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| Aloha, a blessing and a birthday Prayer.
I have to be one of the most blessed people that I know. Sounds funny to say that about myself but I am. Many of you who read my gibberish blog (when I get around to blogging), came to celebrate the turning of my birth clock to 60 (mentally 40). What a joyful day for me to see our friends and my friends from the past 60 years. Everyone is very unique and inspirational in my life.
My mom, who was the only one in this group who was present at my birth (thank goodness). And why is it mom's always like to tell birthing stories no matter their age (mom is almost 79)? Can I just say AWKWARD..... to hear my mother telling people at my age how I came into the world butt first, naturally (that explains a lot).
Then we had Rich's friends from High School and the CDM water polo team, one of which is our family Dentist , Rich was the best man or groomsman for the other two. Forty-two years of friendship. They are the old school friends.
Having my church friends come celebrate. Truly, with all three of the Pastors stopping by for some prayer, tacos and socializing, I felt like a Lutheran celebrity. So many other church friends being there made the day outstanding! Within that church family new relationships have grown and continue to grow with my Haiti family team. Two of my closest friends are in my life thanks to Haiti! They are so supportive and I think one of them made me a mystery cake for my birthday.
Pastor Tom always makes me laugh.... He is probably saying "no worries we will pray for you. It takes a group in your case, Jackie". Below PT and his wonderful better half Jane.
 
Great People... They can ROCK a Lei....
Twins of different ages. Mike and Chad. Honestly these two could be brothers. Below some of my Haitian Team sisters.
Delightful neighbors, from the Eastmont/Shooting Star days and my Limewood neighbor friends (where does the time go? we have lived on Limewood for 12 years already). Lifetime friends, Kathi, the Lawrence's. Having my grand-babies, sons, daughter in law and her family. The other Hyland's who travelled from the central coast (Laura, I just include you as a Hyland). A few of my Adhesive Sista's (scrapbooking), Monday Mom's, Bunco Baby's, friends of friends.... the list goes on.
Hunter, we talked him into putting the Hawaiian shirt on so he could be like Papa Rich. It may have been on for 3 minutes. Thus, the reason he looks uncertain in the picture. Below, niece Kelly with Jarred, my mom and great niece LeeAnn. Kelly's face painting at the party was a HUGE and FUNNY hit.
  
Central Coast Family Kevin and Laura
Aloha, this party was not even so much about celebrating my birthday but more importantly it was for me to be thankful for all the gifts I have in my life by the presents of all these amazing people. I could humor everyone for hours with stories about everyone who was there. To often celebrations are held and people come together when someone has passed. One thing Rich taught everyone is NOW. Now is the time to celebrate life, love and blessings. For those friends, who could not come because of miles or prior commitments, you were all there in spirit.
 
It would not have been a party without the help of Barbara, Yvonne, Summer, Nancy, Danielle, Dale and Diane. Dale was climbing ladders and hanging tissue balls (I love his Martha side) and Nancy climbing the waterfall rocks in the yard to hang decorations. The Eaton's and Albers for being the libation managers...! Francheska, for the one of a kind birthday cake (you are so talented not only can you make cakes but you rock making a web site too). Mike, for cleaning scrubbing and trimming the Island. Special SPECIAL did I say Special thank you to Josh and Erica Render (kids too), for providing JJ as entertainment (if anyone ever needs some nice entertainment for an event call me we will get you in touch with JJ). Thanks JJ, Amber and girls!
   
More Pictures to Enjoy....
    
Toby, makes me want to sing "Red Solo Cup"
              Below Barbara, dessert Master.  
Don't we all take pictures in our remodeled bathroom with friends.
Nothing says party like Bathroom.
 
Franceska's Cake
 Mystery Cake?????? Amazing - if anyone knows anything about this cake... I need more clues. I still think it was somehow related to the amazing SUMMER!  
