EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI – ONE YEAR AGO TODAY!

Early last week I was fortunate enough to be invited to listen to our Physicians Lunch and Learn at the hospital where I work. Dr. John MacDonald, specializing in Thoracic and General Surgery along with Wound Care, presented on Wound Care. Great presentation, not the best lunch topic ;o) After his lecture he offered to share an additional short presentation on his experience in Haiti after the earthquake. He ensured every physician in the room that this would have an impact on their career! How could you say no??

With today marking the one year anniversary of this tragic event, I wanted to share how Dr. MacDonald opened my eyes to the reality of the situation in Haiti and also the fabulous story of a man and his guitar.

Here are some photos and the amazing story (click link @ the end of the text and click play): IT'S A MUST LISTEN!

Dr. MacDonald in front of his Wound Care Clinic

Doctors, nurses and patients in makeshift hospital tents

Haiti medical team sleeping prior to beds arriving

This piece reconstructs an inspiring moment amid tragedy and pain, at a makeshift hospital tent in Port-au-Prince. In it, four medical professionals from South Florida recount their experience landing in Haiti after the Jan. 12 earthquake, and struggling to meet a desperate need for medical help.

One describes the situation as “a war zone.” Another describes a feeling of worthlessness, given the scale of the catastrophe.

But then something happens that surprises them: a man begins to play a guitar in the corner of the tent, and patients begin to sing.  Soon every Haitian in the tent is singing or clapping or dancing.  The song: “Jesus, thank you for loving us.”

For those present, it was a tipping point. Asked for her impressions, physical therapist Carmen Maria Romero says,”It’s extremely humbling to be around a people that, in the worst time of their life, have it in their hearts to give gratitude for what they have left– which is dust.”

The hospital tent, set up near Port-au-Prince’s crippled airport, was run by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Jackson Health System and Project Medishare.

CLICK HERE: http://wlrnunderthesun.org/2010/07/after-the-quake-patients-and-healers/ 

My heart and prayers go out to those in Haiti tonight – and all of those who have given their time there. It was such a blessing to hear Dr. MacDonald share. Everyone left the lecture touched by his story!

Where have you seen God’s grace in your life today?