April 2019
The third trip in April of 2019 was another mind blowing experience. This time God allowed for 2 dentists,1 hygienist, 2 assistants, 2 triage nurses , maintenance team, 2 office managers, and 2 intern assistants!
Matthew 21:22
Day 1
Airport, Grocery Store, we got in a little later than normal. All went off without a hitch. ALL PRAISES UNTO HIM.
Day 2
Got off the property great. Wonderful ride to LMF. Bus got stuck right as we turned into the community. Everyone tells me it rained last night. I slept like a rock so I didn’t hear it. But they say it was a ton of rain. Well we met the remnants of that this morning trying to get the mega bus into the community. Check it pictures below of my brothers trying to create traction with rocks. As I write this we are still stuck but I know in Gods time we will reach our appointed destination. We can all see where we want to be LMF. I can actually take pics of it and smell it. However, literally right now we are stuck in the mud. Sometimes God shows you where he wants you but you yourself are STUCK. THat is why we are meant to not be alone. As a church body we are coming together to get this bus out. Not only that but ROCKS are not always bad. We need ROCKS to propel us to where God wants us to be!!! This is our life no matter if you are in Haiti or America! I’m almost 41 years old and have had many rocks and have complained about them. How ungrateful I was.....I know we will not be stuck. Just as soon as God want us there we will be. Y’all keep praying!!!!
We all know how the story ends GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY!
God always has a plan. The bus event ended with us walking our equipment up to the top of a hill to be picked up by a tap tap. We walked to the site. I have never been more grateful for luggage limits at the airport. (Nothing over 50 pounds) 😂 This made it doable for everyone on our team. We formed a line the Haitian way and passed luggage the last person walked it up! This means I really only walked the hill 3 times as opposed to many. God wants us to work together.
Since we got in so late we couldn’t actually set up the clinic last night. We spent most of the morning setting it up. Of course we had a plan but God had a different plan. It’s all purposed. To top it all off the clinic was open about 3 hours and we saw about 14 patients adults today. Kids were in school.
The landscape here is beautiful. People pay a lot of money to see water and mountains in the same view. LMF has that view every single day. We were blessed to see our old friends and introduce them to our new ones. Lots of smiles and hugs to go around. Very blessed to be on this trip with this team. I even got to dance with Kaylee today! I’m old but I still got it for a little while until I get out of breath. Lol.
Day 3
Today was a day I could not put into words. Asking someone if they know Jesus? Do you believe in Jesus, have you accepted him into your heart? It is difficult for me (Transparency moment). So much so that I included it as a question on my medical history form. I have always gotten yes’ until today. It’s all good until it’s time to step up to the plate and go to bat for Jesus. God tells us to speak with boldness. I’m horrible at that. With the Holy Spirit it was accomplished. Two occasions in my dental chair twice and once on the prayer walk. God is working here in Haiti.
Dental work isn’t anything compared to that!
So blessed to be able to be on this journey. To walk with the team in prayer and truly listen to the Holy Spirit guide us where we should go.
He is always supplying what we need. Today I also had another first. Today was the first day I actually our sterilized dental instruments. It was a God thing. He already knew. We had “manna” from heaven and Jesus supplies up with just enough. We did not have to make someone choose a different service. They got exactly what they requested.
While in the states we struggles with how many gloves to order and what size. We struggles with numbers. God has provided, however we do diligently have to seek and work so that he can assist us.
There is no coincidence with God. In October we ordered 4 Dental units. One always states broke down. Joe was fixing it and one kept breaking. Well when we got here this time I ordered 2 hygiene units. Wouldn’t you know one of the suctions is broken and one of the cavitron units was not working. Joe and Jeremy are awesome and got the unit up and running. The suction we can’t get it to work though. But god knew that!!!!
If the team just sat back and didn’t ask for donations or create a needs list it would not have allowed for other people to help us. We are thankful for your prayers and your donations.
Please continue to pray for our team and our leader Aaron and our brother in Christ Arnold. They have a big job to do and lots of followers on this trip. ❤️
Had to walk to the clinic from the bus today. Pray for my feet they did swell but I can see the space between my toes this morning. God is good.
