Augh, still no internet access..

February 9th, 2010

The team is still anxiously awaiting sharing the photos and stories from on the ground but alas another day has passed without a working router.  :- (
Today at the hospital it was a great deal more wound care but the staff was up to a full compliment.  This was a pleasant surprise for the group to see more hands on deck.  It was more like rounds as “usual.”

After working for the day they had an opportunity to leave and go to the beach to witness the local fishermen.  It touched them in an interesting way as they were fishing with nets.  Mathew 4:18 “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brother Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.”

They had an opportunity to stop in an orphanage. The team had packed dum dum suckers for the children.  They felt mobbed and overwhelmed but it was good to see the smiles on the children’s faces.  Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  Not sure God would want suckers but the children sure did.  : - )

Tonight they organized their supplies again as they will split shift at the hospital and a tent city tommorow.  Rumor tells that they will be joining an already established “mobile clinic.”

While the challenges of the day are still upon them they are able to enjoy the beauty of the land and people of Haiti.  For even in the darkest hour a light shines.  If you have any doubts just take a look at Psalm 23:4.

Covered with enough deet to kill a horse they say hello and thank everyone for watching their story unfold.

A day of appreciation

February 8th, 2010

It sounds as though most everyone had an opportunity to talk to their loved ones today.

Highlights:

Team recollected traveling through PAP as very eerie.  It was late at night and there were many people sleeping along the streets.

They are using the buddy system to ensure that everyone stays safe and supported.

Gretchen delivered 3 babies yesterday with the assistance of Kristen and Melissa and another today.  It is a great joy to assist in the miracle of life.

The team is loving the donated head lamps from the Alpine shop!  This is a shout out to the fellow climbers if you are following the blog.  These lights are providing a direct source of light on the operative area, invaluable.

Church service in the am featured “7-11” songs as Tony puts it, same seven words eleven times.  The evening service featured “7-77” songs.  The team felt right at home as Jeff got up to preach.  There was lots of fellowship, singing and dancing.

They have been invited back to the hospital tomorrow and perhaps a tent city on Tuesday.

Be sure to ask Kristen about the Tarantula, they have pictures.

Overall everyone’s gifts are shining!  The team has been amazed at the balance of strengths that have been put together.  They are rejoicing in the partnerships and finding a new sense of friendship and appreciation for one another.

It is really beautiful there.  They can see the ocean and the stars are amazing as they don’t have many lights to dim the view.

The team is hoping to post a blog tomorrow if the internet connection is restored.  They can’t wait to share all the pictures with everyone.

A Few Hours of Rest. The calm before the storm…

February 7th, 2010

6:30 am Church and then a team meeting with Louis (Dony’s brother).

Those who have been on a medical mission have pointed out that this down time while brief, is critical.  The week will bring many new challenges never faced by the team.  They will need to think on their feet and be able to solve problem without the normal resources.  This morning they will refocus and take a deep breath before diving back in with a great deal of passion.

9:00 am Breaking News:  they are back at the guesthouse and are preparing to go to the hospital.

Many of you might not know all the team members so here is a quick recap (Jeff and Melissa did not get a chance to do their homework so much of the details are missing, sorry).

Tim Rice, M.D. is a Saint Louis University associate professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine.  He did his combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Saint Louis University and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.  He graduated with his M.D. degree from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland Oregon after getting his Bachelor in Sciences degree at University of Oregon in Eugene.  In St. Louis he leads the Health Connection ministry through his church New City Fellowship and Restore St. Louis.  The Health Connection ministry seeks to connect the immigrant, refugee, poor and uninsured who have health care needs with volunteer caseworkers to help them access needed medical and dental care in St. Louis.  He has been on several medical missions trips and for the past four years has been working to establish self-supporting medical clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo.     

Dr. Keri Johnson is a pediatrician currently working in general pediatrics at Glennon Care for Kids at DePaul. She completed her residency training in pediatrics through Saint Louis University at Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital in 2003. She received her M.D. from Saint Louis University School of medicine in 2000 after attending Colorado State University as an undergraduate. Dr. Johnson has been on several medical missions in the past including trips to rural Peru and the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya. She has also been involved with medical outreach to marginalized groups through her local church.

