thefieldjournal

Earthquake Relief Team Blog 7: Crowds Continue to Grow

April 29, 2010 by Hannah McLear

the earthquake. Her sons were in the kitchen preparing a meal when their lives were suddenly taken. Unlike many of the other patients who lost loved ones and are still in shock from their loss, this woman was openly weeping. At one point during treatment, she asked “How do I start over?” followed by “I do not want to start over”. She had a fever of 103 and was treated for dehydration, and then was provided funds to sustain her over the short-term. The last patients seen on Wednesday were a man and his two young sons (probably 4 and 5 years old), who lost their wife and mother in the earthquake. The youngest son was trapped in rubble from the earthquake for 4 days. Their physical needs were treated and then they received a sponge bath that seemed to be a real boost for them. They were sent on their way with sheets, towels, etc. as well as funds to sustain them for a while. In between these patients, the relief team treated well over 250 patients at the gym (each day seems to be getting busier). Several children from Hope Haven have worked side by side with the relief team, doing what they can to help. Randy showed his nursing skills by starting an IV on a three-month old, which is very hard to do. Financial support was provided to more newly formed families, where the parents lost their lives and relatives have taken in their children. The work is hard and the emotional toll is large. Your prayers for continued strength, stamina, and effectiveness for the relief team are requested, and please pray for the people of Haiti.