Prison or Protection? The Escape, & Those Left Behind!

If you have been following Facebook or watching the news at all, you know that things in Haiti have hit a new low, and that the last several weeks have been very interesting for Haiti and myself.

On March 3rd I arrived at church and the gate was closed and there was almost nobody there.  Things had been escalating but not too extreme to this point.  A friend called and asked what was going on as the stores were all closed.  When the time for church to start came and past I messaged that pastor to find out what was going on since they hadn’t even arrived yet.  While waiting for an answer we decided it was time to get home as things just didn’t feel right.

I learned that things were suddenly expected to get bad and that several of my friends were leaving Haiti that day!  Some of my friends got out on Spirit, but some didn’t, as American canceled their flight for that day.  New gang violence erupted around the airport resulting in the airport and 2 planes receiving bullet holes.  The airport was completely closed on that afternoon and has not reopened since.  After the airport was closed the U.S. Embassy announced that Americans needed to leave Haiti as soon as possible…

Initially, I assumed that the airport would reopen in a few days and I would be able to leave then without significant issue if things didn’t improve.  But as time went on, it became more obvious that would not happen.  I then started looking for other options to get out of Haiti.

Haiti has had a level 4 “do not travel” alert for almost all of the last 7 1/2 years that I have been living there.  Many people have said, well you should have never been there.  But it is the norm for us, and if things became uncomfortable you always had the option to leave.  This is the first time that leaving was no longer an option.

The thought of leaving these kids and my other patients behind is not an easy choice to make.

Project Dynamo was one of the options that I found and signed up for to evacuate Haiti.  This is a group of veterans that started an organization 2.5 years ago to rescued Americans around the world who had been left behind by the current policies.  Shortly after arriving in Haiti, they hit the 7,000 + mark for Americans rescued since they began a short time ago.  I also did sign up with the State Department and several other organizations, looking for the first available ride out!

Due to the lack of support from the State Department, both Haiti and the Dominican Republic were not in any hurry to help with the evacuation of U.S. citizens.  This made the necessary paperwork for helicopter flights almost impossible to get, to be able to have a legal flight.  So, I was on stand-by with a call every evening saying “be ready, we should be leaving in the morning!”  This went on for 11 days…

Prison or Protection?  The view from my living room through the bars and razor wire.

There are over 350,000 people in Haiti that have been forced from there homes due to gangs running them out, terrorizing them, burning their homes, assaulting and killing them.  This was my view for 265 straight hours while I never left my house.  While at times it sure felt like living in a prison, it was also a great feeling of protection! Especially when you could hear shooting, sometimes much to close for comfort, and seen the smoke from fires the gangs were setting. Knowing that thousands live on a sidewalk with no protection at all from what was happening around them on the streets, sometimes it’s a pretty good view. 

Watching businesses being burned from my roof. 

As time went on, many people started to check in with me and ask what could be done.  People starting calling their politicians.  Many in Michigan but some in several other states as well.  Some politicians in Michigan became very familiar with my name, through the many phone calls and emails they received.

Some of my friends wanted to try to raise the up to $50,000.00 USD that some people were paying for a seat on a helicopter for a 45-minute flight to the Dominican Republic.  Money always buys what you need in Haiti and the Dominican for paperwork.  I was very grateful, but could never have spent that kind of money for a ride when there is so much hunger, suffering, and so many medical needs in Haiti. 

The State Department did finally get a little more active with there efforts which finally helped to facilitate the paperwork for a in country flight, but not one into the Dominican Republic, as originally planned.  The State Department even started doing their own flights, but getting across town to the Embassy was not a safe or easy trip to be made for me.

My days were filled on my phone.  It quickly became a full-time job watching the security chats I was a part of, answering messages and calls from concerned friends, coordinating with Project Dynamo, watching Facebook for updates on the situation in Haiti, and talking to politicians’ offices.  My last 8 days in Haiti I was on my phone for 75 hours.

FINALLY, after 11 days on standby, closing my house up to leave every morning and reopening it every evening to go to bed, we got the GO call!!!  It was such a blessing that the landing zone they picked was actually my church!  It was only about 3 blocks from my house, so much safer than the embassy.

Have you ever been picked up at church in a Blackhawk helicopter??

They flew in and I was thankful to be able to be in the first group of 18 people loaded into the helicopter!  It was concerning for those in the second group as the helicopter would draw a lot of attention while they waited for it to return.  We were flown out of Port-au-Prince and over the mountains on a 32-minute flight to Cap-Haitian in northern Haiti. 

Enjoying the ride to safety!

While still in Haiti, Cap-Haitian has a reputation for being one of the calmest and safest larger cities in Haiti.  It was a good feeling to be out of Port-au-Prince and some place with a functioning airport!  When we arrived at the airport it was very difficult to hear their instructions as the helicopter had been so loud.  There had been a miscommunication in our daily calls.  Myself as well as others thought that Dynamo was coordinating transportation all the way to U.S. soil.  They were actually done at the airport in Cap-Haitian.  I have never been to Cap-Haitian and had no idea of what I would do next.  I walked out to the front of the airport feeling very overwhelmed with the situation I now found myself in. 

In the main lobby of the airport was a group of Americans not involved without our flight.  I asked what they were doing and they stated that they were with the Florida Department of Emergency Management and asked if I wanted to go home with the DeSantis evacuation plan?  I said yes, very much so!!  The flight for the day was already loaded but they said to come back in the morning and they would get me out of Haiti!  I am thankful that a friend from church was also on the Helicopter flight and she had been to Cap-Haitian before and knew about hotels in the area and how things worked there.  It was reassuring to be able to have someone to travel to and from the hotel with and navigate this new place.

Cap-Haitian is a beautiful area.

I have always wanted to travel up to Cap-Haitian and it has long been my intention that if I ever got to go I would for sure visit the Citadel.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for this trip.

The view from my hotel room, waking up in a safer place on my way to America!

The next day we went back to the airport and were confirmed for the trip to Orlando Florida.  I was shocked to get on a large airliner which was a private charter plane with the entire aircraft being first class seating.  At 5:15 on March 27th I finally left Haiti.  So, after 24 days being trapped, I was finally out of Haiti!!  Interestingly enough, the 27th was the day I had booked to leave Haiti to come back and do taxes back in November!

Upon arrival to Orlando, the reception by the state of Florida was overwhelming!  They took care of all of our needs with support, and food and things we may need.  When they asked where I was looking to go, I said that I would be going to Detroit.  They said, it’s too late for a flight now, so we will put you up for the night and they get you a flight tomorrow.  I said, and you’re going to do all that?  They said, yes, we told you we would get you home!  They put us up in the Marriott for the night.  During the night they booked me on a flight from Orlando to New York, then on to Detroit.  The ticket was over $1,500.00, not including the cost of the charter flight from Haiti.

