Blog Post by: Carrie Chambers
When you hear people say that an event is “Life Changing”, you don’t really give it much thought until it happens to you. Haiti has truly been life changing for me. I was blessed by God to spend 7 days with some of the most amazing people and children that I will ever know. Our journey began with a tortug plane ride into Jeremie. I did not know anyone on my team, but everyone started to bond instantly. After all, a tortug plane allows you to get really close with each other. We went to the orphanage as soon as we unpacked at the Guest House. I was overwhelmed by the sweet children and the love that they showed to us instantly. I was also overwhelmed with emotions. Feelings of gratefulness, sadness, excitement, and just plain tiredness were just a few of many emotions that would continue to find me for the remainder of the week. We had the opportunity to love on the children for a while, and then off we went to prepare for the rest of the week.
Days 2 and 3 were filled with “Picky Picky”. This means shots and actually, I liked the Haitian name better. Being a medical trip, our team was responsible for giving the children their immunizatins and check ups. Our team was able to work quickly even through the tears and wrestle matches with the children. Even in Haiti, children despise the doctor. I was tired at the end of each day, but thankful that God was able to give us the strength to get through it.
Days 4 and 5 included opening up the clinic to the community. Wow….I thought days 1 and 2 were busy. This was a whole new ballgame. We took vital signs, diagnosed infections, and administered meds. I also had the opportunity to prescribe and give a few hugs. I was amazed at the strength that the people of Jeremie possessed.
The last full day in Jeremie was bittersweet. I was so glad that we were able to see over 700 people at the clinic and know that we truly made a difference. I was also happy to have had the opportunity to love on the children, even if only for a few days. The children sang us a few beautiful songs and we were able to say our goodbyes. I, of course, was the biggest cry baby that you have ever seen.
Coming home, all I could think about was that I originally set out on a journey to Haiti with the expectation that I could help people and make a difference in their lives. However, what actually happened was that I went on a journey to Haiti where amazing children and people helped me and made a difference in my life. I have been touched by God and feel that I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit Haiti.
The day we came home was the day of my birthday. What a beautiful gift I received. I only hope that everyone gets the opportunity to visit Haiti.