Melicia is 60 years old.  She weighs 69 pounds at her highest weight in the last three months.  She has been as low as 58 pounds.  Currently she appears to have kwashiorkor.  She has been following at the RHFH clinic for a few months now.  She is not improving but getting worse.  A member of her church took her to the doctor last week for some test.  Her family is around but not wanting to participate in her care.  They believe she is going to die.   When I try to think about where I can house her I know I do not have any  place to put her right now.  I already have one adult living on the porch.  But I think that maybe with God we can help her.  Sometimes you have to go just a little farther than what you think you can.  Outside of that little comfort zone.  You know, beyond what you think your limits are to help someone in need.  I found a place for her to lay her head at night at our place.

Melicia is unable to walk on her own.  She needs your prayers today.

This is Markelly (brother to Gladysse below) he is 5 years old.  They were both in the cholera house this past week.  They have both recovered from cholera but are malnourished.  We also have 5 kids from the RC still at the cholera house.  Once a child recovers from cholera we do not let them go back with the other kids for a set amount of time.  We had keep these kids in the tent, but it is full now. The porch is taken.  Guest house-all rooms being used.  You get the point we are full.   We did not know where to put them so they are staying up at papa Zach’s house for a few weeks. 

This is Gladysse (she is a sister to Markelly above) she is 3 year old. She is malnourished and has a mild case of kwashiorkor.

This is Christelove.  She is 20 months old and 14 pounds.  She also has just recovered from cholera.  Her mom is not mentally right and grandma is taking care of Christelove.  Grandma had a chunk of skin missing from her lip.  Christlove’s mom bite her lip off.  This is her second time with kwashiorkor.

This is Alex.  He is 2 years old and weighs 14 pounds.  He has three siblings that are living with family members.  He has a bad case of scabies and is malnourished.

This is Corlens.  Both his parents are dead.  His aunt has been trying to take care of him.  He was 19 months old and weighed 17 pounds. He died this past week.

This is Frednet.  This is his first time with kwashiorkor (mild case)  He is almost 3 years old and weighs 31 pounds.  He has 4 sibling at home.  His dad died a few months ago of cholera.  His mom is unable to find work and is having a hard time feeding the family now.

This is Gachny.  He is 2 1/2 years old and weighs 17 pounds. This is his 3rd time with kwashiorkor.  He has 2 living siblings and 2 siblings that have died.

This is Valancia.  She is 12 months old and 13 pounds.  She has had 1 sibling die of diar and has 2 living siblings.  Her mom is not interesting right now in caring for her.

The little guy is Wensly.  His mom died at birth.  He is currently 1 month old and weighs 5 pounds.  This is his aunt in the picture below.

This is Wilnot.  He is currently on an IV and not doing well at all.  He is 18 months old and weighs 14 pounds.  He has two siblings.  His mom died of cholera this past month.  His dad is not used to carrying for the kids.  He is trying and willing to learn so we are happy for that.

Loner 1 month old 5 pounds. (May 2009)

Loner  (below) after spending 10 months at Haiti Children’s Home. He came back to the RC and stayed with us for 6 months before returning home with his grandma. He was 25 pounds when he went home.  (Oct 2010)

Loner came back this week.  He is very sick and has a bad case of kwashiorkor.  So bad his legs are leaking water.  There are small holes in his legs where the skin is split open. I was very sad about this.  His grandma says papa has not came around to see him at all and is not providing for his care/food.  Grandma seems to be trying.  I could write a lot about his story and how I feel about his situation.  How unfair life is and the things that he is going through.  How his grandma feels, how his papa is not caring for him.  How is seems like a failure on our part.  I could write about a lot, but tonight I am just to tired.  All I know is I am doing the best I can with what resources I have.  I am doing everything I can to help these really sick kids.  I do not know all the answers, but I will not sit and do nothing.  I will try and I will fight for them when they are with me. 

Loner  (June 2011)

Mercy Me-Bring the Rain lyrics

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I’ve gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It’s never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain