Friends Arrive

This week I have been constantly praising the Lord for the amazing friends he has blessed me with.  Angie and Abby arrived the last week of November. They are two incredible girls, jumping right into assisting with clinic, gardening, and playing with kids.

 In clinic, after a crash manual blood pressure course, they took turns helping seeing patients and pharmacy. We appreciated the extra help as we are in a time crunch to orient Claire and Talent on the computer. One special patient was a 4 month old who weighed only 7 lbs. His grandmother had brought him from high in the hill country. His mother had died at birth and the father has no interest in caring for him. The Grandmother wished to care for him, but did not have the means to. We were able to put together a care package of clothes, food, and cash. Praise the Lord for the formula sent with Angie. The only food he had been receiving was water with instant milk mixed in. This little guy has a long road ahead of him.    

         

New Blocks to play with drawing a crowd!

  Another project was the first Moringa cutting. The trees were well over our heads. The kids had a blast assisting in the cutting and hanging of Moringa. In the spirit of the season we all sang Christmas carols while hanging the moringa on the front porch to dry. Two days later we crushed the dried leaves making two containers of vitamin packed goodness.

       

  Ken has the tractor up and running and is working on putting together a sprinkler system for the whole garden. What a blessing! Having the garden tilled and having the extra help makes planting go ten times faster. Sam has been right by my side with all the garden work and watering.  We were both were thrilled to see sprinklers in the garden as it meant the end of watering with buckets is in site.

         Another project the girls helped with was sewing lessons. We set up two sewing machines and made little bags. We were planning on only the older girls. To our great surprise the boys showed up wanting to make them also. It is very normal in Haitian culture for men to participate in sewing. Cooking on the other hand…

         After 5 months of saying No, they connived Sam and I unto the church stage. Thanks to Abby, Wisley, and Elisamen for stepping up with us.

 It is hard to believe I only have three days left. The time has flown. So many lessons learned and blessings received. I Thank the Lord for each moment! For the next few days I plan on soaking up as much time with my kids as possible. 

Merry Moringa Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Being in Haiti this year for Thanksgiving makes things a bit different.  Yes, this is partly because its hot and no Parade, Turkey, or football. Also no sitting on the couch looking over the best black friday deals. In fact, if it was not for my fellow Americans, Thanksgiving holiday would not even be acknowledged. Yesterday we forwent the big dinner and instead plan to make a large dinner for all our EGO family Sunday.
So instead of all the Thanksgiving hoopla it was a regular day with regular chores. On our way out to milk to goats at 5:15 Sam asked me what I was thankful for. I said I was thankful for her and her constant companionship. As I worked in Clinic and saw my 20 patients, I was thankful for the health I have had here; and the schooling I received in the states so that I can aide those who are sick.  That afternoon, I picked up Rodline from off the sidewalk where he was sleeping. His fever of a 102, swollen neck and face indicated we now have 5 kids sick with mumps. I was then reminded to be thankful for the amazing family I have. The Mom and Dad who were always there to care for me when I was sick. Just a regular day, but so much to be thankful for!
That evening after dinner the Drowley received a telephone call from the container driver. Marla handed the phone to me as he only spoke Creole. Thank you Jesus I have been able to learn the language so quickly. At 10pm, he pulled in and we were able to recruit 20 Haitian boys to help us unload the 2400 boxes. They finished at 1am, and each helper received one box. We were informed today that after jumping in the La Souix, a local pond. the 20 boys prepared the manna packs to eat at 3 am. It was something simple, but a huge blessing to these boys.

The above is a little late, because Sunday turned out differently then we thought. Sam and I were cooking Thanksgiving for all the kids when I received word of a dog attack. Our guard dog Tasha took a large bite out of a trespasser's leg. After I finished stitching her Doris asked that I come help her with Don. He had been fighting a bug for several days and now was having difficulty breathing. The decision was made to transport him out of the country with Missionary Flights in Cap Haitian. Tuesday he arrived in the U.S.A. and today was released with a clean bill of health. Praise God!

Abby and Angie arrived on Wednesday. They brought in many needed supplies and some just for fun. :-) The kids are already falling in love with them! It is going to be a fun week.

When I first came in July Tasha was on quarantine because Doris did not want her pregnant again. This quarantine consisted of creative tying styles and sleepless nights while she howled on the porch just outside my window.  

