Amazing Long-term Staff

Well  I havn't taken the time to blog yet since we've been in Haiti.  It's not that I have no thoughts on this experience, rather, so many, I scarcely know how to put all my thoughts into words, so I've let the others tell of the experience from their perspectives...

This has been a wonderful time here in Haiti, and one of the things that has made is so has been observing and experiencing the lives of the long term staff and long term volunteers.  I was thinking about this and how the short blip that usually describes the long term staff does little to really tell who they are in in their day to day lives, so I'd like to share a bit of what I see of these remarkable folks.

Nick and Nicki, are the directors who oversee the day to day running of the facility.  Nicki had to leave for a family emergency at home, just a few days into our stay, so I havn't had too much opportunity to get to know her.  During her absence, Nick cared for their soon to be adopted son, all the while jumping in to the unplanned activities of the day, such as impromtu tours of the facility, going to get supplies, and dealing with the constant stream of new volunteers and visitors.  Nick has a friendly, laid back style that is rarely ruffled (externally, ayway!).  He takes time for meaningful conversations and brainstorming with anyone who will engage him, and loves to think about new ways of generating and conserving power for the compond.  He preaches the virtues of solar power to the neighboring ministries, all with good humor and plenty of ribbing.  It should also be noted he can play a mean game of Prudo, for anyone interested in learning.

Amy is the compound nurse.  She has an easy smile, and lilting walk, and her skirt sways about her knees as she scurries from one part of the compound to another.  Apparently there is a second long-term staff nurse, Tori, who is away on medical leave, so Amy is basically the local medic.  Her primary responsibility is, of course, the children of the creche, but somehow she gets roped into much, much more, likely because of her very big heart!  She will tell you it is a struggle to balance between giving care to those who show up at the gate and setting healthy boundaries in the community, but somehow she does so with tremendous grace and a really calm demeanor, and when she does set the needed limitsm she does so with kindness.  In addition to taking care of the medical needs of the kids during the day, she also cares for kids at night who need extra attention.  Even if they're not in her direct care, she regularly gets woken up in the middle of the night to advise.  I'm not sure how she functions on what must be too little sleep.  Despite her exceptional busyness, she makes time for me when I've asked, I have never seen her act irritated, and even if she doesn't have the exact answer for a query, she has a reassuring, unhurried presence.  I experienced this firsthand in consulting her regarding our boys illnesses the first week and when I accidently overdosed Elijah on Dramamine!!!  It's really a delight to see Christ in her.

Jen is officially termed the Nanny/Depot supervisor.  Somehow this seems such an uninspiring title for all the she accomplishes.  While she does, indeed, supervise Nanny's and is in charge of the depot (the storage room where all the supplies for the baby house and MUCH MUCH more is stored), she also serves as a community liaison of sorts, and is getting involved in coordination of the sponsorship program as well.  Jen is an adventurous, full spirited soul.  While she often quietly endures physical ailments, she rarely complains and instead is a favorite dance off competitor during evening prayer and singing.  Jen likes to think about the implications of COTP's actions on the local community and culture and will sit down for an engaging chat if you're willing. She is an official coke (as in Coca-cola) addict, is working hard on her Creole (which is already quite good), and is working on her moto (motorbike) skills.  She already does her fair share of driving on supply runs, which is an activity only for the brave and spirited.  Which she is.  Jen would really like to be free to serve longer term here at COTP without worries about fundraising or fiancial support.  She certainly would not say so quite this directly, but I will -- she could use some additional financial support as she is a member of a small church back in the states.  She is a passionate, sold-out advocate for the kids of COTP and the kids and Nanny's alike love her!  I admire her greatly.

I would like to tell you about some of the short term staff as well, but I think I'll leave that for next time as I've gone on quite a bit  I hope this has given you the opportunity to know these great folks just a little more personally - it's really a treat to see the body of Christ alive and well and full of love and service in this beautiful community.
Christina