CHEERS and thanks again to everyone who made my day special. The flowers from my Prayer Partner and Tony and Family in Texas, Deslattes and Boyles for my fabulous Hawaiian Halo, direct from Oahu. A cute bottle of Tequila (yes, Tequila can be cute ), the champagne, angels and assorted other gifts and cards. Very much appreciated.
Follow up and follow through. Several of you graciously donated to our Good Samaritan - Esther Fund. (This is where I start tearing up while typing). In lieu of people buying cards and gifts (at this age I don't need or know where to put stuff - exception tequila and champagne (I know where it belongs at the right time). I was thinking if (no obligation), we collected $200.00 for the Haiti fund next year that would be GREAT..... Another blessing from my gracious friends, we have checks and cash totaling almost $1500.00. Absolutely blown away by the generosity of so many for my passion. WOW WOW WOW. Trust me the Haiti team will use this next year to glorify the kingdom, directly hands on in some passionate way next January. Some of you may recall reading the blog with my story of Esther this past January. She changed the lives of several team members. Fabienne, our/my Haitian, friend and sister has continued to keep me updated these past two months on Esther. I received the following messages from Fabienne on March 27th.
My Dearest Jackie.
I found out that Esther passed away peacefully this week. Her two children are being cared for by family who have been very thankful for all you and the team have done in help and concerns. Please continue to pray for them. I love you. Fabi.
FabI
Thank you... I sent a reply to your email. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Take a look when you have a moment,.. Hugs... Love you, Jackie
Fabi then sent the following message:
I read it and did some research. It took the pastor a week to get up to where Esthers family lives up in the hills and a good 4 days to get back down. I am understanding that she passed in the early part of march but it took some time for the mssage to get to me. I pray for you, that March be a time of light hearted- ness and not heaviness. I used to feel like that for june. Not anymore.
Your generosity is intense and beautiful. I can't wait to see you at home. A few more weeks.
Fab
although this was sad news it was not unexpected. Hard to explain what and how the spirit can move you at times. Esther, was a gift for a few short hours in my life. She is helping me daily keep things in perspective here in California. Thank you, all so much for the birthday gifts that will help other people like Esther and her family in the future..... HONESTLY, this is one of the best gifts I have ever received to be able to do more. We can't do everything, we can't necessarily fix the problem but we can do something. That is powerful (reaching for that tissue again).
Again to anyone reading this, I just want to say to all my party going, lei, coconut, grass skirt , Hawaiian shirt wearing friends. You all have a place in my heart. You are gifts. Would you all not agree I am blessed?
Don't cry because it's over. Smile Because it Happened. Dr. Seuss
(one of Rich's favorite sayings)
My Dr. Seuss quote:
SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE VALUE OF A MOMENT UNTIL IT BECOMES A MEMORY.
LOVE, HUGS, ALOHA, BLESSINGS .... GOD BLESS.
Jackie
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Monday, March 30, 2015
Birthday Bashes, Living Life, Follow up and Follow Through....
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Life
Hard to believe it's been three years today.
If I could send Rich a letter in heaven I would let him know we are all fine. I would say: Rich I know we were always your greatest concern, you were provider, defender, security, dad, husband and so much more to so many people and us. Don't worry, rest your head and heart we are living LIFE. I would let you know we have a fabulous daughter in law, yep you missed the wedding in person by about 8 weeks, we all know you had to go, time was no longer on our side. You were definently there in spirit and so missed. Mostly I would write a novel to you about how Life continues to be rewarding with the addition of your two adorable grand babies Hunter and River. Hunter, is so black and white his little idiosyncrasies, really remind me of you and he is only 2 (March 17th). Yep, he is going to make his parents crazy and I think he will be a consertive (giggle giggle). River, at two weeks is good at eating and burping. He is a Hyland and we will see how his personality develops.
Rich, life is very full and sweet, you are so missed. Crazy, I am doing those remodels on the house we always talked about and I adopted a dog. You would like him. Honestly, once Jeff and family moved out and they took Chubby, I just couldn't take waking up alone any longer. It was like the room was screaming your ALONE every morning. Martin, is here when I wake up something is in the room to breath and say hello. It helps.