Day 4 REST DAY!
God’s day!
Day 5
God always does exactly what he says he is going to do. He always gives us exactly what we need.
Well today was a big dental day. We screened half the school 145 students. Found 43 with needs. We also had 24 patients signed up for the dental clinic. This is an overwhelming number to me but to God it’s nothing. My prayer partners and dental team prayed with me today. Well here comes God giving me another work day on Wednesday. All praises to him
We got to see our sponsored kids today. Lots of the kids don’t have book bags. The children and people of LMF need our help. I say that to say if you are reading this and thinking I should have done this or I could donate that. Don’t think about it anymore just do it! I have seen children and adults in some of the clothes we have given. They use the book-bags we donate. I have been asked for one of our transport suitcases. I surely hope that we don’t need to pack all the stuff up and have one to offer her. If you want to donate a book bag that would be helpful. There are plenty of students that do not have one.
Well today we brought in our instruments that had been sterilized. At least we all remembered them today. lol. Yesterday God carried us thru with exactly what needed. I think we had 1 syringe left by the time we finished.
The numbers are in so far we have screened and placed Flouride on 145 students. Will treat the others today.
Friday we saw 14 adults, Saturday we saw 25 adults, and today we saw 24 adults and 3 children. We are cleaning, filling, and extracting teeth . They are such happy patients and are not bothered by pain.
Haitians are happy people and they are thankful to God all the time. I am thankful to have them in my life.
God has provided all week but here are a few funny examples.
One of our friends didn’t have shorts for the beach. I had brought my big basketball shorts to wear over my swimsuit. When asked if I had extra I said no but offered mine. Well he was grateful and then out of the blue, one of our team members had extra shorts that I could fit.
Aunt Terri lost a glove yesterday and was telling me about it. Well I had 2 pair of gloves so I gave them to her. He always provides.
Do not worry. Do not be anxious.
Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough troubles if it’s own. He feds the birds and animals why wouldn’t he feed his sheep. I’m so thankful that he will leave the 99 to come find me.
Please pray for my feet. They are swollen. I would show y’all the picture but my toes aren’t painted.
Day 6
Today was an awesome day at LMF! Did I tell you how awesome our God is? Did I tell you how awesome the CROSSLINK team is? Man!
We saw 33 patients today! All glory to God!
I made sure they knew we were coming back in October and expected for everyone to be even better. Everyone was really excited to get treatment. God provided for everyone to get a tooth brush. I did huge toothpaste but we ran out. Note to self get at least 300 tubes of tooth paste.
Today I got the chance to plant a seed for a non believer. I noticed that I was bolder than the first 3 times this week. I’m praying for this young lady daily. She said she knew the story and would accept him but just not now. I’m going to pose the same question I asked her to you all. If you know the story of Jesus why wait? There is no good reason. Realize this if you are not saying yes then you are saying NO. There is no sitting the fence, a grey area; etc. the Bible is clear you will have the opportunity to hear and accept before death. I would not take the risk. I am sad for this young woman and any of you reading this and you are not saved.
Today I got to work on construction!!! Ok ok ok I moved a couple of blocks. Man the work was very gratifying. It’s hard labor but I was happy to be given the opportunity to help even if I was slowing them down. Lol. My feet aren’t as swollen today. Be in prayer for us tomorrow. It’s our last day in La Mer. Makes me so sad to be leaving. Love y’all!
God is GREATER!!! He will provide for them. I just know he will.
Day 7
157 patients treated and 204 kids screened and got Flouride! Glory to God!
All things must come to an end. Sad face.
Well today was the last day in La Mer Frappe, Haiti. Yes I cried like a baby and I was said to be leaving part my family here. God is here and he is doing greater things in this city. Tonight in worship Tiffany suggested In this city by Chris Tomlin. “Greater things are yet to come and be done in LMF. “ It soothes my heart and put into words my prayer for Haiti.
No more Adame, waiting until October. (Octobe) Adame means tomorrow. We often say that when leaving the camp site to return for the next day.
