Picture are up

Finally posted some pictures. Click on the "Pictures" tab above.

Enjoy,

Barbara

Early morning thoughts

Early this morning I woke up thinking Of Madam Mando and how hard she
works but almost always with joy. She really does work from dawn till
dusk here at the house cooking, cleaning and serving others. To me she
is such an example of Colossions 3:23.....Work willingly at whatever you
do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
She is such a wonderful example of living life for Christ. Have a
great day of worship.

Barbara

Entertaining Morning

Entertaining morning. I have told you about the house where they cut down the tree and then made charcoal. When that was completed they dug the deep hole and then started building a cinderblock house. Over the last week they have been preparing to pour the roof by putting up panels of wood and lots of rebar. Trees have been cut down from somewhere and have been placed in the house from floor to ceiling to support the weight while concrete being poured and today is the big day. By 6 am a crowd had gathered to start the process and another crowd just to watch. They mix the concrete on the ground and then pass it up the ladder assembly line style to a wheelbarrow on the roof and then start pouring. Amazing to watch and some really hard work. Very noisey night last night as Carnival wound down. Little parades off and on during the day as different groups finished celebrating. I have been asked several times about Mardi Gras in US and told them have never been. They were surprised we don't celebrate everywhere like they do. Now I can say have celebrated Mardi Gras. Grace and peace be with you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:2

Joyfully,

Barbara

Celebration

Well the past week has been full of new experiences both fun and sad. Feb. has been a celebration of Carnival or Mardi Gras here in Ferrier, nothing extravagant but fun things that allow people joy even if only for short periods. Last week the children at Berecca made masks, put glitter in their hair and marched around the school yard. Even the adults got involved and wanted their pictures taken as much as the kids. Friday Jackson's school celebrated by loading the younger children in the back of the pickup wearing masks and glitter and paraded thru the village. Wol and I sat in the backseat with four other children and another adult. COZY!!! This wasn't a full size backseat but the kind where your knees are almost under your chin. Preceding us was an old pickp with a sound system blaring music down the street. After parade music and dancing at the school.

The next day same pickup with sound system parked near the house playing music for a 29 year old young man who died. Later in the day the whole procession walked down the street carrying the casket.

Church Sunday didn't start out too good as a little boy on the bench in front of me was absolutely terrified of the "white" woman and let everyone know. Afer the service several of the older ladies grabbed me by the arm and danced in the aisle with me. Think maybe we should try that at Central. I know they truly showed me the love of Christ by making me feel included.

Am lookimg forward to Mission Waco's visit over spring break.

The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Joyfully,

Barbara

Interesting Afternoon

Interesting afternoon learning, watching and working at preparing a field for planting rice. This morning a field was tilled and then measured into smaller plots. A wall of dirst was shoveled up around each plot and then water was pumped into the area. After all the plots have been filled with water it will sit for tonight and then tomorrow will be retilled while wet. I learned that with rice you want the earth very compacted. The rice will be started in raised beds and then transplanted to the prepared fields. The traditional way to plant is to place several seedlings in one hole but they are going to try a new method where you only put one plant per hole but actually produces more rice. Lots of really hard work. One thing I am learning is to have more respect for the food I eat as I see more of the work involved to produce.

Have a great day.

Barbara

Update Time

Well yesterday went to my first soccer game here in Ferrier and was quite an experience. There are no bleachers to sit on although benches had been pulled out of the school by some of the students so for the most part you stood or found a rock to sit down. I found a step to sit on but after first half realized I was sitting in front of the concession stand. I kept getting water dripped on my head, at least I hoped it was water and became aware there was an icechest behind me with bags of water they were giving out. The star of the soccer game was a pig that kept running out on the field and had to be chased off. Think he really wanted to play. Not too many posts lately as having trouble with kindle and minimal generator time over last week so no chargng electronics.

Have a great day.

