Osler Family Blog

Virtual Travel

2012-01-16T05:17:00.000-08:00

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3d Twister

2011-12-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

We've set up the Twister. This may be the stupidest thing we've done. Naturally- we love it!

2011-04-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Build the Walls

2011-04-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Freedom Western Caribbean Compass Day 7 At Sea

2011-03-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Freedom Western Caribbean Compass Day 6 - Cozumel

2011-03-20T15:42:00.001-07:00

Freedom Western Caribbean Compass Day 5 Grand Cayman

2011-03-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Freedom Western Caribbean Compass Day 4 Falmouth Jamaica

2011-03-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

Freedom Western Caribbean Compass Day 3 Labadee Haiti

2011-03-20T15:34:00.001-07:00

Freedom Western Caribbean Compass Day 2 At Sea

2011-03-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Freedom Western Caribbean Compass Day 1- Port Canaveral

2011-03-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Freedom 3/11 Cruisers

2011-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

JIm ATV

2011-03-14T03:15:00.000-07:00

ATV in Falmouth

2011-03-14T03:12:00.000-07:00

Some More Family at Sting Ray City

2011-03-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

Mom & Dad at Sting Ray City

2011-03-14T03:02:00.000-07:00

Sting Ray City

2011-03-14T02:59:00.000-07:00

Jet Ski in Labadee Haiti

2011-03-14T02:43:00.000-07:00

Big Snow 1971

2011-02-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

I see Terri Vach but is that Lisa Kelly?

Hit "Older Posts" to see all the photos!

I Only See Brian's Jacket...

2011-02-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

I was in the corner doing my own thing....?

2011-02-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

Backyard

2011-02-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

I broke my arm playing kissing catchers with Jeff Napier and Marlene Wagner.........and Fritz keeps making appearances.

I'm wearing a "Night Brace" at Kirkwood

2011-02-17T17:08:00.001-08:00

The Orange Peel

2011-02-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

We won this record player at Swallens. Then we played Doona Summer songs on it....

Halloween 1971

2011-02-17T17:05:00.001-08:00

Graduation

2011-02-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

Mom as a Toddler

2011-02-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

Mom as a Baby

2011-02-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

40th Anniversary

2011-02-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Old photos

2011-02-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

Bob & Ada Gumbert

2011-01-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

We are putting together a family album for my Mom & Dad's 50th anniversary. My parents have been going through albums. I love this photo of my Mom's parent's Bob & Ada Gumbert! They lived 2 doors up from me and taught me tons.

For Don

2011-01-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

The ship with the yellow boats is Oasis:

Here Don- is the top of the Oasis of the Sea.

Sam

2010-07-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged much? What you weren't reading anyway? It's ok, me neither. My nephew Sam was in a bad motorcycle accident. Liver lac, some tears to the intestine, 9 thoracic vertebrae fracturs, dislocated knee and a Le Forte 1 facial fracture, which required a trach/ jaw wiring. He also had some fractured ribs and pulmonary contusions. There was a point where he was on the roto bed 16+ peep- ARDS and Pulm. contusions/ pnuemonia FIO2 100%....and he was septic. We weren't sure he was going to pull through and had to do what we aren't good at in healthcare. Leave it up to God. God has plans for Sam and we get to spend more time on earth with him. It's a blessing. In this photo Sam is holding up the quilt (note musical instruments) Jim's sister Cathy made for him. It's a great souveneir from a wild trip. To God be all the glory (but don't tell the trauma doc) Univ. of Cincinnati and Drake did a great job!

Magazine fundraising online: Hatian Christian Mission

2010-02-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

Magazine fundraising online: Hatian Christian Mission

Mason Nurse Talks About Helping In Haiti

2010-02-14T03:59:00.001-08:00

Mason Nurse Talks About Helping In Haiti

Posted using ShareThis

From Real Hope for Haiti Blog.

2010-02-11T15:44:00.001-08:00

http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/news-article-2/

Back From Haiti

2010-02-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

I have short term memory loss. I really do. There are some things I forget, somethings I wish I could forget. I need to write these down now so I never forget.
* The roads and infrastructure in DR were amazing. I even saw a PARK....a park...with swings.
*Crossing the border was interesting. Anyone could get in. Saw the "neutral zone"...what a horrible place to be stuck in....neutral.
* Seeing the OB mission with patients.
* 1 Patient in there was a 4.9 Oz failure to thrive 7 week old who stole my heart.

* A lady s/p injury to her lower legs and arm from the earthquake.

* A man that Pastor Prophete insisted that he stay "Because he is a strong Christian and has no home". I love Pastor Prophete's heart.
* The first surgery ever done at the OB clinic. And later that pt. wanting to be, and accepting Christ as his savior, after talking with Betty Prophete.

* The next day watching Rose, Rod and Pablo treat an unresponsive child and drove to Jimani. Feeling limited.
*Watching Betty radiate joy as she provided almost nonstop food for people. She has the gift of hosting.
*Seeing the nurse midwives deliver a still born baby as I started an IV and the mother who couldn't look at the child. It was tiny and perfect....and dead. I was able to get the IV first stick, easing her pain. Praise God.
*Visiting the now collapsed palace and turning around and seeing a child bathe in the streets in front of the tent city. I wondered where the President's tent was located.

Seeing the military outside the Genral Hosp. of Port Au Prince. Realizing this was real and this was a little scary. Feeling incredibly humbled at my inadequacy, yet honored that God thought I should be here to help. Thankful for the team he assembled that all had a heart for Haiti...ergo Project Haiti Heart.

* Seeing the school of nursing that collapsed nearby, killing 60 students and many instructors. Smelling the death, knowing their bodies had not been recovered.....and it was very close, way too close, to the peds and nursery.It was scarier at night when rats were scurrying over it.

*Hearing Serge talk about a little girl in the peds ward with broken legs, surrounded by kids with amputated legs, fearing we would cut her legs off. She would lay there and yell "Please don't cut off my legs". Fearful of Serge, who was giving her morphine , that he would cut her legs off. No mental health support for the kids, no family present for the girl.
*Watching Serge take care of the tiniest babies and loving his passion for the Haitians. What a gift.