We tied Tasha up with chains and extension cords for extra length


 All the effort was not effective! We have five new additions to our EGO family! :-) 

K9, Reiley, Taz, Toby, Mac

This past week we had the pleasure of having a team of 8 from Canton, Michigan. Chris and Beth Cooley headed up the team. This was the Cooley’s second trip this fall, and it felt like family was coming home to visit. I have to share; I thought it was hard because of Beth meaning Cow. Cooley however translates to running (i.e Beth Cooley = running cow) Mrs. Cooley is very gracious and handles the Haitian humor with ease.

The week started off with a party celebrating Don’s 81^st birthday.  The following day the Guys of the team began the bathroom and showers for the girls. In a short amount of time and with much sweat they made progress on the sewage system and foundation. Ken and Don were both impressed with how they worked together and their understanding of Haitian construction process.

 

 The team also included Pastor Alex and wife Marcy who worked with the Church leadership and Teens. This was a great encouragement and revival for our teens! Pastor Alex is very creative and loves props for his sermons. One night he had Max trying to make firecrackers out of The Works bathroom cleaner and tinfoil. For a sermon from James chapter 3 he wanted a cow tongue to burn. With much curiosity, Madame cherishal obliged the next morning by showing up with a freshly butchered tongue.

^"5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." James 3:5-6

 The team’s motto was “make love a verb.” I was impressed with how they truly acted this out. They represented Christ with servant hearts and joyful attitudes whether in the guesthouse, work site, or playing with the kids.

Clinic has been trucking along, and we are all very excited about implementing our new documentation on the computer.  Recently I have been noticing our patients come in waves. September = Scabies; October =Fungus and Malaria; November = Cholera and wounds. Last week I had a gentleman come in with a covered foot wound. He removed the sock to reveal a foot that reminded me of Mr. Deeds. An open wound with all five toes blacken. One month ago a “Beff” had stepped on his foot. He had previously been to a doctor, but refused the diagnosis of needing an amputation.  It breaks my heart every time I have people come in like this. His main provision for his family is through manual labor in a field. Survival in Haiti is difficult enough without adding a disability to the mix!

                         

As a sit here writing, I hear in the distance cheers from a local soccer game. In our front yard laughter from the kids spending their Sunday afternoon playing on the play set. Then comes the crunch of little feet on our stone walkway. “Elizabet!” My greatest joy here comes from these little voices. Typically my name is followed by “Vant Femal” or “Blese.” Meaning stomachaches and scrapes. I constantly have kids at my door sometimes needing a nurse, but always needing a little extra love and attention. I praise the Lord for the blessing of being here serving these precious little ones!

Hey this is a quick update. Things are crazy at EGO this week. We have a team from Michigan here starting the Girls bathroom project. Chris and Beth Cooley are leading the group and it is such a joy and encouragement to have them here. We are enjoying the fellowship!!




The Garden is in full swing now with the aide of some Haitian muscle. Our tractor is out of commission so everything is done by hand.

                                                                                         

Moringa trees are growing, and almost taller then Sam!

 Praise and Prayer requests

• I received my computer for clinic this past week. My staff are very excited about being able to learn basic computer skills for documenting patient care. The Lord gave me the added blessing of sending a database expert with the current missions team. Now I have a tutor for my Access program! 
• Sam, Marla, and I have been fighting a nasty flu bug. 
• Please put John Renae on your prayer list. He is the prodigal son that hasn't gone home yet. He lives on the street and sneaks food from EGO. His father is across town and willing to take him back. This past week he received a deep wound on his hand which I had to stitch. He has no money, and because he needed something productive to do with his time, I asked him to work off his debt. For two days he assisted us in the garden. Sunday he went the to alter and accepted Christ as his Savior. We encouraged him to go home to his father and seek reconciliation. He previously said he would but has not followed through.. .I believe God is working in his heart. Please pray that  he continues to hear and be soften to Gods Word.  

