I've been trying to think how best to explain our experience so that those who have never been to Haiti may have some idea how it feels to be here. For me, this has been a special week. One of our translators, Mario Guerrier, He died about one month ago from conplications of diabetes. He was 60 years old. Throughout the week we reminisced about him with our other translators. "Don't worry, be happy!" A "Marioism". One of the translators had recorded what turned out to be his last conversation with Mario. We all stopped and listened to the call as we walked down the mountain after clinic one day. This week has made me realize how much I love the people with whom we have now worked many tines. When my translator, Peterson, says good bye to me, he always says, "I love you." I replied the same. This time I felt that we both meant it. Terry
I am so happy to receive our traditional visit from the people of Christ Church, Atlanta, and St, John's Minneapolis. This is always with joy that every time the people of both communities welcome them with very open hearts. Their presence is a way to testify to the love of God to their brothers and sisters living in both communities. We have communion together, we pray together, we sing together, we nourish ourselves spiritually. The people are so happy to have this opportunity. I want to take this opportunity to use my voice to thank you on behalf of these two communities for everything you represent for them. As you can see on their faces, they are always happy to see you and they give good testimonies for the clinics to help them be physically in good health. We will never stop thanking you for everything, Christ Church and St. John's . We will stay united in prayer. Thank you. Pere Kerwin Delicat.
When we get together with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, we are not Haitians or Americans we are not rich or poor, but we come together with one Christian heart. Daphne.
It's been a magical week. It starts with a shy smile from a little girl in a pink uniform. There are so many things. All the people I have been with have been generous, helpful, things that friends are. They try to bring out the best from everyone around them. It's been enriching. Everything from the motorcycle ride to the walk down the mountain has been fabulous. Jean.
I've loved meeting the Haitian people and the communities that were served by them at the mobile clinics. So many people are so warm and generous. The whole team of doctors, nurses, and other clinic team members have been enjoyable, especially our Jamaican team member. Susan
Every time I come to Haiti, I feel like I never left. Although I can't explain it t all, I feel completely at home here. I have so many friends here. Although we live very different lives, I feel no barriers between us. I never want to say that I am here to serve anyone, because we are all one body, and so we serve each other. Every group that I bring here is different, but at the end of the week, we all have the same heart for Haiti. Dr. Dianne.
Steve is sleeping, so he will add his thoughts later. In the meantime, the American women are laughing and reminiscing about how much Steve has added to our trip. He turned 80 this year and decided to celebrate by joining us for his third trip. Steve is a remarkable person. He runs the eyeglass station with the assistance of a translator. This year we added a Haitian optometrist to our team, Dr. Laguerre Guearry.
They were a great team.
Our goal is to put the Americans out of business. We came pretty close this trip.
Dr. Alex LeBrun, who joined our team for the sixth time.
Our nurse, Evens Joicin, his wife Elda, and their baby Edvins, born July 17. Evens runs the clinical program at the Episcopal Nursing School in Leogane. He Supervises the nursing students at our clinics and goes to our communities monthly to follow up with our patients.
Dr. Rudolph Richeme, a resident in orthopedic surgery, and his wife, Myrlene, a nurse, rounded out the medical team.
Rudolph operating on the altar at St. Joseph's with an interested audience!
Dianne laughing with our dentist, Dr. Emmanuel Bastien.
And, then the rest of the story, Introducing the Hopital Ste. Croix Beauty Shop.