A wonderful medical team came down from Chattanooga, TN and spent five days in Potino. We were privileged to have a RN friend of Virginia’s, Lorene Miller from OH join the team as well. We were blessed with three family practice doctors, Dr. Paul Dassow, Dr. Mike Shepherd, and Dr. Eric Lisic. Also, two OB GYN’s – Dr. Jeanie Dassow and resident Dr. Zineb Mashak who were able to set up a women’s healthcare clinic next door, providing exams, counseling, and help for ladies who have never really had it before. Dr. Lisic’s wife came too, and was a marvelous help in the pharmacy! We had great translators and excellent cooks. In four days of clinic, the entire team was able to treat about 370 patients.
This poem, written by Gospel to Haiti staff, was posted on the GTH clinic blog this past week. On the 3 week trip to Haiti hosted by AFH, the medical research team of doctors and students from the University of Chattanooga spent a couple of days in Ailegue providing some teaching and lectures for the nurses and staff serving there.
Each time I go to Haiti there are new experiences as well as some that are forever present. The challenge of effective and accurate communication with a non English speaking people is ever present. Ever so slowly I find myself adding a few new words or phrases to my very limited Creole vocabulary. It is always a delight to renew friendships with those we have grown to love, whether they are those we have worked with on our teams, or Haitians we have met there.
Night time noises always takes a little time to adjust to. Roosters crowing throughout the night, dogs barking, donkeys braying, and goats crying, interspersed by the “mango bombs” remind me that I’m not in my own bed. The velocity of mangoes dropping from the trees onto our metal roof create a sound reminiscent of a gunshot.
Doctors Wade and Tammy worked relentlessly, Michael continued to co-ordinate all activities, and the rest of us had our specific duties to fill. It always amazes me how well a team that hasn’t worked together and may not know each other can work so harmoniously. It is truly a blessing to get to know each one and to work so well together.
One example that shows the appreciation that we often see in the Haitian people is of a man that was having surgery. Since patients having a spinal anesthetic are awake during surgery, we can usually tell if they are experiencing any discomfort. This man flinched a little, but had a smile on his face. When asked, he did say he was having a lot of pain. When asked why he was smiling, he said he didn’t want to act ungrateful. Wow! This is different from what I’m used to.
One of my prayers each time I go to Haiti is that I can show each one that we care about them as a person and that they realize we are there for more than just to repair their bodies. I hope they don’t look on us as “rich Americans”, but get a glimpse of the love of Christ. Each time I come home, I’m reminded of how blessed I am having the opportunity to serve others in this way.
Doris Metzger
“The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: It blesses him that gives and him that takes.” -Shakespeare
I went to Haiti hoping to be a blessings to someone and, in return, found myself blessed and refreshed in so many ways. Once instance in particular stands out when I think of our trip. A young woman came in to have a large lipoma removed from her forehead. She had come last year and was too scared to have it done. She returned this year determined to go through with it, though she was terrified throughout the whole procedure. She was shaking and tears were sliding down her cheeks as she was gotten ready for surgery, but she was determined to have it done. I couldn’t speak to her as I don’t know Creole, but as I stood by her and held her hand and prayed for her as she slowly succumbed to the anesthetic, I was glad that I was there to do the little that I could to help change someone’s life, to show love and care through a smile and touch. When it was over, she was so happy; her broad smile so rewarding. That moment, along with many others, made a blessed and unforgettable week for us all.
Rebekah Rudolph
Leaving for Lacoline to set up clinic for surgeries!
Rebekah Rudolph preparing for instruments for sterilization.Susan, Dr. Wade and Jamie StinsonTammy Euliano, Lori Cheronis, Doris Metzger
Aid for Haiti is currently hosting a medical team from the UT College of Medicine in Chattanooga, TN. If you are interested in viewing their blog for pictures and information please click this link: http://utfpglobal.wordpress.com/
