You Make Beautiful Things

So my time in Haiti is drawing to a close.  It has been a productive 1 1/2 weeks.  Not always in the way I expected.  Clinics have gone well,  I am getting better at understanding and speaking Kreyol, relationships have deepened, and I have been blessed beyond measure.

God has answered many personal prayers for strength, health, and wisdom.  I had a beautiful time of worship at church yesterday - even understood a lot of the service.  I have been loved on by so many! I am always amazed how blessed I am when I come.

Even amidst the poverty Haiti is a beautiful place with beautiful people!

As I was dusting equipment in the clinic today I was listening to " You make beautiful things out of the dust"  The continual dust is one of the annoyances that is hardest for me to not be annoyed with -  I was reminded that I am but dust also.  I am looking forward to bringing the beautiful dust of Haiti home with me!

Little Encouragements go a Long Way!

I have reached the end of week 1.  I am feeling far more encouraged and have felt the love of God in so many little things this week.  In clinic I had at least 1 little baby (under 1 year of age) every day - nothing wring, moms just wanted them checked.  There little smiles as they watched my lights brought joy to my heart! I have had several notes from friends letting me know that they are praying. Madam Eugene (the housekeeper/cook) and Beni (the day time gate guard) have been making sure I get fresh mango every day - they both know I love the mangoes.  Sara, Herrold, Christian, Marsha and Ken greet me with joy and hugs every day.  God has filled my week with blessing.

Today I went in to Port Au Prince to see a friend who lives on the north peninsula of Haiti.  Wesner is full of the joy of the Lord.  His contagious smile and true joy, not to mention his awesome hugs radiate the love of God to everyone around.  Had an awesome time with him, his wife Ingrid and their little baby Lyric.

I am looking forward to Monday morning when once again I will be greeted with a line of patients waiting patiently to be seen.  Please pray that the love of God would be seen through me as I smile and speak my very limited Kreyol, pray that they would walk away feeling the hope and encouragement that comes from our loving father in the little things every day.

Bonjou tout moun.  It is 5:30 am here in Haiti - there is a lot on mind.  Had a good clinic yesterday - saw 50 patients.  There was one young man who broke me heart - his complaint was that after receiving an injection of some sort for vomiting his vision became blurry and then he lost his sight.  He now sees only light.  This happened about 1 week ago.  Please pray for this young man.  It is hard to be blind and even harder in a country such as Haiti.

How many of us are spiritually blind and yet try to navigate life on this earth?  Without God there truly is no hope.  I look at this young man and ask why?  I don't know why, but I do know that I serve a great, all knowing, loving God who has a reason for everything He allows.

I am also struggling with the question of am I making a difference?  Why am I here in Haiti?  There is so much need and so little that I do.  Most important - with my limited language do the people really know that it is my faith in God that brings me here?   That without God there truly is no hope?  Do they see the love of God through me? Am I really loving my patients or am I just going through the motions?  Pray  that I would make a difference in someones life today.

Mesi and Bondye beni ou!

Day 1 of clinic.  Started by sleeping through my alarm -  I guess I was tired after a full day of travel.  Still got myself to breakfast - fresh mango! and scrambled eggs.  Saw 40+ patients, I didn't see anything I wasn't sure what it was (this almost never happens) and I was done by 1:00.  I was happy because I was still feeling the time change!

Went home to an amazing lunch prepared by Madame Ejenne- rich with veggies, fried chicken, PIKLEZ!!!!!!!!!!, and fresh mango.  Also fresh squeezed fruit juice of a kind I don't know but surely enjoyed.  What a treat.

I am enjoying reconnecting with many of the people who are here.  Hoping to spend time building on those relationships this week.

Please pray that I would get rested and have a servants heart.  Also, that I would get good time in the word and with God.

Thanks and blessings.  Did I mention the fresh mango and the piklez?

Spring Break

I don't actually have a spring break anymore and my time off of work is less scheduled according to school calenders but it is the time of year for spring break.  I am traveling again to Haiti.  This trip most of my time will be spent seeing patients in the eye clinic.  I will also be checking on the ongoing construction of the new clinic building - excited to see what progress is/will being made!

I am also looking forward to reconnecting with friends - Haitian, American and Italian!

I am also apprehensive - Is God really using me?  Am I making a dfference? What is the impact beyond just doing an eye exam and helping, maybe, with a temporary physical need?  I know that God will work in me, I pray that He will use me for His glory.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for your prayers!

Lori