It is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that this entire trip from my house in Port-au-Prince to my house in Reed City wouldn’t have cost me any money, had I not had the privilege to help pay for a hotel stay and dinner for a disabled gentleman from our helicopter, in Cap-Haitian on Tuesday night.  He too was taken by surprise of the news that our assistance from Dynamo was finished at the airport. 

It was good to get back to Michigan!  But my heart is still in Haiti and that is not easy with all that is going on there.  So many kids and patients that I work with on a regular basis are now on their own in a place with virtually no help available.  ~Be watching in the next week or so for another blog post with an update on Haiti, the things that have been happening with Kelby’s Kids prior to all of this, and of those left behind.~

I am so blessed by all the friends and family back here that were concerned about me.  I may have considered staying a while longer if not for your prompting to come back to safety.  I felt very much that God was protecting me while this was all going on.  That is because of many of you who were praying for me!  There is no way to know how many were praying, but I am sure it was several thousand with all the family, friends, churches, groups, and some complete strangers who were praying.  My last post from Haiti had almost 10,000 views, because you were sharing it to get more people involved.  I am also thankful for your efforts to influence the government to get more involved.  Also, the efforts or other organizations as alternate options for evacuation were greatly appreciated.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK:

Project Dynamo

Florida Department of Emergency Management through the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis

Quisqueya Chapel

Agape Flights

Missionary Flights International

Garrett Saldano and the Grassroots Army

Congressman John Moolenaar’s office

Congressman Bill Huizenga’s office

Pete Hoekstra’s office

Senator Debbie Stabenow’s Office

Osceola County Administrators office

The United States Department of State

And especially ALL OF YOU!!

Only Time will tell what is going to happen in Haiti and when I may be able to return some day.  Please continue to pray for Haiti and the tremendous amount of suffering that is going on there.  It is the few who are making life so very difficult for the many and people are suffering tremendously because of it.

With a broken heart, knowing there is so very much to be done

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

The Faces of Kelby's Kids

The medical clinic has been busy since the start of the new year.  As life continues to be a daily struggle for most people in Haiti, the clinic is often there only hope for any kind of medical care.

On Monday, Vanessa came to the clinic. She is 4 years old and was very sick.  Her temperature was almost 104 and she had a large abscess on her lower abdomen.  It was also quickly evident that she had another issue — the main reason her mother brought her to clinic.  But that would have to wait until she was healthier.  She was probably starting to get septic, and without aggressive treatment, her other issue would sadly become irrelevant.

With antibiotics, Ibuprofen, and rehydration she is starting to improve!  Hopefully, her abscess will close as it continues to heal and we can start some further diagnostic tests for her.

This picture is on day 3 when she was feeling a little better!

Sadly, these are not the only complications for Vanessa and her mom. 

They live in a bad area that has been taken over by gangs. They had to flee their home with only what mom could carry — while also carrying Vanessa. So now they live on the street. Just like thousands of others who have been displaced by the gang violence. 

I am looking into some other options for them so Vanessa is more-readily-accessible, especially if she will need long-term treatment and care. (The streets where they live now is not a place I could go.)

Vanessa also has a very large deformity to her spine, which has affected her chest, and makes it difficult for her to breathe when her body is not in a comfortable position.  She has difficulty standing or walking. She would never be able to run away from trouble in the streets where she lives.

Watch the blog for updates on Vanessa as her diagnostic studies are done (with hopes they will reveal the exact cause of her condition).

I do education on a variety of health issues at all the clinics.  I guess we need to include texting while driving!

Loveenia came to the clinic after an accident at home.  She was trying to be a big girl and cook herself something to eat without waking her mom.  She was splashed with boiling oil when she spilled water into the oil.

She came to wound care until she was healed up.  She will hopefully have minimal scaring after she’s completely healed!

Cute kids always make clinic a joy!  And yes, getting those fingernails clean is part of the education!

Gerlandia was only 4 days old when she is brought to the clinic.  She was delivered at home with a “midwife” and did not have proper care of her umbilical cord.  It is infected and she has a fever.  This is a dangerous condition for a neonate to be in in Haiti.

She is responding well to treatment so far and hopefully will have no long term issues from this.

How can I not love my job!!

Nashka was brought to clinic by her parents. When her turn came to come in, it was pretty evident that she wasn’t really sick. She was everywhere! In seconds, she made it out the back door of the clinic, past the dogs, through the rest of the building and to the back of the compound. When I caught her and brought her back, I became her jungle gym!

But unfortunately, despite her energy level, she is significantly cognitively impaired and hasn’t started to speak more then a couple words yet. Sadly, people who are different, are treated very poorly in Haiti. I praised her parents for taking such good care of her! 

Often times, to prevent disgrace on the parents, children who are different are often discarded.  I did some education with them to help them better care for her and told them they are always welcome to come back if they needed anything.

Lord, protect this child from the evil in her homeland.

The desperation of so many people, makes things as simple as clean water and soap difficult to come by. Skin issues are very common here. 

Sadly, this is the better side of her face. Everything is a struggle. These simple things often can become very serious before treatment is obtained when it has to be paid for.

Precious beyond words!

A couple weeks ago Lovenson came to the clinic.  He was the victim of a poker game gone bad with some adults. 

A large rock had been thrown at another player, but missed and struck Lovenson in the head. And he was bleeding from the ear.  Other then some swelling, he had no external trauma. There was obvious trauma in the ear canal. It was concerning to me (if the cause of the bleeding was from a skull fracture). He was sent to the ER for further evaluation and treatment. 

A skull x-ray was taken but there was no doctor to evaluate him. They told him to return to the hospital the next day. 

The next day there were many protests in the streets and, again, sadly, there were no doctors who ’d shown up at the hospital. The hospital told him to return the following week. 

On day 8, when he returned, there was no doctor, and he was, again, told to return the following week.

Clinically he had no signs of a head injury. And by this point, 15 days later, it was decided that even if a doctor showed up, an evaluation was not really necessary. 

The problem is that this wasn’t at the nightmare hospital up the road that most of my patients would use. This happened at the much-more-expensive hospital that none of my patients would ever even consider trying to go to due to cost. 

The medical system is so very broken here.

The picture above was taken the last time that I saw him — just a checkup to be sure he was fine. When he came into the clinic, I poked his tummy to make him laugh … and he smacked my hand!

I asked what was wrong, as we couldn’t end his visits like this.

He said, “I’m hungry, don’t touch me.”

Well, that was completely unacceptable! So after a snack, a treat, a pair of sunglasses, and a matchbox car, we were once again buddies!!!