        Sam and I woke up early Monday to get the goats milked so that I could open clinic early. Finishing in record time I cleaned the clinic and then rushed to shower myself.  A cup of coffee and devotions got my head in the game. Clinic started with 10 patients. My goal was to be done in 2 hours so we could start our road trip to the Dominican. I needed my passport stamped and to stay out of the country for a night. As Claire and I got into rhythm of the day patients continued to show up. My 10 patients turned into 25 quickly. I struggled with impatience and worry about reaching the border in time.  I told Claire we were just going to see one more then I needed to close. It was an hour past when I said I would leave. 

Kervin, Max, Wisley

       Then a 14-year-old boy walked in with a towel covering his head. He removed the towel to reveal a grossly swollen jaw and eye.  What caught my attention was the tears and fear that filled his eyes. My heart sank and I prayed. I confessed my impatience to the Lord and thanked Him for reminding me that I am not here for my own purposes, but instead to serve those whom He brings. Selfishness so quickly draws people into themselves and then they can’t see those right in front of them that so greatly need them. After figuring out a treatment plan I took the extra time with this boy to pray with him and was encouraged to find that he knew who Jesus is. He needed to not be afraid.  Several patients later we had reach the end of our workday, and I was off for another adventure.

  The Drowleys and I loaded into the Toyota for a 4-hour drive to the Dominican boarder. After getting our passports stamped we drove to the first checkpoint. They looked at our license plates and said "you can’t drive this car into Dominican you need papers." The only place we could get those papers was an hour away and it was already 4pm. We were told that we could park our car in the police yard and walk across the border. Ken backed the Toyota into the locked parking lot. The Police chief then came out of the building yelling and waving his gun.  We were not to park out car there.  Quickly we vacated the parking lot. 

      Now we were in a dilemma, because it was not safe to leave the car outside on the road. Brainstorming Ken mentioned sending me with a motorcycle across the border. While we debated the police chief walked out to see what we were still doing there. We explained to him our situation and that we were missionaries. His whole countenance changed. “Your missionaries! No problem! Park you car in our lot.”  Now while Ken again backed the Toyota into the parking lot an Angel named Nicalia came. “I can get you and your car across the border, No problem!” The police chief still standing their talked quickly in Creole to him. "Yes, no problem take your car to Dominican for the night." Wow, Praise God!

            

       That was the first two checkpoints just three more to go. The next was another Haitian stop and they were angry because the Police chief had not notified them we were coming. After some discussion they requested our passports and then walked away. Ken attempted to follow but got a metal door slammed in his face. Marla and I sat in the car praying with all our might. Here we were in between Dominican and Haiti in an unauthorized car, no passports, and with for all we knew a Smuggler. 20 minutes later plus a few American dollars we retrieved our passports and were passed through Dominican customs. Nicalia, gave us a tour of his town before depositing us at the only hotel in town. We were very thankful for a hot meal and safe place to sleep.  The next morning he arrive right at 8am to take us safely back through customs.

Moringa Trees

         Arriving back at EGO is always a refreshing because it’s such a haven.  This time was bitter sweet as we knew Sandy was on her way and we needed to get ready.  Praise the Lord she came through with much less force then Isaac.  She also brought cooler weather making it almost feel like fall here, i.e. 77 degrees.

          I received word from home this week that a very dear cousin of mine had passed away.  This was the first time I really struggled with wanting to return home and be with my family. Being in Haiti surrounded with struggle, Home quickly becomes a heaven. In my mind, I figured everything at home was guaranteed safe. Surely since we face so many trials here God would give us a break from trials at home. Going to the Bible for comfort I opened to Luke 9:61-62 ”Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” Now I don’t think this means I am not allowed to grieve for my dear cousin. It is however a reminder that with service for God comes sacrifice. My work is currently here with these precious little ones. I can’t begin to count the blessings I receive back from God through them each and everyday.

        Friday we had a team coming to take a tour of EGO. A group of five guys arrived in a truck. As I shook Mark and Will hands I learned they lived in Tennessee and come to Haiti about once a month. The kids asked Mark what he did for work, He replied “sing and play guitar.” His voice was hoarse so clearly he couldn’t sing for the kids. Innocently, I asked if he had a CD the kids could listen to. Not on him currently, so we went about our tour of EGO. They were very encouraging and excited about the work here. After they left we looked on the website of their mission Hand and Feet. We discovered that we had been in the company of Audio Adrenaline. Silly me, I have their Cd to play for the kids! 

Check out their website, I love their new music video! handsandfeetproject

Taking our rice to be milled