An unexpected event…

I did not share a detail from last week Friday, I needed some time to reflect and process the events.

Last Friday we organized the different Items sent on the sea container and separated them into two piles: one to go to the parish of Riviere Mancell, and one to the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This was a big job and we only accomplished it with help from many people, however, I had to initially handle each box so that I could read the label so we could decide where it should go. This was done fairly quickly and efficiently.

When we finished and after we said our goodbyes, as everyone turned to leave, I started to feel sharp pains in my chest. I tried to ignore it but then I became lightheaded and then collapsed. Thankfully one of my neighbors was nearby and kept me from falling, slowing my fall so that I did not injure myself. People called to me, but I could not speak. It was all I could do to hold on to a thread of consciousness. Someone arrived with a cushion and I was helped to lay back. Slowly I regained full awareness and was able to respond to Sophia who was seeking a response from me.

This amazing young women took charge of the events and insisted that we go to the hospital in town, five kilometers down the rugged mountain road. I was loaded into the back seat of our truck and Fr. Dachemy drove me down the mountain along with Fr. Janin, Sophia, and our guardian, Berman.

I do not remember much of drive down, I was extremely week and could not keep my eyes open. Later Sophia told me that while Fr. Dachemy is a very good driver, coming down the mountain, with thousand foot drop-offs with no guardrails, going as fast as he could, every time he glanced over his shoulder to look at me, well, you might say it made her a little nervous.

The hospital in Gros Morn was damaged during the recent earthquake. Parts are unusable. They are understaffed and face constant shortages. The one doctor on duty was responsible for the emergency room as well as the whole hospital; which has over 85 beds. From my perspective, I did not see these extreme challenges the staff must overcome. Each and every one was not only efficient and professional, but they were also gentle, caring and compassionate. These people are to admired and are a wonderful example of the best medical professionals from around the world. I will always be thankful the experience of being under their care.

After vitals, blood work and an EKG, the bottom line that it was not an acute heart attack. It appears that it was exhaustion and gas. I will visit my doctor as soon as I get back to the States and schedule an appointment with a Cardiologist.

I will not need to start a “Go Fund Me” campaign to cover the cost for the medical care I received. I was charged the same as anyone else in this pay as you go system. Less than $30 US.

After taking time to reflect on these events I have two observations.

One: The timing of this event was really amazing. If this had occurred five minutes later, I would have been alone with no way down the mountain. There is no one in our village beside myself who can drive. Some people believe in coincidences, I guess if you do not believe in God you still believe in something. Everyone has faith in something.

Two: Ever since Denise committed ourselves to full-time service to the Haiti Project, we have continually explained to the people we serve that we are not in Haiti to do for people what they can do for themselves. Our days are numbered. Our goal is to help them discover and develop their own resources through education and human development.

First, Denise being unable to return and my trip is only three weeks rather than the three months we usually stay, and now this. These events speak louder than any words that we have been saying.

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