It's a blessing to try to be the hands and feet of Jesus to these kids. I hope that you would pray for all of the kids I’ve written about in this post — and the thousands of others that don’t know about our clinic and who struggle with so many things in life here in Haiti.

Because of your sacrificial support of this ministry, these 12 kids and many many more know that some one really does care about them and, because of that, they have hope!! 

Thank-You!!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Looking Forward to a Great 2024!

When I left Michigan for Haiti on October 8, I did not think that I would actually make it to my return ticket for December. 

I thought after a week or two. it would get bad again in-country, and I’d be forced to leave. 

But, I thought, even if I could spend just a little while in Port-au-prince, I’d at least be able to take care of a few things at the clinic, my house, with my vehicle, and with the generators (so they wouldn’t need even more expensive work down the road).

It was so nice to be able to do all that and more!  I was also able to get the clinic back up and running!

The first day of maternity clinic, we were visited by a mom and her 2-week-old baby!  Even though momma missed out on the maternity clinic while she was carrying her little guy, she still was able to utilize the clinic after his birth. I was able to help them both with medical issues they were struggling with, do some education, and help them with some of the things the clinic provides.

Sometimes clinic is a real struggle.  It’s hard to do education without offending the culture at times. And sometimes the culture really makes me want to pull my hair out. 

This look is not because I don’t like holding babies…

An example of the cultural struggle I face, upon my return, this kiddo was the first patient in the maternity program — and she delivered 2 weeks after I returned. 

When Momma came back with her baby (surprisingly only 16 hours after delivery) I asked her how nursing was going. She advised me that she was not able to feed the baby until she takes a bath, and she is not allowed to take a bath for 3 days. 

I took the opportunity to advised her that there was no medical basis to support her belief, and I gave her some other options. But she was set on her decision and was not going to budge.

Thankfully, I saw her a couple weeks later, and somehow the baby survived her first 3 days of life without any nutrition or hydration. Life in Haiti is so difficult. And I’d love if such drastic beliefs were not part of the struggle!

Medical clinic is always busy. 

The medical system only gets more broken and the costs become more out of reach for many.  One day there was a miscommunication with one of the pastors that works at the clinic compound, and it resulted in me seeing 62 patients in one day! Thankfully they were all fairly simple issues, so the time passed quickly and I could see everyone without turning any of them away.

So many of the issues are due to the basic lack of food, good hygiene, and clean water. Many of the patients now complain of skin issues, but almost all of them are using the old powder laundry soap to take a bath (the cheapest form of soap they can find). It causes a lot of issues — and the label on the soap package actually warns to not let it come in contact with their skin!

Time with the babies and the kids is always the best part of clinic! 

My great hope is that some of the kids that have been saved because of our clinic will become great, God-fearing leaders in Haiti — and will be able to make real change for the better!

Just like in the U.S., prices in Haiti have also gone up significantly (and add in the adverse effects of the gang issues). It drives the cost of operating in Haiti even higher. 

There was so much stuff that needed to be fixed when I returned. Between the heat and the water, they wreck everything. Plumbing issues. Vehicle issues. Even termites got into boxes and ate stored documents! I even returned to a soleless pair of shoes — the soles fell off of because of dry rot!

With the border between Haiti and the Dominican being closed for months, it has increased the price of medical supplies and have made them more difficult to come by (since the Dominican is a major supplier of medical supplies to Haiti). For example, I needed to restock IV fluids, and I used to pay about $300 a liter. But now many are $1,000 HTG.

Thanks to your continued generosity, Aria got her CT scan and was admitted to the only Hydrocephalus program in Haiti!!

The cost of the scan was $42,000.00 HTG. That’s almost half a year’s wages for many Haitians. It’s completely out of reach for her parents. It would have meant they’d just watching Aria get worse, until Hydrocephaly would have taken her life.  Thankfully, Kelby’s Kids was able to be a source of hope for Aria and her mom and dad!

After being gone so long… catching up on bills, repairs, payroll, medical supplies, increased security measures, medical care, stocking up on fuel for the next gang-controlled fuel shortage, and so on, the cost of this time in Haiti was just over $200 USD per day. I am thankful for your sacrificial giving that makes all of this possible, to bring help and hope to so many in Haiti since 2016!

If you’re looking to make a year end donation, I hope you will consider Kelby’s Kids for some of your contributions.

Despite the horrific things that continue to happen in many parts of Haiti, my little corner of Port-au-Prince has remained calm. I hope you’ll pray with me that the calm will continue, and that I’ll be able to have a full year of ministry in Haiti when the clinic reopens on January 2nd 2024!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

It Feels Like Home!

I wanted to share an exciting update with you.  I am back in Haiti!!!

It’s so very good to be back!  It really does feel like home!!

Things had improved in our area and I took advantage of the opportunity to get back.  So much needed to be done and so many things needed to be looked after — even if just for a week or so to attend to things. 

While there are a lot of bad things continuing to happen in Haiti, our section of Port-au-Prince seems like it did a couple years ago.  There is a lot of activity out on the street and people are out living life.

I did get a changeable ticket, knowing that things can change at any time.  The UN will be coming in the first of the year and it’s hard to know what might happen leading up to that.

It’s been such a long time since I was here, but in some ways, it seems like only yesterday.  It feels very comfortable to be here.  My vehicle did take a little work, with a new battery, to get it started.  But it was amazing that my generator started on the first pull.  For any of you that have a gas generator, you know what happens when you let them sit too long.  To have not been run in a year and to start on the first pull is nothing short of a blessing from above!

It's mostly been a lot of work as I get things back up to par.  I am hoping to get back to the clinic in a couple days but want to be sure that I am ready to leave again if the need arises.  I will update you if I am able to get the clinic back up and running.

It all came together very quickly and I was unsure if I would even be able to go — since my last attempt fell apart so fast.  I also did not want to post travel plans on the internet, as that brings increased risk with the airport. 

But I wanted to let you know that I am back — so you can be praying that things will remain calm on the streets. And for safety, for wisdom to know what to do, and for the best timing on the clinic activities.

I know it was a long season away, but I am thankful that you stood by the ministry of Kelby’s Kids during this difficult time.  You are a blessing!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Long Overdue

I must apologize!

I know this update is long overdue, but I still barely have the words to explain my heart or the extreme suffering in Haiti…

Haiti is very broken, and it breaks my heart when I’m not able to be there — serving.

Significant ministry time was also Long Overdue!

Summer Camp was a blessing this year. It’s nice to be a part of Camp during my time away from Haiti!

Camp is always a place of peace, healing, and God’s beauty, a break from the brokenness of this world!

Unlike the last several years, when I would just get a couple weeks of camp while in Michigan on a break, I was able to do a very full summer of kid’s camps!  I was able to serve at 4 different camp facilities this year for a total of 10 weeks or 1,215 hours of ministry.  It’s been a lot of years since I was able to log that much time in the sanctuary that is found at summer camp. 

