5:22pm
Bonjou (Greetings)!!
We've had a blessed day here in Jacmel! Our big group went in two different directions today. A group of us traveled to Tetkole Temporary Shelter to offer an eye clinic for the day. The other group traveled to Pazapa (the deaf and physically and mentally handicapped community), Trinity House, and The downtown Tetkole location (a school that Verbo started). They then joined us at Tetkole Temporary Shelter with the eye clinic.
Today's clinic was especially special. Some of the children who stay at the shelter welcomed us. Two little girls clung to my side for the first little while that we were there. Once again, the tears were on the edge of falling. The clinic worked very proficiently today thanks to the wonderful collaboration between everyone! One person stands out to me today. Ju Berto was quickly recruited to be a translator while checking people in. He did an amazing job helping us understand the needs of each individual. I had the opportunity to sit with Meri Lee and Ju Berto and help with the check-in process. Pastor Rhonda worked with Ju Berto to transfer the information about the patients to the doctors. To watch the transformation in Ju Berto's language skills during the short time we were together was simply amazing. The common words he practiced today were itchy eyes, watery eyes (for which he often used the word 'blue'), and 'to look down.' Other things they asked about were the ability to see near and/or far, blurry vision, and how it was for them to read and sew. It is amazing to me how you can pick up on the stories of each person and not understand the words they're using. Among the differences that exist, we share SO much! Expressions, smiles, hugs, hand signals.... it's a beautiful, universal language we have the opportunity to embrace here. Once again, the expressions on their faces upon receiving eye glasses was priceless!
Denise had a great job for the day! She was handing out sunglasses and boy did she have an enthusiastic crowd! Many of the people simply needed sunglasses to protect their eyes and they had the opportunity to receive that gift today. I think we would agree that the children's reactions were our favorite. The little boys would leave literally struttin' their stuff - so precious!! Many of these children have never seen their reflection in the mirror, so to witness their first experience doing this is something I can't put into words. It takes a bit to help them understand that that is them they see in the mirror - the smile that usually spreads across their face could light up any room!
Ju Berto will be joining us again at tomorrow's clinic. I'm anxious to see the progression of his translating tomorrow and am hopeful that through his conversation with Pastor Rhonda, a new connection and lasting relationship has begun on this beautiful day in Haiti! It's so true that God leads us right where we're meant to be - I have to believe this to be true for Ju Berto and us as well today!
Luke 4:16-20 was shared prior to clinic today and spoke perfectly for what we experienced. God created the Scripture for us. Through it, He shares stories that can be told time and time again; in a new way, we experience the same things our ancestors did. It's evident that He was, He is, and He is to come!
To God be the glory! Amen
We've had a blessed day here in Jacmel! Our big group went in two different directions today. A group of us traveled to Tetkole Temporary Shelter to offer an eye clinic for the day. The other group traveled to Pazapa (the deaf and physically and mentally handicapped community), Trinity House, and The downtown Tetkole location (a school that Verbo started). They then joined us at Tetkole Temporary Shelter with the eye clinic.
Today's clinic was especially special. Some of the children who stay at the shelter welcomed us. Two little girls clung to my side for the first little while that we were there. Once again, the tears were on the edge of falling. The clinic worked very proficiently today thanks to the wonderful collaboration between everyone! One person stands out to me today. Ju Berto was quickly recruited to be a translator while checking people in. He did an amazing job helping us understand the needs of each individual. I had the opportunity to sit with Meri Lee and Ju Berto and help with the check-in process. Pastor Rhonda worked with Ju Berto to transfer the information about the patients to the doctors. To watch the transformation in Ju Berto's language skills during the short time we were together was simply amazing. The common words he practiced today were itchy eyes, watery eyes (for which he often used the word 'blue'), and 'to look down.' Other things they asked about were the ability to see near and/or far, blurry vision, and how it was for them to read and sew. It is amazing to me how you can pick up on the stories of each person and not understand the words they're using. Among the differences that exist, we share SO much! Expressions, smiles, hugs, hand signals.... it's a beautiful, universal language we have the opportunity to embrace here. Once again, the expressions on their faces upon receiving eye glasses was priceless!
Denise had a great job for the day! She was handing out sunglasses and boy did she have an enthusiastic crowd! Many of the people simply needed sunglasses to protect their eyes and they had the opportunity to receive that gift today. I think we would agree that the children's reactions were our favorite. The little boys would leave literally struttin' their stuff - so precious!! Many of these children have never seen their reflection in the mirror, so to witness their first experience doing this is something I can't put into words. It takes a bit to help them understand that that is them they see in the mirror - the smile that usually spreads across their face could light up any room!
Ju Berto will be joining us again at tomorrow's clinic. I'm anxious to see the progression of his translating tomorrow and am hopeful that through his conversation with Pastor Rhonda, a new connection and lasting relationship has begun on this beautiful day in Haiti! It's so true that God leads us right where we're meant to be - I have to believe this to be true for Ju Berto and us as well today!
Luke 4:16-20 was shared prior to clinic today and spoke perfectly for what we experienced. God created the Scripture for us. Through it, He shares stories that can be told time and time again; in a new way, we experience the same things our ancestors did. It's evident that He was, He is, and He is to come!
To God be the glory! Amen
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