![Livesay [Haiti] Weblog](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WImkelA85fQ/T774B_tbjMI/AAAAAAAANjM/Zup5rYTxdWs/s810/blog%2Bheader%2BTRL2011-07-07_%2B%25281%2529.jpeg)
I spent a lot of my day with one patient, a 10 year old boy named Jean that had his foot and lower leg amputated on January 16th and was sent home with no follow up. He came in with his 65 year old grandma. She looked more like 85. I probably can only guess at the life she has led living in Wharf Jeremie. Jean's amputations was a hack-job and his bone was still sticking straight out of his leg ... they did not close it. So, this afternoon we took him to the U of Miami field hospital and they way they will revise the amputation and close it tomorrow. Jean was afraid and begging me not to let them cut it again but we all just tried to assure him that this time it would be different. I would hate to know what the first time was like for sweet Jean. I pray they don't forget him tomorrow (things are chaotic everywhere) and that he gets what he needs from the folks at U of M. Jean was brave and strong and with very little pain medication he coped like a champ.
If all of the stories could be told, I know you would be amazed and in awe of the strength of these people. Jen and I are convinced they are the strongest humans on earth. Did you see they pulled a man out alive today? That has to be some sort of record. I'm telling you - these people are tough as nails.
We saw Anderson Cooper up close - he is not tall. Just wanted to confirm that for everyone. ;) But he does have nice pipes. Jen and I really wanted a photo with him - but we had patients with us and we felt dorky asking.
Spending time at the hospital left me overwhelmed at the magnitude of this tragedy. Instead of seeming more "real" to me - it seems less real. I just cannot believe one little tiny country can have so much pain and suffering ... it seems too horrible to be real. I cannot imagine a day anytime soon where things might feel or seem normal. :( I guess I am a downer today.
I watched the system at this large field hospital and I realized that the needs are so much bigger than we can really ever meet. Hundreds and hundreds of organizations, both large and small, faith based and not, have responded and sent people to work ... and everyone is doing their best under the circumstances -- but it still does not feel like enough. Our little clinic/hospital is a tiny piece of a giant puzzle ... and it is odd to feel so so grateful for all that have responded and are on the ground doing their thing -- and yet still feel like the need cannot adequately be met. I know I need to go lie down, pray and give it back to God, and try to sleep.
Tomorrow is a new day.
tara
OH - PS-
Beth just called, a lady is labor ... she and Jonna and Dr. Chris (our OB/GYN) are ready to deliver a baby. And right after that the Salvation Army called ... they have another lady delivering a baby that they want us to come get. Jen and I are off to do that while the others take care of the first Mom.
We can sleep when we're dead.
When Troy gets the photos from today uploaded to Flickr, I'll give you a heads up.
ALSO, we found our nurses. We're all set - thanks for the response.
28 comments:
Praying two things for you right now:
a) that you'll remember that God is able. Just rest in that truth.2) that I can figure out some way to meet you in real life sometime.
What a joy to lift you before the Lord. I've been doing it nonstop for the last 10 days and will not stop anytime soon. Pinky swear. :)
In Him,
Mary Franks
PS. Okay, so that second one isn't really a prayer for you....
I am so so sorry for that boy Jean. Atrocious to leave him like that... So thankful he found you. Can only pray he will get good care now and pain meds too...sorry that is just so sad. Praying for you all to keep up your strength as the job only gets harder. Praying for all the hurting people...
Dear Troy and Tara,
I wanted to let you know that today 60 people met in Portland Oregon (and hundreds more in other cities) as part of Crisis Commons:
http://crisiscommons.org/
We collaborated on information technology projects to assist in disaster relief --- gathering news and information for the UN, establishing a list of hospital capacity, evaluating geospatial information to create base maps, and translating emergency text messages from Haitians posted at 4636.ushahidi.org.
I read your blog early in the day and after viewing hundreds of other websites yours stuck with me. I posted a report on 4636.ushahidi.org that you are in need of trained nurses and medical supplies. I hope that will help spread the word.
I will keep checking back to your site as you continue to make progress with your effort. Please spread the word about 4636.ushahidi.org and http://crisiscommons.org.
Best to you ~
Peace and Love ~
Maura P. Brown
Portland, Oregon USA
Continue to pray for you. I like to refer to you as my blog friend, although we've never met in real life and I only know you from reading your blog. But I cry when I see video and pictures from this disaster. I cry when I think of how long it might take for things to return to "normal" for you all - family and Haitians alike.
Please keep on truckin' :) God is giving you exactly the strength and love you need to do His will.
PS - my word verification is "icant" so I said (to my computer) "but God can!"
oh God help that little boy. i'm so glad he met you tara. it's not surprising to me that things feel unreal to you. your body and mind is trying to keep you safe and functioning. bless you guys.
You guys are doing what no one else can. Thank God you are there to help. Jesus stay close to Jean and let him be comforted. I've heard an old man with white hair outside of PAP say that about "sleeping when you are dead". You may know him. I will be praying against the depression. I've felt that today. I'm watching AC on CNN now...old videos. Maybe next time you can get a pic. Love you guys. I'm praying for all of you!
Lol, "We'll sleep when we're dead." Tara your race training has made you SO fit... thank God for that. But try to get some shut-eye, girl.
On a lighter note... AC seems to have a big heart. I remember how visibly upset he was in New Orleans when Katrina hit. Sorry you folks missed out on that photo op... needless to say, you made the right choice.