Barbara

Today's Update

Oh my gosh. Fresh bread two meals in a row. What a wonderful treat!!! When I say fresh bread it just means not stale. For breakfast had something like spam and fresh tomatoes so made a sandwich...really good. Today prayer of thanksgiving for healing eye and fresh bread. Thank you God so much. Before I left for clinic pregnant woman came to house and wanted me to check blood pressure. I didn't have a cuff so asked her to come to clinic which she did. Turns out she is anemic and needs to eat better but has no income. Baby's father left when police came looking for him. Seems to be common problem and not just in Haiti. Will try to help until after baby born in Feb. Went to see little lady with infected foot. Daughter had come to the house to tell me she was hurting. Foot looks worse again and all I have to offer for pain is tylenol. Dr. has not been in clinic all week so want them to come Monday for recheck. Do you ever have a day when so many good things are happening you wonder what's around the corner? Today is that kind of day but am just going to enjoy. Madam Jackson brought up a nice reclining lawn chair to my room. Don't know what I did to rate but was very thoughtful.. I think I have been invited to go to Cap Haitian with family. I say I think because no translator. When I came in 2010 we landed in Cap Haitian but just drove thru so will be my first sightseeing trip. Generator came on tonight which I am very thankful. Last night when it went off there was a really loud pop which didn't soun good at all. Oh my goodness, children will be children where ever you are. Guermanie just came to my room and said she and Nana aren't friends anymore. Not sure how to say kiss and make up in Creole.

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Joyfully,

Barbara

Focus My Thinking

Finally brothers and sisters; whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praisworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned from me or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Woke up this morning with Guermanie standing over my bed wanting $2 (Haitian) but only had $1 which I gave her. Probably for a roll to eat before school. Spaghetti for breakfast; decided to try it haitian style...mixed with mayo. Not bad. Saved my roll again. Clinic almost over and daughter of woman I have been giving antibiotics to and cleaning her foot wants me to come to her house and give care. Excited about getting to do this as this is the kind of thing I want to do. Am sure she is ultimately going to lose toe. Wish she could just go to hospital to have it removed. Daughter came to get me and we walked to house. Room very small with double bed, cot and a table. Young boy is outside washing dishes in a basin on the ground. Even though very small it is very clean but flies always a problem. Meds given and foot taken care of. So glad for the opportunity to show love of Christ. Waiting for Wol to wake up so can feed him and go for a walk. Earlier in my stay here just felt that I was watching Wol for Madam Jackson but now realize that if I watch Wol things are easier for the children here and that is a very good thing. Had another piece of my yummy candy today with tea. So good!!! Have a piece for tomorrow and Sunday and then al gone. So sad but so delicious while it lasted. Wol finally woke up...had a good nap and is now eating. No baby food here. Children start eating table food very young just mashed up. Even though Wol is a little past a year has only 4 teeth but manages very well. Downstairs for diaper change and shoes and a quick bath in washtub. Outside for a little and walked down to a house where a little boy always runs out asking for "chiclet". For last 2 weeks have told him "mwen pa genyen". I don't have any but he comes out anyway and laughs. Yesterday I told him "demen", tomorrow. When I went by the house this afternoon he didn't come out. Mom went and found him so I could give gum I promised. Of course when you have something to give children come out of the woodwork but I was prepared.
Joyfully,
Barbara

