Haitian Hope

To begin our day, we arose bright and early and were loaded on the bus by 4:45 am. By leaving this early we would arrive at the first orphanage at 8:00 am. After our long and bumpy ride in the back of a bus and a truck we arrived at the orphanage, which consisted of three tented structures. This is where the children sleep, eat, go to school, and worship. We were welcomed by the sound of children screaming “blah, blah” (white, white) while running toward the bus. The faces that were gazing up at us were filled with excitement and fear knowing that they were to be treated by our mobile clinic. The children at the first orphanage had not been seen in over a year, and the second orphanage had not been seen in approximately six months.




After quickly assembling our stations we began to treat the children. Since neither orphanage had been seen in a while we began with a thorough assessment. Assessment findings indicated ringworm on the scalp and body, scabies on various areas of the body, their teeth were beginning to show decay from lack of treatment, multiple skin impairments to the feet and toe nails, and their bellies were distended and painful to touch. We quickly began treatment by applying various creams to help treat the ringworm, scabies, and feet. Each child was given a multivitamin and a dose of medicine to treat the suspected worms that would explain their distended bellies. Unfortunately we had already given out all our toothbrushes the day before to another orphanage in need. While we treated the lacerations and missing toenails, we unable to ensure that it wouldn’t happen again because of the shortage of shoes for the children.



At the end of the day we treated 167 Haitian orphans in all. After all treatments were done it was playtime! We began with songs of worship and praise in both English and Creole and danced around the tented room. It was such a blessing to have the children laughing and dancing with us. The joy from the children escalated when we presented them with the toys we had brought. We had toys for both boys and girls. Even though we did not have enough for each child they were overjoyed and shared with one another. At the end of our day as we looked into the Haitian children’s eyes our hearts were filled with love and hope. Hope for the Haitian people and their country.



To view today’s pictures please go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/65968419@N02/

Hannah Wagner and Amber Miller