors, this gift was long coming as both were illiterate. For Gary and Mel this trip was an opportunity they felt beyond blessed to experience.
This is Widline. Her mom brought her in to our IDP camp yesterday in Onaville. She is 4 months old,
febrile, and weighs maybe 4lbs. She is literally starving to death. We were able to start IV antibiotics
and fluids as well as give her a bottle and formula. She perked up but has a long road to recovery ahead.