An Extra Beautiful Day

Give lots of vitamin B complex injections at clinic and always to people having pain. Asked today what it does and was told a muscle relaxant so let it go. Dr. Johnny then asked if we used in United States and told him not for that purpose where I worked. He was very surprised and looked it up on phone for me to read. Read info but never saw anything about muscle relaxant. Well not harmful and am sure a few extra vitamins here in Haiti beneficial. Using the kawo to iron a few clothes (cast iron iron) and am realizing there are a few things to watch out for. Number one is do NOT touch anything other than the wooden handle. Number two is beware of latch that keeps top of iron on. The latch allows for the top to be raised to put the charcoal in. Latch is pretty loose so if not careful you could end up dumping charcoal on your feet or your clothes. Neither one is good and my clothes and I remain unscathed. Did have a couple close calls. Ummmm...sitting here drinking a cup of vanilla chai tea and eating a piece of peanut butter candy that Walson's grandmother made. Seems like just an extra beautiful day today; maybe it's the peanut butter candy. Almost every day I fix Guermanie a plate and she takes it to my room to eat. Today there was an extra piece of fish so put on her plate. She ate all the rice and then said her grann likes fish so we put in a ziplock bag I had and she took it across the street to share. Have a better understanding of what a treat that is when you subsist on rice and beans. This evening Guermanie sitting at table and helping Wetni with homework by flashlight. She really seems like a bright little girl and think about what her future holds. Joyfully,
Barbara

Today's Adventure

I eat a lot of stale bread here but last night bread was hard thru and thru. Decided I could wait until breakfast and gave my bread to the roosters. If I had thrown it hard enough might have knocked one out. Well breakfast this morning was macaroni , banana and bread which was pretty fresh. Decided to save it for dinner just in case. This morning as leaving for clinic, baby Wol grabed my legs and said mama. Oh dear, not sure how Madam Jackson felt about that. Will have to see what I can get him to call me. One suggestion from a friend was George. Hmmm. No Rosena at clinic today but at least am able to ask a few questions and give a few instructions using bad creole. When I got there 4 patients waiting and no one else there. Clinic busier than usual, not so much with number of patients but things that need to be done. Two young men who had been in a motorcycle accident on Monday came in to have their roadrash cleaned and dressed. I have always hated that because is like cleaning burns. One guy had injured both arms and the other only one. Know it really hurts to be washed. Last patient was a little lady I have taken care of two other times She has gangrene to her toe and her daughter carries her in. I have wondered how she manages to carry her from home. Patient is not large but neither is her daughter. Cleaned her wound and gave her antibiotic and then walked out with them. Mystery solved. Her daughter put her on a motorcycle...man in front, patient side saddle in middle and daughter on back. Will see them again Friday. Glad to know daughter isn't having to carry her the whole way. Oh my goodness. Walson, my creole teacher just broght me some candy his grandmother made from peanut buter, sugar and milk. Oh so delicious. Will have to make it last. Oh and they make their own peanut butter. Little after 7 and generator now on. Thought maybe going to be a no generator day which is OK but never sure what to do and 6:30 way to early to go to bed. One thing I wish I had bought and brought was a light for kindle so wouldn't have to use up flashlight. Next time I will know. Well you know the fresh bread I saved from breakfast, Guermanie came in my room and said her grandmother was hungary. Guess there goes my bread which is OK. Glad I had it. But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16
Joyfully,
Barbara

More News From Haiti

School starts back for kids today after Long Christmas break and then a week off in rememberance of earthquake 2 years ago. Planned on a really quick shower due to cold water but as I got into the shower saw a humongous zarenyen (spider) in corner over sink. Ugh. Am doing OK with smaller spiders in my room, mouse in my bedroom and roaches but this thing makes me shudder. So big. Finished my shower REALLY fast!!! Got to clinic and found we needed to clean before we had clinic. Yesterdays big party at church left everything a bit of a mess. Now to clean the floor you pour water on it but first you have to pump the water into buckets from the well. I did the pumping as have not had opportunity. Pumped two buckets and abasin full for the woman washing clothes. This is why everyone in Ferrier has beautiful arms...pumping water and carrying heavy loads. Even the children have beautiful arms and everyone has great posture. Chickens must have come in clinic to clean up leftovers as feathers and chicken poop on the floor. No kids in school over here and when I asked why was told they have to clean up the church. Wow! Interesting clinic today. First patient little boy with wheezing, using abdomenal muscles an breathing fast. Rx for antibiotics, no breathing treatment and home. No wonder so many children die in Haiti. Little later a man walked to clinic with daughter and just looked worn out...BP 64/40. Took him back and laid him down and BP normal. Dr. Johnny sad that people in the country feel need to "clean themselves out" couple times a year with home remedy. Well he cleaned himself out to the point of dehydration. We had no normal saline and doctor wouldn't give him more than 100 cc of lactated ringers which was not a lot of help but did get pressure up to 76/50 and yes, he was going to walk home. Last patient was a little lady with gangrene to her little toe. I was asked to mix antibiotic with 7 cc and give in one shot. Tried to tactfuuly point out that only necessary to mix with 2.1. "OK, give with3 cc." OK, I can live with that. So hard to try to make sure patients get what they need and not make others lose face. A real balancing act at times. Didn't even make it to the stairs before Wol was in my arms. This morning he cried when I left for clinic which made me feel bad. Rest of day with baby.
Joyfully,
Barbara