* Watching Alison feed babies, stumble over cords and love without complaint. She was a present for me from God.I was fuzzy on 2 hours of sleep. Serge had less than I did.

* A pick up pulls up, a baby is born and not crying, wet. Laid on the scale. Serge and I warm it up and stimulate it to breathe. I had just grabbed that pack of gowns out of my bag, and couldn't explain why......There were no towels to wipe the baby. I went and got some surgical gowns to dry more babies, as 4 moms were pushing, only to return to the staff wearing the gowns, not saving them for the babies....frustrated. The baby was fine and healthy.

*Mothers laying on the floor of the nursery, as the sewer/gutter drainage ran through, not knowing what Mom belonged to what baby....wishing for a universal breast or the ability to lactate myself.Trying hard not to step on moms.
*A grandmother of newborn twins, whose mother was killed in the earthquake. Exhausted.

* Watching Rose and Traci work in the med-surg areas, never fatiguing, but totally exhausted.
* Rick shares his story of a marine watching his first death and his grief in the ER.
* A young man comes into the ER w/ a C6 fx from a food fight. His fate cannot be good.
* The ICU had no equipment and was almost like a weigh station into death. Watching a patient leaning against the wall gasping for breath and screaming to me....and having nothing to offer her. Unable to go comfort her.
*Entering the cracked hospital which had been evacuated for infant formula, which was under lock and key....and only 2 bottles left.
*Watching orderly lines form for food.
*Driving by signs that said "We need food and water" with maps of how to get to them. What would you do?
* Bumping into the biggest marine with the biggest gun felt very, very good.

* Seeing my favorite people at the mission were safe and their families were spared as well. Praising God for their safety and saying "We lost everything, but it's only stuff."

* Pastor Prophete says that God is loving. Sometimes God uses the earth to speak to people.

Mason Nurse Headed For Haiti

2010-01-27T04:28:00.003-08:00

Mason Nurse Headed For Haiti

Posted using ShareThis

We made the News - Cool

2010-01-27T04:24:00.001-08:00

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Mason-Nurse-Headed-For-Haiti/7_cJl3gCpUyC5ytNPcEHOA.cspx

Who is Going to Save US When We Have a Disaster?

2010-01-27T03:40:00.001-08:00

I have heard this question asked by some. I have an answer. Actually my knee jerk reaction was to have 3 other answers. This one I could post.

1) I am a firm believer acting locally , thinking globally. Let's start in your home. Do you have a disaster plan? Do you routinely rotate bottled water or have a purification system? A generator? Well first on your list is.....by all means help yourself. Or are you watching Oprah or Fox? Get up. Get in shape (for me), be ready for a hit. Get out of debt, have an emergency fund. Have a will so your family doesn't have to clean up your mess.
2) Have a community plan. Pay taxes. Get a job. Go visit your local fire dept., thank a cop and be nice to the ER staff. ER staff, EMS be nice to each other (not too nice) and to your medical directors. Pray for your elected officials that they have vision and planning and are responsible with your money.
3) Serve the community organizations. Go volunteer at Matthew 25 or something like the the Red Cross (that was difficult to write). A local hospital. Your local church. A homeless shelter....probably good spots to locate, you may need them someday. Donate some blood. Donate some organs when you die, you don't need them anymore.
4). Pray for our leaders. They are where they are because it is what it is. Pray for them. This constant ripping apart is sickening and has little value. Go hug or thank a person in our military. Support their families when they are away. Pray for their safety.
5). Act globally: Find a global cause that you are called to and serve them well. Learn facts like slavery right now is the highest in the world than it's ever been and do something about it. Donate to people who are making a difference. Go serve in another country. Realize that you can quit asking God to bless America and thank him for BLESSING America. Recycle. Go pick up liter. Be aware of waste.And don't confuse politics with giving a darn about the earth. Earth doesn't have a right and a left....it is round.
6) Act spiritually. Who can save us? Only God. It is his will that I am still typing........deep breath....still here. Must be a reason. Find your purpose. Pray that God will show you a purpose. As a Christian I believe I am only saved by Christ dying for me, wiping away my sins. THAT is my ultimate "survival plan".
Quit being a victim, be a warrior. Go make a difference, don't wait for a difference to make you.
There, my answer.

Shakira Said It All on Hope For Haiti Last Night

2010-01-23T04:42:00.001-08:00

Donate Now: 1-877-99-HAITI in US/Canada, or go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org

Dance Party Friday - Pants on the Ground

2010-01-22T15:49:00.001-08:00

This is our local traffic guy who does a "dance Party Friday" and gives the traffic report, then dances. He is adorable.

Stepping Out On Faith!

2010-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am following God,and this man, Pastor Prophete, down the road to reliance on God!
We just put an order in for $500 for antibiotics that Angie can get at COST! People I have NEVER met are offering to help. How cool is that?! So glad this "isn't about me". I'd be much smaller!

I Am Going to Haiti! GO!

2010-01-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

Happened so fast (Read....nothing to do with me!)
We fly out 1/29 into the DR and then drive to Jimani, DR 7 miles from Haitian Christian Mission. (www.hcmsupport.org) We will be at the mission in Fond Parisien and drive into the inner city mission for a medical camp on at least 1 day. I have NO clue how to prepare. Please pray for wisdom and confidence in God. I have the gift of "GO" I just am not confident once I get there. How do you prepare for a nightmare?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Right after I told my son and his initial response was "Tomorrow?" and started singing "Children go where I send thee".

People I Am Praying or Looking For in Haiti

2010-01-14T03:23:00.000-08:00

Pastor and Betty Prophete for strength and guidance (THEY ARE SAFE)

Dr. Maxene who is doing an OB residency in a Port Au Prince hospital.
HE IS OK BUT HIS HOUSE IS GONE!
Daniel's family and Daniel (And Angie) THEY ARE OK!

DP and his daughter who went to school in PAP.
ZACHARY SAYS THEY ARE OK!

Dr. Patrick IS OK!

Our entire translating team, most lived in PAP ALL are accounted for PRAISE GOD!

Daniel and Dorlus Daniel is OK!

Please keep these great people in your prayers! Thanks.