Dr. Leah Swartwout is a Family Physician working for St. Luke’s Medical Group in Ellisville.  She received her Bachelor in Sciences at Stanford University and obtained her M.D. degree from St. Louis University.  She completed her Family Medicine residency at Mercy Family Medicine in St. Louis.   Currently she is part of Westglen Family Physicians a group 5 physicians who have recently started a Clinic for patients without insurance in Eureka called Healing Grace.

Dr. Jessica Bowers is an obstetrician/gynecologist working for SSM Medical Group in Sunset Hills.  She received her undergraduate degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado and came to St. Louis to attend medical school at St. Louis University.  She completed her residency in obstetrics & gynecology in 2004 at St. Louis University through their program at St. Mary’s Health Center.  After graduation, she worked at People’s Health Centers in St. Louis for 2 years before joining SSM.

Marie Miller is a 4th year medical student at Saint Louis University who has always had an interest in international medical mission work. In high school and college she made several trips to Tlancualpican, Mexico with her family to work with a mission group affiliated with the Methodist Church. Her entire family has been actively involved in numerous different internationally-based aid projects and she feels this has impacted her greatly and brought her family close. She plans to pursue a residency in psychiatry after graduating this May.

Gretchen Heim, RN is currently self-employed as a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies at the University of South Florida, and later a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at George Mason University.  She has served as a soldier in US Army, and later as a Nurse Corps Officer in the United States Navy. She is an active volunteer in the outreach ministries of Windsor Crossing community church and Restore St. Louis.  She accompanied Dr. Tim Rice on a mission trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008.

Kristin Pirrie is a provisionally licensed clinical social worker in St.Louis.  She received her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1990 and her master’s in social work from the University of Tennessee in 1994. Kristin is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare. Kristin worked for Family and Children’s Services in Nashville, Tennessee before beginning her work counseling children and adolescents at Agape Christian Counseling Services.  Kristin is a mother of five and volunteers at her church on the children’s ministry team.  MODERATORS NOTE:  Kristen packed toys in one of her bags (beach balls, cards, etc).  You might ask how this relates to a medical mission but consider the healing power of laughter, a smile and a simple hug in a desperate situation.

Jeff McGee is a former pastor at New City Fellowship and has an engineering backround.  MODERATORS NOTE:  In preparation for this journey he has prepared a pocket sermon to be used on a moments notice.

Melissa Elliot along with her husband, own a specialty medical supply company.  She has been trained in disaster relief  by Mission to the World.  This is her first opportunity to put her new skills to use.

Lost in translation…

February 7th, 2010

It was only officially a 4 hour day but they are all exhausted.  The language barrier is making it difficult.  They are not sure who is “in charge” at the hospital.

Mid-afternoon the team was dropped off at the pediatric ward.  With three doctors on the team who see younger patients this made sense.  It was very different from what they are used to…  They were ushered by a translator from bed to bed, room to room.  There are some charts but they can’t be read and the histories given seem to all be different depending on who you talk to, again translation could be a factor.  They think they saw a case of typhoid.  They did quite a bit of wound care.  And sadly they saw a patient die.

A few of them mid way through the shift were moved to the maternity ward, which was good news for the OB/GYN of the group.   Dr. Bowers delivered a baby by C-Section, the baby was not breathing, and Dr. Johnson managed to resuscitate him!

It would appear that patients are expected to bring their own medication and supplies.  There are small pharmacies, across the street from the hospital that sells medications and supplies.  If the patients can’t afford to buy them they try to get them donated but many don’t have any.  The team has been using all of the supplies they have brought, but since the hospital does not have supplies they will need to use them sparingly. The desire to buy needed supplies is there and they have cash but are concerned about using it as they may need it to find their way home.  They have not seen the city yet so they are unsure if an ATM will be available.