Glad you found your nurses!
(((Hugs)))
Dear Troy and Tara
*correction!!*
that website is
www.4636.ushahidi.com
that's dot-com not dot-org
sorry for any confusion. Please spread the word about this website and the fact that texts to "4636" are free and will get translated and logged.
Thank you for all of your incredible work.
Maura
I'm a stranger to you, but you and your family do not feel like strangers to me. I found your blog through Kristen Howerton's blog (which I found somehow through Clickin Mom's—a photo site) and I follow you—and her—daily. (So thrilled that most of your Heartline kids are finally with their families.) How I wish there were more of you and Troy not only in Haiti but throughout the world. You walk the walk and talk the talk, and your compassion and devotion to your fellow human beings is inspirational. I think about you all the time and hope that you can feel the good thoughts being sent your way. Be safe.
Dear Tara-
I read your blog daily, we've sent financial help, I wish I could send energy and hands to take over when you are dead tired. Praying constantly for you, and for the little boy Jean. Praying God gives you some sleep, and a renewed spirit...
love,
Lorisa
Praying for your strength and stamina. May God provide for your needs in every area abundantly. May He bless you for your love and care for His children. Much love.
I bet at this point you feel like this is never going to end for you. ((HUGS)) We are constantly praying that God will uphold you because this is requiring some supernatural strength. Love to you. Prayers for you.
Tara, I've been religiously following your blog since the earthquake and am just find all of what you are doing and saying so hearwarming and the situation is so hearbreaking. I can tell you are just such an awesome loving person and THANK GOD that little Jean had you with him today. I will be praying for him tonight. I am so grateful you got your nurses.I reposted your request. I wish I could do so much more. Tied at home with a 4 year old.
Here we are, donating funds and watching helplessly. We thank God daily for you all, and for the great blessing you spread among the people in Haiti. The Lord will ALWAYS supply your needs in this work. Witness the nurses. Witness the many times Troy has found supplies. God is working through you to be a witness to many, where you are and through this blog. It's an amazing work. We are praying without ceasing.
Were you able to find the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) hangar at the airport? They are looking for places like yours that need supplies and can pick them up.
Hi, I've been reading your blog almost daily. I've been praying for you and passing on your stories. I wanted to comment a little on the military red tape thing (as I am in the Army). From what I understand, people are concerned that we (the USA) are "occupying" Haiti, which is completely ridiculous. I do know according to the Army website that they have troops in place. Hopefully things will work out soon as far as that goes. I am in a medical unit and we have been told to volunteer with civilian medical teams. Stay Strong!!
A wise person once emailed me and told me that God doesn't call us to fix Haiti - only to be obedient. :) Thanks for obeying, even on the days that are harder than hard. You are covered in prayer.
Aah yes jamie - you got me on that one.
Thank you Stacia for your service ... I know I need to watch my attitude and not get ticked -- and that the stuff at play is bigger than any one soldier or volunteer. We're all doing our best ... thanks to you for your love and service.
I am so grateful for you guys and EVERYONE who was in Haiti and has come to Haiti to help. It's hard to be here and "only" pray and give (which I have and will continue as much as I am able). Thank you so much for these updates that make us feel connected and keep Haiti in the forefront of our hearts,
Cracked me up when you said it felt dorky to ask for a photo with Anderson Cooper. LOL! Keepin' it real.
Tara and Troy,
I'm a long-time blog reader and adoptive mom and I am so moved by Jean's story. After his surgery and he gets back to Haiti, is there any way I could help him with therapy or a prosthetic in the months ahead? I know it will be a while before he is ready for that, but I want so much to help this boy have a future. I'm not a doctor or nurse, but I would be happy to sponsor, donate, whatever to get him what he needs for the future (physically, emotionally, etc)
God Bless you both!
Kelly
Thank you for doing the Lord's work and for letting your light shine. I pray you will get a refreshing sleep soon without dying. The world has not forgotten Haiti. Canada had a major telethon and raised 18 million dollars. I wish it could all go to you. I wish you could get a truckload of food and supplies. We are all frustrated that there is aid sitting on the tarmac. We feel helpless. Greetings from Canada...many of us are reading your blog.
Marianne Bailey
When you can, please give us an update on Jean. Or did you have to let him go altogether when you brought him to UMiami doctors. Individuals matter. Every one of that incomprehensible number of dead was someone. Thank you for saving each one you can.
Hello,
So saddened by everything that has happened and is still happening . Am part of an organisation in the UK called You.Me.We. We are holding a benefit concert called Love4Haiti in a few weeks and would love to be able to donate the funds raised to a grass roots movement in Haiti. What you guys are doing is amazing and we would like to help!
Please ( if you can) contact me on nevisnice@gmail.com
Chantal x
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Yes, the Haitians are among the strongest people this world has ever known. And I must say, their stregth has spilled on to you and your family. You are still standing after the most exhausting, heart breaking and unbelievable weeks of history. Standing with your head held high, your spirits up and your sense of humor still intact. GOD IS GOOD and He's all over you!
Blessings!
Heather Baker
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ON the morning before we left, we saw Geraldo. Of COURSE Patrick threw the car in park, jumped out and asked for his picture. When I get myself together and catch up on the blog, the pic WILL be posted (don't you worry).
Laughed out loud at the Anderson Cooper comment.
I miss you so much. I miss Haiti and all its pain and rubble and strength and survival. Keep strong, friend.
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