My 29th year in a row as medical staff for youth camps.  This was also the 19th year of service for the Rescue Ranger!

So many Band-Aids were used this year!  But over the years it has been sad to see the increase in the struggles that the kids deal with.  They face so many issues these days that summer camp is truly a mission field!  Camps have really been struggling since Covid.  Make plains now to volunteer at a summer camp near you for 2024.  I guarantee you will be blessed!

A world away!

Despite the beauty and peace of camp, Haiti was never far from my mind.  I would talk with people from Haiti frequently.  The stories and reports were rarely good.  On July 27th I came across a post about the American nurse that was kidnapped from her clinic with her young daughter.  It was carried by all of the major U.S. networks and you may have seen it.  My heart sank. 

This wasn’t just another discouraging story out of Haiti, this was a personal friend of mine.  The missionary community in Haiti is rather small and close-knit.  The next 13 days were spent frequently looking for any bit of information on what was happening with them.  I Praise God, they were released unharmed and are currently back in the States for a period of healing and reflecting!

The news from Haiti has not been good for years, but continues to escalate.  In 2023 more people have been killed in Haiti than in Ukraine.  Despite this, the US continues to give billions to Ukraine and nothing to speak of to Haiti.  The UN can’t even help because China and Russia block all efforts to help.  Sadly, help is Long Overdue but Haiti has to suffer because of the larger issues on the world stage.  I could fill this post with the stories and pictures I get frequently.  But just know that Haiti is struggling on a daily bases just to be able to eat, live, and survive.

Things were reported to be improving in my area of the capital and I actually got a ticket back to Haiti! for the first week of September.  I was excited to be able to report to you, from back in Haiti.  Unfortunately, the gangs warned of an escalation in their activity in the wake of the pending UN vote to occupy Haiti and I had to cancel it the next day.  The UN also canceled their vote, knowing it would just be vetoed again.

One thing that has been encouraging during this waiting, is looking back through the almost ten thousand pictures I have from Haiti.  It is encouraging to be reminded of the many many lives that have been changed through the ministry of Kelby’s Kids!

The very first picture of a child that I took after moving to Haiti. Taken on November 10th 2016.

The sad thing is thinking of all those who are suffering.  Medical care, like everything else, has become more and more difficult to find for people given the current situation.  I continue to be thankful for technology that allows me to provide some care through telemedicine from Michigan.

My greatest desire is to be back in Haiti and be working in the clinic before my 7-year anniversary of moving to Haiti, on November 9th.

I know this probably doesn’t make sense to a lot of you.  It doesn’t seem like a reasonable goal, given the risks but my return is Long Overdue.  A friend of mine, from Haiti, posted this the other day and I thought it said it well:

I wish I could share the 10,000 pictures with you to scroll through.  But I encourage you to scroll back through the blog posts (at least the pictures) and be reminded of the number of lives touched through Kelby’s Kids.  I had a friend the other day that took the time to re-read this entire blog from the beginning in 2016.  They said, “I am sorry that I was being selfish and wanting you to stay here in the U.S..  I understand a little better now why you need to go back!” 

I also hope it would be a reminder to you of what you have been a part of.  Kelby’s Kids only exists because your faithful prayer support and sacrificial financial support.  I and the people of Haiti are eternally grateful for you!

Please be praying for Haiti.  Most in Haiti deal with struggles on a daily bases that we can’t even fathom here in America.  Videos of people running from their homes just ahead of the advancing gangs with only what they could carry, are disturbing.  Also, pray for protection for the clinic and my house so that there are not a lot of things that need to be repaired or replaced to be able to get thing back up and running upon my return. 

But more so, pray for the people staying there, as stuff can be replaced — and people can’t be.  Then pray for wisdom to know when the time is right to return to serve those in Haiti. 

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby      

How Bad Does It Have To Get?

Hello?    Can you hear me?!    Is anyone there?!?!

Unfortunately, it seems that no one is really out there or coming to help. 

Meanwhile … Haiti simply continues to deteriorate. 

The U.N. has been acknowledging multiple levels of unprecedented crisis (and they’re comparing it to conditions similar to what was happening in Somalia and Rwanda in the 90s). 

But still no help is coming …

In Haiti, the police are unable to stand up to the gangs. They are out-numbered and out-gunned — and corruption is deeply intermingled with the police and what’s left of the government. 

The hospitals are unable to provide care due to the lack of supplies, fear of violence against hospital staff, and a lack of doctors. (Aside from their fear of violence, there’s also a fear of being kidnapped). 

There really is no one you can call for help. You are on your own, with maybe some family or a small group of neighbors that you trust.  

• Food and water are very expensive as gangs steal everything on the road — and it’s very difficult to get things delivered. 

• There is still a significant fuel shortage. 

• Many of the people with better paying jobs are the ones able to leave for the U.S. with the new Parole program. So many of your service jobs, such as medical staff, police officers, and many business people are the ones leaving, making things even more difficult for majority of those left.  

• Most of the aid organizations have closed down and left, and the few people that do remain are often unable to leave their compound.  But, when they do they have a very limited area that they can operate in without a realistic expectation of trouble.  Most of the people I know can probably count on one hand the number of places that they dare go.

Sadly, given the current political world stage, it doesn’t look like anyone is going to help Haiti any time soon due to the potential repercussions of some of the other world superpowers.

It breaks my heart to see the hurting that so many in Haiti have to deal with on a daily basis.  I could tell you stories of things happening due to the gangs that would turn your stomach.  It’s so difficult to not be able to help by operate the clinic given the amount of need.  But the security situation on the streets, even going between my home and the clinic is not possible.

I long for the days I can care for the little ones in the clinic again.

I need to apologies for the length of time since my last update.  But most days I feel like a broken record when people ask how things are in Haiti. You can only say “it’s actually gotten worse” so many times (despite it being true every day).  There is not much good to report.  When even your church has been broken into several times in the last couple months, there is nothing that the evil taking place in Haiti doesn’t affect.

It was difficult to pass my 6-year anniversary of moving to Haiti full-time while not being able to be in the place I call home.  I receive messages frequently from Haitians that ask when I am coming back.  But normally in a short time the conversation comes 180 degrees to “don’t come back now, it’s not safe!”

Technology is a wonderful thing though. Through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and some emails, I am frequently able to do some Telemedicine with people in Haiti.  It is encouraging to be able to help people out, given guidance, or direction for medical problems and injuries.  It helps to know that not everything I do in Haiti has been stopped.

I’ve also had the privilege of working at several winter teen retreats this year here in Michigan.  It was a blessing to be able to be involved in ministry here in the states during this time of waiting.  During that time, I was able to provide any needed medical care for just over 2,000 guests that came through the camps.  I am looking forward to an extended time of kids camps this summer (if I’m not able to get back to Haiti).

