Highlights from Thursday and Friday

Our team has had a couple of very busy days!  Thursday we had the opportunity to experience water truck day.  We did a total of three stops.  We met the truck at the water filling station and waited while it made its way to the front of the line to be filled with clean water to deliver to areas of the city that have no access to clean water. 

The first stop was 17, where the church, school and feeding center are being built.  The line that formed when we arrived seemed to be never ending, as were the requests from the children to hold and give them attention.  The need for water was very evident as many rushed to the front of the line to get water.  There were some that stood where the hose connected to the truck to collect the drips of leaking water to fill small containers.  It seemed that the water lasted a very long time, however it did not last long enough to fill every bucket of every person that waited in line.  It was difficult to know that some returned to their tents without the desperately needed water. 

We then walked over to see the progress on the new church.  It was amazing to walk through the fenced off area to see the beginnings of the building on top of foot after foot of garbage.  This project brings so much hope to so many!  Many children followed us into the construction area in anticipation of singing a song with Jonas and Valery – a longstanding tradition with the children. 

            After stopping back at the water filling station, we were off to the next stop.  This stop not only needed water, they were in need of basic medical care.  Amy was able to clean and bandage a few wounds and apply ointment to an itchy rash.  All of which was greatly appreciated.  There were many more children to love on at this stop as well. 

            Our last water stop of the day was near Haitian Initiative (HI).  HI is an after school program for children to have the opportunity (if they stay in school and maintain high enough grades) to play soccer each day after school and they also receive a meal after practice.  Our team was able to serve one group their meal, Ray was able to perform some dental screens (to prioritize their dental needs) and Amy and Josh had the opportunity to perform some Orthopedic evaluations.

            After a quick shower at the guesthouse to clean up after a very hot and dirty day, we packed our bags and headed to Grace Village.  It was a very dusty ride up to Grace due to the lack of rain.  We arrived safely and settle in.  It was fun to spend some time with Grace Village kids.

            Today was an extremely busy day as part of our team worked in the dental clinic and a couple others performing an orthopedic clinic.  Many of us had some on the job training to become dental assistants and autoclave specialists!  It was a very fulfilling day.  Each Haitian that we were able to serve was so appreciative and that made it more than worth it!  We are looking forward to another busy day at Grace Village Clinic tomorrow!

Marcia