The response to the needs listed for my December trip to Haiti have been incredible! Not only are we going to be able to go way over 50 lbs stuff our bags, but we are going to be able to purchase a continuous pulse oximeter for the clinic and rescue center!!! I am so excited about this, as I saw a HUGE need for this in my time there this summer. For those non-medical people, a pulse oximeter is a machine that measures the amount of oxygen (which we have to have to live) carried by your red blood cells. It is a diagnostic tool, and now that there is an oxygen concentrator (administers oxygen) we need a way to measure the amount of oxygen in the body. It is an easy way to know how sick someone is or if they are getting better, such as in asthmatic crisis or someone who is malnourished and protein deficient with not enough red blood cells to carry the oxygen.
Of all the children that died in the time that I was there, Malorie was one of the hardest for me to lose. Mostly, because we could never find out what was wrong with her. This machine might have helped us save her life.
Every single ER, clinic, even school nurses's office in the States has one of these machines and it is time that we have on in Haiti. It is such a blessing to be part of this and know that each of you who has contributed are part of it too!
So do any of you know someone who sells medical equipment? We have the funds to purchase the machine, I am just wanting to do some further research and would love to buy from someone you know! So please leave a comment or email me at cctigner@gmail.com if you have ANY connections to someone in the world of selling medical equipment.
Thanks for being a part of this.
Oh and are you still Christmas shopping??? Because you should check out the GIFT HAITI.
This is it. This is what I have been dreaming up, praying about, having butterflies over and have been working on for the last couple months. Since I returned from Haiti in September, I have been trying to figure out how to live my life in light of all that I experienced. A big part of my heart is there, yet I know I am supposed to be here for this season. How will I remember how I felt, and the faces I loved, and the things that I saw? How can I share them with you, and tell you all the stories? I have felt useless at times, wondering what can I possibly do to help all the way from here? And then it was clear.
The photos.
Everyday, I can remember the stories. I am reminded of the beauty and of the heartache in the faces of the children. And of the hope in their eyes. I am moved to pray over them. And pray for my friends who have given their lives to serve these precious ones. I can remember. And I can give. To the people of Haiti, and to my friends.
I can give my prayers. I can send my encouragement on days I have hope, and I can give my tears on days when I grieve with them. I can give my experiences; I can tell others of what God is doing in Haiti. I can use the things that God has made me good at to serve Him. And I can give financially. We can give. You and I have been immeasurably blessed and it should be a a joy to share all of our gifts.
After sharing all of this with my best friend and favorite photographer, Caroline Fontenot, we came up with an idea. She and her husband have always modeled how we as Christians are supposed to give, and give, and then keep giving and they have taught me that and more. They were supportive of me and walked with me during my trips to Haiti, and therefore God gave them a burden for the people of Haiti. We figured out how we could use my experiences, her talents as an artist, and our deep desire to see God's Kingdom come in Haiti for this incredible project.
So this holiday season, I am inviting you to be a part of something bigger. All of the photos I have taken of Haiti are available for purchase, and one hundred percent of the profit will go to my friends at Real Hope for Haiti.
The 4x6 photos make a great stocking stuffer, or buy an 8x10 for your "under $25 office Christmas party gift." Share them with your loved ones, and tell someone who doesn't know about Haiti by sending them a print. Or even put them on your Wish List :)
All photos are available in many sizes as well as black and white or color. There is even an option to have them gift wrapped.Here is the site where you can browse all of the photos and place orders. If you don't see the photo you want, email us and we will make it happen.
http://gifthaiti.instaproofs.com/
You can email Caroline & Caroline (cute, we know) at gifthaiti@gmail.com.
This video shares the heartbeat of Real Hope for Haiti and will give you a tangible picture of what your money will support. You can also read Lori and Licia's blogs to see what happens on a daily basis at the clinic and rescue center.
On the right side of this blog you can click on the months of July and August 2009 to read my posts from my time in Haiti. I know if you do, you won't be able to ignore the needs.