A beautiful sunset at camp!

Last week I was able to attend a missionary debriefing in Joplin, Missouri with TRAIN International.  It was a time for missionaries who are currently in the states, away from the countries in which they serve.  It was a good opportunity to work through some of the unknowns of this time.  Many of the other missionaries are also in a time of waiting and seeking what’s next.  It’s always encouraging to be with fellow workers who really know the struggles of serving in difficult settings overseas.

Unfortunately, I don’t really have an answer as to what is next or when.  If an international force were to go in it could be a relatively short time until the clinic could be reopened. If nothing happens it could be a long time before it will be safe enough for the clinic to operate again.

I am so grateful and thankful for the continued support of so many of you!  There will be much work to be done when I am able to get back to Haiti. There are also continued expenses in Haiti while I am gone. I had to pay another year of rent last month as well as expenses to have someone stay at my house for additional security.

• Please be praying for Haiti and a resolution to the problems and suffering of its people. 

• Pray that the gang’s reign of terror and evil will be stopped. 

• Pray for stability that’s needed in order for me to return to the work in the clinic — to do the work I feel called to do. 

This time of waiting is a difficult time but I know that God has a plan in all of this.  Thank you for coming along side me and this ministry with your faithful prayer support! 

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Haiti Is Broken

The government is broken (the president’s assassination), the streets are broken (so many insecurities), the food supply chain is broken (no fuel for delivery trucks), the drinking water distribution system is broken (no fuel for delivery trucks), hospitals are broken (no fuel for generators), security is broken (gangs do whatever they want), families are broken (so many people are suffering), and hearts are broken (so many people are dying)…  Haiti is by far in the worse condition it has ever been in (there is little cause for hope among the people).

So many of the issues are due to the lack of available fuel. The lack of fuel effects almost every part of life. There are 11 million gallons of fuel in Haiti that the gangs control — and refuse to have it delivered gas stations. The only fuel in Haiti right now is purchased on the black market — at extremely high prices.

This frustration brings people to the streets hopeful for change and some relief. But the daily struggles to survive for everyone in Haiti is getting to be too much.

Life is a daily struggle

I think of my patients and my Mammas trying to navigate the roadblocks, burning tires, gang wars, and crime trying to get to clinic for a little help and a little hope.

The lack of fuel to deliver water has created a huge crisis. 

With a new outbreak of Cholera, clean water is more important than ever.

Any water is difficult to find and this little guy is making the best of what is available

The desperation in the photo is overwhelming!

This truck is not even carrying drinking water, this is the water for cisterns that are used for laundry, showering, cleaning, and flushing toilets. This water would make me sick. This water should be filtered or treated before drinking, but people will be drinking it out of necessity for survival.

In Citie Soleil, now one of the most dangerous places in the world, Marie was setting on the floor playing inside her little shack when a stray round from the gang wars came through the wall and into her chest.  Just one more of the thousands of victims of the gang violence. 

Such a senseless loss.

Marie was only 9 months old and one of the patients in the malnutrition clinic. As it turns out, trying to escape malnutrition was not the biggest challenge she faced.  Things are difficult, dangerous, and overwhelming for so many.

Valencia came back to maternity clinic for another checkup for her baby recently. Valencia was only 15 when she first came to the maternity clinic. I do education at every clinic. Valencia not only paid attention to that, but understanding that formula is not the best choice and is very expensive in Haiti. She asked for a breast pump so that she could provide milk for her baby while she was in school!

A sparkle of Hope!

Doriles Valentina is not only doing well but is thriving with proper care from Valencia. At only 3 months old she weighed 6.0 kg or 13.2 lbs. She was a chunky little girl with a few little rolls, which are fairly rare in my clinic. I actually took her out and showed her to all the other mamma’s to show them that with proper feeding it is possible to have a healthy baby!  It’s these things that make all the work worthwhile!

The same week a little guy came into the malnutrition clinic and it was very noticeable that he was significantly underweight. He is 18 months old and only weighs 4.8 kg or 10.5 lbs.

Almost half of Haiti is in a emergency food crisis with tens of thousands at a new level that has never been seen in Haiti before.

He has most likely been under weight his entire life, probably starting with poor feeding habits at birth. 

Malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of life has a significant impact on brain function for the rest of a child’s life. The malnutrition chart goes from overweight to normal to underweight. There are 3 brackets on the underweight side.  -1 to -3 standard deviations below the world health organization’s normal. If you calculated it out, he was actually -5 standard deviations, 2 brackets off the end of the chart. 

As things continue to get increasingly desperate in Haiti the malnutrition will only continue to get worse and many children will die.

I am happy to report that Chinaida has done very well with her head injury she had from her bus rollover accident a few months ago and has been cleared without any further problems!

Praying she can make a difference in her world!

When I told her that she was fine and didn’t need to come back to the clinic for any further checks, I also told her that she was very fortunate and that I felt that God truly has a plan for her life!  That’s when her dad told me that he was a pastor and he believed that as well. He also said that he believed that God provided the clinic to be able to care for the needs of his daughter and that he was very thankful for finding us. 

He said it brought him a lot of comfort to know that if anything happened, he knew that God would provide for her through the clinic!  This clinic is only possible because of the faithful and sacrificial part you play in the ministry of Kelby’s Kids, through your prayers and financial support!

When I came back from Haiti, it was to go to the Kansas City Mo. area for a Missionary Security Class through an organization called Concilium. It was a combination of 2 classes they provide.  CAST Comprehensive Awareness Security Training as well as RACE-FSC Restricted Access Complex Engagement – Field Security Course.  It was an intensive 3.5 days of training for missionaries to be as safe as possible while still serving in other countries. 

They covered multiple areas of security, how to avoid potential situations, best practices with robberies, active shooters, carjackings, and kidnappings. It focuses on safety while counting the costs and moving forward in sharing the gospel all around the world. The final scenario lasted for several hours into the night and involved being kidnapped by Al-Qaeda. They work hard to make it as realistic as possible including a lot of gun fire with automatic weapons. The class was very valuable and taught me a very different mindset and attitude that would be necessary for those situations. 

Hopefully it will be the best training that I will never need to use!

Before I left Haiti ,it was becoming clear that I would probably not be able to return until there were some improvements in the situation in the country. In my last 2 weeks I was only able to get to clinic half of the time that it was supposed to be open. 

With it continuing to get worse, I would mostly be stuck in my house, with increased security issues, difficulty getting food and water, while not being able to serve at clinic. 

Sadly, I don’t know when I will be able to go back but am hoping that it will be soon.

Can he even understand the situation he faces?

