WOW GOD DAY!!

So today I got an email from the 3 eye surgeons going to Haiti asking me if I was comfortable administering anesthesia to a 7 month old? It went on to say how this little boy, Joseph was suffering from severe cataracts and malnutrition (his mother died-not sure yet if it was while giving birth, but that is very common and babies are typically breastfed for 2 years.) So this little guy was born with severe cataracts and if not corrected soon he could have permanent damage and go blind! They were in the final process of getting paperwork completed for a temporary medical visa to the US & had surgeons who were willing to do the surgery, but they heard of our eye team coming so they asked us! So this little guy weighs only 7 pounds...yes 7 pounds and is 7 months old...which presents a lot of possible complications along with the risks of anesthesia! I can honestly say just thinking about doing this anesthesia (mind you I am the only anesthesia provider going to Haiti!) brings me anxiety! Little kids are very different and sensitive when it comes to anesthesia! So my heart was screaming YES, but my head was saying NO!! Anyway-I emailed them back saying I wanted to talk to the pediatric eye surgeon-Dr. Olitsky (to ask about length of the surgery and what it all entails) and I wanted to talk with a CRNA friend of mine who works at Childrens Mercy in KC and honestly-I just wanted to pray about it! So I sent a quick prayer warrior request on facebook then ran off to my doctors appointment to get anti-malarial meds, etc for the trip! The nurse was asking about my upcoming trip and why I was going to Haiti-I told her about the kids I would put to sleep while the eye doctors fixed their eyes and she began to tell me her story! Her son is now 5 years old, but when he was `6-7 months old he needed to have eye surgery to fix his cataracts by Dr. Olitsky at Childrens Mercy in KC!` She went on to say how wonderful he is and how well her son is doing!! So then I proceeded to tell her about little Joseph who weighes 7 pounds (she said her son weighed the same amount at that age also) and is 7 months old and Dr. Olitsky will be doing the surgery in Haiti!! So...of all the people I could have had as a nurse today-I got a mom whos sons story is the *exact* same as little Josephs &  needed the same surgery by the same surgeon and everything went well! WOW GOD! You did not waste time showing me a sign that You are in control!! I think that is just absolutely amazing!! I was crying-she probably thought I was crazy-but I dont think she completely got what just happened...that she was an answer to a prayer and I trust that God will take care of Joseph and will guide my hands to provide this little mans anesthesia! So please pray for Joseph and pray that I can properly prepare to take care of this little guy!! To top off my night...I got free (last minute) tickets to see the Christian band called Casting Crowns!! I love them and have been patiently waiting for them to come to KC- but didnt have tickets-turns out a worship leader I met just last week had an extra ticket and asked if I wanted it! YES I DO!! :) So I pulled up-got a front row parking spot and sat 5 rows back!! Amazing day!! Love, Connie

Getting ready!!

Good Evening! I am getting so excited for my trip to Haiti! I leave 2 weeks from tomorrow!! I did reach my goal!! YEAH!! Praise God! Thanks to all of my wonderful friends and family!! God bless you all!! I actually got extra money~so that will be applied to supplies, anesthesia meds, and the rest will go toward buying clothes and shoes for the little orphans!! Last Thursday I got my passport (horrible pic-but I was in a hurry to start the process!) as well as the bright yellow mission shirt we all have to wear while traveling through Haiti! They also sent a daily devotional book to read every morning for: 2 weeks before the trip, during the trip, and one week after the trip~so I will start it in the morning! They put it together to help missionaries prepare for their visit and even to help with their thoughts and feelings after they return to their `normal` life after experiencing what they have in Haiti! Last week I also got my necessary vaccinations! I got the Hepatitis A shot and an update on my tetanus shot (ouch! my left arm hurt for a few days after this one!) I also had to take Typhoid pills-live vaccine-every other day-4pills over 8 days! Tomorrow I have an appt with my doctor for a physical and she will give me prescriptions to prevent malaria and travelers diarrhea (pretty common to get if you travel abroad...ugg!) Today I bought a journal to bring with me~they recommend everybody write what they are experiencing and feeling so you dont get too overwhelmed with your emotions! They say you cry a lot and you need an outlet-so I used a gift cert I got for my bday and bought a Travel Journal! On the front it says `For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go` Joshua 1:9 and I know He will be with me! :) Love, Connie

I picked up my anesthesia supplies!

The bag says "Northwest Haiti Christian Mission - I Team"