You would be happy that we continue your legacies and traditions, trips, vacations, Mia Tia's, sunsets and a good balance of hard work. Mike, is good and still lives here. I know so much for temporary housing, I think it is coming up on 5 years. Says he is going to move soon, but life is really comfortable here at the Island and I just don't see that happening for awhile.
You would be pleased knowing that along with Good Shepherd plans are underway for the 3rd annual Rich Hyland Golf Classic over at Oak Creek the tentative date is July 31, this year and if you could again put in a good word about the weather? It is such a great way to celebrate your spirit with friends and fellowship watching so many people we know enjoy the game you loved so much.
I do my best to stay busy and do the right things. I am blessed to have Kathi, as my friend and companion for travel and a impromptu dinners out on a Monday night (yes Monday's actually any night we choose). At Fathers day she always says something like "who knew we were going to be both Mom and Dad at this stage of our life". Interesting Life journey. I hope you and Bob are spending lots of time on heavens golf course. All our friends and neighbors are good. It is such a joy to see them transitioning into this new stages of their life. Don't they call that the Golden Years. My Golden Years are just going to look a little different and I know if you could have changed that and be here on earth you would. We continue to have fabulous friends.
Thank you Rich for the Life of sweet memories and moments that will always be part of me and our history! I praise God everyday for the life we had and lived!
Aloha my sweet love....
Jackie
Friends and Family here is the Facebook link to Jeff's video. I love this thing, it shows so many of our friends and family, celebrating LIFE.
Friends, raise your glasses today, enjoy a sunset, drive by the beach, hug and kiss the one you love! and live LIFE.
Interesting Life Note about the month of March
Once upon a time the month of March, was my birthday month the month my life began. It is still my birthday month but seems every other day is someone to remember or something to celebrate.
March 9, the memorable Kristens birthday
March 11, Rich's day
March 17, Hunters birthday
March 19, cousin Danni's birthday
March 20, my Birthday
March 27, Bob's day...
Sunday, February 15, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENT.
I have an announcement to make.... actually I have several to make. Perhaps they are not announcements as much as they are "life" realizations. Seems and sounds very cliche but what you expect, what you want and what you get are very different. Puppy fever has been alive and well for several weeks at my house now that Chubby has moved his family into their new home. Every morning when I wake up, I realize I really am alone, not even a dog to pet in the morning (Rich and I had a dog present in our lives 97% of the time and the last two were sleep with the human dogs). Just empty space and time when I wake up. Without something needing some attention in the morning my pillows keep screaming at me don't get up stay here and develop a bad habit of sleeping in way to late (such a curse - right)!
Dog/Puppy fever has been alive and well. Spending way to much time looking at puppy porn.... felt that way after hours of looking at litters and pictures of dogs and rescues on the internet. I decided I wanted and would be best suited for a FEMALE chocolate or yellow Lab Puppy. Honeybear and Gracie were the best labs, smart, quirky, loving. All their good and bad habits they developed as puppies from being in our lives from a very young age.
With all that History out of the way I would like to announce we have a new resident at Hyland's Island. Not a puppy, not a female and maybe 5% chocolate lab, a lot of something else in his DNA, some are saying American Stafford's Terror (which I think means Jackie ended up with some pit bull in her new dog). His name is Martin (although he does not seem to know his name, thinking the shelter gave him his new name a few weeks ago). He is a rescue - first rescue of my life. Martin is at least two - no puppyhood. He has warm brown eyes, a huge brown nose, dumbo ears and has been terrified of the stairs in the house. Really a dog that doesn't know how to go up and down stairs. He is mellow and sweet, house trained (as all males should be) and I am falling in love. Not what I expected, not what I wanted but, he is mine. No one knows his past history before he came here to live yesterday. We did figure he has been bounced around at least 5 to 6 times in the past couple of months.
