“Four or Five” Update from LJ

Our team of 10 arrived safely in Zorangé, Haiti yesterday. We survived the 6 hour drive on some of the craziest roads you’ll see. Two fun quotes from the experience were… “Most car tires spit out pebbles on bumpy roads, we’re spitting out boulders.” Or this quote from our fearless leader/driver, Jean Eloi, as his 9 passengers were flying out of their seats, “Sorry, there were no good options.”

The travel was completely worth it because of what I experienced today.  Before the trip, Jean told me four or five people would be interested in learning more about children’s ministry as it is not a common idea here in Haiti. God has given me a big passion for empowering people to teach kids about Jesus, so this opportunity excited me even if it was only for a few.

At 2pm it was time for the meeting so I went to the classroom, and there were 40 people waiting. Yea… that is a couple more than “four or five.”

The 40 people there represented almost 30 local churches. Two people traveled from as far away as 11 miles (which doesn’t sound like a lot to us Americans but here it is a process that takes multiple hours).

The meeting went really well. I shared a little about me, they shared a little about them and then we talked about what they’re currently doing with their kids. Stories ranged from nothing to teaching for 1-2 hours once a week with kids ages 3-14.

I shared things I’ve learned over my years of working in children’s ministry. Things like making your teaching engaging, intentionally scheduling your time with the kids, following up Bible lessons with life application, fun ways to encourage Bible verse memorization, partnering with parents to make more of an impact, etc. Everyone seemed to be very engaged, not caring at all that the talk lasted 3 hours while they sat on hard benches in the heat. They genuinely desired the knowledge to make their programs the best they can be.

When it came to question time, they came fast and were all over the board. From “do you think parents spanking their kids if they don’t want to come to church is a good idea?” to “what age is ok to baptize someone?” I loved this time though because they had humble hearts that wanted to learn. A perfect audience.

I left them with the challenge to create goals they’d like to meet in a month, 2 months, 6 months, etc. I encouraged them not to feel overwhelmed, but to take it a step at a time. I also encouraged them to use one another as resources. There’s no benefit to coming up with good ideas/lessons/etc and not sharing them. We are all the body of Christ and the ability to meet with one another will make their kingdom impact great.

I left the meeting agreeing with what one man shared after the talk…. “I believe God is going to bless this time we shared.” Can’t wait to see in what ways!

- Laura Johnson

Breaking the "cycle" of poverty - one mile at a time.

In just a week and a half, Craig Blasingame and Sue Steven will go for a little spin – literally. On March 9, the pair will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, cycling across America – from coast to coast – all to support Haiti. Not only is their tour de 'Merica an incredible way to see the country, but they're using the ride as a platform to raise funds for Hope for Haiti Foundation. We caught up with them before they channel their inner Lance to learn more about their trip, their connection with HFHF and how they hope to use the bike ride to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Haitians.

How did you find out about Hope for Haiti Foundation and what has your involvement been with the organization?

Sue worked at the same company as Jean Elade Eloi (HFHF founder), and they became friends. Jean invited Sue to join him on a medical mission, and Sue’s husband Craig didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so he joined as well. We went on the trip in January 2007, and Craig made the first GPS survey of water sources near Zorange. After spending time in Haiti and seeing how little people had to eat, upon our return we were inspired to join Weight Watchers and be less gluttonous ourselves. We each lost 40 pounds and have kept it off.

So you decided you wanted to get more involved with HFHF. What gave you the idea to bike across America as a way to give back?

The goal to ride across America on our bikes was Sue’s dream. She had bicycled to work for 30 years and always wanted to do a longer trip. Our friends asked us if we were riding for a charity, and the idea to use it as a way to raise funds for Hope for Haiti Foundation came out of that. We selected HFHF because it is a charity whose mission is aligned with our own values: Christian-based, education-centered, self-supporting infrastructure and most importantly, efficient use of donated resources.

Tell us a little bit about your trip. What route are you going to take and how many days do you plan to be riding? What kind of support system do you have?

Our trip is approximately 3100 miles long from San Diego, California to San Augustine Florida. It will take 9 weeks, 44 days of riding, averaging 63 miles a day. We are in a group of 27 riders and 12 support staff. The staff set up our tents each night and cook for us, so we only have to concentrate on the ride. Given that the average age of the rider is 62 years old, that is enough!

What kind of preparation and training goes into a trip like this?

The main preparation for our trip is training to ride about six to eight hours a day. For us, we ride at least one hour a day on our bicycles to make it routine, take spin classes three days a week for our aerobic and muscle strengthening, and then take at least one or two long rides a week for developing stamina. We have been testing new equipment, gear, and clothing for a variety of weather too.

What are you most nervous about and what are you most excited about?

We are excited about being close to nature and seeing the sights of the southern U.S. along the way. We are most nervous about any injuries that might interfere with our ability to finish the mileage each day… and also lightning in the middle of Texas!

How much do you hope to raise for HFHF?