Pray for Haiti

2010-01-13T14:05:00.001-08:00

(feat. Norah Jones)

[Norah Jones]
Hmmmmmmmm... mmmmmmm
Today is, not like, any other DAYYYYYYY
This one is runnin, turn a darker shade of GREYYYY
What, will, I, have, left (tell me tell me)
(Somebody tell me now)
When, this, hard, rain's, gone awayyy
There is a safe place, that I used to KNOWWW-hohhhh
It's the only place, that I want to GOOOOOOO
Where, else, could, I (tell me tell me)
(Somebody tell me now)
'Til, this, hard, rain's, gone (ah-ah-away)

[Wyclef Jean - repeat 2X]
Grandma, grandpa, mother, father
Sister, brother, Lord
Please help the child
I heard the preacher say it's okay, I heard the preacher say
I see the airplane
I hear the engine on the boat
But y'all can't see me wavin the flag
Somebody please wave the flag

[Norah Jones]
What, will, I, have, left (tell me tell me)
(Somebody tell me now)
When, this, hard, rain's, gone awayyy
Today is, not like, any other DAYYYYYYY
So I'm gone, I have to find, my own wayyyyyyyyyy
(People, we gotta find another way!)
Can, you, tell, me, how
When, the, hard, rain's, gone (ah-ah-away)

[Wyclef Jean]
I see them wavin the flag
Tell the chopper over here man we wavin the flag
I see them wavin the flag
Tell the boat over here man we wavin the flag
Man I'm wavin the flag
Tell the chopper over here man we wavin the flag
Man I'm wavin the flag
Tell the boat over here man we wavin the flag, wavin the flag, wavin the flag

Learning To Drive

2010-01-11T03:54:00.000-08:00

We are learning To Drive. I say "we" because I have forgotten a lot of rules. The boys are doing great, but it is one of the scariest things I have done as a parent. We have been going out on weekends at 7am to practice highway driving. Please pray for us as we learn to live and let go!(We had nothing to do with this photo....just easier to face my fear!)

All of My Favorites Rolled into One!

2009-12-22T04:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Beers

2009-12-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

I like Bud light. I don't condone drinking to get drunk, but I truly like the taste. I have not had pop in 10 years! I am fascinated with names of beers. By far my favorite this season was a beer called "Santa's Butt" Now to find someone willing to taste it! Jungle Jim's carry these.

What Does This Have To do With Christmas?

2009-12-14T03:23:00.000-08:00

Our Santa Shots

2009-12-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

Jim & I grew up 4 hours apart.The back grounds for our Santa photos are amazing. We have studied these photos. We noticed our Santa (Cincinnati, left) has hypertension. Jim's Santa (N. Canton) is slightly blue, maybe too close to coal burning or a smoker? We aren't sure. We enjoy these photos!

90 min. Surviving the Holidays ~ Funny...

2009-12-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

This is an 1 1/2 hour broadcast from comedians about the holidays. I think it's amusing. Pull up a chair.
zSHARE video - www.filmikz.net Srvivig.the.Hlidys.avi.flv

The People Across the Lake, Haiti

2009-11-12T03:52:00.000-08:00

This is where the cook book money went to. A special thanks to Rita Heikenfeld, Jeanne Maxey, Jim Osler, and Phyllis Taylor for their help! $2600 raised for rice to feed the village.
A house made of plastic
Look at his legs from lack of calcium
The 30 min. trip across the lake to get potable water (this is a salt lake)
A happy kid
Can you imagine what a hurricane will do to this village?

This guy has a goiter from lack of iodine, but most likely has hypertension as well. Can't hand him iodized table salt due to his blood pressure. Very frustrating to me. Sea kelp may be an option. 1 hour from the sea... easy fix that's not so easy....

Haiti's struggles to achieve stability are far from over

2009-11-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Haiti's struggles to achieve stability are far from over

Here are pics from both weeks in Haiti if you are interested!

2009-11-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/oslerfamily/HaitiWeek1#
http://picasaweb.google.com/oslerfamily/HaitiWeek2#

Amy's shower

2009-10-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

My niece, Amy, is expecting her first child. Mom & Mallory were there but I had more fun than I had the ability to focus, so I didn't get their pictures! We are all very exciting about this baby!

10/24 Run for FAME!

2009-09-20T04:29:00.001-07:00

FAME, a medical mission based in Indianapolis, is engaged in the battle to decrease the incidence of these seven most preventable illnesses. The plan is to accomplish this through assistance in community health initiatives in developing in countries and mobilizing short-term teams of American workers to provide health care and appropriate teaching.

FAME has organized an event that has gone multi-site. This event called Run for Their Lives (7 K competitive Run and Walk along with a 1 K Kids Funs Run) will take place in Liberty Township OH on October 24th and October 31st in Carmel IN. The Liberty Township OH event will start and end at Center Pointe Christian Church and the Carmel IN event will start and end at Cherry Tree Elementary School on Hazel Dell Pkwy.

Runners, walkers, and families are encouraged to register online. Hope to see you in October!

Register Online at www.getmeregistered.com/famerun.

Safeco Field 2003

2009-09-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

We're Cooking!

2009-09-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

New recipes added to our cooking blog, all from the cook book! Come join the fun!