The internet is out until possibly Monday so blogging from the field will be delayed.  Something was wrong in the kitchen so they were given Chinese food for dinner.

In short, a life ended and a new life began and they sought to extend as many as they could.

Hopefully with a good night sleep and some fellowship they will be able to regroup and recharge.

Pray   

 

Another Long Day Begins

February 6th, 2010

9 am in Les Cayes:

The team got in at 5:30 am (4:30 STL) and unloaded.  After quick rest their day is beginning.

An ESMI guesthouse room features 6 bunks, shower, toilet, and a safe comfortable place to sleep (when they get to).

They are axnious to meet the team of 5 that has been there for the week and learn as much as they can, as quickly as they can from them.  This team is scheduled to leave Sunday. 

A departure for the hospital is scheduled for 11 am.  11 am does not sound too early unless you just spent 14 hours on a bumpy, dark, bus.  The 26 hour day for the Fort Lauderdale team will no doubt take some time to recuperate from.

This is not the 6 hour tour Mark sold us on

February 6th, 2010

It is 12:30 am and they are still traveling.  They expect another 3 hours of travel on really rough roads.

The three coming from Fort Lauderdale started their day at 3 am so they are even more exausted. 

Sounds like day one in Haiti will be a wash as they try to recover from a long very trip in.

Officially in Haiti

February 6th, 2010

It is just after 10 pm STL time and they have been traveling for 9 hours but they are officially in Haiti!  The team is very excited as they are now able to make free calls from the primary phone and can start to contact loved ones directly.

They split from the other groups at the border and are now on their way to Les Cayes as a team.  They are being accompanied by a new friend Will.

They did request that we find a way to get them home that does not involve this amount of travel.  : - )

In the Zone

February 6th, 2010

The team is at the border.  Report is that there are tons of people around and it is quite a busy place.

More after they cross.

Dark Bumpy Roads

February 6th, 2010

It has been just over 5 hours of travel.  Could not wait any longer so made the call…

The team is still in good spirits but has no idea how much longer till the border, they have been told anywhere from 1 to 3 hours still.  They have headlamp flashlights going.  Some are taking the opportunity to journal, while others are just enjoying the conversation.

They will call once accross the border.  They say hello to everyone.

On the Road

February 6th, 2010

The team left about 20 minutes ago from the airport.  They are on a large (ahem, [said under my breath] air conditioned bus) with a trailer in tow.  Music in the backround and lots of excited conversation, brings back memories of a high school trip…

Tim took pictures that they will share once they get settled if they can get internet service.

The team in Saint Louis is still working on options for their return next week.  Fortunately there are many ways to solve the puzzle leaving many options and phonecalls to be made.

The next few hours will be very long as we wait to get news from them again.

Don’t miss the pictures

February 5th, 2010

MODERATOR NOTE:

To view all the pictures you need to follow the links in the blog postings.  Tim is putting them on his picasaweb account so follow those links below the messages.  This last one is not in the same inbox as the others but you can still access them with the link.

If you wish to see yesterday’s postings you can select “<< Previous Entries" at the bottom left corner of the page (scroll down) and it will bring up the previous days posts.

Willing to serve where needed

February 5th, 2010

Dr. Tim Rice and team from St. Louis will head to Les Cayes in the south and will be at the guesthouse at the ESMI guesthouse. You will work at the hospital there. There’s a team of 5 now there that will leave on Sunday night.

http://tinyurl.com/LesCayes

DR and “Finding Nemo” during our morning debriefing

February 5th, 2010

Team comments from morning debriefing, “Like in the movie Finding Nemo, we are just going with the flow.”  The flow of God to help those in need and the flow of God to be our provider and protector as we give ourselves to help the needy.

Isaiah 1 ”Stop doing wrong and learn to live right.   See that justice is done.  Defend widows and orphans and help those in need.”

Change can happen through God’s power:  “I, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over. Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool. ” Isaiah 1:18

God’s protection will be on us: “God’s own glory will be like a huge tent that covers everything. It will provide shade from the heat of the sun and a place of shelter and protection from storms and rain.” Isaiah 4:5-6

 

DR Sunset

Text from the team

February 5th, 2010

“hooked up w Kristin’s group & Dr. Canty.  Will find Dony.”