My heart aches for the innocent children and the many victims of the desperate situation currently unfolding in Haiti.  People are suffering and dying.  It’s difficult knowing that the need is so great but I am not able to be there Helping. Please be in prayer for Haiti!  Please also be praying during this time of uncertainty as I prayerfully consider my next steps.

Thank-You again for all you do to help the ministry or Kelby’s Kids go forward, to bring help and hope to so many! You are a blessing to me and to so many in Haiti!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Troubled Times . . .

Things just continue to be difficult for Haiti. 

Things have never really gotten “back to normal” since this all started with the big blow-up in July of 2018. 

Yesterday started a time of lock down. They are attempting to lock the country down with protests until the Prime Minister resigns from power. 

There is very little city electricity, fuel is nearly impossible to find, and food is very expensive and in short supply. 

It has been at least 5 months since you could just drive into a gas station and fill up. There are currently lines that go for blocks — and motorists don’t even know if the station will be out of gas by the time they get to the pump. 

It has been reported that as much as 70% of the gas that is getting into the country is going directly to the black market — and people know it. This drives the price of everything up. Not to mention the frustration and the suffering. And that does not include the unrest, crime, and gang activity.

People are hurting and desperate and this is increases the needs in the clinic daily.

A lot of cute kids, and a lot of need.

Medical clinic has been filled each day since I returned. 

People cannot afford to eat, so medical care that isn’t free is not even considered. So many of the issues and complaints that I see are directly related to the current political and instability situation. 

Many people are sick because of the lack of access to good nutrition and adequate water. 

This compromises their immune system — making them more susceptible to illness. There are also a lot of skin issues. All good water must be purchased in Port-au-Prince. This includes water for bathing and washing hands. As a result, people are prone to infections due to their limited supply. 

It’s also cheaper to buy powdered laundry soap than regular bath soap. So, when people bathe in laundry soap, the chemicals often cause skin issues and infections.

So many sick kids these days

All this also makes it very difficult to find help some times. 

The other day Chinaida came to the clinic with her father.  Her head was wrapped up and I thought maybe she was looking for our wound care program. 

As the story unfolded, Chinaida had tried to go on a little vacation with some friends to the southern peninsula of Haiti. They were involved in a very serious bus accident (several fatalities were reported). 

Dad said that they had slowly been making there way back to Port-au-Prince. Except for an eye doctor, who thankfully determined her eye was going to be OK, none of the clinics or hospitals that they stopped at had anyone who could see them or help them due to the unrest and fuel situation in the country.

Chinaida on her first day in the clinic

It was day 9 since the accident and we were the first help that they found!

She was doing quite well mentally and neurologically which was a very good thing. But she had probably at least a half a liter of fluid or blood under her scalp.  It was very soft and easily moved around which was a concern. I put them on a moto and sent them to the hospital for X-rays. (They determined she has a skull fracture.) 

Thankfully she is now doing well, and will only require some monitoring as she heals. She will come to the clinic for follow ups until we know there will be no other complications. 

Her father was very pleased to have the reassurance that his daughter will be OK — despite the way her head looks right now.

—

The desperation has created an additional 1 million people who are in an emergency food insecurity crisis in just the last couple months. This on top of the millions who were already there.

This has increased the number of patients in our malnutrition program. It is sad to see the kids on their first day. They say that a truly malnourished kid will not smile. And I can attest to that.

It is so encouraging to see kids’ demeanor change over the weeks as they get healthier. Getting healthier makes them happier.

In addition to helping them overcome malnutrition, we also take care of other medical issues they have. Being healthy gives kids the best chance of surviving the many difficulties of life in Haiti. And our clinic helps them be healthy.

The tumultuous conditions in Haiti have had an equally difficult effect on the maternity clinic. 

I have admitted 12 new patients in the 4 clinics since I returned. They need the free maternity care, because, without it, there would be no prenatal care at all. Many of the moms are having trouble maintaining weight during their pregnancies — they should be gaining weight. 

Anemia has always been an issue in Haiti, but it has become noticeably worse recently. Most of my Mama’s have some level of anemia due to a lack of iron-rich foods in their diet. 

We provide Iron supplements to try to improve this before they deliver. Of my 12 new patients, some have been critically anemic. I have had 2 who were 6.4 and 6.8 (a normal hemoglobin level is 12.0 to 16.0 for a female). That would get you an emergency blood transfusion in the U.S. All I can do is give them Iron, tell them the foods to eat, and hope for the best.  I had one mom who was at 4.4.  

I sent her to the hospital for a blood transfusion but the likelihood of that happening is slim. You must send 6 people to the Red Cross to donate blood before they will send 1 unit of blood to you in the hospital. It is a long process (5 to 6 days normally) and the chances of getting shot while your’e downtown is high.

—

We also continue to have trouble with sometimes not following the education that is done at clinic. 

The struggle is real for these little ones sometimes.

Day 17 without a bath. 

They are so against giving their kids baths early on. They wrap them up in 2 outfits with long sleeves and pants, hats, socks, and a big blanket then do not want to give them a bath because they will get a chill and get sick. It is a struggle to change the thought process of some.

But sometimes they are doing what they are supposed to and are happy and healthy!

Always a blessing to be able to love on the little ones!

I want to THANK-YOU for your generosity while I was back in Michigan to help cover the cost of the stolen items!!  I have been able to replace my batteries and inverter, and my power is back on!  Like everything else, prices have gone up significantly. And it cost more than originally anticipated, but it was still covered through your gracious support!

Because of your faithful giving you also have a part in bringing hope and health to each of the faces in this post, as well as the many more not seen as well as all the parents of these kids.  I couldn’t do this without you! 

You make this work possible. 

Please continue to pray for Haiti, the kids, and the families who are hurting. Please pray for the ministry of Kelby’s Kids and for continued safety in these difficult and uncertain times.

— 

In case you missed the last update I wanted to be sure that you knew about Anne. Anne’s health was declining over the last several weeks and she passed away as a result of her condition on August 22nd, just 5 days after her 20th birthday. 

If you scroll down on this page, you can see the complete update on her.  I recently learned that she still passed her high school completion test (Philo Exam) on July 1st — despite being sick. And despite all the school she missed over the last year. 

I am proud of her for never giving up.

Anne Phanora Carmelia Jean 08/17/2002 - 08/22/22

A photo posted by her mom for the funeral announcement. Such a beautiful young woman — gone too soon.

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

An Update On Anne

Anne went out to the southern peninsula of Haiti near Jacmel to visit family while I was in Michigan. 

I returned to Haiti on August 16th, and she returned to Port-au-Prince on August 21st. 

Early in the morning on the 22nd I got a call from her mom. She said Anne wasn’t doing well. I zoomed to the clinic to meet them there by 7:40 am.