I am so very proud of these photos, and if I was the only person who ever looked at them, that would be just fine with me. But ultimately, I just want to see less precious faces like this one
become a tiny body in a much too tiny casket,
and see more kids go from this,
to this.
Again, here is the site to place orders http://gifthaiti.instaproofs.com/ and you can email any questions to Caroline & Caroline at gifthaiti@gmail.com
Go right now and read about this baby. There is absolutely no excuse for her not to have the same chance as any baby born here in the States. Even if you can't give, please pray for miraculous healing.
Ok, so I am no Ty the Carpenter, but I am so very excited about the new look for this blog. Thanks the to the technologically talented and fabulous design eye of Caroline Fontenot, Oh Sweet Caroline got a makeover. There are still a few small changes to come, but I was just too excited not to share the new look. I love that it is so simple and fresh.
My favorite thing about the new blog is that I can post bigger photos. I took this one tonight on the way to church in East Nashville. Every week we drive over a hill and at the right spot at the top of the hill, you get the most beautiful view of downtown in the rearview mirror. I finally brought my camera to grab this shot just as the sun was setting this evening. That is the famous "Batman" building in downtown Nashville.
In other awesome news, many of you have generously responded to the needs in Haiti. I can't wait to shop for all the goodies we will take! Keep 'em coming and check back for more current needs. I also bought two new books at Borders tonight. Can you guess which one I am excited about reading???
There are still more great things to come, so come back later this week!
I just have to tell you something because it's too good to keep a secret! Listen closely...
We are going on a trip. Well, Mom and I are, but I am inviting you, too!
Can you guess where we are going????????
Yup, you guessed it. I am headed to HAITI for almost two weeks!!!! I'll leave after Christmas and then Mom will join me for the second week. I can hardly explain to you how excited I am to go back and visit my dear friends at Real Hope for Haiti!!!!!
I can't wait to hang out with Lori and Licia and see the staff and all the kiddos. I am also very excited about the chance to work with an OB/GYN team that will be down there for a couple weeks doing some women's health treatment and education.
I wish you could all come with me so I could show you the place I have come to love so much. I want you to see the faces of the ones you pray for, and hold the hands of the little ones who suffer. I want you to learn about the culture and taste the food and hear the sounds. I want you to know Lori and Licia and Zach and hear their stories. One day, I hope you'll come.
But you can be a part of this trip, too. I strongly believe that though not all of us are called to literally "go" to the nations, we are ALL called to be part of God's Kingdom come among the nations.
So here is what I am asking. For the next two months, when you are shopping at the grocery store, or CVS or Wal-mart, spend 10 more dollars on some of these items. Check the papers for coupons. Find out where the sales are. We want our bags to be so heavy that I have to very kindly beg the nice baggage check man to not look at the scale. If you live in the Houston area, we will be happy to pick things up from you. If you live out of town, you can send us money or gift cards and we will gladly shop for you. Here is a list of things that are needed at the clinic and RC, and I will update as more things come up...
antibiotic cream (neosporin or generic is fine)
anti-fungals (topical creams and monistat- types, again generics are fine)
ibuprofen
tylenol
Multivitamins (adult and children's)
Poly-vi-sol vitamin drops for children
Infant formula
any medical supplies- ace bandages, rubber gloves, Rx medications, needles and syringes, band-aids, alcohol swabs etc.
baby clothes
large safety pins
index cards
rubber bands
baby bottles
plastic pants
Will you help me pack my bags??????
I just love that picture. This kiddo is flying his kite, homemade from a plastic bag.
I took all of these in our parking lot today. Jealous?
Don't you want to come visit me and see them for yourself?
Also, in case you have not heard, Jamie and Story made it home to Austin last night only to head over to Dell Children's Medical Center. They are under the care of some great doctors and nurses who are still working on a definite diagnosis. Continue to pray for them. Pray for wisdom for the providers and for supernatural healing. Pray for rest for Jamie and Aaron and bonding for their family. You can check their blogs here and here as well as follow their tweets here and here for up to date info.
The Devil WILL NOT win on this one.
Hope you are having a great Saturday. Hook 'em Horns!