We have not set specific goals since we don’t want to limit our thinking. However we are excited about getting the message out to our own network and the people we meet along the way. Wouldn’t it be nice if people would give at least a penny a mile?

How can people support your trip and HFHF?

They can support the trip by following us on our website adventure and post encouraging comments. Our website already has some of our training rides and photos posted and will be updated weekly once the trip starts on March 9^th.

What would you say to someone who wants to help HFHF (or any other cause for that matter) but isn't sure what to do?

Don’t let your worries of not achieving your goal (like finishing the ride!) stand in the way of helping others. The need in Haiti is so great that whatever way you can help will be needed and appreciated.

3100 miles? Ain't no thing! Be sure to keep up with Craig and Sue's ride by checking in on their website here: http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view/?trip_id=291320! You can also support their ride and HFHF by donating online and mentioning the C2C bike trip in the comment section, or if you get inspired, plan an adventure of your own! Our biggest thanks to Craig and Sue for partnering with HFHF and we wish them the best.

Last Day - January Medical Trip

Today was our last day of clinic. We have seen many people we can help and a few that we cannot. We all find that incredible difficult to deal with, and we have to remember where we are and what can and cannot be done. Elade always says that "healthcare" and "Haiti" don't belong in the same sentence. The limited options available cannot be called healthcare. Yesterday, it was a young man that was incredibly ill and we were not sure what was wrong or which course to take. Today, it was an elderly gentleman who had a stroke and had been carried 2 1/2 hours by his family to the clinic. That is Haiti.

Nights have been interesting as we have been serenaded by a choir of barking dogs, braying donkeys and crowing roosters. As a result, I learned to say "shut up" in creole, but I forgot how by the time the choir started again. The snoring could not hold a candle to it.

Tomorrow we leave here to travel the bumpy ride to Gandou. Somehow I think bumpy is an understatement. We will see the beginnings of the new clinic there before traveling on to Bainet where we will spend the night. Saturday will be an incredibly long day as we travel from Bainet to Port au Prince before boarding the flights home.

We all look forward to seeing our families again and bid a fond farewell to Haiti.

- Susan

Zorange's First Endoscopy

Hi all HFHF friends,

Today started much the same, though we were all noticing it was already Wednesday. Time does fly by when you are involved and enjoying working with these wonderful people.

Duane's first patient of the day was a perfect endoscopy candidate, having difficulty swallowing with food sticking on the way down as well as upper abdominal pain. The patient agreed without any hesitation. His daughter was brought in and she also agreed. She looked about 8 months pregnant but very healthy and beautiful. Our patient had not eaten or drank before coming to the clinic this morning, so we immediately started getting ready. Karina and Shirley were called in to start getting the patient prepped. Karina started the IV and got the patient positioned on the table with Nasson explaining everything to him in a calm and professional manner. I got the equipment and scope ready and working. Gerry and John were excited for us as they had been asking all their patients "the questions" for GI symptoms, in fact they have one for us tomorrow. Duane and I were ready to go so Shirley started the propofol and down went the scope. The patient had an ulcer and a stricture which was balloon dilated.

Yea! Zoranges first endoscopy procedure performed successfully and safely by Duane with Shirley doing a great job of sedation with Karina's assist and with me assisting Duane. It was great team work! We hope to do many more. Starting a little primitive but will improve as time goes by.

Rita and young Sherly are assisting Deborah nonstop with ultrasounds on every pregnant mom, and Susan checks out every child that comes through.

Elade is everywhere and is always encouraging and positive. He translates, confirms, plays soccer, smiles, cares, and tells us to EAT!

After clinic young Sherly and Deborah did some more teaching, then 5 of the team headed for the river. They had a little excitement when they had some company, one who carried a rather large machete. But all was well and no harm done.

With only one more day of clinic we are all feeling our time here growing short. We are growing together in camaraderie and friendship.

Tonight watching the stars and moon in the beautiful sky thinking of family left at home but so grateful to be part of something that is changing such a tiny part of the world in such a momentous way. I'm thankful that we can pool our resources and talents, no matter how small we think they are, and pass on our blessings to the people of Haiti.

- Suzy

Reflections from Day 3 - Jan. Medical Trip

We are on day three of our trip.

It has been a time to make new friends and to reacquaint with old ones. It has been wonderful to renew my relationship with Myrlande and Lusca, two of the Haitian nurses. I am always humbled by their competence and dedication in their care for patients here. It is truly my honor to be able to help them in their mission to improve the health of their community.

Lusca, Magaly, and Pierrelyse - part of our Haitian medical team

We have seen so many pregnant women these past two days as word has spread that we have an ultrasound machine.....that works. Everyone has been so happy to see their baby swimming around, sometimes giving a little wave on the screen. Of course they all want to know the sex of the baby too, so we try for that as well. It has been a relief that only 2 of the pregnant women we have seen were unwell, yet discouraging in our limited ability to help them. It is, in a sense, the microcosm of what has been accomplished here and what still needs to be done.

