bonne fete maman!

Mothers standing in church to be recognized--SO many moms!

Haitian Proverb:

"Pitit se riches malere-- Children are the wealth of the poor"

~One's hope and riches lie in the future of one's children~

Bonne fete Maman (Happy Mother's day)!  Today is Mother's day in Haiti and it is for sure a day to be celebrated.  During church all the moms were asked to stand in order to be recognized and it struck me--they are the mothers of the future generation of Haiti.  They are raising up the next generation of leaders, teachers, health care providers, mothers, and so much more.  With tears in my eyes I watched as a flower was pinned on each woman standing.  The mothers were so proud.  The children sang a song honoring all their mothers and it was beyond cute.  There was also a moment where the mother with the most children was recognized-- yes, one momma was the proud mother of 19.  The next woman had 16 children.  And then three women were tied at 11 children each.  Moms all around the world work incredibly hard to raise their children to be the best each of them can be--watching each woman in church stand with pride was a priceless moment for me.

Children singing to their mom's.  

For more pictures click on the links below:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150963439915831.477242.529825830&type=3&l=f56fa81158

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150461677395831.422201.529825830&type=3&l=a6b4e88fb3

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150374500225831.405560.529825830&type=3&l=885a6310be

"We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do.  God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work.  

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might..."(Ecclesiastes 9:10)." 

~Oswald Chambers

I read this quote a few weeks ago and haven't been able to quit thinking about it since.  It's something I believe 100% with my heart and yet have to really focus on practicing it each and every day.  It has been easy to get lost in the "busy" of the past few weeks but when I really stop to think about it I have met and served countless people that truly needed someone to hear them.  I was blessed to be able to serve with another amazing Mercy Ships team this past week.  During the week of providing care in the IDP (internally displaced persons) camps there was one moment that stood out the most to me.  The medical camp was in full swing and as I looked out over the tent I noticed that four out of the five nurses and providers, sitting in separate places, were all bowing their heads in prayer with each of their patients and translators.  This wasn't an "official" moment or time of the day that we were all supposed to be praying-- this was a moment that each individual felt called to pray for the person in front of him or her.  I had tears in my eyes as I sat and watched lives being changed right in front of me.  God isn't calling me to simply make it through the day or each task-- He is calling me to live each day in full devotion to what He has planned.  

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places 

where other people see nothing."

~Camille Pissarro

I love that I get to watch and listen as people come and serve on short term mission trips.  It's fascinating to see how they process what God is teaching them and showing them in Haiti.  One team member told me that she had challenged herself personally to look for hope and that as each day passed she struggled because she couldn't see it.  She saw people living in tents, lack of electricity or running water, mud homes, and so forth.  It wasn't until the last day that God opened her eyes.  She was looking for hope defined by the world's standards and real hope has nothing to do with the world.  Our hope is in Jesus.  He will provide.  He is what we need and He has everything we need and more.  When I choose to look at the world through Christ's eyes it is amazing just how much hope there truly is.  All of a sudden the impossible has no boundaries and hope is never-ending.

bitter-sweet

Sara working in the clinic

Today started out on a sad note-- I have loved having my friend Sara here for a week and today she left for home.  I loved getting to show her off to all my friends and for her to experience my life here.  I feel beyond blessed to have had two friends chose to leave home, family, work, and just life in general to come and visit me here in Haiti.  Sara had perfect timing for when I was in need of "home" and just time with my friend.

Eliana, me, Natacha, and Aubree all getting ready to cook!

Rainy season has jumped into full force this past week and because of this our clinic was slower than normal.  We all enjoyed a nap and then decided it would be fun to make some Haitian food!  I love Haitian food and really love learning to make it.  I've been learning to make Haitian sauce for rice and beans so I was super excited to add more food to the list of things I can make!  Natacha and the girls who work in the kitchen taught Aubree, Katie, and I how to make fried plantains and pikliz (like cole slaw only at least a thousand times better!).  We had a great afternoon simply being together in the kitchen.  We all laughed a lot and of course eating the delicious food was the perfect ending to our cooking adventure!

Fried plantains and Pikliz...SO good!

After cooking Aubree and I decided to make a quick trip to Chambrun.  We were greeted by all our little friends who were beyond excited to have us stop in when they weren't expecting a visit.  My little friend Landia found me immediately and pulled me down to her level so she could whisper in my ear "Brooke, I saw E'tienne today and I asked her where you were."  My heart literally broke and as I scooped her up I asked her if she knew just how much I loved her. 

