One Child at a Time

Clayson on my lap last year

Last year, I met a boy named Clayson that stole my heart.  He was skinny and sickly but had such a cheerful smile on his face.  Clayson lived at Pastor Louisainte’s orphanage in Barbancourt.  His orphanage just began receiving food from Kid’s Against Hunger (KAH) through Lifeline.  This past year over multiple trips, I have watched the health get better and better for most of the orphans.  KAH food has the nutrients they need to be healthy and strong.  As the children gained weight, strength and a healthy glow, Clayson’s health deteriorated.  

The waiting extends outside the two waiting rooms at Arcahaie clinic

One of Clayson's few smiles after receiving a Love Bundle

When I moved to Haiti full time I was able to visit Clayson more often and learn that he has always been sick.  His caretakers have neither the money nor the time to figure out what is wrong with him.  They have tried giving him basic antibiotics, as recommended by a clinic but nothing seems to change. 

Last week Lifeline Director Osmy, Michelle, Adrian and I were visiting the Children of Hope orphanage under construction in Barbancourt.  We decided to stop by and check on Clayson.  He did not smile like the other kids and did not seem to have any energy at all.  We decided it was time we do something about it.  He has had many tests, but no records have been kept.  We brought him back to Lifeline and over the course of a few days, had him tested HIV, x-rayed for TB in his lungs, and tested for worms.  We made him drink water and insured he was eating regularly.  The HIV test was negative and the TB test inconclusive.  The doctor in Arcahaie recommended we take him to a specialist in Port au Prince where he can have more tests done, since their lab is limited.  He was given some medications which we were able to purchase with donation money.

Clayson trying to share his new shoes with Jean Fritz

We took Clayson back to the orphanage (he was excited to see his twin sister and friends again but sad to leave his new mamas).  We brought his vitamins, strong worm medicine, and bronchitis medicine and instructed his caretaker how often to administer them.   They seem to love Clayson but do not have the means to care for his needs, especially since we’ve yet to discover what they are.  Too often kids like this get left to deteriorate.  There are about thirty children at his orphanage and only a few mamas and no money for expensive tests for one little sickly boy they say is probably sick because he’s a twin.  We thank God that KAH is provided for the other children and they seem to be maintaining health.  Please pray for healing for Clayson, for wisdom for the doctors, and money for his next set of tests.  

Waiting for TB X-Rays

Clayson laying on the table at the TB Center