First Day = Success

We awoke to a beautiful sunny day. There was a mixture of sleep durning the night. It is noisy out on the streets and the roosters were crowing before we even went to bed. We were all up bright and early and ready to start way before our scheduled time. A early view from the roof at 6:00 am provided patients already sittting on our benches waiting to be seen when our clinic was to open at 8:30.

We were greeted by our favoite Haitian nurses Clotidle and Marie Clum who took vitals and translated. Jennifer headed to the pharmancy. Chris, Kevin and Jack headed to their spots and were kept busy all day with many many patients. Lab was slow in the morning and Kate anxously waited for pee pee to dip. Linda and Melinda were running crazy all over passing our goods, checking in patients, teaching Yoga and playing ball. Melinda went to all of the classes with Alex the Head Master at the school and taught hand washing and the proper way to brush their teeth. She then did classes with the patients waiting in line. Melinda made awsome posters for her classes which are laminated and can be used with future teams.

One of our first patients was a 4 year old who was burned last night on his right leg with hot beans. He was such a trouper as Chris tended to his burns. He will probably be a frequent visitor for dressing changes. We ask for prayers as he is sure to struggel in these conditions in fighting infections with this type of a wound.

We end the day basically exhausted and would just love to go to bed but it is only 7:00. The euchre cards were brought out and the heated discussion of pop vs soda.

Our day included many beautiful healthy babies. Every child in the family received a rice packet meal from Kids Against Hunger. This is a wonderful program arranged by Colleen Monfils and Three Angels received many boxes of rice packages and bars to hand out. Flip flops were a big hit for all the patients. It was great to fit the children with their correct size of shoes expecially when they arrived were wearing shoes many sizes to big.

Chris did solved the earthquake mystery. He had a small child to examine and the mom complained that one of his testicles was missing since the earthquake......upon examination no problem they were both present.

Dinner was traditional Haitian beans & rice with Tomat sauce. This is everyones favorite meal so far. Haitians eat this meal EVERY single day!

Congratulations to Livy-Lu Lindas grandaughter on her new part in the play Annie! Our sweet little orphan Kate. Grammy will be there.

What a wonderful team as we are getting to know each other and having lots of fun serving together. Tomorrow is another day and we look forward to the unexpected adventure. Surprise! Everyone is still up and the mature ladies had assistance from one of the youngsters to blog.

Bonwit