February 20th marked the 3rd special
needs health fair. The health fair is by far a highlight of the year not only
for myself, but for many others within Haiti as well as many from the states. Three main organizations join forces and host the health fair each year, typically in February. This
year the therapy volunteers included: 23 rehab professionals, 5 therapy
students, 4 layman, and 9 translators. I am not 100% sure of the numbers of the
other volunteers but it was around 40-45. It was definitely the biggest turn
out for the fair to date. It was a HUGE blessing to have so many people on hand,
but even more amazing to witness each volunteers love for not only the
children, but also their families.
The fair included:
- hand washing
- malnutrition screening
- nutrition education
- tooth brushing
- massage/therapy brush
- therapy ball training
- home exercise training
- medical evaluations
- therapy evaluations
All the booths were successful and each family received a
therapy ball and therapy brush along with educational handouts for both.
For the therapy portion of the fair, each child received a
basic therapy evaluation/screening. During this time, the needs for each child
were determined. This year we were extremely blessed to have a speech
therapist, a hand therapist, and an orthotist volunteer their time. It was so
amazing to have volunteers within these specialities this year. I will definitely be praying for
each of these areas to be covered in the following years for the fair.
Typically, I would post about how many kids attended the
fair along with all the equipment each child received; however numbers do not really matter. The bigger picture is what really matters. The fact that God’s light shined down in ways that we could not have
imagined is most important. Witnessing children and families rejoice in
receiving a piece of equipment that not only promotes further development, but
equipment that makes life just a tad bit easier. Witnessing a child smile and
clap in a new stander or reach out their hand to wave while seated in a new
chair. Witnessing a caregiver receiving advice on feeding and drinking that
will prevent his/her child from aspirating. Witnessing kiddos dance and laugh
without a care in the world for just a little while. The smiles. The newfound
sparkle in a caregiver’s eye. The deafening laughter. All of this is what matters.
Numbers may matter for things such as funding and grants. But
at the end of the day, what actually matters is that God’s love, grace, and mercy overwhelmed an event that satan would
have rather not occurred. The fact that God’s light was shining through each
and every volunteer is what matters. Each and every child was received just as
Jesus receives him/her – with love. It was a day spent where children and families did not have to worry about what others would think or say. It was a day full of joy. A day where parents proudly showed off their child and their new equipment. It was a day where nothing overcame the laughter as each child was celebrated.
The health fair is near and dear to my heart. Many of us
have witnessed it evolve over the years and this year was by far the most
amazing year yet. The volunteers that gathered under one roof (or under the hot
sun) were specifically hand picked by God. No doubt in my mind about this. God
knew why He called each and every volunteer to this event. And I now know as
well. I had the pleasure of witnessing each and every person LOVE, truly LOVE,
the kids AND their families. It was simply amazing. God is good!!
Now enjoy some pictures from the amazing event – take a little
time to really soak in the smiles you will see – these smiles are definitely straight from God :)
