UBC Miami Missions Journal

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Lukas, Alexis and I went with the wellness team to a small village about an hour away from camp called Gallette Chambon, where we would be assessing 200 children at a newly built church. As we set up 4 stations (4 chairs and a table for the doctor, patient, translator and scribe), the children (between the ages of 3 and 15) sat patiently and were nervous as to what we were doing there. We opened up with prayer, translated into kreyol. We had each student come up individually and checked them for any visible illness. We also asked them many questions to further assess any internal medical problems. Most, if not all, the children had worms, anemia and decaying teeth. Many of these problems were linked to a lack of clean water and proper resources (toothbrushes, etc). One of our translators explained to us that some of the tooth erosion was caused by a type of rice called "millet", which often times has small rocks found in it. The only medications we were able to give the children were multivitamins and a deworming pill. Many children had fevers and we were able to send home with them a pack of about 4 Tylenols. It's very hard to comprehend the need versus the help we're giving. Where can we see God at work with just a few vitamins for a temporary fix? And are we approaching the task of helping this village efficiently or just "getting by"? These children, not to mention their families, need real doctors, real hospitals and a real change of environment. Is being the "good Samaritan" enough or do we have to repave the road to Damascus???

There is a medical facility halfway built on the campground. There is a medical team scheduled to come in July. They will have more experienced doctors and more medicine. They will try to follow up on all of the patients we saw this week. This week is Mission to Haiti's first time using a medical team. This is an experiment that we know is going to take a lot of logistical planning and faith in God. The frustration we are feeling is empowering and we know God is stirring in us something that He plans on finishing!

Ginger went with the Vacation Bible school team today. More to follow!

Felix, Renato and Joey are still doing construction in Ti Goave, which we hear is going well. They are staying in the home of one of the local pastor's, Pastor Brucely.

Thank you for your prayers and support! We'll keep you posted.

In Him,

Angie