http://oslercook.blogspot.com/

Confusing God's Idea of Missions with Patriotism

2009-09-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm frustrated. I've been that way for a few weeks. Here's the situation. I'm at work and our hospital Chaplain says "Karen, I want you to go on a mission trip with me!" I say "Where?" He replies "Alaska! From mid Sept. to Oct. We'll live with a tribe who self sustains, no Gov. aid and we need a nurse for the trip" I reply "Sounds awesome, but I can't because I leave for Haiti in October". His response floored me. "Yeah, I have to admit, I have issue with you going to Haiti. I think we are called to help here at home" I refrained from pointing out that Haiti is closer to my home than Alaska. I said "Usually when someone tells me that I should be helping locally, I say 'It sounds like God wants you to help in a specific place. I think you should listen to him', but in your case you are already doing that.' I fumbled through my response to him, and kicked myself for the past few weeks. My husband calmly reminded me that he is a human and will not be perfect. I get so frustrated when we confuse God's calling with patriotism. I get behind a lot of missions locally by either giving of my time, my kitchen or my dollars. I feel strongly that America is very, very blessed and if I hear "God Bless America" (which sounds like a 2 year old saying "Gimmee" imho) then I am just going to spit! I feel God HAS blessed America. America sucks it up like a sponge and wants more. I'm not hating on local missions, please don't get me wrong! I think there are some amazing people out there doing amazing things! Mother Teresa said "If you can't help everyone, just help one". My point is that God has called me for this specific task in this moment. It wasn't a pleasant "Yoo hoo, sweety!" kind of a call. It was an angry "Move when I tell you to move!" kind of call. Like he'd just about had it with me and my nonsense. I thought I was headed to Venezuela and he clearly pointed me (and then Jim) into Haiti. I didn't say "Sorry Lord, I'm just going to help at Matthew 25 , you can find someone else" because it just wasn't an option. I guess I am using my corner of the cyber world to throw my 2 year old tantrum or give my delayed rebuttal that the chaplain will never hear (He's in Alaska!). I just hope that if you decide to give an opinion about what someone else should be doing with their time or mission...well, you just shut up. If you ask God to bless you, yet again, you sure as heck better be a blessing to someone else. There, I have closure. Thanks for the vent.

Mallory & Josh's First Home

2009-09-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about my niece, Mallory & Josh's first home. So cute!

My Neice Abby at Bowling Green

2009-09-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Different Screams.....

2009-09-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

One of the things I never expected while in Haiti was the night time screams. I also never expected such variety.
Early in our stay we were awakened at 2am with a blood curdling scream of pain. We all sat up trying to figure out what the reason was. Then it was quiet..... a few minutes later, a louder scream, from the same female. Then again quiet.After 5 screams, followed by quiet we realized the woman was in labor. I laid there, thankful for my c section, thinking I could never go through that. Then we heard another scream, a wail. A cry of newborn life. We all giggled and fell back to sleep. Later we found out the doctor told her "Sh! Be quiet. There are Americans trying to sleep upstairs!" Can you imagine being told that during labor?! I would have screamed my loudest for the "Americans!"
The next night around 2 or 3 am we heard a truck pull up, then commotion. Then we heard a slow sorrowful moan that erupted into an explosion of grief, the type of scream your heart makes when there is the death of a loved one. Apparently a woman put her sister on a tap tap and rushed to the clinic. The doc went out and pronounced the sister dead in the taxi and they drove off with her body. It was such a sad scream. All we could do is lay there and pray. We didn't have all the info until the next morning, but knew that cry. We had been nurses too long to not know that cry. I think all of our hearts have made that cry/scream at the loss of a loved one.
By this part of the week we were ready for a good night sleep . We had run a few clinics and were excited to get to pass out rice the next day. We had spent some time this afternoon bagging the rice, we were excited to distribute it. There were 6 of us to a room, some were on mats on the floor, some had beds. It was 3am, when Pam, our most experienced mission team member let out a high pitch scream. I slept with a flash light (an old habit from being a Camp Nurse), I shined the light on Pam. Apparently a mouse ran across her chest, as she slept on her mat. We had been warned that the mice will follow the rice, but didn't expect that. It was quite startling for Pam!
Anyway ~ We got a lesson in the variety of screams. Be it life or death or fear, we can scream. I am in awe of screams now. Since returning to the ER I have only heard an additional scream of anger, or a coworker scream with laughter. I am becoming a fan of this human response and am glad Haiti taught me the varieties of the scream.

What We May Do In Haiti

2009-08-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

Day 1 Unload our luggage, eat dinner and play with the kids.
Day 2: Start to set up pharmacy. This requires counting and bagging all the meds into a certain number and organizing the meds into categories in the pharmacy. People will begin to line up and we may get to start seeing people on this day.

~Stations~

People get a white card and their chief complaint and number are on there. Taking people in order is a very big deal and keeps peace/flow. The people are however quite considerate and very sick people do get seen faster. Lonnie & Pastor Prophete make that call and he is not challenged.

Station 1: Parasite Station

Anyone can do this station. The goal here is to get antiparasitic meds into the person so they have better health. Here’s the rub ~ no parasite med, no being seen. Some people have lack of trust of the medicine and will spit it out. You are supposed to watch them chew it and have them open their mouth to make sure. It isn’t that great tasting, we will also take this medicine on the last day. I may bring hard candy to help get the taste out of their mouth. Pregnant women, children under 3 and breast feeding women have a pink liquid to swallow. Some elderly have no teeth and this is also an option.
The translators are great diplomats with taking this medicine and assuring the people that it’s okay to take. I think we are asking them to trust us and apprehension is understandable. You also need to watch the pace and go slower at this station.

Station 2: Vital Sign Station
Usually someone trained in this does it, but really anyone can with simple instruction. The b/p cuffs are automated, and heart rates may also appear. Temperatures were also taken via an ear thermometer. You will hear our staff say “I think the machine is wrong!” The blood pressures can be off the charts. A b/p of 260/130 wouldn’t be surprising. Jim saw a temp of 105 w/ a boy with Typhoid. A translator may not be at this station, but nearby if you need help (usually from parasite station). Again go slower in these stations as triage gets backed up. Bring a watch w/ a sweep second hand!

Station 3 : Triage

This station will have a nurse or paramedic. You work with a translator, get chief complaint and associated symptoms. Do a brief exam and decide if they can go to pharmacy from there (for OTC meds), or if they need to be seen by MD or nurse practioner (CNP). If you think they need prescription medicine, they see the MD/CNP.

Station 4: The People “Movers”

This role can be done by anyone. It requires that you go to triage and “move” the people from triage to either the MD or CNP or to the education station. You will stand the whole time and wear a big smile. You communicate with hand signals. Usually there is no translator here.
While moving, you may also notice the clinic runs a (separate from FAME) vaccination and infant care education. Do not turn your back to these women….just trust me don’t. They are very funny and uninhibited people, who teach me things like “don’t turn your back on me”.

Station 5: MD or CNP
Not everyone goes here. It is staffed by an MD (either ours or a Haitian MD, from the clinic) or a CNP/PA. A nurse may be asked to see patients if they are short advanced practice nurses. This decision is made by the triage RN. They will order prescription meds if needed. They may also pray with the patient. This station will have a translator.

