June 28, 2010
Today was fun. I left this morning with Cheznel, my driver and we went to a town called Montrouis (pronounced mow-wee). My non-relative relative is there for 2 weeks working with an eye doctor. Her name is Shelley. She is a mid-wife from Hickory, NC. Her aunt married my dad’s uncle. We laughed because we had each been telling others about our non-relative relative. It was fun to meet her and visit with the other people on her team. They were a hoot!
On our way back we stopped at Wahoo Bay Beach and had a lovely lunch of cheesy conch and French fries.
In the evening I had a massage from KK. She is coming back tomorrow evening to work out some more kinks in my neck and arms. The massage was nice, however, she used a lotion that starts out cool and then becomes hot as you use it, so by the time I went to bed I was so hot I could hardly breathe!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 27, 2010
June 27, 2010
Today is church day. Service started at 7:00 and lasted until 11:00 under the same hot blue tarps. I went through 3 bottles of water! The youth choir sang and did a wonderful job worshipping the Lord through their songs. After they sang a choral group from Port au Prince sang several songs. They sang in French, Kreyol, English and Spanish. They did a great job. After the singing there was a time of testimony.
Shelly, who I spoke of earlier, shared a testimony about how God had healed her and Obadiah. Since giving birth Shelley’s blood pressure was extremely high, they had feared she may have a stroke. They gave her medicine but were not sure how well it would work. Today, 40 days after giving birth, her blood pressure has returned to normal. Obadiah was born with a tear in his shoulder. He was unable to move his right arm or grip with his right hand. Some doctors told Shelley she needed to make him move it to build his strength; others told her to not move it at all. This new mom was torn on what to do. She and Fredo prayed diligently for God to intervene. She was praising God on Sunday that on Obadiah had begun to move his arm on his own and did not seem to be in anymore pain. I held him during church on Sunday and he gripped my finger fiercely throughout the service.
They fed the entire church on Sunday after service. I would there was well over 500 people there. We all had fried chicken, beans and rice, salad, beets, and bread. Some of us also had fried plantains. My new buddy KiKi, who is about 3, ate all of the chicken off my plate!
About noon, Pastor walked me home from church only to find that no one was here and he did not have the keys to get in. He and Luckson talked about the keys and decided Rebecca had them. He called Rebecca and she said she was on her way home. She arrived shortly and we discovered she did not have the keys either. Grace left and went to get the key, or so we thought, but she never returned. Jean Benard came by and saw us sitting outside in the hot sun and said I will go get the keys from Madam Jean Marie. Cheznel came and sat with us. One hour later Pastor told Cheznel to break the lock so we could go inside. After several discussions on how to break the lock and if they really should break the lock, he found a “gwo rach” or big rock and begin hitting the lock. Some guy, don’t know his name, came running in the gate yelling to not break the rock, he had the key. We finally went in the house at 1:15. OIH (only in Haiti)
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
Today is church day. Service started at 7:00 and lasted until 11:00 under the same hot blue tarps. I went through 3 bottles of water! The youth choir sang and did a wonderful job worshipping the Lord through their songs. After they sang a choral group from Port au Prince sang several songs. They sang in French, Kreyol, English and Spanish. They did a great job. After the singing there was a time of testimony.
Shelly, who I spoke of earlier, shared a testimony about how God had healed her and Obadiah. Since giving birth Shelley’s blood pressure was extremely high, they had feared she may have a stroke. They gave her medicine but were not sure how well it would work. Today, 40 days after giving birth, her blood pressure has returned to normal. Obadiah was born with a tear in his shoulder. He was unable to move his right arm or grip with his right hand. Some doctors told Shelley she needed to make him move it to build his strength; others told her to not move it at all. This new mom was torn on what to do. She and Fredo prayed diligently for God to intervene. She was praising God on Sunday that on Obadiah had begun to move his arm on his own and did not seem to be in anymore pain. I held him during church on Sunday and he gripped my finger fiercely throughout the service.