I’m grateful for the extra day. God knows what we need. Patient W needed to be out of pain along with several other people. He sent them thru the team in perfect order today. Patient W was crying this morning. I was crying this morning. I do believe everybody was crying this morning. In a normal situation I would have just given her an antibiotic and told her to return in 3 days. But no more Adame so we had to do it today. She cried, I had to give her anesthesia directly into the nerve. That’s the worst. The tooth was what we call HOT. This meant she was likely going to feel it. We prayed as a team. Patient W hung in there and glory to God the tooth was delivered. That tooth was so broken down I had to come at it from a different angle to get it to move. But once it started getting momentum it came right out. I was trying to deliver it with one forcep but had to switch because of the condition of the tooth.
God is the same way when he sent Jesus! He wants us to tell the nations about him. Once a seed is planted from the direction that an individual who is so broken down needs he gains momentum. Once that movement is started there is no turning back and then he sends the perfect fit of a person (if you are listening) to help lead that soul to Christ. That happened a lot this week. I love y’all!
Didn’t I tell y’all that the dental team rocks? We saw more patients today on the last day than we have all of the work days and I KNOW we were all a little tired. There is Nothing like all hearts on one accord. We pushed thru lunch and completed the rest of the Fluorides and treated 38 patients (adults and kids). That leaves us with a grand total of 137 patients treated at LMF! This is awesome considering in October 2019 we treated 157 total patients and we had an extra hygienist and dentist.
God knows what we need and LMF needs on each and every trip. He provided two nurses Erica and Teresa to go with the April team even though the medical team is going in May. They were my medicine cabinet. I didn’t have to worry about teaching dosing they just jumped right in. They worked in triage with Nat and Danielle as well and they helped apply Fluoride.
He provided Joe, Katy, and Jeremy to help with maintenance and electricity needs. It doesn’t hurt that they also check on their friend from time to time who can be a little overwhelmed, not each lunch, and get overheated. Lol!
He provided 2 hygiene assistants, Tayloir and Kaylee , that have not been to school for that. Actually they are in High school and middle school BUT GOD!
He provided runners who were at our every beckon call to go get whatever we needed. Kelly, Kaylee, Abby, Tiffany, Tayloir, Sydney,Avery did whatever we asked. They assisted, provided flouride, took pictures. They constantly reminded us we haven’t had water. We haven’t eaten.
He provided organizational gurus and quality control officers. Danielle, Natalie, Kelly, were a dynamic trio. They helped flouridate, control the crowds, and keep the numbers. I’m 100 percent sure those numbers are cleaner than they have ever been! They also were so organized we know have a list by grade of patients who need treatment. They updated us on time and what was remaining. All we had to do was concentrate on dentistry.
I can use this list on the next trip.
He provided a god fearing hygienist Lindsay who was like a machine. Y’all she saw 20 patients in one day by herself with the help of God and her assistants. God crossed our paths for this very trip. We have known each other a long time and I am grateful for her.
He provided not one but two assistants Whitney and Melanie who jumped in and blew the roof off in LMF. It’s my favorite place to work EVER! They help make it that way.
He provided an awesome Soror and friend Davia who has come with me on this journey twice. Everyone can do anything once but to do it twice means God is speaking to you.
He also provided MY WHITNEY. I know she is Cam and Lily’s mama but she is MY WHITNEY. I thank God for putting her in my life. GOD has set her on fire since the last haiti trip and I’m so happy for her and blessed to see it right before my eyes.
CALLED TO BE A LEADER
When God calls you to be a leader there is nothing you can do about it. Pastor Ken and Aaron trusted God enough to let this crazy girl run a dental clinic. It has been awesome.
This trip God opened a new door. He allowed me to lead someone to Christ and share my faith with others. Whether they accepted Christ or not it was an opportunity that I took each time. I actually had it happen 4 times in my dental chair!!!! That has never happened EVER! I also got to lead in a prayer walk which was totally led by the Holy Spirit. I got to spread the gospel and pray that I can continue to step out of my comfort zone until it becomes comfortable. I noticed each time I was given the opportunity I became bolder and bolder. Let’s just say that last person really got a deep seed planted. Lol!
