Final update

Friday, we passed out pencils at another school the first thing in the morning....the kids were so thankful for such a small item, but I guess that's more than they had before. We then went to the hospital to do a short p.t. session.....till about noon...then took the afternoon off to go down to Cayes to the beach....the water was absolutely beautiful and weather so pleasant....you'd think you were in a tropical paradise....but then kids did show up trying to sell anything....for a buck....coconuts, shells....you name it even if it was to ask for a "DOLLA".....we then finished the day with a lunch of lobster at the beach. We were getting ready to leave the beach when a little boy came hobbling up to us....I told Sheila that I thought he had a problem...we decided it was for show......a second look was a different sight.....(that's the back of the boy in picture sent last night) pulled up his shirt to reveal that sore he had...Sheila immediately talked to the "uncles" and took care of transportation to the hospital.....just hope he does indeed get there and all goes well....just one more reason I think we need to support that hoispital....those people need that so much. We don't understand or seem to take it for granted, that in the USA, we got a problem, we just go to the hospital and all is well! All the world is not that fortunate!!!!!!!!! We closed out the evening getting ready to leave on an early flight from Cayes....well that was interrupted by Dr. Rudy asking Dr. Dave to assist him with an emergency surgery.......a call back to the states changed the surgery to treating anoither way....antibiotics and then surgery at a later date. 4:00 a.m. came and we were on the way to Cayes to the airport for a quick flight to PAP. Well, Haitian time is different than our time....plane left about 10:00 a.m. We arrived at PAP.,..told that our plane was being held, grabbed our bags and got a wild and short ride to meet American Airlines flight, pushed our way to security and check in...only to find out our gate had closed.......Ok, I can live with this......then through security, 2 more times, last time through the scanner, my laptop was eaten by the scanner..........Donald lost it!!!!! After several loudspeaker announcements....well it finally was produced out of the clear blue..ok, we were now placed on standby. In visiting with the Grant's Pass people, they noticed that the original plane was delayed for an hour....well that didn't set well with the "big boy, me, but anyway just suck it up! Well, then Linda, Rita, and Ada got tickets, but not "Don".......oh my, another reoccurance of irratation....Ada wondering maybe why she married me, and the other two sure glad they didn't!!!!!! Anyway, I did finally get my ticket, got boarded the plane and was off to Miami....WHEW!!!! You know, a man from Ft. Wayne, Indiana was talking to me about the way things had gone.......wondered if Satan was buffeting me........we had a great conservation........Yup......I think I took the Lord's name in vain......think and act like I'm a Christian......and then LOSE my composure, even what little I have.....Oh boy!!!! Anyway, the rest of the trip went well! we had a great team and really worked well together. As a team leader, I want to thank each and everyone who had a part in the three weeks that I was in Haiti.....especially Sheila;  we need to pray for that dear sister for the work she is doing....and the rest of the people working in all missions around the world. I think we need to name that cedar tree behind the guesthouse "Sheila" You see it stands "straight and tall".......never bends under pressure....maybe sways a little.....but never bends....THANKS SHEILA!! You are a true blessing........Hope you all enjoyed  the stuff I've put on here......Later, Don

A few of the 700 pictures.

Road to Bonne Fin

Ada, Linda, Katherine passing out pencils.

Crippled boy with an open sore. (More Info Coming)

Charcoal Haul + Haitian Taxi + Chicken Transporter

Child they wanted me to adopt.

This little boy had a concussion from being hit by a bicycle. 

Modern Grain Dryer for Haiti.

Ada and Linda doing therapy.

Ada with LSM girls.

Handing out pencils to school children.

Thursday update

The day started as usual........5:00 a.m.....roosters......roosters......and more roosters crowing. Other than that I felt much better.......NO MORE GREEN APPLE QUICKSTEP.....that medication (don't think I spelled it right) but it worked.....Ada and I worked with Linda in p.t. some and Ada also kinda worked other places and with other team members. Thought I'd be brave and watch a tubal with a local.......didn't make it past the first incision.........blood and pain aren't in my list of strong points. Kenny and Steve are still working on plumbing and making a wish list of needs for the next team and time.Dr. Dave is right here in emergency room working and Dr. Adele is in hospital doing rounds. QUESTION.........What would happen if a 300 pound black man were to appear at a school and ask to pass out pencils to the students?............Well, the tables were turned today as I and Ada and Geneva went to pass out pencils at a school.....we were greeted by the children of each classroom arising and welcoming us to their room.......and some of the little girls kissed me on the cheek.........America.......WAKE UP!!!!!!!!! So thankful to be taught how to behave properly. So once again Alice and ACWR for allowing me to be a part of the team...........it's been an experience Ada and I will not soon forget..........until next time..........Don

