"Hidden Blessings" By Michaela Smith

The tears silently slid down my heart, as a lifeless little body slid into my hands. “God please”, was the prayer that echoed quietly from my lips, as I unwrapped the tight cord three times around his neck. Surveying the little one, I simply saw no trace of life, which them prompted my next move, CPR. Seconds passed, before I grabbed the stethoscope, to listen to a much wanted heart beat. Nothing. I continued, all the while making sure mother was in good condition. Marcile had just entered the clinic gate and soon 

joined me. We continued to work with the baby, but before long it was clear that we did all we could. I had glanced from time to time, at the faces of the parents, as they watched things unfold. Hopelessness was more and more seen, the longer things went on. We had tried our best in trying to get baby to breathe, but it was clear that the little one wasn’t meant to live life here on earth. My heart ached, and the tears threatened to flood my eyes, when I walked into the hospital room where the mother laid on her bed. The tears were streaming down her face, as she mourned for her child. I wanted to reach out to her and make things better, but I knew I couldn’t. So, I just stood by her bed, silently praying that God would be near her through this time. That same day, I assisted at the birth of a different mom who later went home holding her healthy baby girl. 

I will never know the “why” behind some little ones dying in childbirth and others living; but this I do know, that it’s God who ultimately chooses life or death, and that there is always a purpose behind everything he does. 

Although, there are moments of pain, there are still moments of beauty and things to be thankful for. I’m reminded of that daily: through the smile of a child, the music of praise playing loudly just before clinic opens, the laughter as friendships are being made, a flower, the little child running along with excitement as his handmade kite trails behind, and the songs of praise erupting from the mouths of loved ones over the safe delivery of their newest family member. These are a few of those “hidden” blessings, that serve to remind me to be thankful for the gift of life, but also of the sustaining strength, faithfulness and goodness of God. 

-Mis Michaela Smith

Update From Mis Emma "The Little Things"

         “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”

                                                                                                                               Psalms 147:3-5 KJV 

These verses stood out to me this week as I was reading one morning before heading to clinic. It makes me feel so small and God so great. 

         Something that helps me keep that perspective is focusing on the little things in life and realizing how great they really are. I think God puts many beautiful things in our path every day that I easily fail to recognize. The newborn baby’s first cry, the smile and “bònjour” from the little grannie across the street, sitting on the top of a mountain and hearing the tiny sounds of all manner of things in all different directions, watching the stars sparkle at night, sitting beside a campfire or beside the ocean, the mischievous wink from the neighbor kid...and I could think of many more things. These are the little things that we experience that are actually really big things , so easy to take for granted and yet so beautiful. Even in my darkest hour, my most broken state, God is big and cares so much. Here’s to me trying to notice and enjoy the little things and not wait for that big thing; to standing still in the silence and waiting for God to move. 

          Here is a picture of a tiny lil patient of ours. She’s over a month old & quite malnourished. She has a very caring mom who wasn’t able to produce enough milk to keep her healthy. She was apparently born at home and normal sized but was only 4lb when she arrived here at clinic. She’s been staying at clinic so we can keep a close eye on her and give her formula. She is close to 5lb now and much stronger. 

Thanks so much for your prayers and support!         Mis Emma

Update from Brendan Horner

05/11/20 

       It was great being back at clinic today. Last week we took off Thursday and Friday to go on a little beach outing with Derek and Lori before they leave. There was a funeral in T-Goave that we went to on Saturday then I stayed the night in T-Goave and came home Sunday afternoon. It seems like I was gone a lot the past few days so it was good to be back at clinic today. 

      It was a normal Monday at clinic. Had a total of 72 patients. My days consist of the usual bandage changes and just help out where needed. One of the patients that came in today is a little baby that is very malnourished, it's so tiny and sick looking. It will stay here at clinic till it is up to 5 pounds. 

       This evening there was another baby born at clinic.

 Having newborn baby's around is always refreshing. When you see a lot of sadness and people die it's always refreshing to see and hold a new life. 

 Brendan Horner, EMT