How does it feel to hold a dying child?

Sunday, day of rest and praises. Sunday service with the children was quite refreshing. Pastor actually ask each one of us visitors to speak to the children. It was very good experience for me! The smiles and the happiness in their faces was very evident. 

The children practiced songs after services so we could record later on during the day. Just to get 130 kids assembled on the stage for the recording, you need Gods help and patience. Finally we were able to get it done. 

It was very hot and humid today, and my body let me know about it.

After dinner, Miriam brought Alex from the nursery to the dining room. Alex is the 3 year old that was brought here from the remote hills of Haiti. It was from the medical mission that Patty, Renee and Lori participated in. His father left yesterday, leaving him behind. The little boy is not doing well, even though his fragile body seem to heel up little bit, he is still very swollen for malnutrition. Miriam asked, “how dos it feel to hold a dying child?! Well frankly it tears your heart right out. We’ve tried to give him some water, gatorade, rice, but he does no accept anything. He ate little bit earlier in the day, but could not hold it in his stomach that is very filled with worms. He is fighting for his life! Tim took Alex back to the nursery, commenting that in 30 years of his professional experience as a firs responder, he has never seen any one like this. 

All we can do now is pray for his survival and well being. He is in God’s hands! 

10/29 - the next day

I don’t know how to describe this morning. A group of local pastors came to the compound and prayed for kids and the ministry. What became amazing was that the very people that we came to help, the very people that we fell for came to pray for us! They pray because they believe that we are the needy once! And yes, they are so right. What an experience! Something that will stick in my mind for a long time.

Late breakfast due to morning prayers and finally getting few things done. Went through all of the kitchen chairs and reinforced the loose legged once with metal brackets. Went to the local hardware store to pick up supplies and Tim bought Frantzy and Rene pair of steel toe work boots. 

As soon as we came back to New Life, an emergency repair to the water line that one of the boys accidentally broke. Normally it would not be a big deal at home, but over here every project is an adventure. Done just before dinner!

I had few videos for kids for tonight, and even Miriam made an appearance in one of the cartoons. Kids enjoyed the evening and Tim got a first hand experience of the nightly devotional. What a great day! However, still no internet! 

Back in Haiti

Back in Haiti again. It’s been a while, since middle of July, and it seem so long ago that I was here. When we left Chicago this with Tim (retired firefighter) there was light frost on the ground, by the time we’ve arrived in Haiti, it was hot, very hot. The pilot said it was 87 degrees, but the body felt like mid 90’s! Trip was very uneventful, talked with few people on their journey and we’ve made it on time to Port-au-Prince. Going through passport check was really quick today and our luggage (2 - 50lbs bags) were already waiting on us. One of the porters recognized the orange IFJ shirts and told us that Rene was waining. This time out of the baggage claim they check claim checks! Wow, that’s a first time, Haiti is changing! Rene waiting for us with avery big smile. First deep breath brought taste of Haiti (the only deep breath for today), I quickly recognized the smell of Haiti. 

At the compound Patty was entertaining little Patty and Rene and Frantzy’s wives. 

So glad to see them all. Took Tim for a short stroll around the compound, introduced him to many kids as they were calling my name (Mr. Bill, Mr. Bill). Hugs from many, I sure missed that!

We came up with a game plan for tomorrow, had a great dinner made by Rose. Miriam and Sarah came back from the tent city orphanage with 2 girls, and of course more hugs and introductions. Went over to see the kids at the movie night and grabbed a shower. So my body is still in shock, from the frost in Chicago, to heat in PAP and a cold shower, and yet my mind is soooo refreshed. Emotions to see all of the kids are amazing. It seem like it has been so long since I was here, and yet at times seems that I was just here last week (maybe it only felt like that because my wife was here last week and I heard all the stories about the kids). 

I don’t know when I will be able to post since the Internet is down at this time. 

Needless to say, I am looking forward to tomorrow. 

Bill