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 31
st 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.