MODERATORS NOTE:  Dr. Canty is with a group of 6 that came in at 6 am.  The team will wait for a group of 14 that is scheduled to arrive on AA at 1:15 pm.  Local time is 2 hours ahead of Saint Louis time so it is now 11:24.

Dony has found a bus that can take all 29 directly into Haiti.  They will leave this afternoon and travel into the night.  This is the first “scary” part of the trip as they will need to make a border crossing at night.  We may not hear from them till morning once they are on the move.

Visa it’s everywhere you “want” to be…

February 5th, 2010

Surprise #2 Visa is not accepted at the local hotel establishment in the DR.  Fortunately they still like our green money and were happy to accept it.  Not sure how good this team would be at washing dishes.  The team packed extra cash for the bus tickets.  Project “get me some more cash” is complete.  While they don’t believe in Visa they are strong supporters of ATM’s.  Kinda curious what the “out of network” fees will be on this one.

The team is headed to the Airport (bags and boxes in tow) are are scheduled to meet with their host Dony and team 2.

Team II has checked

February 5th, 2010

Got a text from team II…  Jeff, Kristin and Melissa have all checked in with Spirit Air and are on their way to the DR.

Mark

News of the Day

February 5th, 2010

Kelsey Volmann at the Saint Louis Business Journal has been following the story and did a wonderful article about the team and the story.

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2010/02/01/daily54.html

Many folks are watching closely for updates.

Sabreliner Team En Route Still

February 5th, 2010

Keeping track of all of the team members, Dave and Tom are back in the US and en route to Saint Louis.  Once on the ground they will still have a drive home. 

Pray for their safe return to their families. 

They have really put in a full days work!

Team in Florida wonders if there is a game going on or something…

February 5th, 2010

Kristin and Melissa are in Ft. Lauderdale and have found a hotel that has shuttle service to the airport!

They will meet up with Jeff early in the AM.

All members will be tucked in safely for the night within the hour.

Phase one complete and working much better than planned.

Mark

Accomodations arranged for the night

February 5th, 2010

With the help of 3 way calling and translation from Julie Murphy we have hotel accomodations.

ttp://bocachicabeach.net/los_pinos/los_pinos.html

Don’t know if we will have internet connection but we don’t have to check out until 1 PM tomorrow.

MODERATORS NOTE:  Julie is in Saint Louis…

Word from ESMI

February 5th, 2010
This is the plan…but don’t forget the word flexibility.
A big bus will be rented to take you from DR directly into Haiti once the last time arriving at 1:15 pm is cleared.  You will more than likely cross the border late into the night.
Dr. Tim Rice and team will head to Les Cayes in the south and will be at the ESMI guesthouse.  You will work at the hospital there.  There’s a team of 5 now there that will leave on Sunday night.
Sharon

We made it!……. mostly

February 5th, 2010

We are at least on the island of Hispanola. We landed in the Dominican Republic and were greeted by a suspicious and somewhat confused looking Dominican security guard. Our flight was spectacular. The two pilots from Sabreliner were very gracious and helpful not just with making all the effort to get us this far but assuring much more comfort than was necessary. We were able to bring all of that which we decided were our critical supplies. Cargo area had been a concern. Once we got here it is probably a blessing since the six of us here currently are able to handle the load fairly well. We are awaiting a call back from Dony St. Germain about our arrival and will expect the other three of our team tomorrow morning at 9 am. We are praying for a safe trip into Haiti tomorrow. The current plan is to make ourselves as comfortable as possible at the Santo Domingo Airport for the night.

 

In Santo Domingo

Press Release On Today’s Activities

February 5th, 2010

Thank you to Lt. Gov. Kinder for answering our call and the Great Team at Sabreliner!  Sabreliner is a Missouri based company and we are proud to have had the opportunity to work with them.