They fed the entire church on Sunday after service. I would there was well over 500 people there. We all had fried chicken, beans and rice, salad, beets, and bread. Some of us also had fried plantains. My new buddy KiKi, who is about 3, ate all of the chicken off my plate!
About noon, Pastor walked me home from church only to find that no one was here and he did not have the keys to get in. He and Luckson talked about the keys and decided Rebecca had them. He called Rebecca and she said she was on her way home. She arrived shortly and we discovered she did not have the keys either. Grace left and went to get the key, or so we thought, but she never returned. Jean Benard came by and saw us sitting outside in the hot sun and said I will go get the keys from Madam Jean Marie. Cheznel came and sat with us. One hour later Pastor told Cheznel to break the lock so we could go inside. After several discussions on how to break the lock and if they really should break the lock, he found a “gwo rach” or big rock and begin hitting the lock. Some guy, don’t know his name, came running in the gate yelling to not break the rock, he had the key. We finally went in the house at 1:15. OIH (only in Haiti)
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
June 27, 2010
June 27, 2010
Today is church day. Service started at 7:00 and lasted until 11:00 under the same hot blue tarps. I went through 3 bottles of water! The youth choir sang and did a wonderful job worshipping the Lord through their songs. After they sang a choral group from Port au Prince sang several songs. They sang in French, Kreyol, English and Spanish. They did a great job. After the singing there was a time of testimony.
Shelly, who I spoke of earlier, shared a testimony about how God had healed her and Obadiah. Since giving birth Shelley’s blood pressure was extremely high, they had feared she may have a stroke. They gave her medicine but were not sure how well it would work. Today, 40 days after giving birth, her blood pressure has returned to normal. Obadiah was born with a tear in his shoulder. He was unable to move his right arm or grip with his right hand. Some doctors told Shelley she needed to make him move it to build his strength; others told her to not move it at all. This new mom was torn on what to do. She and Fredo prayed diligently for God to intervene. She was praising God on Sunday that on Obadiah had begun to move his arm on his own and did not seem to be in anymore pain. I held him during church on Sunday and he gripped my finger fiercely throughout the service.
They fed the entire church on Sunday after service. I would there was well over 500 people there. We all had fried chicken, beans and rice, salad, beets, and bread. Some of us also had fried plantains. My new buddy KiKi, who is about 3, ate all of the chicken off my plate!
About noon, Pastor walked me home from church only to find that no one was here and he did not have the keys to get in. He and Luckson talked about the keys and decided Rebecca had them. He called Rebecca and she said she was on her way home. She arrived shortly and we discovered she did not have the keys either. Grace left and went to get the key, or so we thought, but she never returned. Jean Benard came by and saw us sitting outside in the hot sun and said I will go get the keys from Madam Jean Marie. Cheznel came and sat with us. One hour later Pastor told Cheznel to break the lock so we could go inside. After several discussions on how to break the lock and if they really should break the lock, he found a “gwo rach” or big rock and begin hitting the lock. Some guy, don’t know his name, came running in the gate yelling to not break the rock, he had the key. We finally went in the house at 1:15. OIH (only in Haiti)
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
Today is church day. Service started at 7:00 and lasted until 11:00 under the same hot blue tarps. I went through 3 bottles of water! The youth choir sang and did a wonderful job worshipping the Lord through their songs. After they sang a choral group from Port au Prince sang several songs. They sang in French, Kreyol, English and Spanish. They did a great job. After the singing there was a time of testimony.
Shelly, who I spoke of earlier, shared a testimony about how God had healed her and Obadiah. Since giving birth Shelley’s blood pressure was extremely high, they had feared she may have a stroke. They gave her medicine but were not sure how well it would work. Today, 40 days after giving birth, her blood pressure has returned to normal. Obadiah was born with a tear in his shoulder. He was unable to move his right arm or grip with his right hand. Some doctors told Shelley she needed to make him move it to build his strength; others told her to not move it at all. This new mom was torn on what to do. She and Fredo prayed diligently for God to intervene. She was praising God on Sunday that on Obadiah had begun to move his arm on his own and did not seem to be in anymore pain. I held him during church on Sunday and he gripped my finger fiercely throughout the service.
