1-31-10
Today started off with Dr.K preaching in one of the tent cities. There was a great turnout and the people were fed with God’s word, with a promise that we were going to hand out tickets to redeem at the mission house for food at 3 pm. 500 tickets were handed out and 1000 people showed up. They formed a nice line in an orderly fashion -“NOT.” No, not even close. They instead pushed, shoved and nearly tore down our doors. We managed to get through it with no injuries and a lot of prayers. It is a sad thing when people lose hope and fight over 2 pounds of beans or rice. This demonstrates the importance of the mission organizations and churches that are here and others that will be coming - it is important for people to be fed with the Word Of God. Christ is the only eternal hope. We should give food for the stomach while remembering that only with Christ will people be truly satisfied. Pray that we may continue to help physically and spiritually in Haiti – and continue to honor Christ in all we do.
Dr. K
Monday, February 1, 2010
Our title today is CHANGE
1-30-10
No matter what stage of life you are currently in, CHANGE is just part of what we must deal with. Some changes are thrust upon us without our consent, such as the situation here in Hiati. I’m sure that most would have not chosen to have this earthquake happen to them. However change also brings with it new opportunities that allow us to chose a different path (maybe repentance is part of that path). If you have been following our blog you would of already read about the many lives that are being changed for Christ. Some that may not have been softened before the quake. God uses many situations in our lives to help guide us in the direction that will be most beneficial for us if we simply open up then look and listen. Today we experienced a change in our team. Some of our members returned to Santo Domingo to fly home tomorrow. We will miss them however we also know that they will be able to take our needs back to our friends and family (all brothers and sisters in Christ) and let them know and understand our needs for supplies and funds. They will still be Christian Soldiers on the front lines serving in our continuous battle against the powers of darkness and principalities.
Damon we will miss your expertise as soon as we figure out just what that was! Kasey while enough said you all understand about her. Pastor Allen, thank you for helping to keep all things in perspective even though you had to sleep in the same tent as Aaron we do apologize for that. Steve all I can say is thank you for allowing us to serve you. Adam, hang in there brother I know that one day your father will get saved. Andrew, you know that redness in your throat this morning, while I don’t want to alarm you but you may need to go to CDC in Atlanta (working without gloves hmmm). Nancy, well I know I promised not to tell anyone but you will always remember that special toy, the “Rolly Poley” no details given here but for more information email me. Butch, I know that you did wear gloves in all the wound care but they were defective. You better get someone to drive you and Andrew to the CDC, I’m concerned. Jo, well Jo I have fear that those braids that were put in your hair, well the truth is that they also used infected beads and you will have to be quarantined, so you may just as well return and work here. I roast all of you because we love you and miss you greatly. You all played an important part in this team and will always be #! Sorry I meant #1 in our lives.
This is a long blog but we miss our team. As changes take place we were able to purchase 600 pounds of rice and 600 pounds of beans along with 15 cases of cooking oil today. The team re-packaged all 1200 pounds into one pound bags. We will help conduct Church services in the morning and Dr. K. has been invited to preach. Following the services we will start to hand out coupons (we made them) for the food (rice, beans, and oil). They will bring this to the mission house, which is more secure for this, and we will redeem it then. This is a safety precaution as we have seen small riots break out for food. Two days ago 3 were killed just a few blocks from our work site, this is why we prayed for a plan that would work. Today we also added a few more tarps to our neighbor tent city, ten tarps 12’ by 20’, along with adding ropes under them and the old ones to hold them up (Butch they finally asked for help).
As I sign off for today we will embrace our change in team members and prepare to welcome the new ones on Monday. God will always be our team leader and we welcome all who can serve. Don’t be like Jonas and run if God is calling you to serve, avoid the belly time it’s no fun, but reap God rewards when you are obedient and summit to his will. Pray for us!!
