Greetings, My name is Travis Weaver and I am excited to give you all a little glimpse of our life down here at the clinic from the last month. First, I should introduce myself. I am from northeastern Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. Prior to coming down to Haiti, I worked full-time as a paramedic in a fairly large urban system. I also volunteered with my local Fire and EMS department as a firefighter/medic. I have taken over the wound care/bandaging program. Previously, Stan Swartzentruber had been in charge of the program and I had the opportunity to learn from him for a few weeks before he left. I am incredibly grateful for all he was able to teach me, as well as the other team members who provide guidance and advice as I learn how to do wound care well. I also help with emergencies that present to our clinic. The clinic is open 24/7 for emergencies and people come at any time of day or night for injuries or illnesses that are bothering them.
This month has been busy with many visitors and events happening. We had the privilege of having Darwin, Paul Lapp and Dr. Males Mainviel come down for an annual teacher & preacher conference/seminar. It was great to see over 200 leaders assembled together to learn more about God and how to better teach the people they lead. It was also refreshing to have the men from the States come down and provide wisdom and encouragement to the team here. After that event wrapped up, some of Loveda’s family came down here for almost 2 weeks. They were so helpful in completing various projects around here. It was also great just having them spend time with us as well. From the moments sitting around the campfire, singing, or having various discussions at meals, they definitely brightened our days. Loveda left on a Thursday with her family to return to the States for furlough and visit a country in Africa. Mackenzie King and Kirsten Erdley (James’ sister) arrived the following day. Mackenzie will be taking Loveda’s place for a couple of weeks. It has been such a blessing having someone join the team (albeit for a short time) who knows how the clinic works, the staff, as well as the language. She is going to leave the last weekend of September and Loveda will return two weeks later.
In mid-September, we had a camp-out weekend. Missionaries from various organizations and groups all came together and spent the weekend fellowshipping, sharing ideas and just having fun. From what I’m told this is the first time this has happened and the vision is to have it once a year. It was a great time to connect with others and hear how they are reaching out to the people around them. Various activities and games commenced throughout the weekend and ended Sunday afternoon.
The weather has been very pleasant since my arrival with it being mostly sunny every day with occasional rain showers. We are going into rainy season so we expect more rainy days ahead.
Below is a picture of the local soccer teams. They have games/playoffs approx. 15 min. from our clinic and it is a large community event. The final playoffs were last Sunday and the local team won, which led to a lot of celebrating and commotion in the local area that night.
The clinic has been busy but not overwhelming. So far there has been 12 births (including twins) this month which is the most we’ve had in one month this year. The beginning of the month we had a few emergency transports to hospitals in the nearby cities but none recently. Below are some various pictures of people in the clinic and babies:
We appreciate your support and prayers.
-Travis Weaver