The Dusty Road

Haiti seems to never get old. At least the experience of Haiti never gets old. The conditions of Haiti get tiring, very tiring, but not old. At least not to me. I went in just this past week and saw the same things I saw seven years ago, and the same things I've been seeing for seven years, but for some reason the experience always seems fresh, in a sad way. And asking the same questions I've been asking for six years. Still no answers. Many suffering; the good and the bad. I do wonder what God is doing and what He wants us to do.

But, the trip was good. I went in with Holly Eckhart, Melissa Jung, Luckson, and a group they were leading from their local churches and Harding University. I met some of them in Puerta Plata, DR for 2 days of R&R. And, I'm finding that being a missionary does have a few perks. Melissa paid for my hotel room. And, it was a very nice place. Good to refresh before heading into Haiti. (Hot water and A/C are two of the most amazing things!!) Another person in the group paid for my gas to travel to the boarder, and others were generous in other ways. They were all great to be around.

When the trip started, it seemed long and hot the whole time. Haiti has not had rain for more than 2 months. Everything is dust. So much dust, that you get in the middle of "dust outs" riding down the road. Dust so thick you can't see the vehicle in front of you. And, with traveling in a car with the windows down or on the back of a truck, you become a magnet for dust.

I was working with Holly (an RN) in visiting homes and providing medicines and help with the health issues. Holly was called away to another issue, and asked if I would continue to see the patients. Having been on the clinic trips several times, I said sure I'll do it. Most of the patients are needing either OTC pain meds, Vermox (worm medicine), vitamins, some medicated lotion, or just food. So it was with this trip. With two other Harding students, we ventured on. And, I'm not a doctor, but I played one for a day. I think my white skin helped. Cases I was uncomfortable or unfamiliar with, I referred to the real doctor who was with us.

When we were passing out things to help, we ran across one old lady who needed some lotion. I explained to the Harding girls with me that often the most healing thing is the human touch. I suggested they give her some lotion, but also ask if they could apply some to her arms and hands. Like a mini massage of sorts. The old lady's eyes lit up. And so did her blouse. Before we knew it she had her blouse off, no bra, and well endowed, but well aged breasts showing, or more like hanging. You should have seen the look in those girls eyes. What were they to do? Apply lotion everywhere?? It was very funny. But, instead of a full body massage, after a pause of shock, we suggested she put her blouse back on, and just let them massage her arms. Oh the things you see in Haiti.

I wish I was smart enough or wise enough to know how to truly help. And perhaps that's what is so discouraging about Haiti. Looking back and wondering what was really accomplished. And yet, admiring those who live there by choice (missionaries) and battle every day the unspeakable conditions. And I admire those who live there by God's providence who have no choice to leave, but still seem to survive another day.

So, I left Haiti in a cloud of dust. Dust on the road; dust on my brain; dust in my eyes. Not seeing clearly.