Kris and Landia

 On the walk back to campus I thanked God for this very bitter-sweet day.  I am blessed to have a friend that would travel lots of miles and leave her own family to spend time with me.  It hurt watching her leave but it also felt right knowing that God is using her at home too.  God in complete faithfulness provided for me and gave me a great afternoon of fellowship in the kitchen and a very sweet ending to the day with the most sincere words that melted my heart and truly reminded me of why God has called me here.

dinner with friends

Haitian Proverb:

"Moun ki pa manje pou ko l' pa janm grangou- those who don't eat alone are never hungry."

Those who share will receive

Most days I spend my afternoons in the village playing, bathing babies, and just having fun being with my friends. Each and every day I'm humbled by how gracious my friends are to me and by their limitless love and generosity. Today, I was once again reminded just how blessed I am to be living in Haiti and in this community. E'tienne and I were asked to stay and join our friends for supper. On many different levels a meal here is a big deal. First, there is no electricity or running water, so imagine how easy it is to just "whip" up a meal that will take hours of preparation and time.

Natacha preparing supper.

Not only that, but most of our friends have barely enough food to meet the needs of their own family let alone guests. And let's be honest, we are guests that have food...plenty of food. It always makes my heart cringe to eat food that I know other people need more than me and yet, there is nothing more that Natacha wants in that moment than to serve us. So tonight we ate supper in Natacha's home. We were served our food on the two best dishes she has and we were prepared a feast of food that included chicken, vegetables, and sauce.

We drew quite the crowd as we sat at Natacha's table and ate the meal prepared for us...I suppose it isn't everyday that our little friends have two white girls in their home eating Haitian food=) Today, I was given not only the best food my friend had to offer but love and service to me. As I walked home I felt that God was reminding me that this is the pattern He has for me. I am to offer my best and am called to serve the people He has brought into my life.

I promise I didn't lick my bowl=)

letting go

Haitian Proverb:

"Kreyon Bondye pa gen gom--God's pencil has no eraser"

There are just some patients that touch my heart a little deeper than others. Natacha is a little 3 month old that I met in the clinic early in February and she has a cleft lip and palate. The day after I met this little one and her momma I saw a posting on FaceBook that another organization in Haiti was going to have a surgeon in Haiti in May to fix cleft lips/palates. I wrote down the information and prayed that they would come to the clinic again, so we could somehow connect them to this organization for the surgery Natacha needs. Thursday I had the pleasant surprise of seeing her again in the clinic and our physician was able to talk to mom about the importance of Natacha having the surgery and the need for her to call and pursue this organization for the surgery. Mom left with a paper that had detailed instructions. While talking to a friend this week I was asked what is the hardest thing about living in Haiti--my answer was removing myself and allowing God to be God. I can't control each situation and in reality I don't want to. This mom is 17. The place for her to have this surgery is far from here. Does she have family that will support her and encourage her? Does she have the money or how will she get the money for transportation? And then I have to remind myself...let go and let God be God for this mom and her baby. He has a plan for her. He knows each and everything about Natacha.

It isn't uncommon to have tiny babies in the clinic. The part that is unique is each and every story that comes along with the little one and his/her mother. The little one below came into the clinic on Friday and weighed less than four pounds at 25 days old. He was literally all skin and bones. As I talked to his "mom" I realized that she was actually his mother's cousin. His mom died when he was only five days old. She is now raising him along with her 1 1/2 year old little boy and she is only 18. She didn't have enough milk to give him, so for the past 20 days each day he got 2 ounces of milk and the rest was supplemented with sugar water. She was doing what she thought was best. We were able to give her formula and taught her how to mix the milk and how often he needs to eat. This was another moment of reminding myself to let go and to simply let God be God. She was already fighting for him and choosing to step-up and care for him. God has a plan for not only the little baby but for his new momma too.

The little one on the left is 25 days old, on the right 26 days old.

She is one day older and double the size

So tiny and precious!

vaccinations!

Haitian proverb:

"piti piti na rive- little by little we will arrive"

I doubt I could find too many people that would argue with the fact that prevention is the key to good health. One key aspect to disease prevention is through vaccinations. Vaccinations help to reduce infection and prevent the possibility of death by working with the body's natural defenses to help develop immunity to a disease. Today was a very exciting day in the clinic-- today was the first day that we were able to administer vaccinations. Most children in our community have not been vaccinated and now we are spreading the word that our clinic has one day each week that parents can come to have their children vaccinated for free. The parents are excited. The clinic staff is excited. The kids...ok, not so much....but you get the idea=)

Some photos of the little kiddos waiting for their vaccines!

