September 2007 Newsletter

We just wanted to let you know that we did indeed make it back to Haiti as scheduled yesterday.  It was a long day, beginning at 3:00 am, and we finally arrived at our house around 6:00 pm.  We had a long way between gates in Miami, but made it with a combination of airport cart (you know, the ones that make the annoying noise!) and wheelchair.  We were pleasantly surprised to meet friends returning to Haiti in the Miami airport (Ruth, Suzanna, and Sebastian Hersey).  The flights were fine, although it was a long time of sitting for John.  When we arrived in Port-au-Prince, it took nearly two hours for our luggage to arrive in the baggage claim area.  Then we had to hustle to get everything in the truck, as there was nowhere to really pull in when we were picked up.  It was so late and we were so tired that we didn’t stop at the grocery, but just nibbled on what we found at home. 

We are happy to report that the generator DID start up, although it’s having issues.  Today John and I spent running errands to try to get everything going again.  John did not have too much pain from the trip, but he did have some swelling in his feet last night.  He is trying to take it easy, yet still get a few things done.  Tomorrow we plan to drive out to Prospere to check on the status of Eden (see update below) and the clinic site. 

Thanks for your prayers during this “different kind of vacation” and our return home.  We appreciate your continued prayer as we adjust back to life here, particularly those of us with new knees. 

Blessings!

Jodie and John

 

My greatest concern upon returning has been the physical state of my friend, assistant, and nurse of 15 years, Eden.  When I left in May the last time I saw her we had just discovered that she was in a late stage of tuberculosis and was on a three medicine treatment for that disease.  Since being in the States I have not been able to make contact with her nor have we been able to make contact with any of her family in order to get an update on her physical condition. 

This morning I again tried the phone numbers that I had had for Eden in May.  The first number told me that it was not a working number but dialing the second I got five rings then Eden answered.  Her voice was much stronger than when I last saw her and she recognized my voice immediately.  She told me that she had a recent X-ray that showed the tuberculosis to no longer be in her lungs.  She did say that she was still not feeling completely well and that her doctor told her that she had a problem with her heart and that she was anemic.  She is presently under treatment for these problems. 

Although Eden is not completely out of the woods it seems like she may be able to see some light through the leaves. 

To those who have shown concern for Eden I thank you.  Your prayers on her behalf have certainly not gone unanswered.   

Because of Christ,

John Ackerman