Learning About Resilience in Haiti

As the tears ran down my cheeks, I watched them drop to the dusty ground. Upon arrival to this village I could no longer contain my sadness in seeing the overwhelmingly impoverished living conditions. Our medical team of nurses and other volunteers stood in a big circle holding hands with the Haitian people and children of the Vilaj Kanes near the Lake Azuei, a salt lake in the center of Haiti.  In an effort to hide my tears I didn’t release my hands from the circle.  I just bowed my head low and watched them hit the dirt until the prayer was finished. Then I jumped up into the back of our tap tap  (open air bus) parked nearby to find a tissue. Soon I would be asked to greet the crowd on behalf of our Presbyterian Church in Morristown and the Foundation for Peace. So I had to pull myself together.

My tears surprised me because I normally do not cry when I am in the presence of the people I came to care for. As a psychiatric nurse therapist and a pastor, I have witnessed many sad situations. But the overtly poor condition of these children, the primitive dirt floor shacks where they lived, and the sparse barren land surrounding them was clear evidence of their desperate poverty.

At 10am, the hot sun mixed with the humidity coming off the lake created a tropical atmosphere. The only sheltered place available for the free medical clinic was under the one large shade tree in the center of the village. Twelve University of Pennsylvania graduate nurse practitioner students and the Foundation for Peace, Haitian and US team members spent some time shaking hands and introducing ourselves to the kids and adults who were waiting for us to arrive. We played with them by blowing bubbles for the kids to jump up and pop. And we let them touch our stethoscopes and gloves as a way of warming them up to the idea of being examined by these strange white nurses.

After singing a few hymns in Creole and saying a prayer of thanks for this opportunity to be with our brothers and sisters in our global family in Haiti, I felt spiritually more at peace.  This was our third medical clinic of the week and we came prepared to care for whatever need came forward to the best of our abilities. I was so proud to be a nurse/pastor among this team of graduate nurses who never complained about the hard work of providing free healthcare in desperately poor communities almost every day of our trip to Haiti. 

As the nurse practitioners set up mini open air exam areas with a few card tables and chairs, the rest of the team opened the suitcases full of medicines and wound care supplies and created a “pharmacy area” with two wooden benches. Then the Haitian pastor-leader of our group, Pastor Valentin, began to call people up to the designated intake area.

The people of Kanes watched all of this activity patiently and understood that they would all depart with vitamins, anti-parasitics, or other medicines as needed. Each family unit also would receive a bag containing beans, rice and cooking oil.

Each community we were sent to by the Foundation for Peace had little to no access to healthcare prior to our arrival. But this Village Kanes was suffering the most of all. Many of the children were covered with bug bites probably acquired from sleeping on the dirt floors in their little huts.  Some of the children were extremely weak due to a lack of water and food. Three infants with high temperatures needed rehydration immediately upon arrival to our clinic.

A few months prior to this clinic the Foundation for Peace (FFP) staff had discovered this fishing village was unable to fish due to broken fishing boats. Now with help from the FFP, they are starting to fish again; but the time of desperation when they had lost their ability to fish took a toll on their spirits and on their bodies. Many seemed depressed and ill with parasites, body aches, and other signs of malnutrition.

So where does one start working in partnership with a group when confronted by a place with such overwhelming need? You look for signs of hope and start there. The goal is to empower them to build upon the strengths they already have.

At the end of the day I found a group of the healthy looking kids swimming in the lake near the fishing boats. One little girl in a blue dress grabbed my hand as I walked toward the water. She had a huge smile on her face and spoke a few words of English.  When she beckoned me to go for a swim with her and some of the other kids already in the water, I quickly caught her attractive smile on camera.

Her name is Adrienne. And she gave me hope for the Vilaj Kanes. Adrienne’s resilience shines out through her smile, and her clever engaging personality.

Although these children have many challenges, they have advantages our children lack as US families become more isolated inside large high tech homes. Their village is a cohesive community that cooperates, plays and works together. Their care for each other was demonstrated by the way it was nearly impossible to distinguish blood relative from neighbor as they came forward in the medical clinic as “families” with each other’s children. We discovered mothers were breastfeeding one another’s babies. They cared for all the children as their own. No one family had a shack much larger than the other. And as we handed out the food, it became clear that this attitude of sharing all their resources was the key to this village’s survival. All of the food would be shared among the village rather than kept by just one family.

