Tori's Stories

Today I finally had a chance to go to the Wound Clinic here in Haiti and help with the redressing of wounds. I had been there once before but only did the pharmacy side of things (which was a good experience too, but not as good). I saw things I never thought I would see and helped give care to wounds bigger than I could describe. I saw some tendons, blood, burns, and absesses. I had to scrub the dead skin off a burn and pick out dried on something or other. It was disgusting! I can't wait to go back and learn more medical skills-hands on. Anyway, this got me thinking about the experiences I've had since I've been in Haiti. Some are ones I had before, but many are ones I would never have dreamed I would have had. Here's a list of everything I can think of (I'm sure I'm forgetting some). Nurse Pharmacist Nanny Mother Disciplinarian Seamstress Employee Employer Employee Hire-er (I don't know what this is called) Supervisor Friend Confidant Tour...

Broken, stretched, challenged, hungry for God, thirsty for his quenching love, loved, intimidated, strong, courageous, lost, overwhelmed, blessed, guilty, and open. These are just a few of the feelings I have had since moving to Haiti. Being here has opened me up to a whole new world of life—a new way of living. It has made the pictures come alive. The statistics I have read are no longer just numbers but faces, houses, hungry pesticide filled pot bellies. Rain used to be something I enjoyed. I loved sitting on a porch and watching, smelling, and hearing the rain come down. But now, each time that rain comes, I cannot help but think of the beautiful faces in Cite Soliel or the children that shout “Hey You” as we drive or walk by the tent city nearby. I cannot imagine what it would be like for your dirt floor to be turned to mud, to not be able to go to sleep because you have to stand up so your head stays above water, to not have protection at all from this rain. Yes, cisterns are...