They fed the entire church on Sunday after service. I would there was well over 500 people there. We all had fried chicken, beans and rice, salad, beets, and bread. Some of us also had fried plantains. My new buddy KiKi, who is about 3, ate all of the chicken off my plate!
About noon, Pastor walked me home from church only to find that no one was here and he did not have the keys to get in. He and Luckson talked about the keys and decided Rebecca had them. He called Rebecca and she said she was on her way home. She arrived shortly and we discovered she did not have the keys either. Grace left and went to get the key, or so we thought, but she never returned. Jean Benard came by and saw us sitting outside in the hot sun and said I will go get the keys from Madam Jean Marie. Cheznel came and sat with us. One hour later Pastor told Cheznel to break the lock so we could go inside. After several discussions on how to break the lock and if they really should break the lock, he found a “gwo rach” or big rock and begin hitting the lock. Some guy, don’t know his name, came running in the gate yelling to not break the rock, he had the key. We finally went in the house at 1:15. OIH (only in Haiti)
The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
June 26, 2010
June 26, 2010
I am so enjoying my time except for the horrible mosquitoes. They are eating me alive! I walked back from church this morning with Guisnord, my new friend, and one of his buddies. I said “my feet itch” and before I knew it these two little guys no older than 10 were scratching my feet for me! It was so sweet.
I did go to church this morning at 9:00 for service after I had spaghetti with sardines for breakfast. Yes, I know, it sounds awful, but it was delicious. I cleaned my plate. Madam Jean Marie was so happy with me! She is a great cook.
Church lasted from 9:00-11:30 underneath blue tarps outside that were so hot I thought I was going to melt. Yet not one Haitian seemed to mind. No one complained, they all just worshipped the Lord with great joy.
There was a baptism today at 2:30, but I missed it. I fell asleep and thought Pastor was going to wake me before he left, but either he forgot or I missed a word in Kreyol which is very possible.
I am now sitting on the gallerie (porch) finishing up my lunch of mais muline, corn meal mush (much like grits) with beans and I believe pig ears. I skipped the meat today! Shh, don’t tell Madam Jean Marie! Luckson, one of their employees, who stayed home to baby sit me, is playing a guitar under the tree and singing. A nice breeze if blowing and I am watching a hummingbird feed on one of the beautiful flowering trees in front. I am sure the only way the day could be better would be if I had a glass of ice tea with me.
I am so enjoying my time except for the horrible mosquitoes. They are eating me alive! I walked back from church this morning with Guisnord, my new friend, and one of his buddies. I said “my feet itch” and before I knew it these two little guys no older than 10 were scratching my feet for me! It was so sweet.
I did go to church this morning at 9:00 for service after I had spaghetti with sardines for breakfast. Yes, I know, it sounds awful, but it was delicious. I cleaned my plate. Madam Jean Marie was so happy with me! She is a great cook.
Church lasted from 9:00-11:30 underneath blue tarps outside that were so hot I thought I was going to melt. Yet not one Haitian seemed to mind. No one complained, they all just worshipped the Lord with great joy.
There was a baptism today at 2:30, but I missed it. I fell asleep and thought Pastor was going to wake me before he left, but either he forgot or I missed a word in Kreyol which is very possible.
I am now sitting on the gallerie (porch) finishing up my lunch of mais muline, corn meal mush (much like grits) with beans and I believe pig ears. I skipped the meat today! Shh, don’t tell Madam Jean Marie! Luckson, one of their employees, who stayed home to baby sit me, is playing a guitar under the tree and singing. A nice breeze if blowing and I am watching a hummingbird feed on one of the beautiful flowering trees in front. I am sure the only way the day could be better would be if I had a glass of ice tea with me.
