Monday, April 5, 2010

Til Next We Meet.....

Dearest Friends,

Just a quick note to say "see you soon" to those of you who check in on me from time to time.  Hubbs and I are headed to Haiti for a medical mission trip this Friday.  We will be working in a hospital in Carrafour ( a densely populated area of Port-au-Prince) for the next week....treating patients with chronic medical problems as a result of the January earthquake.

So many people have asked me if I am "excited" for this trip.  I find that this is a tough question to answer. Excitement does not describe my feelings....of which I have many.  There is a part of me that is anticipating this trip with the hope that I will be able to make some small difference for the short time that I am there.  There is a small part of me that is uneasy, maybe even a bit fearful, that what I see will be difficult to handle.  I do not look forward to seeing so many people living such desperate lives.  I do not look forward to seeing the ongoing suffering, the hunger, the pain.  These things, I know, will be indelibly etched into my heart.


I am glad to have the opportunity to dust off my nursing skills and once again put them to good use.

There is a small part of me that fears for my own  safety...the incidence of HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and many more diseases is incredibly high.  However, this fear is overshadowed by the knowledge that going is the right thing to do.

I have so many questions.....all of which will be answered, I am sure, in the coming week.

I am thankful for having been given this opportunity.  I am thankful for the life that I live.  My world is a happy one, free from suffering.  I am lucky, for this is not the case for so many others.  All of this makes me so acutely aware of how crazy this world is....that some should live lives of destitution and desperation, while others live lives of privilege.  

I pray, that in some very small way, I can help to make this world a better place....
I pray that some day all children born in any country of this world will live without hunger, without poverty, without their life being shortened by treatable disease.

I thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers.  I will share my experiences when we return home next week.

I am thankful for all of you who care about me....my life is blessed by your presence.

And so with two suitcases full of medical supplies and two suitcases full of teddy bears, hubbs and I join 5 other physicians and nurses on this trip to the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, the 4th hungriest country in the world, where the average life expectancy is only 53 years.....amazingly, my age.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

You, your hubby and the country of Haiti will be in my prayers while you are on your journey! God bless you and take care of you. Be safe! I will be thinking about you every day. You are doing a wonderful thing!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Beverly, you and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers on this amazing journey. May God be with you and guide you to service the people and protect you. Can't wait to hear all about on your return.
Hugs,
Bonnie

Autumn said...

Special prayers said in your behalf!

Junebug said...

We can all make a difference just one little step at a time. God be with you on your journey and keep you and the entire party safe.

Anke said...

Bev, you and your Hubbs are doing a wonderful thing by going on this trip. Wishing you safe travels and a safe stay in Haiti.

JudiB said...

Hi Bev
Have a safe trip. I am sure it will be very overwhelming when you get there..deep breath..and take it one minute at a time. So many will be grateful for you and your hubby's time there.
Wishing you the best..Judi B.

Cathy said...

Please know that I will be with you in thought and prayer during your time in Haiti. I know that you and Jack will be such a blessing to those people. I admire your courage and willingness to listen to God's Still Small Voice asking you to go.

countrynmore said...

Wow! Bev. The people in Haiti are fortunate to have caring people like you, your hubs, and the other medical teams that fly over to their country to help. The need is great and probably will be for a long time. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I only pray that you both come home safely...I agree..it's scarey

Christina said...

I pray that God will protect you and that you will feel God's loving arms wrapped around you. I pray for a safe trip all around. Haiti is blessed to have amazing people like you!

Much love, Christina

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Bev, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your hubby! Thank you for serving and giving of yourselves. A beautiful, selfless act of love.

Hugs,
Maryjane

P.S. I LOVE my apron!

Katmom said...

Bev,
I too am wrapping you & Jack in prayers for a safe journey over there & back home.
You and all the staff there are just so awesome & yes, you will be making a difference...great or small...
The world needs more people like you, who care & give of their skills, time & heart.
hugz & prayers.

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