1st day of Therapy

We arrived at the hospital or Clinique du Centre Saint Lumiere. We had absolutely no idea where we were going once we got there, but Heidi was told to look for the Prosthetist, Walter (who we later found out was named Marvin). We eventually found the therapy gym and found Marvin. Shortly therafter, another physical therapist arrived. Her name is Ulrike (a full time missionary originally from Germany), she lives about an hour and a half away from Les Cayes (shortened Cayes and pronounced like K-ie) and volunteers off and on as needed. She specializes in pediatrics. She was very helpful, showed us around the hospital, and showed us the therapy ropes. We found out that Marvin and his wife, Carmen are here full time as missionaries with Medical Teams International. Marvin stays very busy fitting and making prostheses. Carmen assists Marvin as well as performing wound care if needed.

Let me tell you, I felt very ill prepared starting out because we didn’t get a true orientation or anything, we were really just “thrown to the wolves”. However, one of the guys who helped get the program started(can’t remember his name) did give us some encouraging words and prayed for us. This was very refreshing.

I ended up seeing about 6-8 patients (some are inpatient and some outpatient). Most of the patients had orthopedic problems, so that made it a little less intimidating. I saw one guy who was injured in a motorcycle accident, one guy who was attacked by a guy with a machete, and one lady who was injured from the earthquake along with her husband and children. Those are just the stories I know so far. I am very interested to hear more about the lady as my heart really went out to her. She came in with an old night gown that was safety pinned together. When I asked more about her, I found out that she has been in the hospital since after the earthquake along with most of her family. Her husband has since improved and moved back to Port au Prince to work. She had two external fixators (google it) because her legs were so broken from her injuries and this caused her to have to lie in awkward positions, so she has now developed a scoliosis and is complaining of back pain. Anyway, I am looking forward to working with her more, hearing her story, and helping to meet more of her needs.

Two very sad things that I saw today: An orphan baby (now 4 y/o) was left on the hospital steps with hydrocephalus (the babies with the abnormally large heads). She has been at the hospital for a long time, but has no family to care for her and has been struggling to stay alive. Some missionaries have come to care for her, but it seems the staff has lost hope for her. The other thing that happened today was that an elderly man came in who was very ill, Sarah (the other volunteer who is a nurse) started his IV, and not long after he passed away. I ended up seeing them roll him out on the stretcher, very sad.

Another great thing about today, I got to meet and talk a lot with the director, June. She invited us over to her house. I heard her story, how she came to faith and her heart for the Haitian people. She would like to rename the program “With open hands” to exemplify how we receive love from God and give to others. I asked a heavy question as it got later, “Can you explain the spiritual/religious climate in Haiti” and she said that she would like to answer this question, but would like to wait until Marvin and Carmen were there to hear the answer as well. Anyway, I enjoyed our time talking with her, and I look forward to more talks.

Food update: I have been eating well. 3 square meals and I tried to cram in some snacks when I had time in between patients. Either way, I survived without any major physical set backs. Something that will make all friends who read this laugh: I ate a hot dog today, actually, not just one, but two! Beggars can’t be choosers here, if you want your protein, you eat what you are given. I even ate goat meat for lunch!! It was quite tasty, actually. Tastes like beef, not chicken :)

Well, I had better get off to bed, a long day of rehab tomorrow. I might also get the chance to go to another rehab center tomorrow, which happens to be all women. I am looking forward to many more great experiences and stories.

Thanks for reading my lengthy updates.