Not everyone left happy...

perfect sunday

Haitian proverb:

"Tout venn touche ke"

All veins touch the heart

Everyday in Haiti is just a little different for me. Some days are crazy busy and full of lots of "nurse-like" activities. Some days are even filled with moments where I really feel like I'm really making an impact and able to connect with a patient or friend. And then there are days like today when after church I walked to the village to visit my little buddies. Several weeks ago the girls asked me to paint their toes and today seemed like the day to have some fun with it. Each of the girls were super excited when I told them to hurry and wash their feet because I had a surprise in my purse. They quickly ran off to find water to rinse their feet and came back carrying chairs so we could gather under the tree in the shade. At first they were timid but it didn't take long before they were all gathered around waiting for their turn to have their toes painted. I loved listening to them giggle as each girl patiently awaited her turn. As each little one placed her foot in my lap I realized again just how special each of them are to me and how much they have impacted and changed my life. Some days here are filled with events that feel "life changing" and then there are days like today that are spent sitting in the village painting toenail after toenail that I feel the love and presence of Christ the most.

For more pictures, click on the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150461677395831.422201.529825830&type=3&l=a6b4e88fb3

blessings

One of my favorite parts of working in the clinic is when we are able to bless a patient with something they need and wouldn't have otherwise been able to afford or find. Each and every time it amazes me how one persons generosity from miles and miles away is able to help and provide for a complete stranger. I love knowing that God has orchestrated each and every detail.

The mom above has been carrying her son for 7 years. He isn't able to walk or use his legs and this mom has dedicated her time to providing for him. I've said over and over how hard it is for my Haitian friends--watching this momma carry her son--inspired me. She didn't complain about the heat or the weight of her son but instead had a huge smile on her face. Someone had a wheelchair that they no longer needed and chose to send it to us--today we were able to bless this momma with an amazing wheelchair that was a perfect fit for him.

Groups of women from all over the US gather together to make pillowcase dresses. Most of these women have never been to Haiti and have never met the little girls they bless and yet they sew for hours and hours adding extra touches of lace and ribbon to make each and every dress special and truly beautiful. The little girls faces are priceless when they receive a dress!

Our clinic patients usually arrive around 6 a.m. (most leave their homes at least an hour before this) and are at our clinic until well after lunch time. They wait patiently even though they have been sitting for hours. Coloring books and crayons are always a fun treat to give to little ones as they are waiting for prescriptions to be filled or for a parent to have a procedure done. Love watching the kiddos discover the art of coloring--they are creative!

This man came through the clinic with his wife. His wife was worried because he had fallen twice over the previous week. He was able to walk but unsteady. We were able to find a walker and after washing it and sizing it for him--we watched him walk steadily out of the clinic.

The look on his wife's face was priceless.

Colossians 3: 15-17

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him."

A Prayer for Peace

I'm constantly reminded just how difficult it is for each of my patients and friends to receive medical care and the many obstacles that surround the health care system in Haiti. Yesterday, as I was playing with the children in the village I was told that Sylvenson "ti-Brooke" (read previous blog post: It's a boy!) had something on his neck and that he had a fever. At first I wasn't worried because I'm told multiple times a day that a baby is sick and has a fever, but something was different yesterday. As I went to Sylvenson's house I passed his mom and she had tears running down her face. She told me he was sick and took me to see him. Sylvenson's neck on the right side was completely swollen, his breathing was too fast, and he was hot with a fever. I knew he needed more help than our clinic could provide and that he needed to go to a hospital. It isn't as simple as just "going to the hospital" though. In order to go a person must have the money for transportation because it's not a quick trip. The family must also have money to pay the hospital because they are required to pay up-front. And they have to be able to find a hospital that is open and has space for more patients which is extremely difficult because the hospitals are full. I tried to explain over and over why they needed to take him to the hospital, but was told repeatedly that they would go "tomorrow" if they could get the money etc. I finally said that if he didn't go soon the swelling could get worse and that he wouldn't be able to breathe. That is when I feel they finally understood that Sylvenson really needed to go to the hospital. As I walked home I prayed for the care that he would receive. Later, I was told that he had been taken to the hospital, given a "pill", and sent home.

