Monday - Grace Children's Hospital

After lunch, we drove to Grace Children's Hospital.  The multiple building old campus was destroyed by the earthquake.  However, the newer, much smaller expansion across the street survived.  It is in the newer section that, after the earthquake, three wards were constructed for HIV, tuberculosis, and other inpatient babies and children.  (This was made possible by a $1,000,000 grant from the National Hockey League.)  To completely rebuild, about $20,000,000 is required.  Do you know a potential donor who may be interested in this type of project?

Walking into the inpatient ward was surprising; only two beds out of eighteen were occupied.  Robenson, our guide, said that the inpatient doctor had left the hospital.  Since the hospital did not have a doctor, it could not accept patients.  Do any of you know a doctor who could volunteer for a few months?

One of the beds was occupied by Cynthia who was a patient before the earthquake.  Cynthia has epilepsy.  After the earthquake, all children were released to their families since the hospital could not provide care.  No one claimed Cynthia.  A teenager, she has a great personality, always smiling.  Cynthia is credited with saving two other children during the earthquake.  Is there a special family willing to adopt this special girl?

Cynthia in September 2012


While on our tour, one query regarded the general mental health of the earthquake survivors.  That promptedRobenson to tell his story of a lost friend.  Sensing his deep loss and grief, Shirley led us in prayer for Robenson.  It was a special spiritual moment.  Have you felt God's comfort?

One of our team was able to bring several dozen bottles of children's vitamins for the hospital.  Malnutrition is a problem in Haiti.  Most children do not have enough to eat; seventy percent of all Haitian children go to bed hungry.  Is it time for you to join a VIM team to feed the hungry in Haiti?