Wednesday update

Well, we woke up to the usual......roosters and the need for Immotal........I hope that's spelled right......anyway I'm sure you get the picture.....Worked with Linda in P.T. this am along with Ada. About 11:00, Joan came up to pick us up to go to LSM to tour their facilities......got to two of them....I now fully support the efforts that they do......nice job and hats off to that organization. Returned to the hospital about 4:00 p.m. Noticed a new baby in the emergency room.....cute...don't think God created any ugly Haitian babies. We will be joined with another team of about 14-15 for supper this evening. Please keep Sheila in your prayers........just don't understand how she can possibly keep her head above water........so many people with questions....interrupting her all the time with questions.......she does a great job and only by the grace of God can one wear that many hats at one time......going to close for now for supper at 6:00........20 minutes from now....until next time....Don

Tuesday update

The roosters are still alive and well----and crowing----!  In case you wonder why there are so many rodnts here, we can tell you.  It's because they eat cats.  They say they are good!  Have we eaten any??? Thought we'd check and see how much it would cost to ship some from our house to Haiti!!
We mostly helped Linda in PT today---in her words; "pain and torture".  We nurses are preparing to do a "class/inservice" about diabetes..........mostly what the Haitian nurses can teach their patients/friends and family about caring for people with diabetes.
Our gunshot patient looked wonderful this morning.  Sitting up and smiling .......... that changed this afternoon as he was having a lot of pain and was quite restless.  Certainly he is not out of the woods, yet.  It is a miracle that he is doing as well as he is.
Steve and Kenny have been investigating  the water supply (and the sporadic lackof it)  They discovered that some of it is being "diverted". Hm-m-m-----interesting situation.
There is only one patient in the cholera unit, now.  All the rest were well enough to go home.  When we asked one of the nurses there what they are going to do now, she replied "there will be more!"
Paula, Don and Ada went for a walk to visit Jimmy's house again.  He again got his "bee smoker" out and cut us off a chunk of honeycomb to eat.  What an example of hospitality!  We took beanie babies and matchbox cars and hair "stuff" along with us.................didn't take long to get rid of them.  Kids come from EVERYWHERE!!  Dave and Katherine are walking now in the opposite direction and they are armed with cars and pencils and more hair stuff.
Dave and Katherine and Don and Ada will be touring LSM tomorrow while the rest of the group stay at Bonne Fin. 
There is another group who are doing construction and a health clinic in an area about 30min away who will be sleeping in one of the houses on this compound for the next week. They are a group of about 14 and will have only one toilet and one shower!  We are staying in the Hilton in comparison!!  They will be eating some of their meals at the guest house with us.  That will mean that Mona is cooking for about 27 people.  We have no doubt she is up to the challenge.  She feeds us very well!!
Sheila took us to the warehouse on the compound today to look for some needed supplies.  Linda found some crutches to send home with an elderly amputee.  He and his wife were so happy to get them.  The warehouse is amazing!  The folks working there have it amazingly well organized and clean!
The weather the last couple of days is sunny and wonderful! 
Don and Ada

Monday recap

Well, I've got a little time between helping Linda H. and Ada and Rita do some physical therapy, so thought I'd get this blog done.........The guy with a gunshot wound came through surgery and looked pretty good this morning, but seems to be taking a turn for the worst....lots of pain, heavy breathing and rapid heartbeat.....just doesn't seem right.....he was an innocent victim. Well, anyway we hope and pray that he was right with God......On another note, the little boy with a head injury went home during the lunch hour. Kenneth and Steve are doing a good job with the waterworks, trying to figure out what is going on and fixing what they can. Dr. Rudy left for PAPafter lunch today and will return yet this week, so that leaves Dr. Dave and Dr. Adele as the physicians as well as the interns....... Seems kinda slow today compared to last couple of days.......Alice...Hope you got to see the cholera cot picture......there are not as many patients as there was when we got here .......Oh, lest I forget, just wanted to let my family know......HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ME BEING A FATHER AGAIN..............What a surprise, huh?.......well, don't panic.......I was just offered a 3 month old baby......after all he needs a daddy and she thought I could fill the bill.....what is she to do ..she already has three others that she cannot feed.....she offered me this child a couple days ago and now today had someone write her message in english so I could understand what she wanted..........showed the letter to Mom...she just shook her head and said she couldn't understand how a mother could do that......well, she is hoping that her child will have a better chance in America is the way I see it..........seems this mother has a great deal of love for her child and makes  one wonder about Jesus's mother, Mary as she watched her son die on the cross....... for your sins and mine........... knowing that what he was doing was to fulfill the plan of salvation for all mankind.......WHAT LOVE......until next time.......Don

pictures from Haiti

SCENERY

Living conditions in Haiti

Alice: Here is a picture of the cholera cot!! (buckets underneath)

