If I speak in the languages of Creole, French, Spanish, and English,
but have not love,

I am only an arrogant, blaring bus horn on a bumpy, rutted Haitian road.

If I have the gift of medical knowledge and expertise and can diagnose malaria, typhoid, and cholera; know the dosages of all drugs; and can treat HTN, scabies, lung infections, diarrhea, rashes, and malnutrition,
but have not love,

I have offered very little healing to my truly needy patients.

If I have the capacity to suture lacerations, drain abscesses, and start IVs,
but have not love,

I am worth less than one gourde, or one Haitian dollar.

If I give all of my time and efforts to treat poor and sick Haitians, but do not show them the true Healer due to fear or time constraints, then little is gained from the experience.

Love is patient when the man has multiple, longstanding and complicated medical complaints, with 180 more ill patients waiting on the bench;

It listens compassionately to the fears and concerns of the mother of a sick child;

It causes all team members to abandon their “roles” and help with a medical emergency situation, being teachable and flexible and learning from each other;

It does not act haughty or proud or better than the local staff, who do this job every day;

It forgives words and actions during a stressful time and supports other members of the team;

It does not complain about the peanut butter sandwiches, or that someone else took the last Coke or Malta from the cooler; it works when the generator is off, despite the stifling heat and lack of good lighting, when eyes burn from the sweat pouring into them,

when it seems the day is never-ending.

Love does not delight in the evil and sickness that abounds in Haiti,

But it always rejoices that our God is ABLE TO OVERCOME;

It protects the vulnerable, malnourished, and abused, prays for them, offers them hope,

and helps find them practical resources;

It trusts that our Father will provide safety for ALL of His children, despite the potential for violence and injury, manifestations and poor road conditions, lack of adequate nutrition, shelter,
clean water, and unprotected living arrangements;

It believes that conditions will improve in Haiti, that more will be drawn to Him;

It perseveres in coming back another day, on another trip!

LOVE NEVER FAILS.

But where there are food and shelter programs, those will cease;
Where there are nearby medical facilities run by NGOs, those will close;
Where there is humanitarian relief, it is temporary.

But these three remain in Haiti:

Faith, Hope, and Love

And the greatest of these is LOVE