Suzie's song and dance....

The song Jezi renmen tout timoun (Jesus loves the little children) is forever stuck in my head as well as images of Ouanaminthe: roosters, cactus fences, motorcycle taxis with five people on them, beans and rice, Haitian roadside food huts, and those laughing, smiling children.....all 73 of them. Handfree walking not allowed! If they see your hand is empty, they slip their's into yours, even on those sweltering days.

I'd been to Haiti before, but never to this corner and never have I been a part of a working orphanage, nor even part of a medical team! It was a unique and humbling experience.

God has gifted me with the ability to learn languages easily, and my French skills came in super handy as most of the orphans could understand moi. But, I would have been nothing without my great team of helpers...especially Janet and Kathy with all the crafts and games they came up with and medical team volunteers, Sandy, Ashley, Jessica, Rosie, Sue, Mel,  Lauren, Greg and X-Ray. Who would have thought the kids would so enjoy jumping rope in 90 degree heat?

When I wasn't working with the kids, I spent spare moments blogging about the trip and throwing up photos on our site so that friends and family back home could see what was happening day by day and continue to pray for us. Thanks to those who gave me their cards to download pics: Dr Tim, Rosie, Sue, Janet (above photo ;)  and Jen Wride.

This ragtag team that our fearless leader Mark brought together worked side-by-side in a very loving and efficient manner. Hats off to Pastor Paul and Cliny in their loving care of the orphans and visions for the future school and to whom I call the Mother Teresa of Ouanaminthe, Emily. To God be the glory. Ke Bondye beni ou.

Photos du jour from Janet Pratt

John working triage under the mango tree. This huge tree provides incredible shade.

Scenes from market day above.  We do believe the truck was overloaded.  The wheelbarrow contains sugar cane.

We had no idea there were so many calculations to be made as a pharmacist.  Mike has to double check everything.

Hugging moment for Suzie.

Toodie and Kathy get a ride in the back of the truck after a long day's hard work.

Mel and Bruce in pharmacy.

Sandy is dedicated to triage and she is fantastic.

These are the batteries that power the orphanage!! Recharging the batteries comes from running the generator only at night. There is no utility power at the orphanage. The generator also pumps the water for the water storage tank on top of the building.

Emily and Dr Elizabeth discussing some patients. Doc Sarah  in her little office. Jen Wride works full time out of the boys' orphanage teaching them how to plant, grow and harvest food.

Mike Lucey's pharmacy is upstairs.  We figure he makes innumerable trips up and down and up and down.

Kathy says: "You want me to do what?"

Mark working under the gigatic mango tree which provides blessed shade for the medical team and patients.

Mike and John in pharmacy.