Haiti Flashbacks

Peter's parents (Lee and Susan) and his brother Steve came to visit this weekend and we had a wonderful time catching up and relaxing while it poured outside. We had a belated Christmas together and the kids were thrilled to have even more presents to open (the real Christmas + Dallin's birthday + Claire's birthday + Christmas #2 (all in a week and a half) = lots and lots of fun presents). We also celebrated Dad's birthday early (his is on Jan. 9) and had a fun party with silly hats and yummy chocolate cake.

As we were chatting on the couch (and watching Steve rock Guitar Hero on expert level), Dad wanted to hear more about Peter's trip back to Haiti (where he served his mission). He went last April and, I guess, was never able to share much about what he did. It was fun to hear about his adventure again. Even though his trip was almost a year ago, I wanted to share some of the pictures...

(FYI - Peter went to Haiti with a group of volunteer doctors who go annually and help treat the people of Haiti. It is a very poor country and really humbling to hear about. Peter was Dr. Uteneimer's (optometrist) translator.)

<- Peter and the group would travel in the back of a pick up truck from village to village and treat people in huts like this one.

<- Peter translating

Peter with a Haitian woman and her new glasses ->

<-This little 4 year old girl in the pink dress

is one of my heroes. Her father (who is

having his eyes checked) can't see and her job since she could walk has been to hold his hand and lead him around. She does this all day, every day. They were hoping Dr. Uteneimer could help, but her father was declared 100 percent blind that day. Peter (being the translator) had to give him and that little girl the news. This will probably be the little girl's job for the rest of her life. An example of loving service and selflessness from a child. Sure puts life into perspective.

Anytime the group would leave a village, the local children would chase the truck down the dirt roads for as long as they could keep up. I love this picture!->

I hope that Peter will be able to return to Haiti and do this again (maybe I can go too?!), and thanks Dad, Mom and Steve for a wonderful weekend!