Continue to pray for our leaders at home and here in Haiti. It takes a lot to be a leader. God bless all of them. God provided awesome leaders for this trip. Aaron I LOVE YOU my brother in Christ. He constantly kept check on everything even though he had other stuff to do. It was like a cloned Pastor Ken!!! God provided you for the entire team and I’m grateful you answered the call.
FAMILY
Nothing like be HERE with my aunt and my daughter. In full worship and prayer. My aunt can sing y’all and she blesses me every time she sings. The worship team blesses me on Sunday, but to have gotten that 8 days straight has really fed my spirit. When you are saved you receive the spirit but it needs to be fed daily. I’m blessed to be fed daily with the word of God here in La Mer.
Fundraising begins now!!!
My travel expenses/supply/needs for dental. As some of you know if you click on my blog you can donate to my trip. It costs approximately 1150 to travel each time. It’s a God led thing and any help you can give is appreciated. It’s tax deductible and can roll over to my next trips if overly funded which would be a blessing. I will be adding a budget tab soon to itemize and break down the cost of running a clinic. I also have an amazon link posted where you can buy items and they ship directly to my house. I will be updating the dental donation needs list as soon as I get home to my computer.
DONATION NEEDS!
If your heart has been touched by my blog please consider donating to the cause of La Mer Frappe. There are several options available to you.
make a one time donation to hopeunitedhaiti.org
Sponsor a child when available Click on the donation ideas category of the blog and donate. Right now I know book bags and shoes are a big need. When your child at the end of the year finishes with their book bag consider cleaning it up and dropping it off at the church or email me and I will gladly pick it up. When buying your child school supplies for the next year pick up an extra composition book and a pack of ink pens. Place it inside the book bag. Every child needs one they walk to school and this makes it easier to carry books and items given. If you have used water bottles or even cups that collapse ( La Mer can use these). They burn trash and we need to help them be reusable.
We leave tomorrow, please pray for a safe journey. Will give tomorrow’s update on Friday.
Day 8
Today was an AWESOME DAY!
We went to the metal market. I always love the vendors. We also went to tour Papillion.
Papillion is a non profit that helps give women in Haiti jobs. They make triple the amount of minimum wage. They also have childcare for the workers. Today wasn’t as busy with orders. However, we shopped until we dropped in that store. It was all for a good cause. We also had lunch there it was awesome. You can also order online. Www.papillonmarket.com You all should go online and order some mugs, jewelry etc.
It came time to say goodbye and until next time to our Haitian friends. We were all sad but rejoicing in the lord. We got to the airport and wouldn’t you know it our Haiti return flight has been cancelled for today. So we begin to pray and have a worship service right outside the airport. We just give God all the glory. He knows what’s best.
I must admit I do miss my family back home and wish I could hug them but I know God is greater than any struggle we may face. At this point we may be going home at 9am or 1pm From PAP TO MIAMI. It’s Luke’s birthday weekend. If it’s God’s will I’m praying we don’t miss it.
It is hurtful when you miss things that you have planned but it isn’t Gods timing. But I trust and know that his will is the best place to be.
Faith can move mountains. Leaning on my faith at this point. Would appreciate prayers for the rest of today and tomorrow. I often say I’m not ready to leave Haiti. Well God gave me my hearts desire today. Lol!
Psalms 95
Love y’all!
Day 9
God’s WILL
6:48 am.
On our way to the airport. Psalms 95 is what I read this morning. Taking the time to worship him in all things. He is a waymaker and miracle worker.
Yesterday I was sad not mad. Let your heart NOT BE disheartened by your circumstances. Last night sleep was sporadic. I felt a migraine so I have taken some medicine. My head literally looks a mess but thanks to Danielle who blessed me with a hat. I’m believing that we will all Be on the same flight this morning if it’s his will. Some of us will he sitting in first class. If not then let it be so.
Kelly is taking it like a champ. The teenagers were out having fun last night talking.
I was having my inner tantrum.
Yes my stomach is in knots but that is not of God. I have DEMANDED the spirit of FEAR flee. This is spiritual warfare. He will always GET THE GLORY!
