In Septemeber 2008, I traveled 6000 miles to Haiti's Kenscoff mountains. My mission: to care for some of the orphaned and abandoned, the sick, malnourished and premature infants of this beautiful but beleagured Caribbean nation.





Sunday 2 November 2008

Our Littlest Angels:Growing and Thriving!

As part of our strategy to limit the spread of chicken pox, the babies in the high care nursery are being kept apart from children who come from nurseries that have been affected by the virus.
That means that our NICU babies can not go up to the balcony where volunteers spend time doing one-on-ones.

It would be impossible for me to give all 15 NICU babies individual attention for an hour a day but I want them all to be stimulated and to feel loved and secure. I decided to work with small groups of children who were at similar developmental stages. I am delighted to report that all of these little ones are are happy and progressing well.A little angel learning to sit on the NICU balcony

Two of them have received individual attention for part of the isolation period. Both are around three months old and both were having trouble gaining weight. This is no longer a problem for "Ti Cherie" now that I have found a formula that agrees with her. She now weighs almost 11lb and is smiling, cooing and paying close attention to her care givers and to her toys. It was a privalege to work with her and to see her restored to good health. I can't help wondering why God placed this beautiful baby in my arms, or what she will become.

This little man was living full time with Miss Vicky for the 3 weeks that she was here. Miss Vicky is a nurse from the USA and she has volunteered at GLA many, many times. After her first night with her little charge, she commented that he had a strong personality, and so she was sure he would live! The young man in question has gained over a lb. He is still very small but otherwise, his development is right on track. I believe he has great potential. Look at those bright eyes!

It occurred to me a few weeks ago that the NICU boys are incredibly flirtatious.... and that their nurses and nannies (including yours truly) are encouraging that flirtatiousness! We smile, we wave, we kiss them, we make eyes at them, and we take full responsibility for the consequences!

Take this little boy for example (Shown above.) Isn't he gorgeous? He is the sweetest little boy in NICU. All my babies have fine qualities, but this is the sweetest. So mellow, so smiley.

These two boys are heart-breakers all ready. They applaud me when I come into NICU in the mornings. The little boy on the left has made great strides in his development and is now more or less on track with his European counterparts. The little boy on the right was very sick when I arrived a few months ago. Now that he is well again, he is getting bigger and stronger every day. These boys are bright and beautiful and I know that they will go on to do big things in their adoptive countries. How do I now? I just do!

I feel blessed to witness my babies growing and thriving. Many are sitting, cruising or showing signs of being ready to crawl when a few weeks ago it didn't look as though they were anywhere close to doing these things.

This young lady thoroughly enjoys sitting upright - it gives her a whole new perspective. Her personality stands out all ready. When she is happy her face lights up into the most wonderful smile; when she is mad she yells! She is strong and healthy in every way and I am sure that she will carry these qualities all te way into womanhood.

My babies have bright futures. They have been born in a troubled country, but I have a strong sense that the Lord's hand is on them and that they have been set apart. They are Haiti's hope and I pray that they will remain close to the God who conceived them in spirit millenia ago, and who intended them to be born here and now "for such a time as this."

5 comments:

BSC said...

They are all so precious. It's so comforting to know that you and others just as loving, are looking after these angels. Have a great week.

Blessings,
Beth

Catherine said...

Deat Susan,
This message is not for beeing posted on your blog, it is just that I don't have your mail. Thank you for what you did for my little Nadège. I feel really blessed that she met you.... you are a very important person in her life and you are already in her album of photos ;-)
I give you my email address : cat_eveno@yahoo.com
I know you might not be able to write to me before you live GLA. But After, I would love to keep in touch with you, send you pictures of her new life and continue to share with you.
Many many many blessings.
Catherine

Carla said...

Beautiful pictures! What precious babies they all are, deserving so much love. God Bless you in your work and as you love up each one of the babies. I wish I could pop over for baby loving shift. :) Or bring a couple of them home with me :) Take care and God Bless each one of those precious children.

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much Susan for everything you are doing with our babies. You are so precious for them !
God bless you and every one in GLA.
Cathy, France, mom to Wildanise

Big Al, the gal said...

Susan, words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the love you and the nannies and Dixie show these little boys and girls. I watched firsthand as all of you leaped into action and saved the life of "the little [clapping] boy on the right" above, my precious son.

I'm deeply sorry for the pain you have had to experience when precious souls were taken back Home over the past months. I saw in person how much you care about these young ones and I know it hurts your greatly.

May God bless you and strengthen you to continue to endure the bad. And also to see the amazing good He does through you!