updates and earthquakes

OK I agree with my friend Rachel. I hate earthquakes. 

We have had more aftershocks the past 2 days that have woken us up when sleeping. These are the worst because you go from rest to panic in sheer seconds. These past few lasted a few seconds too long and resulted in everyone bolting for the door, hearts beating fast, and minds re-living the past. 

Just when you think you are in the clear, they hit you again. Tough to deal with.

Outside of this, many interesting things are happening. I got to go aboard the USS Comfort boat. The big US military hospital ship. We were invited on board to visit with one of our little patients "Job" who will be discharged home to us soon and to see the ship. 

"Job" was a little boy that was literally dumped on our doorstep by a motorbike that took off in the days after the earthquake. He is developmentally challenged, and has a rare condition that makes him severely "allergic" to the sun. Burned, malnourished and with an infected eye beyond repair, Job has come a long way. He is almost ready to come home and he is flourishing. 

It was great to see the Comfort boat as we had worked to get many severe cases onto the ship during the post quake time. It was good to get away for the day and meet many docs and nurses from all over. 

At the mission, we continue to run surgical teams and medical teams and Laurens is gearing up for construction that will be in full swing soon. We are still very busy and are looking forward to a break. So many things are overwhelming as we are not just on a medical or construction team visiting but have to keep up the pace that they do anyway. We are working to get people in place to help with this and God is providing. 

In the midst of all this, we are still working on the adoptions of our twins and are praying hard that things will still be fast-tracked for us due to the earthquake. Please pray for this especially today (Thurs) as we go for an important meeting. 

Tomorrow Bridgely will get a surgical procedure done on his hand that he burned as a baby. He has needed a release of the skin between his thumb and first finger for a while now and this week we happen to have plastic surgeons that specialize in burn care. God is good and brought them to our doorstep. Please pray for his quick recovery.

Ok that brings you a little up to speed on earthquake recovery and our lives. Despite the difficulties, God is doing great things at Mission of Hope and we are glad He chose us to be a part of it. 

Please as life goes on for you, don't forget about Haiti. Don't forget about the thousands of people living under sheets on the road or in fields. Don't forget about the amputees lying in the many makeshift hospital wards. Don't forget about the mothers and fathers and children and sisters and brothers that have died. Don't forget that this country and these people are so close to you and need your help.

God Bless