June 25, 2010
June 25, 2010
Yesterday was pretty much a day of rest. I slept late then enjoyed my favorite Haitian breakfast spaghetti with a boiled egg. Took a couple of naps and begin planning the literacy group with Rebecca. We are going to be working with 10 boys one day a week. If it goes well and my schedule permits we will add a group of girls as well.
Today I went to the hospital early and helped Fredo register patients and pull their charts. I will add a picture next week of their filing system. They get it, which is good. I never got it, which is ok as well!
A friend of mine, Fredo’s wife, Shelley came to the hospital with their brand new baby boy, Obadiah. He was born on May 18th, Flag Day for Haiti. I learned not to long ago that the first Haitian flag was made in Arachaie, the area where our mission is located by Catherine Flon. There is a memorial to the flag there. Anyway, Shelley went to the health center in Arachaie to have the baby and President Preval came by to visit him. He said Obadiah would grow up to be a strong man because he was born in Arachaie on Flag Day. Since then Obadiah has become quite the celebrity around here. I guess it is kind of like at home when a baby is born on New Years Day and the news does a special story.
I went with Shelley and Obadiah to visit Dr. Pady, our pediatrician. He was getting his 1 month vaccinations. However, she did not tell me that till I was holding him and Dr. Pady had the needle ready. For those of you who don’t know me well, needles greatly terrify me. I can’t watch, I can’t stand them…It is bad…I survived and so did baby Obadiah. I am not sure who was more afraid though.
Rachel and I spent the afternoon coloring posters for a local English class that one of the former children from the orphanage who is now grown teaches for free on Saturday. We also enjoyed fried chicken and rice. Rachel ate her chicken and then the piece that was still on my plate. It made Madam Jean Marie so happy to see her eating her food.
Convention started this evening but I was too tired to go for service. It started at 7 and was supposed to go until midnight, but Pastor got home at 1:00 am. I am glad I chose to stay behind and rest!
I did get to visit with an old friend, Erik. He grew up in the orphanage as well. I feel like I grew up myself with these kids. We caught up on each others lives and then on the other children that have grown and gone. We talked of Daphne who is now expecting her first. She is all alone though as she lost her entire family on January 12th. She now has a baby due in July. My heart breaks for her. We talked of our friends who have passed on due to this hard life in Haiti, Ismene, Monax, Djennie, and others. They will always hold a special place in my heart as they are the first who showed me Haiti.
Erik told me he knew where he could find the best barbeque chicken and plantains. So with 7 US dollars he left to take a motorcycle to find this delight as he kept saying. He returned about 20 minutes later with 2 overflowing take out boxes filled with chicken and plantains and 2 ice-cold coca-colas. It was some of the best food I have ever tasted in my entire life.
Yesterday was pretty much a day of rest. I slept late then enjoyed my favorite Haitian breakfast spaghetti with a boiled egg. Took a couple of naps and begin planning the literacy group with Rebecca. We are going to be working with 10 boys one day a week. If it goes well and my schedule permits we will add a group of girls as well.
Today I went to the hospital early and helped Fredo register patients and pull their charts. I will add a picture next week of their filing system. They get it, which is good. I never got it, which is ok as well!
A friend of mine, Fredo’s wife, Shelley came to the hospital with their brand new baby boy, Obadiah. He was born on May 18th, Flag Day for Haiti. I learned not to long ago that the first Haitian flag was made in Arachaie, the area where our mission is located by Catherine Flon. There is a memorial to the flag there. Anyway, Shelley went to the health center in Arachaie to have the baby and President Preval came by to visit him. He said Obadiah would grow up to be a strong man because he was born in Arachaie on Flag Day. Since then Obadiah has become quite the celebrity around here. I guess it is kind of like at home when a baby is born on New Years Day and the news does a special story.