Dr.K
No matter what stage of life you are currently in, CHANGE is just part of what we must deal with. Some changes are thrust upon us without our consent, such as the situation here in Hiati. I’m sure that most would have not chosen to have this earthquake happen to them. However change also brings with it new opportunities that allow us to chose a different path (maybe repentance is part of that path). If you have been following our blog you would of already read about the many lives that are being changed for Christ. Some that may not have been softened before the quake. God uses many situations in our lives to help guide us in the direction that will be most beneficial for us if we simply open up then look and listen. Today we experienced a change in our team. Some of our members returned to Santo Domingo to fly home tomorrow. We will miss them however we also know that they will be able to take our needs back to our friends and family (all brothers and sisters in Christ) and let them know and understand our needs for supplies and funds. They will still be Christian Soldiers on the front lines serving in our continuous battle against the powers of darkness and principalities.
Damon we will miss your expertise as soon as we figure out just what that was! Kasey while enough said you all understand about her. Pastor Allen, thank you for helping to keep all things in perspective even though you had to sleep in the same tent as Aaron we do apologize for that. Steve all I can say is thank you for allowing us to serve you. Adam, hang in there brother I know that one day your father will get saved. Andrew, you know that redness in your throat this morning, while I don’t want to alarm you but you may need to go to CDC in Atlanta (working without gloves hmmm). Nancy, well I know I promised not to tell anyone but you will always remember that special toy, the “Rolly Poley” no details given here but for more information email me. Butch, I know that you did wear gloves in all the wound care but they were defective. You better get someone to drive you and Andrew to the CDC, I’m concerned. Jo, well Jo I have fear that those braids that were put in your hair, well the truth is that they also used infected beads and you will have to be quarantined, so you may just as well return and work here. I roast all of you because we love you and miss you greatly. You all played an important part in this team and will always be #! Sorry I meant #1 in our lives.
This is a long blog but we miss our team. As changes take place we were able to purchase 600 pounds of rice and 600 pounds of beans along with 15 cases of cooking oil today. The team re-packaged all 1200 pounds into one pound bags. We will help conduct Church services in the morning and Dr. K. has been invited to preach. Following the services we will start to hand out coupons (we made them) for the food (rice, beans, and oil). They will bring this to the mission house, which is more secure for this, and we will redeem it then. This is a safety precaution as we have seen small riots break out for food. Two days ago 3 were killed just a few blocks from our work site, this is why we prayed for a plan that would work. Today we also added a few more tarps to our neighbor tent city, ten tarps 12’ by 20’, along with adding ropes under them and the old ones to hold them up (Butch they finally asked for help).
As I sign off for today we will embrace our change in team members and prepare to welcome the new ones on Monday. God will always be our team leader and we welcome all who can serve. Don’t be like Jonas and run if God is calling you to serve, avoid the belly time it’s no fun, but reap God rewards when you are obedient and summit to his will. Pray for us!!
Dr.K
Team 3
Team 3 arrived in Santo Domingo yesterday. Everyone is fine and all of the luggage made it. We stopped at the Ole store of SD to buy food for the week and other supplies. After that we went to our hotel and ate our last good meal and had our last hot shower of the week. We left for Haiti at 3am and we are on the road now. I would like to take this time to give a special thanks to Palabra de Vida DR, Kenneth, and Juan our bus driver for going above and beyond to transport us to Haiti and make us feel welcomed.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Last night in Hispañola
It's the last night on the island. Thank you so much for following the blog. I hope I was able to convey the Helping Hands mission on the ground into words. It was a pleasure reading the comments. Tomorrow I will begin following the blog like you so that I can keep abreast of the action.
Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers. They need God's healing hand and our team there now needs God's guidance.
Damon
Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers. They need God's healing hand and our team there now needs God's guidance.
Damon
Cuz mamma.. Mamma I'm coming home
On the bus now. Our gear is loaded and we are headed to the airport to drop Angela off at the Hospital. She is such a talent. All of the medical team was incredible.
Only 12 more hours to go until SD. Then on to Miami and then home.
It has been a pleasure writing this blog. It's allowed me to clear my head at night and prepare for the next day. I truly believe it was not words poured out. Your comments were all appreciated and I hope I was able to answer any questions you had. Please continue to follow because I know I will be..........
Only 12 more hours to go until SD. Then on to Miami and then home.
It has been a pleasure writing this blog. It's allowed me to clear my head at night and prepare for the next day. I truly believe it was not words poured out. Your comments were all appreciated and I hope I was able to answer any questions you had. Please continue to follow because I know I will be..........