Niece Danni gave me the push I needed yesterday. We woke up and I said isn't it strange not having a dog to wake up to at my house - maybe we should go adopt Martin today. Really I was kidding (his pictures was showing up on Facebook at the rescue site and everyone who came to the house got to see his picture. Why couldn't they put up a new post and tell me he had been adopted), Danni had seen his picture, those big brown eyes, dumbo ears and brown nose and thought he was meant to be the new Hyland Dog. Martin, was available for a playdate and interview in Carlsbad on Valentines day. She had so much glee in her voice -"it's a sign let's go to Carlsbad and get Martin". We did!
Again, I give it over to God. Not sure where this is going and why but, this is Life... Love it. The adoption agency gives you 7 days to complete the adoption process (I am already head over paws in love). This is my guy, the new male in my life. He is in my life for a reason. Come by and meet this mellow mutt, for all he has been going through in his short life he adjusting very well. Wish Martin and me luck and lots of dog treats.
Thank you Aunt Annette for the great picture today... love Martin.
I forgot to say something about TIMING..... New dog and starting a mini remodel update on Hylands Island on Tuesday. Hope Martin likes contractors and noise.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
"Full" Filled. Fulfillment - Found it.
Hello Haiti...
"FULL" FILLED- in finding God, in my self for personal stamina and strength both physically and mentally. To be a sister in Christ with the team and the Haitians. Truly, it was a retreat of a different kind that was so spiritual. At times I am overwhelmed by the enormity of the 3rd trip.
Physically- When we are forming our (my description) ant lines where we move boxes from storage to the church and off and on the bus every day. You need some physical energy. God provided.
Mentally- I give up the mental part to God. I prayed every morning that he give not only me but our team the endurance to see over 200 people a day that needed medical attention. I have always admired and held people in the medical field in high regard. Pretty sure all our mission providers wear halos. Over 1000, Haitian people were seen.
Itinerary- and I can say this all happened. I would bet there is not one thing on the list that didn't happen... That is ultimate organization by team members that work all year. Thank you....
A few of the Fabulous providers
Starting at the top... My first customer of the day once William got the tippy-tap set up (more about that in another blog another day.....maybe). She told us she was 85 and after she washed her hands she took off her scarf, soaped up her face, splashed water all over it, rinsed and smiled. That is her grandson with her.
After clinic day 4 picture fun. Junior, me, Nic, Pam, translator, David Daniel, Jodee and who is that in the background Margot. Adorable! So funny.... Laughing, while posting these pictures. I have known Margot for about 28 years when our kids started kindergarten at the same time. We are pew pals at church and both crafted for many years. Funny thought, we have gone from kindergarten to glue guns to mission trips. Monday after clinic she looked at me after two days of having a headache and said "Jackie, I don't think I have the stamina and energy to get through this until Friday". I knew God would take over (you just can't explain it). On Friday she was super charged Margot, ready for more clinics. She was - "bring it on" probably ready for more pictures.
A touching moment in church when two souls from different parts of the world were sharing the love of Jesus. Yvonne and her sister in Christ. 
Hand carved necklaces by my friend (and my adopted nephew) Junior. I think I now have about 4 nephews in Haiti. Nic, Dr. Bordes, Dr. Aquis.
Beautiful people
( Fabiene, my sista (sister) and PR)
Annie and Katlyn after church last Sunday at 1st Luthern with some of their admirers . All the young adults are like magnets when it comes to the kids.
Willeme (the translator I worked with most of the week) along with Ken's translator. These two are working hard on their English and it was flawless, although they don't always understand our humor. You think your being funny and they just stare at you so you have to stop and explain it... Then if your lucky they give you a little grin. It might just be a courtesy grin- pretty sure they are thinking "oh those silly people from Irvine".
Oh those beautiful Haitian women and their hats...
A selfie with Pastor Henri of Cedan Mission. What a man.
Dr. Summers patients - a 13 year old girl with her 3 year old sister she brought to clinic.
Not sure if our mobile pharmacy had any medication for this syndrome.... Photo bombs...
Lauren thinks she is getting a cute little picture, just her and the kids....