In contrast to the overwhelmingly sad feelings I experienced upon arrival at this beautiful lakeside Haitian village, I departed with a sense of hope that by working together in partnership they can be empowered by building upon their strengths: community cohesiveness, deep abiding faith in God’s love and care for them, compassion for one another; and their strength of resilience that is clearly within those who have endured many years of hardships.

I came away with a blessed realization that Americans have much to learn from the Haitian people about mutual care, cooperation, and faith for the development of resilience within our own communities. I look forward to returning to Village Kanes in the Fall to learn more from these resilient Haitian people.

Sharing my Haiti Devotional Guide by Pastor Cindy

Medical Mission Trip - May 3-10^th 2012

This is why we go….

"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Suggestions for using this devotional:

1.     Make time every day to read through this in the morning and ponder how the scriptures relate to your work throughout the day.

2.     Take time to let the words of God speak to you through these words in print, through reading the whole chapter where these verses are from, and through listening to God’s spirit speaking to you in silent prayer.

3.     Each evening, jot down a few thoughts about something you learned, a person you met, someone you want to remember and pray for at home.

MAY THIS DEVOTIONAL BE A BLESSING  FOR YOU AS YOU SEEK TO SERVE, HEAL, AND BRING HOPE TO THOSE IN NEED….

Here is a prayer of blessing to ponder as you begin your work in Haiti:

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may seek truth boldly and love deeply within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world (Haiti), so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forever more. Amen

The team who read this devotional daily.

Day One:

Deuteronomy 31:8   The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; he will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Philippians 4:6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

What feelings do you have starting out this trip? Such a beautiful country from the air! The closer to the ground we get the more we can see the tent cities and the impoverished way of striving to survive. Write down at least 3 things you are pondering today. Take note of names of all you will be living with this week.  1. Excited! 2. Feels weird to get upgraded to first class when going on a mission trip to Haiti. 3. Hoping my traveling companion, church member, Yoga instructor, Susan, has a good trip since she is trusting me in this!

Your first day is full of excitement and exhaustion both emotionally and physically. May you rest well this evening and ponder this scripture assurance to give you strength and peace for tomorrow.

Joshua 1:9   Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Loving God, we thank you for our safe travels this day. May I be a blessing to all I meet and may our brothers and sisters in Haiti sense your love through me. Hear my prayer requests this day: for the people we are about to meet at the medical clinics. …………….. Let me listen to your message for me as I pray: trust in me. Be still, be at peace. Amen

Day Two:

Psalm 34:1  I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

Now that you are settled in your new home for the week, what have you learned about Haitian people already? They make wonderful chicken, beans, & rice, the fruit is amazing! And they have beautiful smiles! Our guides/shepherds are taking great care of us. Riding in a TapTap is fun! This country is struggling to deal with an overwhelming problem of poverty and lack of basic needs being met. Yet, there is much hope and the people we meet are so grateful we have come to see them and their beautiful country. They deserve much respect for their strength and for their hospitality to strangers.

What are your goals for this week besides learning cross-cultural healthcare skills? Learning all I can about the differences and similarities between Haiti people  and the Dominicans that I know so well from previous trips.

Ponder the following verses and consider the importance of keeping your focus on how Jesus would respond to all you meet -- including your house-mates.

Psalm 145:18,19  You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth. You satisfy the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them.

My faith helped me today when: I was hot and tired and wanted the last patient to come through the clinic faster. Prayed that we can see all who showed up and we did.

I will always remember: The little boy,  I gave my FFP visor to so he would keep the scalp bandages in place.

Dear God, keep my spirits up as we deal with the heat and pressures of helping those who have little or no access to healthcare. Help me understand the desperate situations I see and seek to make a difference however I am able. Remind me that a smile and loving attention goes a long way in giving hope. Help me to pray when I need your strength to endure. Amen

Journal notes: Thankful for healthcare in the US and for a place to sleep that doesn't have chickens and dogs making noises all night long. There is something we miss in the US when we no longer live our lives outdoors  simply being with people all day, and spending time in a village where they all know each other.

Day Three

Jeremiah 32:41  I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in the land with all my heart and soul.

