MVCC Haiti: Haiti Day 8 Team Update!

When He had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. John 19:31 TNIV

We serve an Awesome God.

Today included a lot of finishes for us but we also studied John 19 as our daily devotional and the overall reminder was that as awful as the story of Jesus death on the cross was from an earthly standpoint, it is equally glorious from a Heavenly standpoint. His discipline to stick to the plan of redemtion, paved the way for all of us to know the peace that only comes from knowing His salvation.

The other finishes included:

The Kubicki's departing so that they could attend a major business function in New York. We were blessed to have Marty join the team at the last minute but it came with the price that they all had to leave today. Each trip has a key team member need to drop out at the last minute and an unexpected key person be added at the last minute and this was no exception. Marty complimented Aahmees' leadership and spiritual strength wonderfully with his willingness to jump in with skill, wisdom and artistic abilities. It also goes without saying that Aahmees' comforting presence, Biblical acumen and counseling has been invaluable just as Mercades' 13 year old excited smile and freindship building were inspiring. They were also able to devote a lot of time with the Manasseros and there promises to be a lot of fruit pending from that.
The dental clinic saw the last patient at approximately 7:00pm tonight after a whirlwind day that started quickly at 8:00am this morining. We were reminded that he was also the first patient that Dr. Slone treated on the trip in November 2010. He is Kenny, the Manasseros' adopted Haitian, 8 year old son. His courage in facing 4 cavity fillings and his stamina to wait his turn was a great testimony to the way that the children at MdL are being raised. Other fun examples occurred when child after child who had a lot of hard work done on them last year were still willing to lay down on the Walmart folding table for what they could logically expect was an equally gruelling trip to have their teeth cleaned or cavities filled. Yet most have done such a good job in maintaining the deep cleanings that Chandra did last year that their cleanings were minimal and their cavities were often the ones that were noted last year that the team could not treat due to time constraints then. I (Jim) happened to be in the clinic for most of the day today and was fortunate to witness such an experience of the growing trust that the children have. One 16 year old girl had a very tough time on the last trip and was quite frightened to the point of needing someone to hold her during her treatments. She had her teeth cleaned a couple of days ago with no drama and with big smiles. She did have two fillings that needed repairs though. This was a rare occurrance by the way. So when she came in today for this and the team explained to her that she was not even going to need a shot, she bravely got on the table and went through the process despite a couple of silent tears. Afterward, she was so releived that she was able to convince one of her friends in a similar situation that it was no big deal and that she did not need to worry. Child after child left the room beaming with bright smiles and new found faith that they could trust the dental staff in taking care of them in a way that was safe and comfortable.
Not only children received this kind of care this year. The first two patients this morning were teachers at the MdL school and the last two hygiene patients were a 20 year old transition student and a worker in the homes. These were four of many patients from the community who received care that was frequently very intense and virtually unavailable to them otherwise.
We also experienced the end of life for a goat and a pig today. There is an old abandoned truck on the dirt road between the guest house and the school and childrens' homes. The engine has been removed and the large metal grate bumper hangs precariously secured by some wire. Today we were able to see this bumper used to hang the livestock while they were being dressed out and then watch as the 2'x3' stand was emptied of their meat. This was a picture of a Haitian butcher shop. It's not as if we stayed and specifically watched it. It's just that it is the main path from the guest house to everywhere else we go. And in the usual Haiti style, we have to make multiple trips for what ever task that we are doing.
The team members not involved in the dental clinic were also able to experience the second Ben's worship service for the community. They were amazed and blessed to have the Preacher's for Christ lead worship in a bebop style. All of them came back clamoring for CD's and praising the preaching of 17 year old Junior. The group has been performing local concerts and their music is being played on the Haitian radio stations. For those of you who may not know, the group is comprised of some of the older boys from the home and Ariana Manassero. They have their second CD in process and the first is a big hit. Poor Israel is a leader of the band. He was in the dental clinic today from noon until 3:45 and had two fillings and a cleaning. Yet he was able to perform and be a part of leading worship tonight.
Keith and Bob spent most of the day finishing the project of repairing the benches in the large trucks. They look very impressive and the two of them were covered in sawdust and dirt despite Keith's improvised saw dust diverter sleeve made from a banana tree leaf. They had a great time bonding over the construction project.
Moe finished the week with a much anticipated trip to the prosthetic clinic that her employer supports at a hospital here. John was able to join her and Fritz who drove them. It turned out to be at the hospital that is primarly staffed by MediServe (SP?). These are professionals that come in on Saturday for a week and replace the prior week's staff from all over America. We flew in with a lot of them. The administrator who gave them the tour is arranging for Frits's 2.5 year old neice to recieve an evaluation and treatment for some trauma that appears to be from the quake.

God bless you all for providing muTch through the LORD who provides it all.