Sunny & Warm Today

Looks like going to be a sunny, warm day today. Breakfast is scrambled eggs with.....yup you guessed it...tomatoes. Also got fruit today which is great. Today young man who was in motorcycle accident on Dec. 13 finally came back for suture removal. This is the second time have had to take out stitches that have been in way too long. Not the easiest thing with these old eyes, no good light and a moving target. Don't think he ever went to the eye doctor but lower lid healed much better than I thought it would. Amazing how well the body heals even without what we consider appropriate intervention. Jeandenie, who was supposed to be my creole teacher, came by today and wanted to know if I would go with him and take a picture of him with his grandmother. She is 104 years old and living in a one room house that is just big enough for a cot and a chair. She is ill and dying and flies were everywhere. We changd her clothes and gave her something to drink. I asked Madam Jackson if we could have a mosquito net to hang up and keep the flies off of her. Living to be 104 in Haiti must be quite a feat and her grandson said up until now has been healthy. What a privelege to make a small difference in her final days. Joyfully, Barbara

Foggy

Foggy, foggy morning (bouya maten). Tomatoes are flourishing in Jackson's garden at the school so we are having tomatoes in everything which is fine with me. For breakfast today tomatoes in spaghetti and for lunch tomatoes in rice, in fish and cut up on a plate. Have started using mayo that does not get refrigerated and tastes really good on tomatoes and even mixed in rice. Not sure if it would be pediatrician approved, well actually am sure would not be but have a homemade pacifier for Wol. Sometimes he is so tired and just won't give it up. One day as I was rocking him he had a little cardboard box that 2 pieces chiclets come in and was holding in his mouth and sucking; went right to sleep. Took box out of his mouth and he stayed asleep. I don't know if the box has a little of the minty flavor or what. All I know is that it works and since I am the one who gets him when he is cranky we will continue with unconventional paci. Has worked 3 times now. Please don't tell chiclets people or they will start printing on the box DO NOT USE AS PACI FOR YOUR BABY. Today was asked to be godmother to baby I stopped and held. I remember Janet said godmother in Haiti has all sorts of financial responsibilities for child so thanked them and declined. See I can say no once in a while. No generator last night but going tonight so kindle charging.
Joyfully,
Barbara

Ayiti Avanti--mekredi 4 janyve

Woke up early this morning to the sound of rain and a breeze blowing thru my room...nice. At 6:30 thinking it would be so nice just to curl up and read but guess better get up. Have water boiling for coffee now just have to find coffee pot. Ze fri, pen and manba for breakfast (fried egg, bread, and peanut butter). No fruit again. Walking to clinic in the mud today but fun listening to the kids call me by my name. Still asking me for chiiclets and then laugh. They all know I don't have any and have to buy some. Was able to tell them in Creole and all the adults just laugh. Maybe laughing at my Creole. Really cool at clinic and was wishing I had my sweater. Wow, we saw a grand total of one patient. Down time equals study time. Tuesday someone brought in a big fish but I couldn't figure out how to ask what kind. Even those that spoke English didn't understand. They told me it was a big fish which was obvious and that it came from the ocean which I figured. Today learned how to ask "kisa kalite pwasom sa". I found out it was gwo sad, big snapper. After lunch took Wol to my room where he promptly fell asleep. While he slept I curled up with my fleece blanket and read. So thankful for my kindle. Before dinner Guermanie came and said she was hungry. I had given her egg, bread and peanut butter at breakfast but that was the last she ate. At dinner I gave her my avwon (oatmeal) and part of my peanut butter bread. A little bit later I found her in my room with the fishbones from lunch picking off and eating any remaining meat. I hate to see anyone hungry but especially children. We all know there are hungry people everywhere, even in our own community; very different when you live it everyday. Just a reminder that we can all be a part of making sure someone gets a meal they need no matter where we live.
Joyfully,
Barbara