They went above and beyond to help us deliver the team with more supplies than a commercial route could allow.  They will be ready to get to work with the right equipment in hand.

Mark

NR_Sabreliner_Provides_Flight_for_Medical_Team_FINAL.doc

Team Photo.doc

We are here

February 5th, 2010

Just heard from team Sabre:  They have landed, unloaded, and are in passenger vans headed to the terminal to clear through customs.
Surprise #1 $10 per person for a visa…  we missed the memo on that (bet it was on page 235 of the Haiti user manual). 
I get the feeling that spending cash may dwindle fast.
Mark

On the ground and in the Air

February 5th, 2010

Team “Sabre” (sposored by Sabreliner) is on the ground in DR.  I am expecting a call once they get unloaded.

Team “Man I wish I could of flown that way but no way would I want to spend a night at the airport” has officially left Saint Louis.  They will overnight in FL with friends and catch a flight at 6 am into the DR.

I am trying to keep this light, as soon enough the full force of the trip and the gravity of it will come to bear.  You might say I am laughing to keep from crying…

Mark

Track them online live for the next hour.

February 5th, 2010

Thanks to Sabreliner for allowing a real time view of their flight!

Once we get the official press release from Sabreliner I will post it along with a team photo/s from the morning.

6:45 am departure set for Thursday 2/4/2010

February 4th, 2010

Notes from our trip organizer

Facts:
1.  At this time we have not yet received a landing slot in PAP Airport in Haiti.
2.  At the highest levels we have been unable to persuade the State Department to intervene in getting us a landing slot into PAP.

So now…

1.  Dave has his whole family praying for this group!  He will be at the airport around 6 am preparing for the journey and ready to receive us.
2.  Tom has already filed all the alternate flight plans into the Dominican Republic.
3.  We are still on the waiting list for private planes wanting to fly directly into PAP. These pilots are determined men of God willing to serve us.  His mercy and grace endures.
4.  We have accumulated what is likely $100,000 worth of supplies that we will be taking with us.
Finish packing and we will regroup in the morning. 

 

Waiting for final details…12 hours to departure

February 4th, 2010

We have seen so many details worked out over the past two weeks yet there continues to be a few details awaiting resolution so we can fly into Haiti.  As reported in the news, there is a huge backlog of flights wanting to land in Port-au-Prince making it difficult to reach the needy around Port-au-Prince.  At this time we do NOT have a time slot to land in Port-au-Prince so all the other options available are being explored.

Psalm 130:5 (The Message)
I pray to God—my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do. My life’s on the line before God, my Lord, waiting and watching till morning, waiting and watching till morning.

Haiti Team Packs Donated Supplies

February 3rd, 2010

Since the team has announced their plans to go to Haiti there has been an generous outpouring of support and supplies for the team traveling to Haiti. The group is gathered around to celebrate the goodness of God as demonstrated through these wonderful donations for the need in Haiti.

 The team’s first photo op and Kevin lends a hand way past his bedtime.
Eight of the nine team members heading to Haiti
This is a link to the photos of the packing session. http://picasaweb.google.com/NCFHaiti/PackingForHaiti#

Packin' up

NCF sends medical mission team to Haiti

February 2nd, 2010

Whoever said the shortest distance between two points was a straight line, clearly was not interested in the value of taking the scenic trip of miracles God has in store for us when we put our lives and plans in His hands…
 

Monday, January 18, 2010

Barry Henning, pastor of New City Fellowship Church (PCA) in St. Louis, MO, emailed Tim Rice, M.D., a Saint Louis University (SLU) associate professor of pediatrics and internal medicine to explore leading a medical team to Haiti. Dony St. Germain, a Haitian PCA pastor and founder of El Shaddai Ministries International (ESMI), was reaching out to the PCA churches to be part of the response effort meeting the needs of severely injured earthquake victims in and outside of Port-au-Prince.

As Tim began to consider the task of finding coverage for his attending responsibilities, and the unlikelihood that this call would come at a time when his plate was not as full as it could be, his heart was moved by the possibility of God’s plans for him and this unknown “team”. Finding coverage for his teaching responsibilities in the office and at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital was a huge obstacle, but Tim began receiving enthusiastic support from those at SLU and in his community.
 

