Nov. '08 Haiti Trip, part 2

We walked just around the corner to the clinic the two little boys were brought to; only to find out they had severe wounds to their head and some face wounds as well. Their names were David who is 4, and Wildeson(Solomon) who is 6. The resources at this clinic were very limited compared to the severity of the injuries of these little boys and I was very aware of that first thing. Their cries were heard throughout the 4-5 bed clinic and eventually they reached a point of exhaustion and gave up on crying. This was very very hard to watch. I helped assist the doctor as best I knew how in stitching up David's head as I was praying, while the only nurse that worked there continued to watch after and care for Solomon, who was stitched first. Perhaps I could forgive that the numbing medicine was not distributed evenly into their wounds, and that the medical care was sub par, to say the least, but I will never forget the grace I had to ask for in order to give it to the doctor for his lack of compassion toward the two little boys. Upon asking for this, God immediately reminded me of the abundant grace He gives to me. All I could mutter was for God to give me wisdom to know what to do. Being the only one with any medical experience on the team, I prayed for God's grace, wisdom, and complete reliance on Him when having to give educated guesses on the outcome of it all, when asked. At one point while going from room to room between the two boys, I was so overwhelmed with grief watching them scream in pain knowing this would never happen in the States, that I took my best friend aside and broke down in her arms with feelings of helplessness. I knew the injuries themselves(gashes through their skin to their skulls several inches long) were not necessarily life threatening, but risks for infection and brain trauma, if present, certainly were. Especially with the sterility, medicine, and medical equipment lacking in this clinic.

The plane ride back and next several days were very very difficult for me. Our team did not have a chance to really debrief, although we got close quickly after going through a number of unexpected events. A few of those consisted of: blowing two tires on the way to the airport, taking a detour into a remote village to avoid a police raid where a couple of people were murdered, and missing our original flight. We could not confuse our efforts with God's faithful hand as He provided outlets to every adversary we encountered out of our control.

I used the debriefing materials given to me by our leader and with God's grace and kindness, I sorted through many feelings and thoughts. I don't know if many of my questions will ever get answered here on earth, but God has met me and comforted me and shown me what is most needed in places where there are not churches on every corner. The Gospel of grace and Truth is needed. His gospel is hope when nothing else can offer it. I felt confirmation on this trip to eventually be involved with full time orphanage type ministry in poor places with many disparities. I recognized my responsibility and the gift of the Gospel I have to share with others. I learned to trust God in a different way. I learned and am still learning much more than I can articulate at this point. I am so grateful to God for this. I have been changed forever, and pray that only by God's grace, my actions will reflect the change. I also pray that any cynicism I have towards the blessed America we live in will be replaced with an abundant love and grace to offer people I encounter every day.


Prayer is a powerful powerful thing.