Friday, January 29, 2010
5000 Feet
I'm lying here in the dark and I'm having trouble with the blog. It's not because I don't have anything to say. Anyone who knows me or who reads the blog knows I'm not short on words.
I have too much in my head perhaps I've seen too much. Perhaps.........
Today was like yesterday. Only double!!!! Our clinic was packed all day. Helping Hands was the only mission in the plaza of 600,000. The crowds were bigger and the evangelism larger. Was this what it was like for Jesus. 1000's of spiritually hungry people thirsting for more than water. I don't know. I keep going back to Matthew.
Andy and I transported more people to the Hurricanes Hospital. They accepted them without question. Aaron transported a malaria case and a TB patient to another hospital.
At the clinic, the medical staff processed baby after baby. Eddy from Germany held and rocked more little babies to sleep than he could count. The wound care center patched up patients left and right. An 11 year old girl orphaned two weeks ago was taken in and transported to the mountain top orphanage. She is safe now.
It all went so well...... For a street clinic we did the job. We did it well.
Peering down from a high elevation whether physically or theoretically, has always been my typical approach to most scenerios. I don't know if it's a leadership trait or just an organizational skill. What I do gain is a better understanding of how the whole picture fits together.
Like the day before I rode back to the capital from the airport. Fallen buildings on each side of the van. There was no sliding door so it was wide open and I joked with the military guys about it being my gunners door. We all laughed for a second.
As I lay here tonight, I realize that is exactly what it was. I was peering out from 5000 ft looking at the city. I can clearly see the damage and dispair. The wind is whipping past my face. We are moving to fast at times to see faces but they all show sadness.
In the middle of it all was our team. The only mission in the plaza. Allowing the thirsty to drink.
In the morning I Ieave for the DR. The miracles will continue as will the blog. It's a story about the rebuilding of Haiti from our perspective on the ground.
This same storey is told in the Gospels.
In the background I hear Haitians singing. They are praising God and thanking Him as they stand among the ruins of their home. Even here there is light in the dark.
I have too much in my head perhaps I've seen too much. Perhaps.........
Today was like yesterday. Only double!!!! Our clinic was packed all day. Helping Hands was the only mission in the plaza of 600,000. The crowds were bigger and the evangelism larger. Was this what it was like for Jesus. 1000's of spiritually hungry people thirsting for more than water. I don't know. I keep going back to Matthew.
Andy and I transported more people to the Hurricanes Hospital. They accepted them without question. Aaron transported a malaria case and a TB patient to another hospital.
At the clinic, the medical staff processed baby after baby. Eddy from Germany held and rocked more little babies to sleep than he could count. The wound care center patched up patients left and right. An 11 year old girl orphaned two weeks ago was taken in and transported to the mountain top orphanage. She is safe now.
It all went so well...... For a street clinic we did the job. We did it well.
Peering down from a high elevation whether physically or theoretically, has always been my typical approach to most scenerios. I don't know if it's a leadership trait or just an organizational skill. What I do gain is a better understanding of how the whole picture fits together.
Like the day before I rode back to the capital from the airport. Fallen buildings on each side of the van. There was no sliding door so it was wide open and I joked with the military guys about it being my gunners door. We all laughed for a second.
As I lay here tonight, I realize that is exactly what it was. I was peering out from 5000 ft looking at the city. I can clearly see the damage and dispair. The wind is whipping past my face. We are moving to fast at times to see faces but they all show sadness.
In the middle of it all was our team. The only mission in the plaza. Allowing the thirsty to drink.
In the morning I Ieave for the DR. The miracles will continue as will the blog. It's a story about the rebuilding of Haiti from our perspective on the ground.
This same storey is told in the Gospels.
In the background I hear Haitians singing. They are praising God and thanking Him as they stand among the ruins of their home. Even here there is light in the dark.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Palace of a Different Type
Dusty, dirty, and early. The bus departed for a part of the city that most of us had not seen. 600,000 starving Haitians squatted in the Plaza area of Port Au Prince. The team was entering the unexpected and a little anxiety cut through the mood as we approached. In a semi military fashion our scout van preceded the main bus to identify the best location to set up our clinic.