Friday, January 22, 2010

Tim was given the green light to proceed with planning a trip even though the final details of his work coverage had not been worked out.   He had made contact with the stateside folks who have been scheduling teams into Haiti through the assistance of Jim Hatch, who works with Mission to North America (MNA) and was already aware of the great work being done by the St. Germains just outside of the devastated Haitian capital.
 

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 

Tim wrote: 

“Today I have been feeling like I am standing at the edge of the river with my feet wet wondering how I can cross this river.  Now the way is clear to cross the river.  I am looking forward to encouraging brothers and sisters who, every day of their lives stand on the river and the only way to make it through to the next day is by God’s divine intervention.” 

Little did Tim know, God would lead Him to a deeper understanding of that truth before he ever left the country. 

By now, e-mail had begun to come in from interested doctors, nurses, and non-medical personnel hearing God’s call to their heart as well.  Two of these doctors were Leah Swartwout and Jessica Bowers.  Both practicing physicians and friends, they had been planning a group trip to Disney World with their families.  With five children and two husbands among them, they realized that although they were stirred by the Lord’s calling, there were plans in place that many little people had been looking forward to for the past year.  They committed to gather to pray about God’s call and their choices.  An 11-year-old who was eagerly awaiting the vacation in Florida said to his father, “You know, Dad, there’s no way I could have fun on those rides knowing that there were people dying.” The commitment was made.

Another on the team, fourth-year medical student Marie Miller, PhD, was in the Netherlands for an elective course when the earthquake hit. “I feel an absolute calling. Turning on the news and seeing what’s going on in Haiti, I can’t imagine not wanting to go and do something.”  Her supervisor encouraged her to take this opportunity, saying he would give her credit for the remainder of the time spent preparing and serving in Haiti.  

After this serious interest began to be revealed, Tim began the charge of putting feet to this call.  He assured the group, “The Lord will make a way.”
The information about transportation was abundant.  Some had said American Airlines might fly medical staff for free, but this turned out to be an internet hoax.  Another option was Missionary Flights International (MFI) who is in the business of getting missionaries to South America and the Caribbean Islands.
After debunking rumors, Tim emailed MFI.  Later that day Marie Miller let him know that MFI was making flights out and the team would qualify for discounted flights.  There was limited information about flights for February 4th through the 11th but they would be put on the list of eligible groups! Hallelujah!  Marie was hopeful and so was Tim… “I am hoping her boss [at MFI] knows more about the schedule of flights that are leaving because obviously we we can’t wait till the last minute to arrange all of this…” 

It was later that evening that ESMI returned the email stating the startling details of our reality.  The Port-au-Prince airport was closed to all commercial flights until February 19th.  Bus rides to Haiti from the Dominican Republic had spiraled to an unheard-of $1,600 round-trip.  ESMI was urging the team to put their plans on hold.

Other realities that unfolded were that two of the team members—Jeff McGee and Leah Swartwout—had expired passports that could only be renewed in person in Chicago.
 

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 

Keri Johnson, a pediatrician who had been on two medical mission trips with Tim in the past to Kenya, was also prayerful about becoming part of the team.  Encouraged by her husband Brian, her choices and call were becoming clearer. Keri shared this word of encouragement to the potential team Wednesday morning: 

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
Eph 3:15
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
Eph 3:16
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Eph 3:17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18
may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
Eph 3:19
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Eph 3:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
Eph 3:21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
 

It was evident to Tim he needed help from others to organize the team and to pursue all of the options for getting into Haiti.  Tim’s response to ESMI and the team was “The team will continue to actively prepare… there have been many times this week I felt it would take a miracle to get us there… we are waiting for God himself to make a way. He cares more than those suffering in Haiti than we ever can.”  Marie Miller began the effort to organize the team members and all of their information.  The team needed shots, documents, contact information, and supplies.  She also began the search for alternative transportation.  Also behind the scenes was Mark Bowers (Jessica’s husband), who took the initiative to participate in the search for transportation. An article about this trip was published on Saint Louis University’s website. 

