Thursday, May 20, 2010

Hey everyone,
Sorry that we didn’t have a daily blog from Haiti – this time, we had problems with internet and we didn’t have our “resident tech” to help us out. But that didn’t stop our team, whom we affectionately dubbed “The Magnificent Seven” from doing an awesome job.

What a great blessing to see Micaela (Kayla as she has been dubbed!) – the little girl whom we met back in January during our first trip. Due to a chronic foot and leg infection that stemmed from her club foot, she required a below-knee amputation, which was performed at the temporary hospital set up in Port-au-Prince by the University of Miami hospital. She did great and we were surprised at how well the incision had healed. We saw her several times in clinic, changed her dressing, and just hung out with her.

I (Dr. Brenda) visited her “home” which made me cry. But she doesn’t seem to notice her terrible surroundings – instead, she always shines that beautiful smile. It is only by God’s grace that her leg has healed so beautifully, considering the dirty conditions in which she lives.

We had thought she might have the opportunity to have a prosthesis fitted at the hospital in Port-au-Prince, but it doesn’t look like that will happen. We are continuing to work to bring her to the states, where we hope to have her fitted with a prosthesis, and have her undergo rehabilitation. She also needs corrective surgery on her other foot, so hopefully that will also happen. Please join us in prayer for this young girl. God has a plan!

The medical team saw over 400 patients of all descriptions. We gave out diapers, shoes, clothes, food (including candy :)), powdered milk, and other items at the tent village. Thank you to all of our supporters who have given so generously to help the people of Haiti. You are making a difference! Remember we will be taking other teams to Haiti this year, the next trip is June 12-19, so let us know if you are interested in serving with us. Email for more information: aaron.reignier@helpinghandsmissions.org.

Thank you for being a part of God's work in Haiti!
Dr. Brenda