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The topics that we taught while we were in Haiti included: How and when to give Blood transfusions, what type of infectious agents cause Pneumonia and how it can be detected and treated, Hypertension the disease and treatment, Gallbladder Disease and treatment, and Venous insufficiency and treatment. Anyone coming down on the March team, stay tuned as Dr's Abdun-Nur, Martin, and I will try to come up with a wish list which I will post here.
As far as I have heard, each member of our team made it home safe. It was so sweet to get to know each of you and to work with you this last week. Every one of you touched the lives of both the team members and the Haitian people that we worked with. May God bless you 'till we meet again. Thanks to each team member individually:

Jen and Kenzie Meyer: Jen for being a nurse and teaching and training the Haitian nurses. Kenzie, you are a little fireball of energy and fun, you definitely added light to our trip!

Ada and Don Plattner: Thank you Don for being our team leader and putting together all the little details that make it possible for us to make it to Haiti! Thank you Ada for your work as a nurse, for your care for patients and teaching the Haitian nurses!

Linda Hodel: Thank you for your therapy that you did for the patients, for your company on our walks, and for your good example. Remember, 'Pain is weakness leaving the body!!!' ;)

Carol Loughridge: Thank you, Carol for your caring therapy that you did for the patients, I'm sure they much appreciate it!

Claudia Strahm: Thank you for being a nurse and for the fun times you were not afraid to join in! Think: Beach soccer with the Haitian children! :)

David and Katherine Abdun-Nur: Thank you both for running the clinic and the ER, but mostly for your example of love for Christ and each other. May God bless you both and keep your marriage strong!

Aaron Martin: Thank you for your patience and service. You are an excellent surgeon and teacher. Thanks for bailing me out. :)

John Rufener: Thanks Dad for coming with me and for all your work on the hospital electrical system. I always feel safe knowing that you are with me!

Wally: Thanks for being our team minister and for your tireless dedication to the people of Haiti. God will reward you.

Sheila, Steve, and Natalie: Thanks for your comittment to serve in Haiti, having you there definitely ironed out many of the details and helped to make the road smoother! Words cannot express how thankful we are for your multiple labors of love given to help the team and the Haitian people!

Dr. Richeme: Thanks for your tireless dedication to the people of Haiti. We appreciate you so much for staying when it might be easier on you and your family to leave it all behind. May God bless you and keep you!

I will think of you all and pray for you.
Love,
Kristin

nurses notes

We have had many blessings getting to know our colleagues in nursing. They are very knowledgeable. Because of the living conditions here, patients stay in the hospital much longer than in the US. The pace is slower and everything takes a bit more time. This type A nurse has had to learn patience! We hope that we have started a few system changes that will still be in place when the next team returns; just we have built upon the work of previous teams. A week is just enough time to develop a heart for this hospital and the Haitian folks. Blessings to all back in the states. Claudia

nursing notes

Almost finished with our week

We have all enjoyed getting to know each other, our patients, & our Hatian co-workers...it has been a successful week! One thing positive is that the hospital is not near as full/busy/stressful & so it has been much easier to accomplish our goals. The nurses have done great at restocking/organizing the nurses station/pharmacy & even gave backrubs!! The patients are surviving their pain & torture from the P.T. sessions!! The evening devotions have been so thought provoking for all & we are reminded of how blessed we are & what a joy to share God's love & blessings to those who have not been given as much as we have. Although one team member said it so accurately that the Haitians have been a bigger blessing to her than she has been for them. This morning we visited 3 different schools & it brought tears to our eyes to hear them sing for us. A few pictures for you all!! Linda

Thursday

I've attached a picture of the view of the Haitian countryside so that you can truly imagine how beautiful it is here. The mountains, especially in the sunrise are awe-inspiring.

Today we actually have no cases on the schedule, so we are busying ourselves doing rounds, therapy with patients, seeing ER/Clinic patients, and organizing the Pfister house. The Pfisters' are missionaries that are moving down to Haiti permanently to witness.

At two, Dr. Martin did a lecture for all of the Haitian medical staff as well as our team. It was very interesting and I'm sure everyone can say that they learned a lot.

The Hospital Lumiere Red Cross was asking for blood donors, and many of our charitable team members contributed. I'm sure that many Haitians, as well as their families are greatful for this gift.

I feel a little bad that the focus of the blog is so much on the surgical portion of the mission, but that is where I am. If I can con anyone into contributing about their experiences, I will.

We are looking forward to dinner and devotions tonight.

:) Kristin

Wednesday

Wednesday: The day started rather slow for those of us in surgery with only two cases on the schedule, an open gallbladder surgery and a debriedment of pressure ulcers. After we finished those cases and rounds, we went to the Haitian market. Dr. Martin enjoyed his first 4-wheeler ride. Quite brave, considering he is the team surgeon!

It was very interesting so see the amount of wares that were available for purchase. You could buy anything from chicken or pigs, to medication and make-up. There were even people selling large piles of new shoes. Kind of makes you wonder how they get the things to sell, as there is no such things as a local Wal-mart here. I've attached a picture of Dr's Richeme and Martin in the OR.

I've also attached a picture of the faithful am walking crew. Would you believe that we are willingly getting up at 6am to hike up the hill for 45 min? It's actually quite beautiful. There are many Haitians walking with their animals to the market or to graze.

While we were at the market, Dr. Richeme got a call that a trauma was in the ER, so we hopped back on the 4-wheeler, minus Dr. Martin, and returned to the hospital. We actually ended up going back to the OR to do an ORIF of an open fracture.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Kristin

Tuesday

Hey everyone,

Today was a good day for all of us whether doing surgery, patient care, therapy, or seeing the many patients that come through the ER. Even though we only had two cases on our schedule, we managed to stay busy.

We organized, threw out expired medication, and tried to bring some sense of order to all the many generously donated items.

Worship was uplifting as usual. Doctor Dave read out of Luke 15 and we all discussed the story of the prodigal son. It is amazing to think that God waits for us and loves us enough to want us to come back to Him.

Sheila took some of the group to Cais (sp?) to enjoy some time down there. We miss you!

Hope all is going well for everyone at home!
Kristin

I forgot to bring my camera down for the night, so tomorrow I will try to post more pictures of our team!