Dr. John and Nancy. There's Margot.. Surprise
A few more moment pictures...
Love these ladies. Three years ago I didn't know Yvonne and a year ago I didn't know this amazing soul Summer. Because of the Haiti trips they now own a piece of my heart forever. God has truly blessed me.
"FULL" FILLED.. Runners high...endorphins fired up. Full tank...
I have yet to fully unpack from the trip, all I really want to do is blog more Haiti stories and look at the (guessing), over 2,000 pictures the team put on the Dropbox site... Ok ok ok... Going to do what needs to be done.
Hugs, aloha, and God bless.... Thank you.
Friday, January 16, 2015
How.....????? Meet William. Haiti Updates 2017
Over the moon excited to introduce this young person. This is William everyone. He is Esther's son. Seemed appropriate to update this blog then start fresh. Esther's story of how we met her and cared for her in 2015 is below. Truly, Yvonne and myself never thought this would actually happen in real life - God always has a plan. It is better than any storyline written by Hollywood. It's REAL.
William is 14, lives with his grandfather and was the oldest of Esther's children. He does not live with his brothers and has no contact with them which is unfortunate since he would like too. Circumstances prevent that from happening. I pray that in Gods ultimate wisdom that these young sons of hers some day be re-united for a time.
William, for the first time in 14 years is going to school. Something we take for granted in our country. He is one of the "Save a Seat" children that we sponsor through GSLC and 3-strand cord (it's $300.00 a year for EVERYTHING, including one hot meal a day). Can you imagine school for the first time at 14?
God always has a plan and this moment was a huge goosebumps moment for the entire team that knew Esther's story and cared for her. He truly didn't know what was happening, everyone kept coming up and hugging him and he couldn't understand a word we were saying. We had one of our interrupters help us with the language barrier. We told him how much impact his mother had on all of us and how we started a fund in her name (2016) to directly hands on help with continued medical care for a handful of people we see in clinic that need additional care.
In a day or two I will post pictures and stories of our Haitian patients who we were able to help this year from the Esther Good Samaritan Fund. A woman with breast cancer (the tumor is so big the skin is splitting on her breast), 2 toddlers with hydrocephalus, a toe amputation and a dog bite, to name a few. Of course William too - He was seen and card for by one of the pediatricians on the team. He has asthma and needs inhalers and they are difficult and extremely hard to find in Haiti. I would like to personally thank everyone who contributed to the fund this year. The $1400.00, is changing lives.
Our Lord, savior and king is full of surprises. He knew back in 2015, that if we kept up our medical mobil missions and continued to help the folks of Haiti that we would be rewarded. We thought the book was finished and just like God, he came up with another chapter. He gave us the book of Esther and now he is adding a chapter for William.
The following follow up is from March of 2015 after my 60th BD.
Follow up and follow through. Several of you graciously donated to our Good Samaritan - Esther Fund. (This is where I start tearing up while typing). In lieu of people buying cards and gifts (at this age I don't need or know where to put stuff - exception tequila and champagne (I know where it belongs at the right time). I was thinking if (no obligation), we collected $200.00 for the Haiti fund next year that would be GREAT..... Another blessing from my gracious friends, we have checks and cash totaling almost $1500.00. Absolutely blown away by the generosity of so many for my passion. WOW WOW WOW. Trust me the Haiti team will use this next year to glorify the kingdom, directly hands on in some passionate way next January. Some of you may recall reading the blog with my story of Esther this past January. She changed the lives of several team members. Fabienne, our/my Haitian, friend and sister has continued to keep me updated these past two months on Esther. I received the following messages from Fabienne on March 27th.
My Dearest Jackie.
I found out that Esther passed away peacefully this week. Her two children are being cared for by family who have been very thankful for all you and the team have done in help and concerns. Please continue to pray for them. I love you. Fabi.