Wednesday was a day of prayer and the revelation that miracles would need to happen.

  

Thursday January 28, 2010   At 8:28 a.m. Tim wrote: “Miracles become more obvious when what you face is truly impossible. We all have experienced many impossible obstacles to date and have seen God open the doors. There are still many doors currently closed that only God can open for us to bring comfort and healing to Haiti.

“Reply to this email with the miracles you have seen so far.” 

  • Tim Rice has coverage for you Cardinal Glennon Pediatric Floor team while he is gone.
  • Jeff McGee had the time to travel to Chicago and was able to get his passport renewed in one day.
  • Marie Miller was able to return early from her elective in the Netherlands to help organize the the team.

As the day progressed, order was beginning to unfold.  We had finally and officially named the team: 

1. Keri Johnson
2. Leah Swartwout
3. Jessica Bowers
4. Tim Rice
5. Marie Miller
6. Gretchen Heim
7. Jeff McGee
8. Kristin Pirrie 

The team was made up of five doctors, one nurse, a pastor and a counselor.  Each one had been led by the Lord’s calling to Haiti.  God had ordered their steps and lives to this opportunity.   When an e-mail was sent, responses were prompt.  Shots, documents, supplies were beginning to accumulate quickly and miraculously.  Commitments from hospitals, office staff, and friends for supplies were beginning to be named.  Karla Svoboda, a 2nd grade teacher from The Freedom School, had her students working on letters and art to send with the team for children in Haiti. Behind the scenes, there was encouragement in e-mail and phone calls between team members.   

Suddenly, there was movement in the transportation plans.  Marie wrote: 

“I just spoke with MFI in Fort Pierce and asked about the status of our team and the availability of flights leaving next week. Although they are currently very busy dealing with the flights from this week, they assured me that we are on the list to go next week and that as far as they know, the planes are still planning on flying next week. I am not sure where we are on the list and how many other people are trying to get on flights next week, but we are on the list. We wanted to do everything in our power to make sure that we are on their radar screen, so we thought it would be best to go ahead and proceed as if we are leaving on a flight with them next week.” 

More enthusiastic and hopeful than ever, the team continued to entrust their plans to God’s will.

Leah and Jessica were on their way back from Chicago and the team’s plan was to gather and pray at Carrie Jones’ house on Friday night.


Friday, January 29, 2010 
Feeling renewed and excited, everyone was “standing in the water making our way across” and then they noticed the movement of the river…  Mark wrote to the team: The situation in Ft. Pierce, Florida, has deteriorated fast.  The last flight out from [MFI] is today.  They have no idea what to do with all the folks on the list, estimated to be 2,500 now.  I have no idea where we are on the list.” 

As it turns out, MFI had been using charter jets borrowed from NASCAR, but because the motorsports season is about to begin, those jets were no longer available to the transportation ministry. 

Mark had been calling state officials in Jefferson City, MO, and exhausting every available option for travel.  It seemed now that our options were going to lie in God’s hands—the “author and perfecter of our faith”. What a perfect place to be. 

The team gathered that night for prayer, reviewing all that had happened until this point. The team prayed for patience, for the ability to “enter into God’s rest”, and that God would help them to seek His justice and righteousness in everything they do. 

The options to get to Haiti seemed limited, but the team was committed to continue to glorify God in each circumstance.
  

Saturday, January 30, 2010   Mark has now defined three travel options for the team: 

  1. Fly directly into Port-au-Prince, Haiti, using a private plane
  2. Fly into the Dominican Republic on Spirit Air
  3. Fly into the Dominican Republic with MFI from Ft. Pierce, FL

The team has put the details in God’s hands as they continue working to create the packing list and supply list for the trip.  At this point it is unclear which one of the options will materialize, but we are confident God has a plan. 

Today Jessica’s devotional read from Psalm 112:7: 

“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.”