As Anne was carried into the clinic, I could see she was not doing well. 

A quick evaluation confirmed that Anne was in trouble. I was unable to help her at the clinic. So, I sent them to the hospital for continued care and treatment … knowing that it was all beyond the capabilities of Haiti.

A few hours later I got that dreaded, but anticipated, message that Anne had died. 

Anne wasn’t able to have her heart repaired this side of heaven.

Anne Phanora Carmelia Jean

08/17/2002 - 08/22/22

Anne is yet another victim of the complex and difficult situation called “life in Haiti.”

Anne’s visa appointment was actually scheduled for August 24th — with anticipated travel to the Cayman Islands for open heart surgery the following week.

—

I first met Anne in November of 2020. She has been on several medicines and her medicine was expensive. She also had a lot of medical tests done that she could never have afforded all alone. She was also finally able to get a correct diagnosis as well have the possibility to have her heart repaired.  

I have received many messages from Anne’s family and boyfriend thanking me for all the help, encouragement, and hope that I gave Anne, as well as for the care and medications she received — giving her more precious time to spend with the family.

The messages, the care, the medicine, the hope, the extra time … is a direct result of your faithful support of the ministry of Kelby’s Kids. You made this additional time and hope possible for Anne and her family!

I am heartbroken to have lost Anne so close to her getting definitive help

Thank you for allowing me to continue to serve in Haiti as your representative. But more importantly, as the hands and feet of Jesus — to the kids and people of Haiti.

Be watching for an extended blog update soon.

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Good things continue to happen in the clinic despite all the challenges that Haiti has. 

Our numbers are down a little as our patients don’t feel safe leaving their little communities to walk for an hour or two to get to the clinic as they once did.  They don’t feel as safe on the streets like they used to.  So often times people miss appointments and when they are able to return, they tell of how the gangs were shooting in the street in front of their house, and they spent the day laying on the floor, trying to stay safe.

Here’s one of the kids in clinic who is happy and healthy because of the care he receives there.

Mommas are still having safer pregnancies and deliveries with healthier babies because of the clinic.

—

Below, This is Anna with her mom at clinic.  The week prior to this, Anna’s mom said that she was shopping in the street market when they started shooting.  She said she tried to grab her kids and run but was separated from her older daughter (4 years old) in the chaos.  She said that she is still looking for her daughter, but has been unable to find her.

Several days later, she was excited to report to me that she had found her daughter! Her daughter had spent four days at the police station!  The police made her pay them $7,500.00 Gourdes to get her back (about $62.00 USD).  This is about a months wages or more for many Haitians.

 —

On June 12th  Donald got married!!  If you missed stories of Donald, he came to the clinic the end of 2016 after an injury. He has had multiple surgeries and is now a below the knee amputee. We have been working with him since 2016 as it has been a long battle to get him to heal.

Donald and I

It was a real honor to be the best man in Donald’s wedding! 

It has been a blessing to be a part of his story, and to see him give his life to Christ, and grow in his faith.  Getting married was a part of his growth, and he continues to use his story to bring honor to the Lord, despite the struggles he has faced without his leg.

It was very hot in the church and I hope to never again wear a suite in Haiti! HAHA

I am thankful that my suit was dark so you couldn’t see the sweat marks — like others at the wedding — because I was rather wet.  But, it was very special to be a part of this day with Donald and Dorian.

Donald is all set to go to the U.S. to get further medical care for his stubborn-to-heal leg.  The biggest hurdle is his U.S. visa.  The bad thing is, it is very difficult to get any kind of a visa to the U.S. right now.  Please be praying that he will be able to get to America for further care so he can heal completely.

 —

Anne came to the clinic for a check up and to get everything she needed just before I left for the states.  As she stumbled in the door, I noticed she was not look very well.  She was sick and was not able to keep any thing in her stomach.  This does not help her heart condition at all!  I ended up starting an IV on her to give her fluids, to make her feel better and ease the strain on her heart.

Anne was feeling better after a little recharge from the IV (but still not wanting her picture taken:-).

Anne’s progress is slow, as most things go in Haiti, but is moving forward. 

She is getting closer to getting to the Cayman Islands for her heart surgery.  But her next big hurdle is a transit visa to get there through the U.S.  Like Donald, visa’s of any kind are very hard to get these days. Please be praying that both Anne and her mom will get their Visa’s so that Anne can have her mom and a care provider with her for this major surgery. 

Thank-You to those of you who gave special gifts toward the cost of this operation to give Anne a chance at a better and much longer life.

 —

The amount of crime in Haiti continues to increase.  

It was reported in May that well over 500,000 children, just in Port-au-Prince, were no longer able to go to school due to gang violence.

The U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights said “Armed violence has reached unimaginable and intolerable levels in Haiti.”  This is the ugly reality of life in Haiti right now. Unfortunately, we as foreigners trying to help Haiti are not exempt from this life either. 

I ended up leaving earlier than planned for the summer after I was robbed at my home.  I was home and sleeping when they killed Ziva, my dog and little buddy. The burglars broke into my compound, and stole my batteries and inverter (my consistent source of power as the city power if very intermittent).  It was well-planned. They had all the tools they needed to cut the lock, pry the steel door, disassemble everything, and carry it away.

My stolen battery bank

It was over 700 pounds of stuff that was burgled. I was thankful I was asleep, and did not know was happening. It’s hard to say what may have happened if I had woken up and encountered them — even if it was through my bars and gates. 

It will cost about $5,000.00 to replace the items I need. Most of the people I work with in Haiti have been robbed at one time or another. So it seems to just a part of life here.

I was very thankful for the efforts of my landlord. The day I left they started to raise the wall by adding three more blocks. And he put all new razor wire around the compound — including new wire over the gate (where the burglars most likely got into my compound).

This will now make it feel a little more like living in a prison. But if it makes things safer, it’s for the best.

Thank-You so much for all of your prayer support!

It is a priceless part of your participation with the ministry of Kelby’s Kids. I’ll never know what I have been spared from due to the prayers you offer up on behalf of myself and the people I care for. 

Thank-you also for your continued financial support for this ministry which makes it possible to continue to serve these kids and adults — even in spite of the setbacks I’ve mentioned.

Because of you, the people of Haiti are blessed and know about a God who cares.  I also am blessed and humbled by your faithfulness.

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Good News!!

Last year I introduced you to Anne. 

She has an extensive heart condition at just 19 years old.  A little while ago she went into Atrial Fib and has been having trouble doing even simple tasks, like walking upstairs, without feeling sick.

Anne, before she knew her heart was bad

Through the help of Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), she has been accepted for care at the Health City medical facility in the Cayman Islands!!  This is outside of the normal scope of HCA so they are not able to provide this service to everyone. 

