Thursday, January 31, 2013

Update from Don & Doris:

In the climate like Haiti, you would think people wouldn’t get a cold. But there are many germs in the air and also in the rainy season it can be very damp. At the mission, we have some storage places that are closed for many days at a time. Then we go in and get supplies, move things around to make more room. When it’s damp, sometimes when we sweep there is lots of dust and the dust stirs up bacteria and when you breathe this, it gets into your lungs. Perhaps this is how I contacted pneumonia. This is the second time I have had pneumonia since we have been in Haiti. The last three days before leaving it was hard on Doris and everyone else. With a high fever I couldn't sleep or lie down and food did not stay down either. But I was well taken care of, with pills and IV’s day and night. I was a patient and they had to have patience to put up with me! Elizabeth was working in the clinic and caring for the sick at the orphanage and she knew just what to do for me. She said I had pneumonia and she was right! She got me ready for the long ride to Cap Haitian and she went with us, making sure I took all my medication. The next day we boarded Missionary Flights Int’l who tried to make me comfortable, providing me with oxygen enroute to the States. I was glad Doris was with me and also that Vickie & Peg were waiting for us at the airport.

So that I would be closer to where they lived, they took me across Florida to an ER there. I think the ones at the hospital thought I was a drug addict or something since it was hard for me to walk and breath. They finally got me a wheelchair. After tests and MRI, etc., they stated that along with pneumonia I had heart failure. But prayer teams were praying, and later they said it was just pneumonia. Praise God. After a couple days I was much better and they released me.

We were given a great place to stay, also a car to drive all the time we were here (and it was not just a junker!) How are you going to beat that? Doris and I were given clothes and food and plenty of love, not just a glass of water and a band-aid, but the real thing. God knows just what we need. I did a lot of reading and studying the Bible along with much praying. I got caught up on what’s going on around world and especially in Israel.

Well, Doris and I are 80 years old now. We are going back to Haiti, still being available to God and He’s not finished with us yet… During the time I was ‘laid-up’ I may not have gotten any flowers, but actually I did not even think of it. God’s people have done so many things for me, and when you put all of that together, that’s what makes a beautiful bouquet and the aroma still lingers.

A cleaning lady came into my room. She was a foreigner and spoke broken English. I asked if she was a Christian. She replied that she didn’t know. While talking to her I asked if she had a Bible. She said she didn’t, but could read English. I bought a Bible, and a little while ago went up to the third floor where I had been and found her. She remembered me. When I gave her the Bible she was very thankful and so was I. The nurses remembered me too.

--Don

We have been so very Blessed of the Lord--first of all, for God’s Great Love, Grace and Mercy for restoring Don to good health and taking such good care of us—also for Ken and Marla holding down the fort with the many decisions they have been forced to make on their own.

Our plans are to return to Haiti Jan 31st with ‘umpteen' lbs of cargo, praying favor with God and man as we go through customs. It has been so wonderful being with our girls and family that have been in Florida. They have done so much for us. We will miss them. We also lost a loved one and went to Michigan for a Memorial Service. It had been a long time since we had seen many of them. The younger ones had grown up and it was a little difficult recognizing them. You are all in our prayers.

We are now looking forward to seeing all the children at the orphanage, especially the little ones with all their hugs, and of course, our adult children and our grand-babies.

Thank you everyone that has a part in raising these children by your prayers and giving.

We are looking forward to all the teams coming in. Thanks AND thanks again, for all of your help.

May God’s Blessings enrich you lives.

--Doris

Editor’s Note: We appreciate all who so faithfully support this ministry. In an effort to add to your convenience, we have a new link on our website ( www.ebenezerglennorphanage.org ) that will allow you to do automatic and/or recurring donations as meets your needs. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call (616-550-3469) or email ego2haiti@gmail.com.

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