This is the first time a NewHope team has done a medical mission in Bohoc, so we didn’t know what to expect. The clinic building was on the campus of HAFF (Haitian American Friendship Foundation). Jerome, the president of the leadership council, met us there, and led the team and patients in song, prayer, and a sermon about the parable of the talents. I was so impressed that in Bohoc, the politicians lean heavily on God for guidance and support!
The dental clinic is apparently used only a few times a year by an American dentist, so Dr. Stephanie and her many helpers went in and did a thorough cleaning and assessment of what they had to work with. The compressor and sterilizer were not working, but this amazing team adapted and went to work cleaning, assessing and pulling teeth. We were thankful for collaboration with a local Haitian dentist who saw many patients as well. They had a continuous long line of patients waiting for relief of dental pain.
The medical clinic had been used by another team a month earlier and was in much better shape. We quickly set up a gynecology room for Dr. Myron and a pediatric room for Dr. Sue. We were joined by 2 wonderful Haitian doctors (Dr. Ben and Dr. James) who treated general medical patients and taught us many things about Haitian medicine. The pharmacy team was also staffed by a partnership of Haitians and Americans who quite capably filled numerous prescriptions with limited supplies. Meanwhile, other team members checked people in, played with waiting kids, facilitated flow, and prayed with patients after their visit.
We felt guilty about closing our doors at noon in the face of so much need, and ended up agreeing to work until 1 pm.Then we rushed home for lunch and visits with team members’ Compassion kids, many of whom traveled for 8-9 hours to get there. It was a very emotional experience!
Then off to the community for home visits. This was the first time that we visited all houses, not just those who requested visits. We were met at times with some hesitation, but all seemed appreciative at the end of the visits. Our team prayed with a man who had been bedridden for quite some time with a stroke. The next day, his wife showed up at clinic to report that he had sat up for the first time after our visit! God is good!
The evening debriefing was full of feedback about clinic joys, challenges and possible solutions. Very productive!
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