God created each of us to feel “good” when we help others. It is a blessing to be a blessing and physiologically the brain and circulation are improved by helping others. How did you feel today after giving of yourself? Thankful to be on the giving end. It takes great humility to be on the receiving end. What would you like to remember about this day? Worship under a "Tree of Life" felt closer to God and each other. Visited a hand pumping water well like used in the olden times in the US. They are so thankful to have clean water! We take it for granted. What are you thankful for? The sermon about "Self-care: love your neighbor as yourself." Who that you have met and on your team do you want to lift up to God in prayer? All who are shepherding us. Today we went into downtown Port au Prince and they were very careful to stay close to us. But no problems. We even bought some handmade keepsakes from Haiti at a market.

Romans 5:1   Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Where did you find peace for your soul today? When we worshipped under the tree. Looking up into its gorgeous branches while listening to the singing of the people was heavenly! Did others help you with this? Yes, our Pastor Valentin, his wife and kids and  the whole community of Kwa Kok.

Almighty God, help us to focus on what we can do and not be overwhelmed by the great need here that seems impossible to heal. Give me good hope that you are working through me in obvious and mysterious ways. Help me to trust that I am where I am supposed to be doing your work to bring grace and love to all. Help me love as you love us. Amen

Journal notes: It is sad to see the ruins from the earthquake two years later still crumbling down....

Day Four

Romans 8:37  No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!

By this time on the trip you may be feeling tired of being in a group. If you live alone and typically can control your environment and schedule this kind of trip can be especially hard. How do you cope with the hardships of mission work? By now I am sleeping well because I am used to the bed and the sounds. Having less water in the shower makes showering take longer. But it reminds us how precious water to wash with is! Looking for things to be thankful for.....Not hard to find!

How do you deal with the temptations to judge others and devalue personal relationships when you are tired? Go away from the group for a little quiet time.

How does a focus on the way Jesus coped with stress help you cope? Yes, he prayed and had no fear. What de-stressing method do you use? Prayer, yoga, journaling, meditation, talking with a friend? All of the above....

Psalm 32:6  So all your loyal people should pray to you in times of need; when a great flood of trouble comes rushing in, it will not reach them.

Everlasting Creator and Sustainer, help me cope with the fatigue that is setting in. Make me an instrument of your peace and strengthen my ability to be empathic towards others. Give me your comfort when I am sad, give me your wisdom when I am discerning the right decision to make and give me your peace that surpasses all understanding even in the midst of chaos. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen

Journal Notes: Learning some Creole! Bondje beni ou means God Bless you! Assisted a nurse at the Haitian Christian Mission Bandage up an accident victim who had a huge gash in his forehead. I admire this nurse very much and her ability to care for whatever comes into the clinic with no anxiety about it. Nurse Genines was so brave and peaceful while stitching up a terrible wound. She and I also worked together to help a young woman journalist from the US who came in with a concussion after being in a car accident.

Day Five

Ephesians 5:8   You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light.

The trip is coming to a close very soon. Before you know it you will be saying your goodbyes! What do you want to say or do for your new friends before you leave them? How do you want them to remember you? How will you remember them?

How have you been changed? Found I have an affinity for Haiti. I love the people and the countryside beauty.  What new understanding or “light” has been shown to you or on you that has helped you serve well during this time in Haiti? I have come to have more hope in human resilience after seeing the women carry so much weight on their heads and necks and the general perseverance of the people is so admirable! They show you how people can survive with very few resources and still have joy and care for others.

Loving Lord, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for shepherding us on our trip; for sustaining us and comforting us as we seek to be your hands and hearts of love. Show me how to use these remaining days to shine your light of care and love upon those most in need. Teach me what I am still to learn while I am here among your children in Haiti. Enlighten my mind to ways I may begin to share this experience when I return to the US. May I be an inspiration so others will care and want to help here in the future. With a heart full of thanks and praise, Amen.

Journal notes: I am so thankful I trusted the Spirit's lead to come to Haiti and to bring my friend Susan to teach Yoga to the graduate nurses as a self-care method - and to teach the patients in our medical clinics while they waited to be seen. All has been a true blessing and it has all gone very well!

Day Six
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." —John 10:10

The work of a nurse often brings holistic life in a way that no other profession is able. We are taught to look at the whole person, not just their disease. Nurses are skilled at enhancing the body, mind, and spiritual functioning of their patients. Psychological/spiritual healing and physical healing happen in concert with one another. How have you observed the power of your gifts and talents for healing at work here in Haiti? Where did you (by the grace of God) make a difference in another’s life?