FabI
Thank you... I sent a reply to your email. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Take a look when you have a moment,.. Hugs... Love you, Jackie
Fabi then sent the following message:
I read it and did some research. It took the pastor a week to get up to where Esthers family lives up in the hills and a good 4 days to get back down. I am understanding that she passed in the early part of march but it took some time for the mssage to get to me. I pray for you, that March be a time of light hearted- ness and not heaviness. I used to feel like that for june. Not anymore.
Your generosity is intense and beautiful. I can't wait to see you at home. A few more weeks.
Fab
although this was sad news it was not unexpected. Hard to explain what and how the spirit can move you at times. Esther, was a gift for a few short hours in my life. She is helping me daily keep things in perspective here in California. Thank you, all so much for the birthday gifts that will help other people like Esther and her family in the future..... HONESTLY, this is one of the best gifts I have ever received to be able to do more. We can't do everything, we can't necessarily fix the problem but we can do something. That is powerful (reaching for that tissue again).
Again to anyone reading this, I just want to say to all my party going, lei, coconut, grass skirt , Hawaiian shirt wearing friends. You all have a place in my heart. You are gifts. Would you all not agree I am blessed?
Don't cry because it's over. Smile Because it Happened. Dr. Seuss
(one of Rich's favorite sayings)
My Dr. Seuss quote:
SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE VALUE OF A MOMENT UNTIL IT BECOMES A MEMORY.
LOVE, HUGS, ALOHA, BLESSINGS .... GOD BLESS.
Jackie
Following is the original story from the Blog.
Note: this is not an experience story for the faint of heart about Haiti. I promise to post more about the mission with pictures and better times shared by the team in the next couple of days. But this has been heavy on my heart since it happened. And the good Lord is not going to grant me peace until I get it out there... Additional experiences and stories by the team with, pictures on the church mission blog too. Be sure to visit that site as well. Here goes!
HOW do you explain something you can't explain? You try really hard to explain, you can hear words that I attempt to use to describe this experience but you can't feel them. Haiti is something I feel. It is found in my heart after this 3rd mission trip. It has taken up residence, the experience has taken over a section of my heart, it lives and breathes with every beat (I know really deep). Not the island of Haiti - it's about Haiti's beautiful resilience people that have taken over a section of my heart and that of the Haiti 2015 GSLC team too.
How do you make someone see and feel a story about a woman named Esther who came into my life for a few short hours that I will remember and think about until the Lord calls me home. How do I explain, Yvonne my friend who took such compassionate loving care of this beautiful soul along with other team members. How Yvonne and myself will alway have the Esther experience living in us.
Let's see if I know how to express the experience... Day 1 clinic, the bus arrives to a courtyard of people waiting, the team sets up and gets to work. Laying in this crowd of people on a cloth is a woman named Esther (seen in the picture above). She has arrived by scooter (which seems like a miracle in its self), with her father and her brother to be seen by one of the providers. She is weak and needs to be carried into the church building which is our mobile clinic today. She is placed on the one and only gurney that is probably from the 50's, that was rummaged from the building next door. We are happy to have it.
Through our translator and her family we learn Esther is 30 years old, she has at least two children and perhaps three. Her husband has left her (probably because of how she looks), and her family is trying their best to take of her. Esther is dying. Her left eye is bulging white and extended out of the socket she is blind in her left eye. The left side of her face is swollen, she can barely move her lips and can mumble some to the translator. Protruding from and in her mouth is a huge mass covering her teeth inside of her gums, she can no longer close her mouth, that side of her face is badly swollen. She has a foul smell an odor. The tumors are infected, open and the smell is from the tumors and infection, she is rotting from the inside out. She is beautiful to us.
(Picture of Dr. John and his translator with Esther, awaiting test results).
We were told by a brother that 10 months ago she had a baby and that is when the tumors started. He wanted to blame the baby (not entirely his fault it's his lack of understanding being born and raised in Haiti with lack of world knowledge). Yvonne informed him that in no way was this the fault of the baby It was cancer. Esther had been turned away 5 times, we were told by Haitian hospitals, they had no money to pay for care or treatments. He kept repeating this is going to be so much work, over and over. She was going to be a burden to her family forever how ever many days she had left on earth and that was a big concern for them.
