Officially, today was the first work day. . .but yesterday's post hopefully cleared that up! When we're here, it's as wall to wall as we can make it, and Pastor Chrisnel does his level best to support us.
The clinic was open today and the place was mobbed, more so because of the triage done in Gommiers yesterday. Dr. Scott abandoned plans for surgery this afternoon, dedicated the day to clinic work so he can determine how to use the rest of his time for both new walk-ins and those he saw today that need surgery of some sort. The medical clinic was also busy and Shawn was pitching in all over. Meds donated by St. John's Providence were delivered to the clinic pharmacy, and Nancy got an update from Head Nurse Dorismond about the malnourished newborne program she has developed. A generous donor in the congregation has made it possible to support the program for 5-6 months.
We have also renewed our support for the breakfast program at the main church here in Jeremie, which provides those who don't eat so well a roll and coffee before services on Sunday. Here, this support is a joint effort between our church and a handful of other Methodist churches in the greater Detroit area.
Roland and I made our way to the mountain village of Chiraque. Last year, we supported the building of pews and school benches, and finishing off a partially completed 1-room school building. We also supported the building of a flush toilet for the church, although we need to help with the purchase of rainwater cistern so the sink and toilet have "running" water. This year, we are underwriting the construction of a new 2-room school building to bring indoors students otherwise having classes outside. This underwriting means 35 villagers have been put to work hand digging the foundation trench, and lugging EVERYTHING. . .stones, rock, mortar, cement, re-bar. . .UPHILL the last 200 yards. Roland and I took a turn with the pickaxe and the shovel, and carrying a load of mortar up the hill. . .one load was enough, but the villagers smiled and clapped when we dumped our load out onto the pile they had been making since early this morning. There is a little Model T in this undertaking, as most of the villagers make 200 Gouds/day. . . .or $5. Compared to no work, it is a blessing, made possible by the generosity of FUMC's congregation.
Back at the clinic, Nancy and Lynn administered flouride treatments to about 45 kids from the orphanage that is nearby. This is the second treatment in as many years and they were (mostly) all smiles again.
After dinner, the seamstresses among us busied themselves with the finishing touches on curtains to replace the tattered and dowdy ones at the Good Samaritan Old Folks home. . .installation will take place later this week. Others of us used a machine from the clinic to read the prescription of donated eye glasses, to
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