Yesterday morning a work party of Navy soldiers came to H2H to help us clear debris. They worked hard to clear our fallen walls so we can start rebuilding them. The barbwire fences have worked well but we are missing the density and height of our concrete ones.
At noon I got a call from Enorck saying his wife was in labor. This was her 3rd child and the other births were difficult as the babies were big. The second birth was a c-section. I have been working hard to find a hospital that is capable of a c-section but haven't been able to find anything. We had an appointment on Monday for an ultrasound to determine whether a c-section was going to be necessary. When her labour started we took her to the local clinic (Lifeline) which has become a medical hub with the help of the US Marines & Navy. By the time we arrived Chantal was fully dilated, her water had broken but the baby was not in position. The Navy doctor on site arranged to have us evacuated (on a hovercraft) to the USS Bataan for a c-section. Chantal was given an epidural almost immediately upon arrival... while Enorck & I underwent x-rays for tuberculosis (a precautionary measure for all visitors). The plan was a c-section but as soon as Chantal's body relaxed with the drugs the baby's head slipped out and Joe was born!!! By the grace of God both mother & baby are doing great.
The hovercraft:
Transporting Chantal onto the hovercraft:
"Talking" to the baby... trying to convince him to wait until we reached the ship:
Dressing Enorck so he can enter the OR:
Enorck & I with baby Theo Joe Honorat (Joe for short)... the baby knows his aunt already :)
The Navy nurse with Joe:
Joe in his Haitian manger:
The family with Capt. Howard... chief of the USS Batton:
The staff of the USS Batton were incredible. After delivering Joe, they took care of us too... they fed us, clothed us, let us shower (for the first time since the quakes!!!) and sleep. I really needed the sleep. This morning they took Enorck & I on a thorough tour of the ship. Here is a view of the landing strip from the Bridge:
Another view from the Bridge.. back to the shores of Grand Goave:
Apparently doodling is useful in all professions:
Enorck checking out Grand Goave on the binoculars:
We returned the Grand Goave a few hours ago and Joe has met his older brothers, Theo & Theodad. Here is Theodad giving him a kiss:
I know there are many people on the USS Batton following my blog already so I want to say a huge THANK YOU to you all - not only for delivering Joe but for all you are doing for Haiti.
9 comments:
So Glad that all of you were well looked after. Please congratulate Enock and Chantal for me and tell them Joe is beautiful. Oh Yeah Tell Enock that I still think he's still the best driver and when the time comes that I am able to come I hope he's my driver!!! Take Care Rebecca
Yay! What a beautiful baby boy! What a blessing!!! So happy for Enorck and Chantal!!! Glad you were able to get some sleep and a shower! Praying for you!!!!!!!
Rebecca, I have read your entire blog and pray daily for your safety, strength and courage to continue to give the help that so many of us wish we were able to deliver in person.
Hug those babies close and let all you touch know that many of us in America are praying for them as well as sending what help we can.
Kae of Kae1Crafts on Ravelry
God is amazing in the way he provides for all our needs :D SO glad there was no need for a c-section and even more excited to hear you were able to wash up and get some much needed sleep.
I have been telling many about you and your work in Haiti - may God richly bless you!! Our family continues to pray for you and H2H daily as well as getting updates from Terianne.
The school had a fund raiser and did very well. It was a great way for my kids to be able to give from their allowance money and learned how you can give to God's work anywhere in the world. It was a precious, teachable moment and the openness and willingness of them to give of what they had brought tears to my eyes. They knew it wasn't hundreds and felt bad but we discussed the widow's mite and how it's the state of your heart that counts.
Wish I could give you a hug in person as I just LOVE your passion, heart and the way you have been obedient to God's call in your life. Maybe one day :D
Wow. I have no words. Showers and food and sheets and sleep and baby with no C-section! God bless everyone.
Patricia
Toronto
Thank you for your updates! It continues to remind us all to pray for you and Haiti. We are so glad to hear that all went well with baby and mom! We will be praying that he will become a great blessing to his people. Glad to hear you got some good rest! God always brings refreshment. God bless the US Navy & Marines!
Prayers, the Johnsons in Kamloops
Wow. I bawled my eyes out on that blog Rebecca. When you have energy someday you must write a book about this experience. I hope the children are well. Someday I will meet you and hope to give you the biggest hug for all your hard work! I think you're the Haitians angel because without you I think life for them may be a little worse. Being white in a different community is sometimes a blessing in disguise. Wish I could be down there helping you guys but in due time. Stay safe. Prayers sent to you.
My Sister, isnt Jesus amazing, all he does, it hurts me to see need and not be there, but I'll head to Haiti this weekend, hope to be of help...
God is glorious huh...
You know, I've never understood why we don't make more regular uses of cardboard boxes for our babies. So practical - whereas a bassinet can only be used for a short time and then it has to be stored again.
I love following your blog. As a Canadian and an American, it's wonderful to see the good that's being done there by the American military.
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