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.





Saturday 20 February 2010

Now You Know...

Shortly before 4am on Friday morning, Roslin, one of our night nurses, gave Valentina a tube feeding. I had collected this baby from missionaries who work in the Haitian countryside, the day before. She was barely clinging on to life then.

We began giving Valentina small volumes of milk through a feeding tube. She had tolerated these feeds well, and seemed comfortable. Yet a few minutes after her 4am feeding, Valentina's heart stopped beating. She was just too weak and too frail, and her tiny body, ravaged by starvation, could not recover.

I know that Valentina is in a better place, yet my heart hurts. On one level, this is another loss, compounding so many others. And I can't help looking back over the last two weeks, a period in which, we have lost three tiny lives, and not think to my self, they are all dying.

I hurt for Valentina, because there is no doubt that this baby's short life was filled with pain and suffering. Unfortunately, there is also no doubt, that Valentina's is not an isolated case.

Babies died of starvation in Haiti before the earthquake. Yesterday, Valentina became another statistic. Today, tomorrow, and every day this year, more lives will be lost to hunger in this country. Maybe you didn't know that a month ago, but you know now. The earthquake has turned the eyes of the world upon Haiti. You have seen the suffering of these children. Please do not turn your back on them.
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5 comments:

Cathy said...

They all break my heart and I am praying that you will be strong. You are there to give the ones that no one else would a chance. I sent some medical supplies and pediasure through the address you gave and also made a financial donation. I wish I could get you that CPAP soon. But Valentina broke my heart. Starvation is something we all can help! I hope and pray donations will come in and that we all do not forget. Seeing and counting her ribs is my constant reminder.

Carla B said...

My heart breaks for each one of those precious lives. So overwhelming.

denie heppner said...

i lurk on your blog (from bringing our boys home) and pray for you. these little ones that fly away to Jesus change us. we are in the same situation. little ones that are "throw-away" babies here...often we just can't do anything but hold them and love them until they die. blessings for all you do. it is also a great way to love- to love them into heaven.

nicnacpaddywac said...

I can't imagine the heartache all at GLA feel just now - thinking of you.

Catherine said...

So Sorry to read this.... This so hard to see so much pain in Haiti.
Thanks Susan for posting.
Catherine