Today, as I entered the kitchen Wadeline (one of our Haitian staff) asked me if I had heard that Sylvenson had died. I quickly asked who told her and if she was she sure that he had died. Aubree and I quickly left for Chambrun and as we walked to the village we were told multiple times that Sylvenson had died this morning. It wasn't until I saw E'tienne (another one of the nurses here for the year who had left campus earlier for her daily run) with tears running down her face that it truly hit me. Sylvenson had died. I spent the morning sitting with Bernardia and her friends and family. Some men in the village buried Sylvenson beside Bernardia's home. While tears ran down Bernardia's face, I prayed that she would be surrounded with the peace that only Christ can provide and that she would feel His arms around her. As I walked home from the village I realized that Sylvenson was another statistic of a baby that didn't survive infancy. The only difference was that I knew this baby. He was only in this world for a mere 17 days. The Haitian proverb that I posted in my last blog has been going through my head all day "sa je pa weke pa tounen" which translated is "what the eye doesn't see, doesn't move the heart." The unfortunate truth is that we as Christians aren't called to live in a pretend bubble, but rather we are called to confront injustice. My pastor once said we are called to "be brave and not safe" and I truly believe this means even during times when we can't understand and it hurts the most.

ups and downs

Haitian proverb:

"Sa je pa weke pa tounen- what the eye doesn't see, doesn't move the heart"

The last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. There are so many highs and in the same breath the same amount of lows. During the last week of mobile medical clinics I met four different women who were all emotionless. After talking with them I found out they had all recently lost either a spouse or child. They simply looked hopeless. With the little Creole that I know I tried to speak words of affirmation and encouragement to them and prayed with each of them. I'm still praying for them and their faces have been ingrained in my mind. Then, to add more to my feeling of heaviness it seems that several of my little buddies in the village have needed extra attention lately. They have been acting out and have simply not been themselves. My heart breaks for them. I want for each of them to know how loved they truly are and to know just how special they are to not only me but to God himself. Each afternoon as I walk to the village I have struggled with knowing which child needs my attention. Who really needs the extra hugs and kisses and who needs to be looked in the eyes and told that they are truly beautiful and that I love them so very much. I know that it will be a constant battle over who will get to sit in my lap, but I really pray that I will keep my eyes open and that I will seek out the child who truly needs that one-on-one time. It's impossible for me to connect with each and every person who has a need. Ultimately, the deep desire of my heart is to not settle for what is comfortable, but rather to reach out and love and serve as I have been called to do.

It's a BOY!

Each and everyday I'm humbled at how each of my Haitian friends invite me into their lives. They don't treat me like a visitor or like someone who is here for just a year. They honestly treat me like family. Yesterday, Aubree and I needed to make a quick trip to the village. That trip turned into a long evening of many firsts for me. When we got into the village the kids immediately told us that Bernardia had delivered her baby. I have teased Bernardia for five long months that the little one growing inside of her should be named "ti-brooke" (little-Brooke) and that of course it will be a little girl. Aubree and I were both beyond excited! Of course, after talking to some of the adult women we found out that Bernardia hadn't really had the baby, but instead was having contractions..next time I'll have to remember that 5 year olds aren't the most reliable source for information! We walked (ok, we were literally drug by the kids) to Bernardia's home and invited in to see her. She was so excited to have us there and instantly wanted to know where E'tienne was and said we needed to call her. I'm pretty sure that trip to the village was the fastest for E'tienne! The next four hours were amazing as the three of us sat on the ground inside of Bernardia's mud home. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but last night taught me it also takes a village to deliver a child. Bernardia was surrounded by women that had all birthed multiple children in their homes and were there to support her. Each had advice that ranged from how she should sit on the ground to how she should push. After watching the mid-wife maneuver her pregnant abdomen I whispered to Aubree and E'tienne that there was no way I would ever be able to have a baby here. I sat in her home amazed at how simple it all was because there were no fancy monitors or equipment, but only a lantern to light the room. There was no bed that transformed into a birthing table, but rather rocks that were layered with clothes to make them softer with a friend to sit behind her and hold her up. There were also no IV's or medications, but instead oils, perfumes, and hot tea. Most importantly, no complete strangers were present but rather a room full of family and friends. The entire evening was filled with things that left me feeling like it was all a dream. As I came home I was worried for my friend and prayed that the remainder of her labor would be quick and safe. Bernardia delivered a precious little baby boy late this morning and I was able to hold and see him when he was still just hours old. Last night I was given a glimpse into the reality of child birth for most of the women I have been called to serve and I know I will never look at a pregnant woman the same.

Don't be fooled by the pink=)

I like to think that "ti-brooke" is still an option for his name

Bernardia's home

answered prayers

Blogging is really difficult for me. One of the (many) reasons is that it requires me to be vulnerable emotionally and physically and let's be honest...the internet is a big place. I think the main reason though is that the people I blog about aren't just random people. They are my friends and even more so they have become family. I struggle with trying to respect their lives/stories while also giving you a glimpse into my life here in Haiti. Davidson's story below is a perfect example of this struggle. He has been on my heart for the last five months. Davidson has always been special to me and as I've watched this part of his story unfold I have struggled with the "right" way to be vulnerable with how his life has impacted mine. E'tienne (my friend, roommate, one of the other nurses who works on campus) wrote the blog below and after reading it I told her it captured exactly what I had been trying to put into words. It seemed silly to re-write another version so with her permission I added some other photos I had and copied her blog entry (etienneyork.wordpress.com)...

