There is no place in the world I would rather be right now than right here in Haiti. This is my 3rd trip to Haiti and each time I am here I fall even more in love with this beautiful country. The people here are so loving and filled with such community. That today was so evident as we spent the afternoon at Dios special needs orphanage. As we arrived and got off the Tap Tap we were greeted immediately with many hugs and smiles from the children. The children have many forms of disabilities but they are so very precious and are some of the sweetest and loving children I ever met. What makes this place so special is the community and love all these children give to one another. They show the most unconditional love and care whether it is making sure another child is okay or help feeding another. A highlight and what touched me the most was our time of worship and singing together. We sang songs in English and Creole. Even the children sang for us and one sweet girl had a voice of angel. It was such a beautiful time for all of us together singing praises to our Lord. What a slice of heaven here on earth! Something that never ceases to amaze me is despite our language barrier and differences, we all worship and serve the same Lord and it is such a precious gift to experience and share together. These children may be different from us but despite their disabilities we are all precious and perfect in His eyes and are apart of God's community, a unconditional loving family that will last for eternity.
- Brianna
The righteous then will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?" The King will reply, "Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me." - Matthew 37-40
This passage was in our morning devotions today, yet I had no idea how much it would ring true.
We had the opportunity to serve at Home for Sick & Dying Babies this morning. Within the small building, there were two main rooms for the tiny little patients, one room was for sick babies, the other was for very sick babies. I personally spent all my time in the "very sick" babies area. There were about 30 babies in this room I would say. Ranging from probably 4 months, to 3 years at oldest. Yet these were some of the tiniest babies I have ever seen. The medical problems seemed to be primarily severe lung congestion, infection, and malnutrition/dehydration. As a nurse, I found it extremely difficult to not be able to hook up all the IVs I could, give the proper medications, or call up a doctor for orders to save this tiny humans life. I learned quickly, there simply are not enough resources to do all you can, as fast as you can. It's very paced, so that resources do not run out or wear thin. I remembered/realized that what we are here to do is simply love and hold these babies as close we can and as tight as we can, for the time we have with them.
We changed diapers, wiped runny noses, changed bedding, etc. My favourite moment was sitting on a swing, with a little boy about 10 months old in my arms, rocking back and forth, with him completely content in my arms. It felt as if that moment might actually save his life. It was so beautiful. It was fantastic watching my team mates work their motherly magic with the babies as well. Taylor had the coolest little boy I have ever seen. Aasta sat with a little boy who insisted on sitting like Ghandi. Syd had sweat pouring down her face, with an incredibly congested boy who refused to be put down. Dorothy was a rock star with spoon feeding the babies for lunch. The rest did wonderfully as well! These are just the pictures in my mind that I hope to hold onto for years to come.
I learned today that even when people need everything to keep them alive, from water to food to clean clothing, the one thing they want more than anything, is human touch. To be held close. We all want to know that we are loved and valued, through Gods love, today we were able to give these people that exact thing.
- Carly