Yvonne, took amazing care of her running the few test we could do in our mobile clinic to rule out HIV and malaria, giving her meds for pain and fever, two IV's for dehydration, instructing the family on her care, how to give her water through syringes. I was doing whatever Yvonne needed me to do and giving Esther as much comfort as I could in between. Constructing an adult diaper for her from baby pampers and duct tape... (Yes it's true and it worked). Taking a wash cloth and wiping her head and neck to try and help the fever. Other team members fitting her for new shoes as she lay on the gurney and she let us know by the feel which ones were perfect for her. A pink and black pair of water shoes were the ones she mumbled fit the best. She made us smile.
I will never forget Esther's hands as I gently washed them one finger at a time, how as I let go of one she would lift the next one waiting for it to be washed. Talking to her in my calm American voice telling her she was beautiful and all the while seeing these protruding tumors and knowing I could not endure for one minute what she was enduring. She was brave and strong and her looks were not for the faint of heart. But here was a women, with children who's life was being shortened by where she lived... She was our sister in Christ.
Yvonne, continued to do everything she could for Esther and it was almost time to send her on her way, everything we could do we had done. It was decided that a small gauze patch be put over the bulging infected eye with saline solution to keep it moist after I had seen a small bug land on it ( think about that, she couldn't feel or know bugs were in her eye) and it was something people would gaulk at if not covered.
As we prepared her to leave I found pastor Ryan and we decided we should pray over her and with her family. I had helped care for this beautiful soul not knowing her name. When the translator said her name was Esther, I almost broke down in tears but I know Yvonne and I needed to be stoic, for Esther and her family. We joined hands with the family around Esther's gurney as PR prayed to our Lord and Savior and the translator repeated it in cerole, praying for her comfort, relief from pain, praying for her family, her children and giving thanks for all the help we were able to provide with what we had available, giving thanks and peace for the love of Jesus that surpasses all understanding. It was a huge God moment praying over this young woman. The prayer was calming and gave everyone peace.
Hours later, a few duct taped diapers (peeing is a good thing, she had extensive dehydration and the two IV's really helped), lots of instructuions to the family, meds, new shoes, her hygiene kits, my personal lip balm for her dry lips, some loving touch and a new pair of sunglasses later and it was time for her to go. We are not sure how she was able to arrive by scooter but we couldn't send her home on that mode of transportation. She had just had more medical attention than she had probably received in her short life time. She was calm, relaxed and we didn't have the heart to put her sandwiched between two or three people on that scooter. Yet the family didn't have money to pay for a tap-tap (basically this is an old Toyota truck with a camper shell on the back where they take about 20 passengers at a time to their destination, Drivers are maniacs and it looks totally unsafe but it is what they have for transportation) or a taxi. We had the father call for the taxi and we would fund Esther and her family getting home as comfortably as possible. Here she is walking out with her new shoes and glasses, assisted by her family. What a joyful moment for us.
I feel like God wants Yvonne and me to know How to tell Esther's story and share it the best way we can - put into words... To talk about the injustice for Esther and her people at the lack of health care in Haiti. We live in America and have commercials on our TV everyday about the abused and sick animals (no sugar coating here), they are still animals not humans. If she could have received an 8th of the health care we were blessed to have for Rich and her symptoms could have been diagonised at an early stage her outcome would be very different than how it is now.
For a short time in our lives we were forever changed and better for the experience because I believe God gave Esther to us for comfort, caring, compassion and love for those few moments. I can't tell you how much it hurts my heart to know Esther's story. Just sharing a story that impacted the life of Yvonne, the other mission team members, and myself. Telling a true life, hands on story so that you will have more AWARENESS and insight into a woman named Esther who lives in a third world country without the basics we take for granted everyday. If you can or want to get involved to help Haiti there are many ways. Just be sure they have a direct benefit. Yes, Good Shepherd will be going for their 5th mission trip in January 2016. Praying God will bless with me what will be my 4th trip next year.