Pi Bon Jounen ( Better Day)

God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 Always amazed how daily devotion relates to my day. Sadrac let me know breakfast ready and apologized no fwi (fruit); told him that was OK. Have my coffee so all is well. Clinic much better. No doctor but Rosena and Fre Jak there. Nadej finally showed up with her baby Iberline Noel and she looks good. She is alert and smiling and not dehydrated. So glad. Nadej; however, had really high blood pressure so given meds for that. Even though needs no more children am glad not taking birth control pills. Sadrac was so sweet and fixed me pe pet (popcorn) for my lunch. So good. A little taste of home.. After clinic washed my hair and some laundry and then silly me went outside to play with kids. Immediately had all sorts of dirty little hands playing with my hair. Texture of my hair so different from theirs that they think better than a new toy. Not a problem as it is washable. Some of the kids played with the jump rope while others crawled all over me wanting my glasses, my necklace, my shirt, a dollar and on and on. Mwen pa genyen. I don't have any. Good day.
Joyfully,
Barbara

Monday Monday

Oh dear. My spider friend back in bathrom early morning. Cold chills. I almost put my hand on him as was on the metal door slide that opens door. Ughhh. Several of house visitors leaving this morning. Walked over to Jackson's garden which is really growing. Did not realize they also had sisal growing which is an agava plant that they cut, dry and dye to make baskets and jewelry. At one time some people were able to make money with sisal as was used in rope production but now everything synthetic. Clinic this morning very frustrating. As you know clinic starts at 9 which never happens and just don't worry about it. Today by 9:30 me and 5 patients and no doctor', no Haitian nurse and no parmacy person. By 9:45 still no staff. Went to pastor's house to let him know I had a problem. Finally at 10:15 someone showed up to help with the 10 people in the waiting room. So I think I have it figured it out. If you work for free you come to work but if you get paid you come whenever you want. Now why couldn't I have figured that out years ago. As a result of late start didn't get through until almost 1 which was OK with me. Walking home from clinic lovely sight...freshly butured hog hanging on the front of a house. Didn't exactly make my mouth water for a BLT. After lunch just studying Creole. Germanie came in my room looking very forlorn and when I asked her what was wrong she said "grangou, no mange maten, no mange midi". She was hungry because no breakfast or lunch. Of course had to give her money for food. I guess she is our project while I am here. Sittin here now and having bread with peanut butter and papaya smoothie. Yumm.
Joyfully,
Barbara

End of exciting year

Think it is rather fitting that devotion today contained bible verse that has sustained and propelled me over last two years. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Sometimes have not heeded words and have been discouraged but then reread. Lazy day. Played with children and read a book. At one point while downstairs saw a goat being led in and knew what that meant. Didn't want to stick around to watch what happens before it shows up for lunch. Mange midi and yes we are having goat along with our rice and beans. Only got a small piece but was actually good; first time I have ever eaten kabrit. Getting kind of hungry but apparently no mange aswe (dinner) tonight. As of 9 pm no food. Oh well. Lots of people in the street celebrating new year with dancing and music. All of this continued all thru the night. Family went to church and service will last until about 1 am. I didn't go and went to bed around 10 but was awake off and on during the night listening to celebration. Mwen swete ou bon ane. (I wish you Happy New Year). Joyfully,
Barbara