Sunday recap

Hello from Haiti once again! Just an absolutely beautiful day!!!!!!!Woke up this morning to the usual....roosters crowing. We were off to church at about 8:15 am and enjoyed just a beautiful service.....what we were able to get from Dr. Rudy, who interpeted. Sermon was from II Samuel 3......about serving the Lord. I know the Apostolic Christian Church's worship service is very traditional.........and the Haitian people worship in such a different way, yet God is being praised in so many different ways! Guess that's why God sees the heart of each and every one of us and knows who is sincere and who isn't.....then the paster asked for the people to stand who were celebrating birthdays in February. Of course, that allowed Ada to be recognized by getting a pin pinned on her blouse. All the church could see what I've known for 37 years....what a catch I've got for a wife!!!!!!!! Ada and the rest of the crew are making rounds.....seems so much needs to be done......but such a capable group.......God definately knows what qualities to put on each group. The little boy who was so sick the other night (the one who was blowing groceries).....well, he has really improved and is very alert after surgery. Right now, as I'm writing this email, they are about to take a young man to surgery for a gunshot wound to the abdomen.....What I can gather is he is bleeding out and doesn't sound good........some family member is so distressed and is laying her heart out to God for intervention........just wish I could communicate!!!!! On a little brighter side, yesterday, Ada helped create the blog......She didn't mention that we went up to Jimmy's(we are sponsoring him at an English school) house to visit and to meet his family.....well, He insisted for me to come closer to see his bee hives....... immediately my mind my tells me that those bees are closer in color to Jimmy than they are to me........Like here's a "BIG PAPA" and let's put a few knots on him.........but I escaped without any discomfort. Anyway, such hospitality that these people put  forth.........and for us Americans, I can only say......we ought to be ashamed of the way we LIVE.......2 rooms, no cupboards, no other conveniences that we take for granted............because we think we deserve it, I guess...........how are we going to justify our lives on the great judgement day......I guess that is why I think it is so very important to come to places like this.......to get my head screwed back on straight  Until next time......Don and Ada                                                                                                                                                             

Saturday update

Slept in this morning---or at least slept between the rooster crowing contests!!  Sheila left early to attend a staff meeting at Les Cayes.  Later in the day she picked up the Grant's Pass group plus Linda and Rita and headed back up the mountain.  Thanks to the men in the group, who changed a flat tire, and the provison of God, they arrived safely---tired and hungry!
We were  priviledged to get a little "tour" of the community when a couple of the young men who work at the hospital took us to visit their home.  This was a walking tour and what a pleasure to enjoy the tropical beauty of Haiti.  The guys  "practiced" their English on us and attempted to teach us a few Kreyol words----we definitely need MORE practice! 
So far, things at the hospital are a bit more relaxed than last year.  There are probably about half as many patients---although some pretty impressive motercycle related injuries.  The little boy I mentioned last evening went to surgery to remove a small bone chip from his head that was a result of a skull facture----he was hit by a bicycle!!  He seems to be doing ok today with no apparent brain injury at present.
No internet service at the hospital all day today---until now, so sorry for the late post.
We are looking forward to attending church tomorrow and perhaps a trip to the beach.  Today was the warmest and sunniest day we have had so far.  It has rained every day at some time.
More later..........   Don

Friday recap......

Hello from Haiti......Can you believe it........Don Plattner got this thing up without any help!!!!! Amazing you can teach an old dog new tricks. Seems so unbelievable that another week has passed again in this BEAUTIFUL place called Haiti. After I left the hospital last night to go home after the downpour, the smell was indescribable.............fresh and so beautiful.......right now I'm setting across from a little boy about Landon's(my grandson) age that has a head wound...........poor little boy.....just blew groceries. So sad, but makes the reason to come here all the more rewarding. These people need help and I thank ACWR for their support  of the hospital and allowing me to be a part of this work! Ada and I spent the day rearranging Dr. Rudy's supply room . So much stuff to go through and rearrange and discard some. Mice and other critters ran every which way.............. The rest of the team should be in Miami for the evening and Sheila is to get them in the morning at PAP. Brings the memory back when Ada came in.......I promised her that I would be in the baggage area for her.........and the guard said NO.........then he called me to the area when she came in and told me come with him to a certain area of the baggage area..............putting his hand out and told to put some money in his hand and then i was free to go anywhere.........money does wonders! The showers are still cold and the roosters still wake us up in the morning....at least Ralph does....Last year we also had a rooster that held onto the do for four full counts.....don't seem to hear him this year.....guess it wasn't a good year for him! Hope all is well at home and wish you all God's richest blessings.......Don