Station 6: Education:
This station can be done by anyone.
This is also a mandatory station. People would like to skip it, and just go to the pharmacy. It serves 2 purposes, to educate the community and to give pharmacy time to fill their order. Education be on community health, Christianity / principles, or personal care issues. Pam brought puppets last year that the community really enjoyed. Barb, a dental hygienist, brought a mouth and a bunch of toothbrushes and dispensed them after she taught oral hygiene. I brought a poster on seatbelt safety…..and changed it the first day I taught to “Things that Upset the Stomach”, as there are few seat belts in Haiti. :P You will have a chance to look over teaching aids before you leave the US. You do not have to have them printed. FAME will have a large teaching guide for your use. You will have a translator at this station.

This is Thonny he translates in the education station. Thonny has a very relaxed and smooth delivery. If I ever owned a company, Thonny would be one of my first hires in sales.

Station 7: The Pharmacy
People will line up on the bench and await their name to be called. Anyone can work here! Lonnie will work with a translator to make sure the patient understands how and when to take this medicine. Last year we were able to distribute rice, too!

Other services Offered:
Vision & Eye Glasses, run by Dorlus
Ear Wax removal station: run by staff (or Jill)
Sometimes we even have a respiratory therapist. Here is Sharon stimulating a baby to breathe and giving an treatment:

We will also go to church . Pastor Prohete and Lonnie will talk and we will sing 3 songs to the community. They serve real wine with communion.

Hang on for the ride of your life!

More pics can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/oslerfamily/FAMEHaitiOctober2008#

US Warnings For Driving in Haiti

2009-08-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

This is from the State Dept. website. I found it amusing.
"Those who drive in Haiti should do so defensively and conservatively, avoid
confrontations such as jockeying for position, and remain aware of the
vehicles around them. Drivers should carry the phone numbers of people to
call for assistance in an emergency, as Haitian authorities are unlikely to
respond to requests for assistance. When traveling outside of
Port-au-Prince, drivers should caravan with other vehicles to avoid being
stranded in the event of an accident or breakdown.

Although written and driving tests are required to qualify for driver's
licenses, road laws are not generally known or applied. Signaling imminent
actions is not widely practiced and not all drivers use turn indicators or
international hand signals properly. For instance, many drivers use their
left blinker for all actions, including turning right and stopping in the
road, and others flap their left arm out the window to indicate that they
will be taking an unspecified action. Drivers do not always verify that the
road is clear before switching lanes, turning, or merging.

Speed limits are seldom posted and are generally ignored. Speeding is the
cause of many of the fatal traffic accidents in Haiti, as are overloaded
vehicles on winding, mountainous roads and vehicles without brakes. Poor
maintenance and mechanical failures often cause accidents as well. Drivers
should be particularly cautious at night, as unlighted vehicles can appear
without warning.

Right of way is not widely observed in Haiti, and there are few operational
traffic lights or traffic signs. It is advisable at most intersections to
stop and verify that there is no oncoming traffic even if it appears that
you have the right of way. Drivers can be quite aggressive and will seldom
yield. Walls built to the edge of roads frequently make it impossible to see
around corners, forcing drivers to edge their cars into the road at
intersections to check for oncoming traffic.

In addition to vehicles, a variety of other objects may appear on the road
in Haiti, such as wooden carts dragged by people, small ice cream carts,
animals, mechanics working on vehicles parked on the street, and even
vendors and their wares. Vehicles are often abandoned in the road or by the
side of the road. There are few marked crosswalks and sidewalks, and
pedestrians often wend their way through traffic in urban areas."

That being said....off we go!

The Boys in Their First Car!

2009-08-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

Dad explaining the car to them and all they hear is "CAR!"

Dad sold the boys their 1st car. He is learning how to take pictures w/ Wesley's phone.

William sort of has his lean on, ridin' dirty.....

I'm not ready.....

Does Anyone Agree?

2009-07-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

I think my brother looks like Dave Ramsey.....

Only more handsome......

Boys at Camp Kirkwood's Homecoming

2009-07-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

Stormin' Norma

2009-07-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking about this woman. Her name was Norma Batchelor. We called her "Stormin' Norma", during the war. She was an LPN at University Hospital's cardiac cath lab. Norma actually started cardiac cath lab nursing back in the 1960s...before radiation safety standards were in place, before LPNs were booted into nursing homes (which was a day nursing took a big loss,imho). Norma helped train many of our senior Cincinnati cardiologist. She had their respect. I recall when one cardiologists' father was dying in the cath lab, it was Norma he called for. She had so many sayings that stick with me today. My favorite is rooted from this typical scenario: The cath lab room is dark, the MD is struggling to select a coronary artery that doesn't fit into the "norm". He's getting frustrated with the catheter he's using and says "I need an Arani 2"... the latest and greatest new toy in the catheter world. Norma quietly goes and gets a "multipurpose" catheter, not what the doc asked for. The doc gets angry and says "I asked for an Arani, not a multi-purpose..... Norma leans over and says "I'm not gonna give ya' what ya' want. I'm gonna give ya' what ya' need. Now get that vessel!" And the doc would slide right into the vessel. I always feel like God talks to us like that. We are asking for things we want, he gives us what we need.
Another thing Norma did that was so right was she would pray with a patient if they were really scared before the cath. She'd be real clear with the patient as to what she was going to pray about. She'd tell the patient "I'm not gonna' pray for you 'cause you need it. I'm gonna pray for you cause you THINK you need it!" And the patient always laughed and calmed down.
Norma died of lymphoma, I submit from (early) years of radiation exposure. There was no victimization of her death. Her family received no compensation. But there are a handful of nurses and cardiologist who hold this great lady with very high respect. She's an unsung hero of Cincinnati cardiology that no one knows about. I take Norma's spirit with me when I enter a patient's room or when I pray for a patient. I cannot wait to hug her in heaven and I thought someone should write about an unsung hero.
"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker" ~ Helen Keller

Ad From 1961

2009-07-09T03:54:00.001-07:00

But I still cook......

What To Leave Behind....

