it’s amazing how one week can completely change you. i had the privilege of having a skill that was in high demand when the haiti earthquake hit. i had the opportunity to participate in medical relief work and the result of that has been life changing. although i was able to be an extra set of hands, use my nursing knowledge (although completely different from the things that i would see) and offer a huge compassionate heart, the truth is, i didn’t save the world or really make an enormous difference. but i said yes, and i got to experience a new culture and a nation that i could continue…

“Wa a va reponn yo: Sa m’ap di nou la a, se vre wi: chak fwa nou te fè sa pou yonn nan pi piti pami frè m’ yo, se pou mwen nou te fè li.” Matye 25:40 it’s been an eye opening transition back from Haiti. despite only being there for a week, i left heavy hearted and missing the country and people so much. there was a raw beauty that illuminated from that place. i still haven’t forgotten what it felt like to hold those sick children, to hold the hand of a fearful mother or the obvious burden most carried around so gracefully. i have felt guilty…

It’s hard to believe this photo was taken in Haiti after all of the devastation and horrible poverty I experienced this week. We were able to travel up the road to a beach resort and jump in the ocean before heading to the airport and it was absolutely beautiful and buzzing with the wealthy of Haiti. Despite the beauty and peace of the ocean, it was surreal knowing that Haitians were starving just miles down the road, they were terrified to go inside buildings, they were grieving their losses from the quake, they were resorting to violence to have their needs met….As I’m trying to process the week, I am…

These families really do not have anything. Most babies we see are without diapers and even clothes. So many of these babies lost their mothers in the earthquake and are now being taken care of by family members, friends, etc. People who are not able to breastfeed. These babies are severely malnourished and it is so frustrating to not be able to provide the most basic need for these families: food. Although I’m greatful our shelves are overflowing with medicine and medical supplies, the greatest need I’ve identified this far is baby formula. Friday clinic was hectic to say the least. I would say that 75% of the patients we…

I feel like “Triage” would make a great medical show! You never know what’s going to come through those doors. As scary as that is, it is much worse in third world countries. We opened the clinic doors this morning to the 120 people the guards allowed in the gates. We hope to be able to allow more in tomorrow because the truth is that most make many sacrifices to make the journey to Mission of Hope and in the realm of health care, this is their only option. Most don’t have the luxury of popping in when a problem arises, they must wait until they can somehow make it…

We just got back from church with the Haitians. They are such beautiful people and we praised God in unity, despite language differences…it was beautiful! I’m sure God smiles at the sound of his people uniting to praise Him. Today we tried to organize and orient ourselves to the clinic that opens it’s doors to hundreds of Haitians each day. We have no idea what to expect, but will be ready to triage and expedite emergency care if needed. We will also provide primary care for common but dangerous tropical diseases. The clinic has been closed over the weekend so we expect many people to be waiting at the gates…

I’m in Haiti! i’m feeling a rush of excitement for the possibilities this week, mainly to drench people in love, but also fear because I know the Lord plans to completely humble me and break me this week. Of course for HIS glory and as a result I will get to intimately become closer to Him…so in conclusion I guess I’m overwhelmed by joy. This photo is a shot from the airport, there are locals lining the streets, begging. The drive to Mission of Hope consisted of mountains of rubble, people everywhere in the streets, makeshift attempts to make any income by setting up shop on the streets selling anything…