I went with Shelley and Obadiah to visit Dr. Pady, our pediatrician. He was getting his 1 month vaccinations. However, she did not tell me that till I was holding him and Dr. Pady had the needle ready. For those of you who don’t know me well, needles greatly terrify me. I can’t watch, I can’t stand them…It is bad…I survived and so did baby Obadiah. I am not sure who was more afraid though.
Rachel and I spent the afternoon coloring posters for a local English class that one of the former children from the orphanage who is now grown teaches for free on Saturday. We also enjoyed fried chicken and rice. Rachel ate her chicken and then the piece that was still on my plate. It made Madam Jean Marie so happy to see her eating her food.
Convention started this evening but I was too tired to go for service. It started at 7 and was supposed to go until midnight, but Pastor got home at 1:00 am. I am glad I chose to stay behind and rest!
I did get to visit with an old friend, Erik. He grew up in the orphanage as well. I feel like I grew up myself with these kids. We caught up on each others lives and then on the other children that have grown and gone. We talked of Daphne who is now expecting her first. She is all alone though as she lost her entire family on January 12th. She now has a baby due in July. My heart breaks for her. We talked of our friends who have passed on due to this hard life in Haiti, Ismene, Monax, Djennie, and others. They will always hold a special place in my heart as they are the first who showed me Haiti.
Erik told me he knew where he could find the best barbeque chicken and plantains. So with 7 US dollars he left to take a motorcycle to find this delight as he kept saying. He returned about 20 minutes later with 2 overflowing take out boxes filled with chicken and plantains and 2 ice-cold coca-colas. It was some of the best food I have ever tasted in my entire life.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
What a Trip!
Yesterday I boarded a plane in Charlotte, NC for a Miami where I would overnight before leaving for Port au Prince this morning. It was where my first of many travel adventures would begin.
Adventure 1:
As I waited to board the plane a grandmother and 7 grandchildren (the oldest was 11, the youngest 2) said goodbye to their mom and dad. They were heading via Miami to Hondorus for 2 months. I silently thought to myself "I hope I am not sitting near them." They were quite rowdy. As it turned out I was not sitting near them but rather smack dab in the middle of them. It wasn't a full flight so I was able to change seats so they could sit together! There was another young girl on the flight heading to Peru for 2 months. The plane was full of summer travelers. The oldest, the Peru girl, and I quickly bonded on the flight and helped the grandma with the other children.
Adventure 2:
I couldn't help but notice a lady about my mom's age who I knew had to be Haitian. She sat very timidly throughout the first part of the flight. She finally made eye contact and in kreyol I asked her where she was heading. Her eyes became huge! She then moved back to sit with me and we talked the rest of the flight about Haiti. She said she had prayed that God would put someone on her flight who spoke French in case she needed help, but said she never imagined He would send someone who spoke Kreyol. Her name is Carline. She is on my heart tonight. She lost her entire house and every belonging in the earthquake. She is staying with a friend in Port now.
Adventure 3:
I decided I would save some money and sleep in the airport last night. My parents and I had talked about ways to make it more comfortable. I purchased a $3.00 pool float that would be my matress. The plan was to chunk it in the morning. Good plan, right?
I walked all over the terminal trying to find the perfect place to camp for the night. I began to feel like Goldilocks: to hot, to cold, to bright, to loud, to quiet...
I finally picked a spot, braved blowing up the float and settled in for a few winks of sleep...30 minutes later I was freezing despite my long pants, long sleeve shirt, jacket and blanket. I found an abandoned luggage cart, loaded up my stuff and walked around the airport for about an hour window shopping trying to get warm. I ended up in the bathroom under the dryer til I was toasty. I found a warm spot, settled in and got about 2 hours sleep before time to get up and face the day. still trying to decide if it was worth saving the $160 for a room!
I arrived this morning in Port au Prince with a new travel friend. Her name is Erin and she is from Australia. She landed in Port au Prince a day behind her time in Australia. She is here for working in Port for 2 months. I exited the airport without any problems. Jackson, my police friend, and Ellie were waiting for me and took me safely to Pastor and Jonas!
