The Haitian Donkey Makes Some Progress

Hi All:

The last time, I told you I was enjoying eating and drinking as, by the grace of God, the intestinal fistula (bowel leak) was one of the 60% that healed on their own, ie without surgery. I have put on a few pounds, will likely not put on more as the mesh does not seem to like being stretched much, it becomes a bit tight and tender, so will slowly switch getting my food and fluids from IV sources through my port to oral supply. It is amazing how much fun it continues to be to eat and drink again. Also, with this, I can take in iron orally and my hemoglobin is creeping up. This seems to increase my endurance tolerance accordingly, so the donkey can carry his normal load of work and other burdens as he should and wants to.

Although I grew out the dreaded MRSA from my wound and am allergic to the sulfa we like to treat it, it has slowly healed and my cultures allow me to use another antibiotic to control the redness and mild inflammation that persists, as well as some local applications of infection control. This allowed me to have my first vaccine injection on the 1st of August at Pittsburgh. It went well, the 6 inch needle they use was a bit intimidating, but the PA found a couple lymph nodes in my groin on ultrasound, then came in at an angle towards them with that needle, and, using the ultrasound probe to guide her, speared (or as she put it, harpooned) the nodes and injected half of the vaccine in them. The rest went under my skin of my thigh and the procedure was done for this month. Karen and I will return on the 28th to do that again, then have 3 more chemotherapy agents administered the rest of the week for 3 more weekly cycles separated by 4 weeks each time. Will have to stay in Pittsburgh for this as the treatment is an experimental study and thus closely controlled.  Am praying that this will give me more length of life and that I will use it properly for His glory no matter how long it is.

Haiti continues to be a great prayer concern. As many of you may know, the presidential elections have been a major problem, the ones last October were felt to be invalid and President Martelly departed on time in February. After that, the interim president took over for 3 months, but seems to be fairly authoritarian and unwilling to give up his powers at the end of the time allowed. He also has not been very kindly disposed to the medical system’s breakdown as the employees, from the staff doctors to the residents, nurses and other staff have all gone on strike to protest the deplorable conditions of caring for the poor patients in the socialized medical system (no water or electricity a fair amount of time, doing surgery with the light of their cell phones according to the Miami Herald article). It stated that there are like 20 governmental hospitals on strike now since early spring. As in all socialized systems, there appears to be a 2 layer system, so that those who have finances can get care for a price, but those who don’t just suffer and may just die. There have been a number of rather liberal media descriptions of the situation that underline the sadness of the system’s malfunction. Again, somewhat like in the US, the politicians who could resolve the difficulty are not affected as they have their own medical care available, so less motivated to do things correctly for the sick and suffering. Dr. William would dearly love to get back into his training, but there doesn’t seem to be any reasonable solution on the horizon in the near future. Pray for wisdom and resolution soon as God wills as Dr. William is getting discouraged. Being away from his family and not making progress towards the goal of becoming a legal surgeon is frustrating.

The hospital is functioning well, thanks to the volunteers who come monthly to both help with surgery and maintenance (equally needful and appreciated). I keep in contact with Dr. Moise and he seems to be doing his best to carry on and keep the hospital afloat. Pray for wisdom and strength for him also, that he will not “be weary in well doing.” The chaplains continue to be the bright spots on the horizon, as they are both past retirement age but seem most diligent in reaching out to the patients with the Great News of salvation through Jesus Christ, a Light that can pierce even the thickest darkness. Dan, Duane, Theresa and a goodly number of the Haiti Team have been slaving away in the heat to get the supplies gathered and prepared for loading and shipping a 40 foot container next Tuesday. Pray for safety for the wonderful workers and the arrival of the container at the hospital soon and safely.

Again, the Donkey has stumbled on longer than he planned, but wants to keep you up to date on all the affairs related to him and the ministry in Haiti.

In HIs Service,

Bill, Karen, Rachel, James and Jenn Ten Haaf and the Haiti Crew