Day 4: hard nights & the fidelity of hope
It was a tough night last for our pediatric crew. For us all. There were two kids brought in and the team did everything they could. Sadly, we lost both after every effort was exhausted.
We could use your good thoughts right now.
It’s Labour Day in Haiti so it’s a little less chaotic. Three orthopedic surgeries completed before 3 pm, including a donated hip replacement.
Two cleft lips repaired as well.
Everyone’s on their second, third and fourth winds.
Need some good karma. And it came in the form of the arrival of the engineers and hospital planners. These guys were assessing the needs of the hospital. Some major problems to overcome or, as they put it, “mountains beyond mountains.” I know we’ll get there. Plans are coming together that’ll include a water treatment facility to supply clean water for the hospital. Talk about something you take for granted. Clean water.
Good karma for sure. I know Brendan Paddick will punch me for saying this but I hope he knows what impact his involvement and generosity has had and will have here. He joined us here at the hospital two missions ago and saw the tremendous need first hand. The engineers were sponsored by Brendan’s company, Columbus Communications, and the impact of this project will change so many lives here.
Truly a blessing having him and his team onboard.
So thankful to all our supporters.
My mood’s changed so much since this morning. Feeling the hope again. That thing inside you that just reignites your spirit. We treated two more kids this afternoon. They came from Karen Huxter’s orphanage, not far from here. Karen is a fellow Newfoundlander doing the 709 proud.
The BBQ is tonight at Canadian Embassy. Looking forward to meeting the officials and taking a little break.
Back at it again tomorrow.
– Andrew
Ps. Thanks so much for the feedback, the follows and the kind notes of support. You guys really inspire us to do more and make you proud.
May 2 at 1:29 am, Sarah Hawco said:
You guys are all doing amazing work! You are truly an inspiration to Newfoundland but more importantly to the the people that you are helping. I am truly proud to say that I have worked with a lot of you may it be for only short periods of time in the OR or Emerg. Or in x-ray. Keep up the good work…you are all truly an inspiration.
May 2 at 1:39 am, Mary Walsh, Receptionist for Dr. Stephen Major said:
Andrew, both your team and yourself are doing an amazing thing by helping these poor unfortunate people of Haiti. They are getting the medical attention that they ar eunable to pay for. Your day 4 blog was sad to see that two small children had succombed to their injuries/illnesses. Keep up the awesome job and us back here on The Rock are very proud to know/even work with such honourable people, especially Stephen Major. Be careful and safe.
Mary Walsh
Receptionist for Dr. Stephen Major
May 2 at 1:44 am, Susan said:
Ok, the 2nd time today I’ve been touched by what you/Team broken Earth are doing – the 1st was when Anthony Germaine talked a little about you & team broken earth this am on http://www.cbc.ca/thestjohnsmorningshow/ and played http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7L1BIDELc Young Artists For Haiti – Wavin’ Flag – talk about lifting spirits. Thanks to Team broken earth for all you do.
May 2 at 1:46 am, Amanda Hogg said:
For all the tough nights there is the promise of something better tomorrow…and the knowledge that you absolutely did all you could with the resources you had! It’s such wonderful work you are all doing, and I couldn’t be more proud of my colleagues, especially knowing that you are teaching the next generation to continue what you are doing in Haiti! Stay safe and God bless!
May 2 at 1:54 am, Loretta Metcalfe said:
It’s you who make us proud. Keep safe.
May 2 at 2:05 am, Pat Rodgers said:
As a Registered Nurse and Educator and Newfoundlander , I am so proud of the work you are doing in Haiti. I would love to join you some day.
May 2 at 2:09 am, Sonia said:
You guys are amazing, keep up the great work!
May 2 at 2:13 am, Karan said:
Awesome job all you guys are doing :). Take care and see u soon
May 2 at 2:39 am, Lynda Hendrickson said:
Sending you all my best wishes and good energy..have you ever thought of selling t-shirts as a fund raiser? I’m in BC right now but recently retired and moving soon to retire in The Battery.. I would love to help in some way. Let me know..i for sure would like to help.
Lynda Hendrickson
Hope your night at the Embassy provided some kind of a well earned break! Please know that you are each and every one an inspiration to all! Please distribute my hugs.
May 2 at 3:29 am, Tracey said:
Andrew and the team so saddening to loose little ones especially after you have done everything humanly possible but know they knew that they were loved and valued and sometimes that just has to be more important when the end of life comes. Rest well. Thank you all for the great work and your big hearts xx
May 2 at 9:21 am, Jadon Harding said:
Keep up the good work and have higher hopes for today!!
May 2 at 10:23 am, Coleen Pickard said:
Sending best wishes to the team. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
P.s. Pat, we ate the one tin of tuna you left your family.
May 2 at 11:13 am, Maureen said:
You are a wonderful, dedicated team of miracle makers. So many familiar faces . What you do , I know, comes from the bottom of your heart. We all need to appreciate what we have at home. Best wishes to you and all from me and Bert.
May 2 at 11:33 am, Arlene Scott said:
Hi folks,
You’re all in our thoughts and prayers as you face each new day’s challenges. The work you do is invaluable. During the moments when all hope seems lost, remember that because of you the people of Haiti have hope…..hope for a better tomorrow free from pain and suffering…
Hugs to you all…..Arlene
May 2 at 11:54 am, Laila Brown said:
Hi Everyone;
Sending well wishes and great karma. Remember you bring hope to many lives, and Haiti has a lot of hope. Great work, wish I could be there with you all. Take care. Safe trip home.
Laila
May 2 at 1:09 pm, Georgie Macfie said:
Sending more great wishes and blessings your way. Reading this blog each day is an inspiration. Hope to go with you next time
Georgie
May 2 at 1:49 pm, teambrokenearth said:
Thanks all for reading and passing along your messages of support. We all really appreciate it here.
May 2 at 8:26 pm, Linda said:
Andrew you and the team are making a differenc.I’m proud of you all .May God continue to bless you all Keep Safe.Linda S.