Each afternoon we have had the opportunity to do some teaching with the Haitian nurses once the clinic work is done. Thus far, Duane, Suzy, and Karina spoke about GI issues, I spoke about abnormal cycling in women, and Susan spoke about breast feeding and childhood malnutrition. The conversation is always lively and the interchange is educational for all of us.

Most of us have finished every day with a walk down to the river for a bath. We are always accompanied by children who join the procession along the way. By the time we get to our bathing spot we have quite an audience for the spectacle of the "Blancs" soaping up. On our way up we all get tapped to carry the children's water canisters up the hill and spend a lovely walk laughing and joking with them along the way.

Z'orange is, as ever, a place of contemplation and reflection. My time here always helps me to regain perspective on my crazy life in New York. I always feel a renewed sense of purpose as I help, in my own small way, to make the lives of women here just a little bit better; I look forward to continuing in my participation in this wonderful project in the years to come.

All the best from Haiti.

-Deborah

Medical Trip - Day 2 "What Am I Doing Here?"

Hi from Zorange! I'm embarrassed to follow Karina. She is a great writer! Today is the second day of my second trip to Haiti. Things have changed from a year ago. Somewhere in Haiti is a mountain of water bottles that used to fill the ditches of Port-au-Prince (PAP). The streets in PAP are much cleaner than before. The trip to Zorange was just as challenging as a year ago. At least this time the flat tire was on the truck (carrying the luggage) and not the Land Cruiser (carrying the people). We arrived "home" bruised, tired and dirty.

Sunday was restful. A time to unpack, settle in and plan the week. We attended a church service at the school. It was lovely and our Dr. G is now an official Godfather to a precious baby named Jenny.

Today was our first clinic day. Once again, it started with that feeling of "what am I doing here? How can I really help?" As we start seeing patients, I start to relax and realize once again God placed us all here for a reason. We all have different strengths and talents and a responsibility to share them with our neighbors. It is a privilege to be part of this team. Three patients traveled from PAP to see our cardiologist Dr. G. He was able to see diagnose a postpartum cardiomyopathy with the help of John a great sonographer. He was able to start her on medication. Amazing!! Dr. Webb and Suzy treated GI patients. Dr. Deborah was able to see many women in the women's clinic with the help of Rita and Sherly. Susan was our resident pediatrician. Karina and I put our two brains together and worked as internists. Hard to believe a CRNA and RN could diagnose a case of typhoid with the help of the lab. So glad I had the typhoid vaccine. Of course we can't forget our cheerleader Elade translating everything. This afternoon was spent in a training session for our great Haitian clinicians. Thanks to Dr. Webb, Suzy, Karina and Dr. Deborah for doing such a great job training on GI and women's health.

It is really hard to describe the feeling I have sitting on the porch of the dormitory in the cool breeze having little Nancy braid my hair. I love Zorange and God willing I will be back again wondering once again "what do I have to offer?"

Nancy & Chanika playing with the team on the dorm porch.

- Shirley

Back in Zorange - January Medical Team

I've come with a team of all veterans but one. Can we even call the newbie a rookie? She was born in Haiti. Still, she utters something about questioning the sanity of the return visitors as Elade traverses the bumpy, bumpy mountains. The trip that challenges our backs, our eyes, our constitutions, our hearts, and yes, even our sanity.

At long last, Elade says "we're home". And we are. And we exhale. The new dorm is huge...a palace with two toilets! The history of Haiti toileting has been abysmal. Until you've tried to go with cockroaches and tarantulas, you really can't understand or appreciate the magnitude of a toilet. The dorm also has plenty of room for all of us, and a dry place to sleep. We arrive happily exhausted, and I proceed to sleep twelve hours.

Our team, like all teams, come from different walks of life. I feel like everyone on my team was placed at this place and time by God, and I can't wait to find out why. All of us have college degrees any American would be proud of, but the only thing we all seem to boast about is the number of times we've all made the trip. We have three doctors, a CRNA, a mental health worker, a sonographer, and four nurses. Ten people with big dreams. To put it mildly, we're awesome.

My first trek to Haiti was in 2007. I came from a place of nurturing. Haiti, I decided, was my baby. I wanted to cradle each Haitian in my arms, shush her and tell her everything was going to be ok and that I'll love her forever. It's 2012. By my perspective from when I found her, Haiti has reached its toddler years. She is walking, forward even. She is struggling to find a new identity not as victim, but survivor. She is growing every day, but still needs guidance. Most changes can be measured in drops, not waterfalls. But enough drops will change the flow of a river. This is proven in Zorange. And alas, Haiti is not a baby or a toddler. It is a country of individual humans. A husband sneaking a kiss from his bride. A baby sister pulling her older sister's hair and waiting excitedly for a reaction. It is sweat wiped off a brow after a hard day's work. A baby fighting to fall asleep in her mother's arms.

I am so very proud to be a part of watching these brothers and sisters and mothers receive a higher quality of life through medicine, education, and finding a walk with God. If my team and I can help one person in one way this week, the psychotic trek here will be all worth it, and we know we will have put in ten more drops.

-Karina