Davidson (left to right-- 3rd baby) in June 2011

"There’s nothing like a ray of sunshine to brighten ones day. At 10:00am yesterday morning I was greeted by one of my little buddies “Kesna” at our back door. Like most of our school children, I figured she was just sick. Instead she told me that “Davidson” is outside. Davidson is a little boy from our village that I have known since the first day I stepped into Chambrun back in July. He was the little baby you would find on the ground half naked, with dirt all in his mouth, without mom in site. When he found himself in one of our laps (Brooke, Aubs, Leslee or I) he would nuzzle in and fall asleep in minutes. We acknowledged him, held him,fed him, played with him, bathed him and most importantly loved on him. We earned his trust. Many days as we left the village to head back to campus, he’d cry.

Davidson (on the bottom) in October 2011

About 2 months ago we noticed a decline in his health, so much that we became extremely concerned. His family had brought him into the clinic and we provided him with some medication and nutrition. A week or so later we noticed that Davidson wasn’t ever there during our visits. Family and friends told us that he and his mother had moved to another village. I was extremely saddened, for we no longer could monitor his health during our visits to the village. As we continued our visits in Chambrun, we’d come back always with an update on him. It wasn’t ever real encouraging news, which made it even more difficult. It got to the point where our friends from Chambrun also became concerned about his health. This past Sunday Aubree was able to talk with Pastor Pierre and share our concerns. After sharing her heart, Pastor also agreed that something needed to be done. For me it gave me a spark of hope, I thought to myself now we’re making progress. That afternoon we found ourselves in the village talking with his grandma and sharing our concern and how we can help. Now all that we could do is pray, wait and hope that the message would be shared with his mother and someone would bring him to the clinic before it was too late.

Davidson (far left) December 2011

So here Brooke and I were 2 days after Aubree talked with Pastor; holding Davidson in our arms with such joy and hope in knowing that his life-story has many more chapters still to come. The process of intervening has begun. Davidson…our little ray of sunshine has found us again!

Davidson January 24th, 2011

Davidson’s journey is just beginning. God has a plan for him and we know that it is far more than we could ever dream for this sweet little boy. As nurses, we are asking you to join us in prayer for Davidson. Please pray that God will give us and NVM the wisdom in making decisions. Please pray that as nurses and sisters in Christ we will be able to speak words of affirmation and love to his mom and encourage her. That ultimately Davidson’s family, neighbors, and friends will all see Christ glorified in all things."

My nurse friends blogs=)

E'tienne's blog: etienneyork.wordpress.com

Aubree's blog: aubreedell.wordpress.com

**Just a fyi--we typically use one camera when taking photos so a lot of our pictures are similar/the same..we all love to capture the moments here but also want to be sensitive to our friends too.

welcome to my home!

It's hard to believe I have lived in Haiti for almost five months. I planned on giving you a "photo tour" once I was settled in here on campus but obviously time slipped away. Nehemiah Vision Ministries (NVM) is an organization that is focused on raising up a new generation of Haitians through education, health care, orphan care, and spiritual development. I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into my life here in Haiti and the ministry I am serving with!

The road to Chambrun...

This is my view each and everyday....simply breathtaking.

Guard shack

Church

Another view of the church

School

Inside one of the pre-school classrooms

Over Christmas break a team painted murals in the pre-school classrooms

Playground! It is packed before and after school!

One of the two new children's homes being built on campus.

Administration building...just finished in December

Warehouse...this building holds a little bit of everything!

The front section is the preschool--the back is the clinic I work in!

Patients line up hours before the clinic open in order to be seen each day.

Inside of the clinic

Pharmacy

This is where we do anything from suturing, IV's, wounds, and sooo much more!

Aubree, E'tienne and I are the campus nurses. LOVE them!

Hospital! Once finished will have surgery rooms, inpatient rooms, dental, vision, pharmacy, health clinic, ER..and SOO much more.

Hospital from the back...

Electricity was placed in the hospital just this week!

Teams who volunteer with NVM stay on this side of campus. From far left: mens shower house, dining hall, and women's shower house.

Team housing

Door 1 is my house! I live with 3 other volunteers who are also serving with NVM for a year. Our home has a living room, bathroom/shower, and two bedrooms. We are blessed to have this space to call home and retreat to after long days of working.