Now back in Irvine, in my beautiful home, loving friends and family and reflecting on Haiti.... I wouldn't change a single experience (ok maybe the mosquito bites and a shorter flight home), that happened or I personally experienced on this mission. I am a believer and Jesus died for me. I know I will see Esther again in heaven. She will be there with Jesus and Rich to welcome me into eternal life in our new and perfect bodies.
Esther is a book in the bible and I am not a bible scholar, I knew she had a mighty impact but didn't remember in what capacity and how.... So I picked up my NIV, Life Application bible.... These are the first words I read:
MEGATHEMES explanation/importance
The book of Esther tells of the circumstances that were essential to the survival of Gods people in Persia. These circumstances are not the result of chance but of God's grand design. God is sovereign over every area of our life.
With God in charge, we can take courage . He can guide us through the circumstances we face in our lives. We should expect God to display his power in carrying out his will. As we unite our life's purpose to God's purpose, we benefit from his sovereign care.
BLUEPRINT:
The book of Esther is an example of God's divine guidance and the care over our lives. God's sovereignty and power are seen throughout the book of Esther. Although we may question certain circumstances in our lives, we must have faith that God is in control. Working through both the pleasant and difficult time so that we can serve him effectively.
Secondly (summarizing), because of Queen Esther's courageous act, a whole nation was saved. Seeing her God-given opportunity, she seized it. Her life made a difference. Read Esther and watch for God at work in your life. Perhaps he is prepared you to act in "such a time as this".
Pray for Esther, her family and children, that she have comfort, calm, care and peace for however long she has left on earth until the day she goes to heaven and receives that new and perfect body. Perhaps he has already called her home.
These words are soon to be out there in cyber universe. I think my personal motto for 2015, is going to be to "make a difference"... Esther certainly made a difference.
Hugs, blessings and aloha from me.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Haiti Days and Haiti Nights
Love love my Haiti team Sista's. Last nights debriefing mixed with some laughs.
Crowds patiently waiting before our arrival. Day 1. Which is why after a very intense day it is good to have some team building. The providers saw over 220 of these beautiful folks.
So many pictures and stories. So little internet... Big blog coming this all happened on Monday and it's the end of day 4....
Monday, January 5, 2015
Haiti Count Down Prayers Gladly Accepted.
UPDATED the LINK for GSLC blog was not working... hopefully this technically challenged person has figured it out. Third time works like a charm I have been told....
Chances are good we will see some of these same faces in our travels next week in Haiti. I hope they have been healthy and the past year has been kind to them. The countdown has begun, we leave on Friday. Wanted to be sure my family, friends and friends of friends, have the opportunity to follow along on the mission trip. Internet is hit and miss in Haiti (not surprising but they do have it), pictures and stories will be posted at the link. GSLCmissionhaiti2015.blogspot.com You can bookmark it and add it to your browser or sign up to automatically to receive updates in your email, simply click this link and it should take you directly to the page. GSLCmissionhaiti2015.blogspot.com The creative, humorous and witty Margot Clarke (longtime friend of mine from Once Upon A Christmas days- can't believe we are going from glue guns to Haiti) will be updating and I know there will be lots of team pictures and stories for you to follow.
We/I are going to miss Patty, Jason, Janice, Sean, Jarred and Sue, (to name a few) this year. So glad I had the opportunity to be part of the 2014 Haiti Medical Mission Team with those giving people. Excited to have some alumni from 2013 joining the team again. Haiti can work you way into your heart. It is a God thing for sure!
A few Pictures of those FAB people from last year....
Janice
All prayers Gladly accepted and felt (we feel the power in clinic of those prayers back home). Prayers for the teams safety while on our Journey for traveling (by car, plane and bus), clinicing (a new word just made up by me). Clinics will be in 4 different locations. Prayers for those that are seen in clinic for their health and healing and a really important prayer for the health of the team.
To my family and friends thank you for all the support can't wait to have you share this adventure with me and the GSLC team. Now off to start on the to do list... Hugs to all!
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