DR Mission Team Blog: Birthdays and Sharing

Happy Birthday Wilfrido! We started our day by singing to Wilfrido. He told us that celebrating is not a big deal because the best gift he has is his loving and beautiful family.

Paul O’Neal suggested Thursday night that we share something we have learned or a story of a person or situation that has touched us or been meaningful. As I try to hit the highlights, I encourage you to ask the person to share more, because this merely scratches the surface of experiences and seeing God at work all around us and in us this week.

Suzanne shared an “ah-ha” moment understanding exactly what Mark Hare said earlier in the week, that “sometimes more is less.” Today Mark Hare gave a presentation to everyone working on the garden about his work in Haiti. Mark emphasized to us that he was asking us to contribute towards the minimal amount needed for this phase of the garden project. We asked; why not purchase more to help with the next phase? After seeing and hearing Mark’s presentation we understand it is best to garden with the resources available to them. Suzanne also reflected on we can use this same approach in our lives, taking this home and not allowing something we don’t have to stop us from achieving a goal. Appreciate what you have and use your resources to the best of your ability.

Biff said this same idea resonated with the medical group. There are small things we can do to make a big difference in the lives of the people here. Kristen Hamner is helping provide some ideas for us to consider.

I shared a book suggestion called “When Helping Hurts.” Every missionary I have met recommends this book for anyone considering foreign mission. Ryan agreed that often we can think we are doing good and it is not always the case. The medical team experiences the same challenges.

Christy shared that today the hardware store was interesting to visit. The market area was very different than riding to the batey by bus. She asked Wilfrido a lot of questions about the flood and earthquake as they rode. Wilfrido shared that he witnessed a school collapse during the earthquake. He was moved to tears just remembering how sad it was to see the school collapse. Christy also shared an experience from the afternoon vision screening where a man and wife came to have eyes checked. The man was nearly blind and wife was helping lead him. We immediately knew there was nothing we could probably to dot help his vision but we did not turn anyone away. Christy observed that they were judged and treated different than most of the people who came today. No one wanted to sit near them. Christy found a space inside where they could sit and wait out of the sun. After they were seen, Hugh told Christy they answered the question, “Why are you here?” with “We are very hungry and have not had a meal for several days.” We asked this question usually to find out the vision problem, such as “are you here because you cannot see to sew or thread a needle or can you not see in the distance?” It turned out we were not able to help the man but did provide reading glasses for his wife. As they left Hugh and Christy discreetly gave them food from their bags. She said “Gracious,” put the food in his hand so that he knew what had been given and both the man and his wife had tears in their eyes as they walked away.

Bob was mixing concrete for a floor in a home today alongside a man from Batey 7. Both men kept working on mixing the concrete until they realized (with the help of translator) that neither would stop for a break until the other stopped. After they finally did take a break the man was so impressed with Bob’s hard work that he said, “Cooco or banana?” Bob was REALLY excited for coconuts. The man went and cut four coconuts for Bob. Cut two open and gave him the other two to take.

Hugh experienced a random act of kindness from Richard at the vision screening. A woman towards the end of the screening came and she had lost an arm. After screening her, Richard realized that we had run out of the prescription she needed. Richard pulled off his own glasses and said, “here try these.” She said, “These are good!” Hugh and Richard spent some time clarifying that they were improving her vision. She told them all she wanted to be able to do was read her bible. Richard said, “I will give you the glasses but it will cost you a kiss.” She grabbed, kissed, and thanked him and kissed Hugh as well. Once back at the hotel Joyce walked up and said, “I forgot to give you all these 4 pairs of glasses I brought to donate.” Her donation contained a perfect pair for Richard.

Gwen played bingo with the children in Batey 7 today. Everyone wanted to play bingo. They loved the competition, winning, and helping each other. Kelly shared a cooke with Gwen as they played breaking it half. When a young girl won at bingo, she took her prize of chocolate candy, broke it in half and offered it to the other children.

Kristen Hamner shared that it has been wonderful to be with our group – when groups like us come things happen – we provide motivation and energy. She appreciates that we listen, respect suggestions from people working here such as Mark Hare, Jenny, Cici, and Kristen. She appreciates us for being open to what God is teaching and leading us to do as well as learning lessons from the children here such as during the game of bingo. It has been a joy to be with us this week and the medical team has been fabulous.

Jim thanked Cici and Kristen, sharing that they have made a huge difference for our medical team. Things have not been unsuccessful in the past but with Kristen and Cici it has become more effective. We see that the people who need our help the most appreciate us the most. Foundation for Peace is the key to connecting us to the people who really need medical help.