Thursday night recap

Hello from Haiti.......Well the roosters once again woke us up this morning. Ada and I worked in the pharmacy again basically all day........and never had a cross word until....we tried to blog. This computer is tooooooo much for an old man to learn. Anyway, now that we got this thing up and running, Alice, for your information, I did tour the cholera part of the hospital and I did get a picture  of the cot with a hole in them....am waiting for some help to show me how to get those pictures posted. Hopefully, we will get some more posted by this weekend. Man, the cholera section is depressing!!!!! Also, I have been informed that the bigger the guy the richer he is. I came around the corner of the building and met an Haitian lady........oh, she exclaimed.....BIG PAPA! We have about 60 patients in he hospital as of right now.....since Saturday we have had 7 motorcycle  wrecks and thus patients that look kinda.........Nasty! Going to close for now and head home for a good nights rest......now that the showers have ended. God bless!  Don

WEEK IN REVIEW FEB 7-13

Our construction team arrived safely in  PAP Haiti on Monday  the 7th.   We were picked up at the airport and traveled to Puis Sales which became our home base. Our excellent Haitian cook served us breakfast and our evening meal here each day.  We had comfortable sleeping quarters and showers-----COLD ones!   Each day we traveled by van to the construction site where we worked at putting a roof on a two story church/school building.  The first day we arrived at the work site to discover that we were missing nails and some of our lumber.  It arrived later in the day and we were able to build the rafters that day.  We worked at this site all week, working on the roof and making benches for the students.  We were not able to complete the project entirely, but did get the roof nearly half tinned.  This area was a mountainous area---beautiful to look at but here you could learn the meaning of "rough roads"!! 
On Sunday we traveled to Bonne Fin Haiti where we ate dinner with Sheila at the guest house next to Hospital Lumiere.  Sheila gave us a tour of the hospital and the grounds and we left for PAP about noon on Monday.  Monday night we stayed at a guest house that Eris kindly arranged for us.  Tuesday the construction team went to the airport and waited for their plane to arrive from Miami.  It was late arriving because it was late leaving Miami.  I anxiously awaited the arrival of my "travel challenged" wife!!  Immigration baggage claim and customs behind us, we left the airport in the able "hands" of Wilson and Sadrach who took us to the bus station.  This "station" is one SMALL, HOT room with about 15 straight back chairs in it and a desk where you purchase your tickets.  Sadrach volunteered to ride to bus to Cavillion with us. His presence was much appreciated!  The lady who took our tickets took one look at me and decided that I would sit in the back seat (it is larger)  :-)   The bus left the station at 1:15 instead of the scheduled 12:30.  It was slow going through PAP--lots of traffic!!  It is amazing to see the amount of clean-up and rebuilding that is taking place in PAP when you consider that practically all of this work is done BY HAND.  Crushing of discarded concrete block and stones used in building were being crushed by someone sitting on the pile of debris with a sledge hammer.   About 2 hours into our trip we stopped for a potty stop----- well---no potty, but.......you get the picture!  That lasted about 40 minutes and Sadrach told us later that it had something to do with men on motercyles with guns and the police not letting us go on!  It was an advantage not to know what was happening!!  We arrived safely in Cavillion,(PRAISE GOD) where Sheila met us , accompanied by Dr. Adele and Dr. Rudy.  Dr. Rudy was also traveling to Bonne Fin but couldn't get there by his earlier motercycle taxi as it was pouring rain. Our bus trip totaled about five hours followed by another BUMPY ride up the mountain with Sheila.  We spent the morning working in the pharmacy---doing a little "inventory" and attempting to stay out of Ada and Sheila's way!  

Hello this is Doctor Adele teaching Don to use the blogg.  Not the most obvious thing to do from the title page.  Anyway Don is a hoot and keeps us amused with all his stories.  Ada tries her best to keep him in line!!!!!!

Hello everyone!

Hello everyone from Haiti....I'm going to make a few emarks about the week...Didn't have any service, so could not send anything. Will do a blog each and everynight from on and will make some comments about this last week as well. God's blessings...Don

Feb 7th - 13th Haiti Construction at Pont David

 

Waiting for our ride at the airport.

 

Don's little helper, big help can come in small packages.

 

Building Benches with my helper.

 

Grand Finalie! Jordan and I made a tetter-totter for the local kids. Big Hit!

Last Day Progress on the Roof.

Welcome to Mission Papa in Haiti

Papa...this is Landon. I helped Dad get your blog set up!! So here is me expecting you to post often so I can see what you do in Haiti. We love you tons!!