Romans 8:26-27,
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (NIV)
9:39 am
I am sitting ON THE PLANE YALL. We dropped our bags got to security and sat at the gate. Joe went up to the counter and says very calmly “go see if you can get a ticket at the counter; they just gave me one. “ i made a mad dash for the counter but felt like I was going in slow motion. Then Katy brings my attention to the monitor at the gate. ALLLLLLL OF THE TEAM ON THE STANDBY LIST HAVE CHECKS BESIDE THEM. MY GOOOD GOOD FATHER SECURED THAT FOR US THIS MORNING!
Yes I’m always nervous about flying but this is a true testament to god’s will. So whatever he has for me I will take it and I’m extremely grateful that this time my desire aligned with his will. I’m going to miss Haiti but I will see it in October and I have to get to my baby boy for his birthday!!!! Yeaaaa!
Thru this entire ordeal the translators and Arnold never left us. They offered reassuring words. Even the ones that didn’t ride to the airport this morning were Facebook messaging me to check on us and offer scripture. All glory and praise to God!
Day 9
Reflection
He does just what he says!
God knew my heart. I have a heart for Haiti. I have a heart for my family. I made a promise that I would be back to celebrate his birthday. 24 hours ago I had to call and tell him this probably was not going to happen. He started asking over and over. But why mommy? But why mommy? He got louder and louder. My heart was broken. Eugene did the best he could to comfort me. Aaron, Whitney, Kelly, Teresa, and many more kept checking up on me.
BUT GOD! When we arrived in Miami Aaron quickly got us thru customs and him and Katy went to work. I know they haven’t eaten. They spent all of their layover time at the counter with Victoria. They got everyone on a flight with the destination of Charlotte or Raleigh. No one does that but God and the team leaders!!!
Aaron and God and Katy heard our hearts last night. No one wanted to be stuck in Miami until Saturday morning and then get home. God made a way and Aaron and Katy followed thru.
Once all flights were made Aaron came back to me and said I don’t think we can change your flight to Charlotte. Then two seconds later he said let’s go try. Victoria worked her magic and here I am flying to Charlotte with no clothes but hey I’m going to get to spend time with and see my family. AMEN! Might I add Aaron and Katy had a flight to catch in less than 20 mins by the time we finished. They waited on me to make sure I had what I needed. Aaron, Katy, Joe, and Whitney also made sure that everyone knew their gate and was in place. What a mighty God we serve. That’s what God does for us. He makes the impossible, possible.
Can’t wait to see my boy!!!He is going to be in shock. Lol! We have arrived and going to surprise him now !!! Glory to God!
Day 10
DO NOT WORRY!
When we got to the checkin counter to check bags, Aaron was told that we could only check 2 bags a person. Remember 20 of us had the first flight out (God changed it to all of us, read previous post) and 8 of us were confirmed for the later flight that day. However, Kaylee and I were one of the ten who were confirmed on the second leg to Raleigh (God changed that as well, read previous post).
The time came to decide which piece of luggage I should check. It’s one checked bag per person and then they pay for all the others. God kept saying to me check the dental units as your checked luggage. Leave your own suitcases until the end. So ok I did that.
Well once I ended up in Charlotte instead of raleigh with my own luggage due to obedience. One of the dental units was missing. I asked Katy and Kelly to wait for it to come on the next flight. They did and it didn’t. They filled out the missing luggage tag. I got the email confirmation and went on about my day.
I literally did NOT WORRY. I didn’t worry so much I had forgotten about it!!! Why? Because this is the same God that got us all home on Friday when the attendant told us Saturday. This is the same God who said “standby” when God said this is your seat. This is the same God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This morning I checked my text messages and guess what showed up at 3:44am this morning? The dental unit!!!
Imagine if I would self apply the Bible and my personal experiences to every worry in my life. DO NOT WORRY KATRINA! Leave it all to God. I intend to do just that. God covers it all, he takes care of it all. I just need to turn it all over to him.
Matthew 6:33
“Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.”
Happy Sunday y’all!
