When the earthquake hit Haiti in January of 2010, one huge consequence was the loss of limbs of many Haitians. As buildings crumbled, people were crushed and their normal function was taken away from them. To make things worse, those in Haiti with disabilities are often cast out from the rest of society and thought of as the lowest of the low. The simple tasks of walking or using two hands to cook dinner, which I so often take for granted, were all of a sudden made impossible. However, holistic life transformation has come to many Haitians in the form of prosthetic limbs, which gave them back the ability to do their normal activities, pursue certain jobs, and live as respected members of society.
Last Monday, I saw this in action. I had the privilege of working in Mission of Hope’s prosthetics lab and clinic, a one-man-show featuring Nono the prosthetist. Nono works alone, building and adjusting prosthetic limbs and teaching patients how to use them. Two of my squad-mates and I organized his patient files, sorted donated shoes, talked to patients with the little Creole we know, somewhat helped Nono build the prosthetics, and encouraged him in the amazing work he is doing. This isn’t just a job for him to make money from, but something Nono is very passionate about. Nono’s own daughter was killed in the earthquake and Nono’s son lost his leg due to the earthquake. Earthquake recovery and prosthetics truly mean a lot to Nono and he is using his skills to make a difference in the lives of so many.
I saw four patients with amputated legs come in on Monday to have their prosthetic leg adjusted. The joy in these patients from being able to come to Nono and in receiving a new leg was indescribable. Some patients waited for hours in the small clinic, but a smile never left their face. One young boy even danced around. Sometimes it is the little things that mean the most.
So often the things these Haitians crave is what I don’t even think about. Unlike these patients, I definitely take walking for granted. I go on unthankful for the abilities I have. Not only that, but I take for granted things like being held by people who love me, having food on my plate, receiving a smile from a friend, being pushed to pursue my goals, and more.
For many of the children here at MOH’s orphanage or in the villages we visit, a simple hug, smile, or piggyback ride means more than we even realize. Village kids with malnutrition tell me they are hungry, while I’m able to get a second serving of dinner if I want it. There are people in my life who push me to succeed and want me to achieve high career goals, yet children in Haiti are often told what they cannot do and their goals for the future are often limited to staying home to do laundry or are even left unconsidered. I get tired of walked around a village all morning when there are people that dream of just being able to walk.
Lord, help me not to take things for granted, but to have an attitude of gratitude, making the most of what I’m given.
P.S. Prosthetics of Hope here at MOH is free to all patients and funded by the sale of 3 Cords products (headbands, bags, shirts, etc.). 3 Cords employs amputee women and mothers of amputee children, giving them hope, a sense of value, and a job when society doesn’t believe in them. And enables many Haitians to receive the prosthetics they need. How cool!
(Many pictures to come when the internet wants to cooperate!)
Myen renmen ou (I love you),
Katie