2009-07-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

So much of my energy all year is spent on "what to bring to Haiti". Lately, I have been thinking more about what I want to leave behind. I am wired for structure, high volume efficiency, and lots of distraction. I look at that shopping list and find myself wanting to leave all of it behind. My friend Cindy said that when she was in Haiti she had to find herself really slowing down and focusing on the person in front of her. So my check list for leaving behind is ~
Speed, distraction, being 'efficient'...
I also want to leave behind pity....but feel like I left with more respect for the people than any pity. I found myself feeling pity for celebrities, politicians, or the wealthy when I got home. I want to leave behind my fascination with the kids, and focus more on the employment and empowerment of the people. I want to leave behind rules and remember whose clinic I am in. I recall they told me "Don't let anyone in".....so I did that, but offended one of the nurses who was trying to come to work. This year I want to meet the staff upfront and learn what their daily routines are, then mold our mission around that.
I want to leave behind my nervousness of singing in front of a group. Having my brother Brian there will really help me with this. I love singing with him. I was so humbled to stand before these people. I can't wait for Brian to see what we see.
I did leave behind a lot of fear last time, so that gets put back on the do not bring list.
My list will grow as time gets closer. Recently I have been reading from long term missionaries that they feel short term missions can do more harm than good. They appear to breeze in, act fake, act like they "pity" the people or that they are on an ego trip "Look at me, I'm so good". It really upset me, because that wasn't a fair picture. I questioned if I was doing the right thing by going. Then I remembered I didn't go for me, I didn't want to go. I was in the service thinking "I think missionaries may be suicidal" when God practically blew me over with a stern "You move when I tell you to move!" I jumped and ran, he turned me away from Venezuela and right into Haiti. I truly felt called....no ordered. It wasn't exactly the warm fuzzy self absorbed feeling the missionaries pinned on me. I also began reading the book of ACTS. Paul was the king of the short term mission trip! I will work this out as the weeks get closer to Haiti. Right now I am praying for $10,000 to come to Pastor Prophete so he can get a pick up truck. It is something I would GLADLY take to Haiti......

Our 2005 Trip to DC & Philidelphia

2009-07-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Independance Day

Did They Really Need to Point Which One Was Jackson?

2009-06-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

In this handout provided by the US Army, Singer Michael Jackson (R) receives letter of appreciation from Col. Robert M. Waltemeyer (L), the garrison commander of Camp Zama at a U.S. Army base, Camp Zama on March 10, 2007 in Zama, Japan. (Photo by U.S. Army/Getty Images)

Favorite Alaska photos

2009-06-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

The American Bald Eagle impressed me so much. They are majestic, mate for life, build huge nests and are amazing animals!

Walking through Ketchikan trying not to look like tourists was fun.

Seeing the top of Mt. McKinley >20,000 ft. made us feel appropriately small.

Trying new foods, like halibut pizza was interesting and VERY good!

Going whale watching and finding the whale was going people watching.

God showed us his power and glory. You just felt like yelling out Psalms.

This old abandoned bridge reminded me that we are not permanent. We are temporary.

Waking up to this you felt complete and this was more than enough to see for the day.

Getting time together as a family.....priceless!

2009-05-06T10:16:00.001-07:00

I Like This Church Sign

2009-05-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Seven Success Keys

2009-04-29T14:28:00.001-07:00

Right now with the economic meltdown going on, or not going on, depending on if it’s Monday or Friday, I think we all want our individual success to depend on us, not on the economy, not our employer, and certainly not the government! So here are a few keys to consider:

1. “You have to be before you can do, and you have to do before you can have,” Zig Ziglar, www.ziglar.com. Dad lays it out pretty clearly right here. Success starts with being the right kind of person first. Build the proper character foundation in your life, then apply it with great work ethic, and only then can you have the things in life you want.
2. “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want,” Zig Ziglar. This is the philosophy that guides your be, do, and have mindset.
3. “All great failures are moral failures,” Fred Smith www.breakfastwithfred.com. Dad’s mentor Fred Smith points out that anytime you see a great failure, it is not because of their intellect, but because of some great moral failure. The current economic crisis is a perfect example of this. Greed and instant gratification are the two primary reasons we have a crisis right now. Isn’t it morally wrong to knowingly encourage someone to take a huge risk? Isn’t it morally wrong to take a huge risk for no other reason than instant gratification?
4. “The five predictors of success for someone starting and running their own business are passion, talent, determination, self-discipline, and faith,” Dan Miller, No More Mondays, www.48days.com. Do you have what it takes to be your own boss? Dan is the go-to guy for advice on this. How cool would it be to wake up every day doing what you are passionate about? (Trust me, it’s COOL!)
5. “Debt is dumb, cash is king,” Dave Ramsey, www.daveramsey.com. Imagine having no debt in your life. Would you sleep better? How much freedom would you have? Being debt free is a choice and Dave gives you a specific plan of action on how to become debt free. I must warn you though; the plan is very simple, although not necessarily easy because there are no gimmicks or shortcuts. It only requires common sense and uncommon discipline!
6. “Eat pure,” Tom Ziglar, The Purity Diet. The most important asset you have is your health. The best thing you can do to benefit your health is to eat right. If you “eat pure” every day you will be amazed at the results.
7. “I’ve heard it, too: Motivation is temporary, and I agree. But then, so is bathing and eating, but if you do both of them on a daily basis you will live longer and smell better in the process,” Zig Ziglar. What kind of fuel are you running your brain on? Put the good, the clean, the pure, the powerful and the positive into your brain on a daily basis and the amount of good stuff that comes out will astonish you!

I Love My Purse from Haiti!

2009-04-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

God's Plumbline from Corrigan Clay on Vimeo.
Watch this video. If you want to order a purse, contact me. Great things are being done for the women and future of Haiti! Be a part of it.

It's a Great Grill Day!

2009-04-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

How to opt out of cookie sniffing and trading

2009-04-23T13:52:00.001-07:00

From Seth Godin's blog:
How to opt out of cookie sniffing and trading

As discussed before, there are networks of companies planting cookies on your machine and tracking behavior across websites. That means you'll see an ad on one site based on what you did on another.

You can opt out for free. Here's the not very well promoted link.

You'll see a list of which members of the NAI are already placing a cookie on your machine and you can get rid or some or all of them.

To be really clear: I don't mind the cookie sniffing. I don't mind getting better ads. I don't mind the sites making money.

