Back in Haiti by Reninca

I have arrived back in Haiti after 3 months. It has been wonderful to be back and see the changes that have taken place.  The children’s home is running amazingly and it is great to see the progress the children have made. We are very blessed to have such dedicated staff, that provide care, love and support for the children. This summer we are hoping to employee someone who can provide education to the children on the program and help develop some educational goals for them. In order for this to happen all volunteers will be moving out of the children’s home into some accommodation nearby. This is an exciting new development which is coupled by the employment of a nurse who will be specifically for the children’s home. She can help educate families, monitor children’s development, administer medication and help the children in the home. This is a wonderful development which everyone is grateful for.

It has been an absolute joy to see Grace who laughs and giggles all the time. She is part of a foster family who love her as their own child. She is developing intelligence and showing good development. At the moment we know her vision is impaired but she is happy and cherished which is wonderful. The other children are developing and growing all the time and are such a joy.

My true amazement has been in the spinal ward. I am having problems recognising everyone – as before the patients were all bedridden with no hope of ever mobilising, where as now they are all out and about in wheelchairs or walking. Yesterday I arrived back at the children’s home to find 3 of the spinal patients, who had wheeled themselves down to the children’s home to help look after the children. This would have been just unthinkable when they first arrived at our unit.

Progress is being made and as the Haitians always say when you congratulate them ‘its thanks to God.’