How have you been changed/healed, made more whole, as a result of coming on this trip? I can see that I too have the resilience to go on mission trips to Haiti and it can be safe and inspiring at the same time! I will be back and in the meantime I have many new friends to pray for and remember.

             "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." — Ephesians 2:8,9

Eternal and Loving God, our rock and our salvation. We thank you for all we have experienced together and individually here in Haiti. We thank you for the wonderful family of Valentin who took such good care of us this past week. We thank you for the leadership of Carrie and all who shepherded this flock. And we thank you for the friendships we have made and the memorable times we have shared together. May I say my farewells in a way that honors my new friends with a sense of hope and joy.  Give me the words that express my heartfelt thanks and love. According to your will, bring me back to this place or elsewhere so that I can continue serving those in need with the additional skills I have attained during this trip. Amen

Journal notes: Leaving for the US today because I have to go back to finish some papers for my Doctorate in Ministry in Science and Theology. I can share this experience on my blog.

Day Seven

2^nd Corinthians 9: 12-15: "This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, people will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift!"

Thanks be to God for you and for your willing spirit and loving soul. May you feel God’s grace surround you and may the angels carry you home safely as they sing, “Well done good and faithful servant!”

I feel blessed to have met some of the Haitian people who have survived many more challenges than my life will ever have to deal with. I am so soft and lazy compared to the people of Haiti who possess much courage as they tackle the challenges of each new day. We were One when we smiled at one another, and in church we held hands and sang together as old friends do. I am glad to have had this chance to meet more of our global family and honored to serve them with the few skills I brought with me.

Keeping an Open Heart in Troubled Times

“Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12: 15) This verse is from a section in Romans that describes the “marks of a true Christian.” It is part of a section of Romans that proscribes how to be “in harmony” with others. As our world becomes entrenched in war after war, atrocity after atrocity, corruption and mistrust, these verses may seem impossible to follow. But consider how peaceful our world would be if every person had someone who was empathetically there with them, in joy and in sorrow. How different would our world become if each of us took it upon ourselves to find someone in need of empathic companionship and walked along their journey of life for awhile? Just imagine what a wonderful world it could be!

Walking alongside someone with love and showing your care by rejoicing or crying with them has the potential to change their whole lives! There are people in the world with no one to share their joys and their sorrows. As a result they may become hardened, hopeless, angry, and depressed. The next step in the downward spiral is often violence, on others or on themselves. And the spiraling of violence can have a traumatizing effect that ripples around the world.

Jesus is calling us to change the world by being open hearts in troubling times for one another. We are to answer the call to trust, love, and respect each other; to be the presence of Christ here on earth as much as we are able. We are NOT to conform to the hate and distrust in this world, but to show the transformative power of love and hope in the midst of darkness and evil.  A caring gesture is contagious and it can ripple around the world and multiply the love.

I just completed a Princeton seminar entitled: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Trauma. One of the readings included a paper by our professor, Dr. Deborah Hunsinger, entitled: “Keeping an Open Heart in Troubled Times: Self-empathy as a Christian Spiritual Practice.”  In this paper she describes ways to prepare our hearts and minds when we reach out to others with compassion. When we openly listen and feel deeply the pain of the other, we take some of the trauma onto ourselves. As a result it can take a toll on us as care-givers while helping to heal the one who shares their painful experience. To deal with this effect of “weeping with those who weep” Hunsinger suggests remembering that all compassion arises out of God’s love for the world and all therein. To remain in balance we must stay in touch with God about our own needs while being empathic towards the other.  Staying connected to this transcendent source of compassion (God) enables us to keep our hearts open in troubled times. 

I appreciate Dr. Hunsinger’s inspiration to practice self-empathy because without it, those who compassionately enter into the pain of another can be dragged down into a pit of despair. By taking on the burdens of another, we may lose hope for the world and distrust God’s promises. If we nurture ourselves by being aware of how the empathy towards another is affecting our own state of mind and spirit, then we can seek strength for ourselves allowing us to be instruments of peace.

Jesus demonstrated an awareness of his needs by going away regularly to pray, to reconnect with his Creator, sustainer, loving-parent God. So may you stay connected through prayer to the source of our strength and love as you “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep”.