I mind the sneaking around part.

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Posted by Seth Godin on April 19, 2009 | Permalink
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Cool Place to Visit

2009-04-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

If you are ever in Cincinnati, at Findlay Market, this is a must visit place: http://www.auntflora.com Also visit De Stewart's "The Colonel" Herbs & Spice. Fun places to go.

Slavery Still Exists

2009-04-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Unbound Movement - Katie's Story from Unbound Movement on Vimeo.

I Will Rise

2009-04-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

As Promised ~ Rita put it in her column

2009-04-02T11:59:00.001-07:00

Here's The Link
Broccoli cheddar soup
I haven't forgotten about Claudia Gehr's request for this recipe from Lazarus' Lima store. That soup did not contain mushrooms, and the broccoli soup in my Lazarus cookbook does.

This recipe may fill the bill. It comes from a unique cookbook called "Making Mud Taste Good." Friend Karen Osler gathered tried and true recipes from colleagues, family and friends (me included) and put them in a cookbook to benefit Haiti Christian Mission.

I don't need to go into detail about the great need here, and Karen is hoping that enough funds can be generated to help purchase a pick-up truck for the mission.

The folks in Haiti actually bake and eat mud cookies. They mix mud with water and flour since they erroneously think they get nutrients from the soil. The cost is $15.50 and that includes shipping. You will find lots of keepers in this book.

4 cups broccoli, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 stick butter

4 cups good chicken stock/broth

1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cups sour cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

Salt, pepper to taste

Brown onion and broccoli in half the butter. Melt other half in large pot with small amount of broth. Remove from heat and whisk in flour.

Return to heat and add rest of broth. Whisk in sour cream. (If it's too thin you can make a sour cream/flour paste and thicken it more.)

When the soup is hot, add cheese, and broccoli onion mixture. Season to taste.

Birthdays are Poopy................

2009-04-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today I began an unusual birthday tradition. I picked up dog poop and took Tater to the vet. As I was cleaning the yard from various "piles O' Tater", he would follow behind me and sniff over each newly cleaned spot. He almost seemed proud the he'd left his scent or mark on the world. It made me think of how God must look down on us as we delight in our crap (cooking, blogging, scrapbooking). We are so proud of our little mark on the world, much like Tater Tot was of his. I knew that it was just dog crap, and really didn't warrant the joy Tater was giving it. Maybe God knows it's just human crap, but delights in our joy of our creation. Maybe through our pride of our creation, we can better understand his pride of us.And I promise I will never write about dog poop and God again.

Heartline Ministries Sewing School

2009-03-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

I bought a purse from Heartline Ministries sewing school. http://www.haitiancreations.com/browse/type.php?id=8I looked at the pretty variety of purses. A burlap bag is what caught my eye. I realized how hard it must have been to sew burlap, and the time it took. I was surprised when the burlap said "Product of Honduras" (I was hoping to promote Haiti!), then I realized that Haiti really is limited on what they can produce. A friend of mine, Dr. Scott, who leads medical mission teams into Honduras told me it was a coffee bag ~ I love coffee. This little bag, made by Myrielle in Haiti is continuing to teach me things and take me places. I am really enjoying my bag!
Today I read this from Luke 12:33 - 34 Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

Haiti Pics on Smilebox

2009-03-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Cook Books Are IN!!!!

2009-03-09T11:37:00.001-07:00

Please order a cook book....or 2?! I think these are fabulous recipes (7 cents a recipe!) And it goes to a GREAT cause! Thank you so much!!!

2 Great Cooks

2009-02-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Rita Heikenfeld and Jeanne Maxey. They were both MAJOR contributors to the cookbook. Rita is on the left, I'm in the middle and Jeanne is on the right. This is taken before Rita's Soup class at Jungle Jim's. I am blessed to have these women in my life.

Dad's Spaghetti Dinner

2009-02-12T05:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend Dad will be orchestrating his famous Spaghetti. 200 meatballs, here we come! I left out 2 lbs. of sausage and 18 lbs. of hamburger.....Oy! What fun. The recipe will be in the cookbook. It's the "big" recipe too. I could not (read would not) cut it down!Freeze the leftovers up to 2 months, or better yet - go feed someone who is hungry!

From 97 Seconds with God Blog

2009-02-11T04:21:00.000-08:00

Jon is covering Proverbs 12.
Proverbs 12:11
He who works his land will have abundant food,
but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
I look out over my garden and am starting to see spring. I see some o the Stella D'Orro daylillies that I "rescued" from the front entry to our subdivision are growing. They have baby sprouts. It's exciting. I am buying cilantro & parsley seeds today. I look at magazines and dream of the someday garden. But I haven't picked up a shovel. Now while the soil is loose and wet, I watch the grass creep into the garden. I want the flowers, not the effort. This year I am going to be about the effort,not the flower and NOT my style. I go for the flower, all about the flower. All winter long I have kept my mandivilla flower ($45!) alive because I had to. It cost too much. It keeps trying to grow but I am reducing it's water so it holds back until it's time. I think God does that for us. He gives us just what we need until our time. Here is a picture of last year's mandivilla and how it looks now, while it's waiting. I get to water it this weekend and I am so excited for it. Does God get excited when he waters us? I think so.

2009-01-30T06:54:00.000-08:00

I always looked up to my siblings. Here we are at Easter, down at Grandma Taylor's home.

I Have a "Due Date"!

2009-01-20T14:29:00.000-08:00

The cookbook will be ready 3/13 "give or take 4 days for shipping". I feel like I am waiting for a child! I'm so excited!!!

Wyclef on 60 Min.

2009-01-13T15:44:00.000-08:00

Dorlus Jonas called Wyclef a "good Rasta". He was right.

The Cookbook is Almost Finished!!!!