With the location identified immediately in front of the beautiful, now crumbled, white palace that formerly housed the non existent Haitian President, we began. Tents, tables, and tarps erected in 15 minutes and pink crosses taped to the palace walls because we forgot the red tape. Soon a line formed and we handed out our little white admin forms. Our initial assessment was that we might be mobbed by the 600,000. Armed Haitian police guarded our clinic and eased crowd control.
The Helping Hands team easily started processing patients, now that the German team was with us. We now had enough man power to process even more patients. Even with a language barrier we operated like well oiled machine.
Through out the day many of us witnessed events that changed us. If serving 225 patients was not enough then maybe hearing stories of lost familiy members would be. Many on the medical staff cried with people who didn't necessarily need a doctor. We heard from Haitians who had lost entire families and a even a teacher who lost her entire class of grade school students. Bandages and Tylenol can not begin to heal wounds this large.
Because our clinic was in the open we now began to take more seriously injured patients as well. The University of Miami was very generous and allowed us to bring these patients to them. First was a lady with a horrible infection in her broken ankle. Through the dusty streets her and I and Andy traveled with sirens blasting. Upon arriving she was admitted and I was told of her impending amputation. The second of the day was a young man who was recovered from a fallen building. He lost his entire family in the earthquake and escaped with a broken shoulder, arm , and cheek bones. On to the hospital we went..... This time upon arriving I was asked to move 5 patients to another tent because I was the only person available with scrubs on. While there my patient was bumped because another young man had been rushed there from a fallen building. He had been trapped for 15 days without food and water. A true miracle!!!
As Andy and I returned with our armed escort I pondered for a second on the crumbled white palace before me. Man had built this structure to house another man of importance. An iron fence erected around if to keep people out. Right in front Helping Hands from America and Germany had not erected a clinic but an entrance gate. This gate didn't allow people to enter into the crumbled man built palace. It offered them an entrance to eternal life inside the kingdom of God. There is peace and salvation inside. There is no hunger or suffering. There is never an earthquake. Only Love....... Today January 28 2010 over 100 people asked and accepted salvation and they were granted entry into a palace of a different type.
With the location identified immediately in front of the beautiful, now crumbled, white palace that formerly housed the non existent Haitian President, we began. Tents, tables, and tarps erected in 15 minutes and pink crosses taped to the palace walls because we forgot the red tape. Soon a line formed and we handed out our little white admin forms. Our initial assessment was that we might be mobbed by the 600,000. Armed Haitian police guarded our clinic and eased crowd control.
The Helping Hands team easily started processing patients, now that the German team was with us. We now had enough man power to process even more patients. Even with a language barrier we operated like well oiled machine.
Through out the day many of us witnessed events that changed us. If serving 225 patients was not enough then maybe hearing stories of lost familiy members would be. Many on the medical staff cried with people who didn't necessarily need a doctor. We heard from Haitians who had lost entire families and a even a teacher who lost her entire class of grade school students. Bandages and Tylenol can not begin to heal wounds this large.
Because our clinic was in the open we now began to take more seriously injured patients as well. The University of Miami was very generous and allowed us to bring these patients to them. First was a lady with a horrible infection in her broken ankle. Through the dusty streets her and I and Andy traveled with sirens blasting. Upon arriving she was admitted and I was told of her impending amputation. The second of the day was a young man who was recovered from a fallen building. He lost his entire family in the earthquake and escaped with a broken shoulder, arm , and cheek bones. On to the hospital we went..... This time upon arriving I was asked to move 5 patients to another tent because I was the only person available with scrubs on. While there my patient was bumped because another young man had been rushed there from a fallen building. He had been trapped for 15 days without food and water. A true miracle!!!
As Andy and I returned with our armed escort I pondered for a second on the crumbled white palace before me. Man had built this structure to house another man of importance. An iron fence erected around if to keep people out. Right in front Helping Hands from America and Germany had not erected a clinic but an entrance gate. This gate didn't allow people to enter into the crumbled man built palace. It offered them an entrance to eternal life inside the kingdom of God. There is peace and salvation inside. There is no hunger or suffering. There is never an earthquake. Only Love....... Today January 28 2010 over 100 people asked and accepted salvation and they were granted entry into a palace of a different type.
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