We left the airport and went to the Nazaren Ministry in Port au Prince. We are praying about a partnership to receive free medicines and vitamins from them for our clinic.
We then went to the Eagle Market and they had Dr. Pepper!!!!!! I was so excited.
I arrived at Pastor's house around 1:00, had a quick lunch of spaghetti and then went to see Mama Miss. She is still feeling pretty rough. She has not been downstairs but once in 3 weeks. Please keep praying for her. Loren and I have talked about trying to talk her in to coming out for a weeks when he leaves for a rest period. Please be in prayer.
Tomorrow I get to assist with a surgery at our hospital. I am so excited!
I will keep you posted as often as I can.
Love, Courtney
PS: Madam Pastor is spoiling me! She just brought me hot tea in bed! I love it here!
Adventure 1:
As I waited to board the plane a grandmother and 7 grandchildren (the oldest was 11, the youngest 2) said goodbye to their mom and dad. They were heading via Miami to Hondorus for 2 months. I silently thought to myself "I hope I am not sitting near them." They were quite rowdy. As it turned out I was not sitting near them but rather smack dab in the middle of them. It wasn't a full flight so I was able to change seats so they could sit together! There was another young girl on the flight heading to Peru for 2 months. The plane was full of summer travelers. The oldest, the Peru girl, and I quickly bonded on the flight and helped the grandma with the other children.
Adventure 2:
I couldn't help but notice a lady about my mom's age who I knew had to be Haitian. She sat very timidly throughout the first part of the flight. She finally made eye contact and in kreyol I asked her where she was heading. Her eyes became huge! She then moved back to sit with me and we talked the rest of the flight about Haiti. She said she had prayed that God would put someone on her flight who spoke French in case she needed help, but said she never imagined He would send someone who spoke Kreyol. Her name is Carline. She is on my heart tonight. She lost her entire house and every belonging in the earthquake. She is staying with a friend in Port now.
Adventure 3:
I decided I would save some money and sleep in the airport last night. My parents and I had talked about ways to make it more comfortable. I purchased a $3.00 pool float that would be my matress. The plan was to chunk it in the morning. Good plan, right?
I walked all over the terminal trying to find the perfect place to camp for the night. I began to feel like Goldilocks: to hot, to cold, to bright, to loud, to quiet...
I finally picked a spot, braved blowing up the float and settled in for a few winks of sleep...30 minutes later I was freezing despite my long pants, long sleeve shirt, jacket and blanket. I found an abandoned luggage cart, loaded up my stuff and walked around the airport for about an hour window shopping trying to get warm. I ended up in the bathroom under the dryer til I was toasty. I found a warm spot, settled in and got about 2 hours sleep before time to get up and face the day. still trying to decide if it was worth saving the $160 for a room!
I arrived this morning in Port au Prince with a new travel friend. Her name is Erin and she is from Australia. She landed in Port au Prince a day behind her time in Australia. She is here for working in Port for 2 months. I exited the airport without any problems. Jackson, my police friend, and Ellie were waiting for me and took me safely to Pastor and Jonas!
We left the airport and went to the Nazaren Ministry in Port au Prince. We are praying about a partnership to receive free medicines and vitamins from them for our clinic.
We then went to the Eagle Market and they had Dr. Pepper!!!!!! I was so excited.
I arrived at Pastor's house around 1:00, had a quick lunch of spaghetti and then went to see Mama Miss. She is still feeling pretty rough. She has not been downstairs but once in 3 weeks. Please keep praying for her. Loren and I have talked about trying to talk her in to coming out for a weeks when he leaves for a rest period. Please be in prayer.
Tomorrow I get to assist with a surgery at our hospital. I am so excited!
I will keep you posted as often as I can.
Love, Courtney
PS: Madam Pastor is spoiling me! She just brought me hot tea in bed! I love it here!
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