2009-01-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

I had just come home from a medical mission trip from Haiti. I was frustrated at the disparity between being given so much, and watching the Haitians struggle. I saw mud cookies for sale in a village. These "cookies" are made with mud, flour paste and water. The people eat them for the nutrients in the soil, because they are starving. The end result can be parasite infestation, bowel obstructions and death.
Here I am back in America, watching a favorite teacher, Rita Heikenfeld, teach a "Gifts from the Kitchen" class at Jungle Jim's. I think to myself "That Rita, she could make mud taste good". The words echoed. She could make mud taste good................. I contacted Rita (as well as some of the best cooks I know) and asked them for their help and support. Naturally they offered to help me. Good cooks are nice people! So I have completed the cookbook and it is heading off to press. It has amazing recipes from "Hillbilly to Haiti". I have proof read all 184 recipes 3 times and my eyes are crossed. I am pricing it at $12 (plus $3.50 if I mail it). You can pre-order through the paypal link or email me at oslerfamily@fuse.net. I am putting a rush on the process and hope to have it ready by end of February. All the money (including what I pay for it, is going to Haiti Christian Mission.) This is my fund raiser in their behalf and is not sponsored by them. I want a big fat check to surprise them. The goal is to raise $20,000 so they can buy a pick up truck. This pick up truck will transport supplies in for the many children they educate and feed. Do I think there will be that much raised by the cookbook? No. Do I hope to help, yes. Maybe you don't want a cookbook? (You're in denial) Maybe you just want to sponsor a child through Haiti Christian Mission for $30/month? Great! Go here: http://hcmsupport.org/sponsor.html
Thank you!!!!

5 year Olds Cooking......

2009-01-11T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is from Real Hope for Haiti this week:

On a recent walk in the village I took a picture of this little girl. She is five years old and was making food for her and her siblings. She lit the fire by herself and was making something for them to eat. There were no adults around and when I asked the kids told me they had went to the local open air market to sell their produce from the gardens. This is how my first son was burned. Actually –bending down to blow on the fire to get it going. His shirt caught on fire.

These are the kids that are waiting on her to fix the food. She was also watching them until the parents got back from the market. I talked with a few people around the house and when I asked why a adult was not there, they laughed. You see this is what is expected of her. She does it daily, weekly, monthly for her siblings. They were not laughing at me to be cruel, they were laughing because this is reality for them. No stove to cook on, no running water, no nice green grass to run in and play, no toys, no pop tarts, no snacks, no floor just dirt, no pretty pink bedroom with everything matching, no …um wall to the side of the house, you get the idea.

I do not tell you this to feel sorry for them. I do not want you say that is so sad. These kids are happy. They love their parents, the parents love them. I want you to come and let Haiti change you. I want you to realize that your life is not normal. That is not how most of the world lives. You do not need running water, ice, a soft bed, and things to make you happy. You need love. You need some to care about you. When you go and visit a third world country, which you all should, let Jesus come out of you and go into the people. Do not go to change them, let them change you into what God desires you to be. Let them see Him in you. Love them like He would. Care for them like He would. What an opportunity we have to show His love to some that seem unlovely to us. I’m waiting on you? Are you ready to be changed?
http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com

Guitar Man and his Audio Guy

2009-01-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

This is Wes with his new guitar and William fascinated by his computer and the amplifier.

A Camry Owner

2009-01-10T09:36:00.001-08:00

Every time I asked Jim what he wanted for Christmas he would respond "The car paid off!" Here he is with his car paid off. Good job Jim!

An Update from Haiti Christian Mission

2009-01-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

A 2008 Peaceful Holiday Season in Haiti

The Haitian people were craving for a peaceful holiday season. It finally happened last December. No gunshots were heard during the month. The UN and police forces invaded the streets, thus keeping their promises of helping the people to enjoy a peaceful Christmas and First of the year. According to Henry Brousseau, HCM administrator and the pastor of the Primitive Church, “the streets were calm. The people feasted without incident. They ate food together, sang to the Lord and prayed together.” Jonas Dorlus linked with a sigh of joy and great satisfaction in telling the story of that peaceful Christmas. For the church in Florida, it was a total nightmare of people gathered to worship both for Christmas and New Year.

Knowing what went on for the last four years since 2003, the people had all the reasons in the world to enjoy this past Christmas season. The prayers of the saints work. The Haitian people are thankful for the unselfish prayers of loyal friends abroad. The services lasted until midnight in some churches and in others until one o’clock in the morning. What a joy! Not only had they prayed, but they also ate to their fill as churches and friends sent money in wishing them a season of peace. That reminds me of the year when IDES gave a grant and we fed over 2000 people in just one church. One of the ladies named Leslie came and said: “I never thought I would eat a meal for Christmas. Now I am full and happy. I thank you, Pastor Prophete, and IDES.” That was the last time we were able to have a feast-meal until last December. The thugs invaded the streets but freedom rang again last December. Thank you, Jesus.

Christmas is one of the holidays in Haiti coupled with Voodoo. So the Christians went to church and the Voodoo people went to their badji (shanties for idol worship). Years ago only the Voodoo people celebrated as they also played a role in kidnapping, torturing and killing. Last December, everybody had the chance to participate. We give glory to God and send thanks to all our supporters who prayed and sent money for the people to have the break.

New Year Day is another holiday observed in Haiti. The Christians pray till midnight, sing to the Lord and wish each other ‘Happy New Year’ afterward. Then they go home and eat pumpkin soup. First of the year is the Independence Day for Haiti. So it is another day of celebration. It is also a period when the witch doctors threaten to kill their followers if they do not pay their dues. Some of them allow until January 6^th called Magi Day to pay. Other than that, they will pull the plug and death would be the result. This is a way to keep the people under fear. Christ came to deliver us from servitude (Heb.2:15). So when someone becomes a Christian, he feels free from the snares of the witch doctors. He is happy. What a privilege to be a Christian! We praise God on your behalf for helping us preach the gospel in Haiti. It means freedom to many Haitians.

With the KINGDOM in mind, the best is yet to come.

Etienne Prophete

HCM Executive Director

1955

2009-01-05T02:45:00.000-08:00

Comments Made in the Year 1955!
That's only 53 years ago!

'I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00.'

'Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.⁰⁰ will only buy a used one.'

=0 A

'If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.

'Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?'

'If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.'

'When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.'

'Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.'

'I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL of DAMN in it.'

'I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas '

'Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President.'

'I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.'

'It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married w omen are having to work to make ends meet.'

'It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.'

'Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat.'

'I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.'

'The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.'

'There is no sense going for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.'

'No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood.'

'If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it.'