But they are helping to coordinate this trip, and are able to get me the discount that they get for their patients.  This is an all-inclusive price so it will not change if there is additional tests, medicine or time in the hospital. 

The care will include a CT Scan, a diagnostic Cardiac Cath, ICU stay around 7 days, and open heart surgery!  In my last blog post I asked if you would consider how you may help Anne when the time came.

Could you tell this young lady NO?

The price for the hospital is $34,750.00, plus about $2,250.00 for travel and other expenses for her and her mom.  I was hoping to go to be with her through this (and visit the Cayman Islands) but that is not going to work out. 

For less than $37,000.00 we can give Anne a chance at a much longer and healthier life!!  That is really a very good price compared to how much this would cost at full price or in the U.S.  Without this surgery she will just continue to deteriorate until she dies from this condition.

Please give today to help with the cost of Anne’s care — you can give multiple ways with the information in this link: http://www.kelbyskids.org/support

Please also be praying that everything comes together for her to make the trip the end of May. And that she’ll remain healthy enough to be able to have the surgery. I will update you with more information when I get it as the time gets closer.

The medical clinic remains open and it is good to be able to provide for the general medical needs of all who come to the clinic in addition to the specialty clinics.  The Kids are always fun to interact with when they’re not scared they’re going to get a shot.

“Mr. Steal Your Heart” is right!

A couple weeks ago we had some protests throughout the country.  They were especially bad in the southern peninsula.  Unfortunately, an Agape Flights plane was at the airport in Les Cayes when they broke through the gates.

Agape flights is the missionary mail service that I use.  They bring most of the supplies I order for the clinic as teams haven’t been coming into Haiti for several years now.

Agape Flights Chieftain Aircraft

Protestors set one of Agape’s planes afire! It’s one of only 2 planes the service uses. So, it’s a major setback for the ministry. It will slow the flow of supplies into Haiti for the clinic.  Please remember Agape flights in prayer as they work toward replacing this aircraft.

The other day in maternity clinic, Marie came in with her new baby Snany Love.  After examining her, I was checking on mom after her C-section.  Her friend, Loodna, was helping her and had been in the maternity program a couple months ago.  Snany was crying and I asked when the last time she ate — because it sounded like a hungry cry. 

Loodna immediately started to breast feed her.  I was so happy to find out these 2 moms help each other out and take care of each other’s babies — allowing the other to go out to shop and run errands. 

It’s often difficult to impress the importance of breast feeding to mothers but many think that breast feeding a child that isn’t yours will kill the baby.  It brought me a little joy to see that we are making a change one child and one mamma at a time!

Things in Haiti remain difficult at best.  But it’s these little faces are what make it all worthwhile!

Thank-you for your faithful financial support that makes it possible for Kelby’s Kids to continue serving in Haiti.  Thank-you as well for your ongoing prayer support on behalf of my safety, health, and the patients who we care for.

[Please donate today, to give Anne a chance at new life.]

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Keeping The Love Going In 2022!

2022 started off with a few extra struggles. 

While I was home for Christmas, my house-sitter told me my dog, Ziva, got bored and had been chewing a few things.  It wasn’t until after I got back and headed out for the first time that I realized she had actually chewed all the wires off in the front of my car that she could reach. 

Some lights, the turn signals, and the horn.

Not many people use their blinkers in Haiti that’s not a big deal, I am very rarely out after dark and again many people don’t have lights at night either.  But you just can’t drive in Haiti without a horn. Lights are a luxury but a horn is essential!!

After about six days getting everything rewired and all the fuses replaced, I was good to go!  The very next day I was running my generator and smelled something burning. 

People are always burning stuff so it wasn’t a big deal.  Until I walked into my office and could see the glow of fire off my security wall.  Thankfully it wasn’t the generator but everything at my power distribution point was on fire. 

Low water pressure is a way of life as water is just coming from the elevation of the roof. But it’s never so troubling as when you’re trying to put a fire out.  It burned all the wires for the city power, generator power, and all the lines to and from the inverter.

So, the entire house was without power for 3 days while I got that repaired! (I am MUCH more interested in practicing medicine than learning about wiring and electrical repair!)

—

It was good to get back to Haiti and my patients! 

Many of my moms had their babies while I was gone!  One of them was Stephanie, who had a little boy a few weeks earlier than planned. MarVensky was only a few days old and was very little when he came to visit.

MarVensky is just a little peanut!!

He was only 2.0 Kg or 4.4 Lbs. He was so small. But he was very alert and seemed to be doing very well. I went over a bunch of things with mom that are important for preemie babies. When she came back the next week it had gained almost a ½ a kg or 0.9 pounds!!!

Stephanie is a good Mama and I think she will do a good job with MarVensky!

—

A friend from the states contacted me and said that Ketly was sick and asked if I could see him. 

They said that he has some unique issues which may make his care more difficult. He was born a preemie when mom got preeclampsia, and he was delivered by C-section. 

He had a very difficult road and was in the hospital a very long time — and almost died multiple times. He has a feeding tube in place and has some disabilities. I agreed to see him.

When Ketly arrived, he was pretty scared of me. He has probably had a lot of bad experiences with white people as well as people in medical settings. After some time, he started to warm up a little. Thankfully, he wasn’t actually sick. But mom was just trying to find some help. 

When he was born, among his many other struggles, his esophagus didn’t connect to his stomach (esophageal atresia). She had been told that surgery may fix it and she was looking for help. He has a fistula in the side of his neck where his spit comes out as he isn’t able to swallow anything. Mom was just feeling overwhelmed with all the care he takes. 

I encouraged her for doing a good job caring for him. 

I got some information to their friends in the states for them to work through to see if Ketly would be able to have corrective surgery. I gave him a couple of match box cars and some sunglasses.  He was feeling pretty cool and important in his new glasses!!

Ketley looking cool!

Please pray for Ketly’s mom as she cares for him on a daily basis.

—

I was able to open the medical clinic again after almost 2 years!!!!! 

I see and care for a lot of kids with skin issues. Scabies seems to go in waves. And it’s scabies season. 

The cute little baby below has scabies. Scabies are very itchy. And, unfortunately, she has scratched them until she has gotten Impetigo as well. (Impetigo came from having dirty fingernails.) 

Education is part of every clinic and good hand hygiene is part of that!  I have to treat the infection AND teach about good hygiene — or the process with just start over again.

A young mom came into the first medical clinic looking for help for her son, Richardson. 

He had some birth defects. He was 45 days old. She had no idea that he was sick or malnourished. It was quickly apparent that he was not healthy. He was very swollen and his skin on his legs were very shiny. 

He was suffering from Kwashiorkor. 

Kwashiorkor is a severe protein deficiency that’ll cause multiple issues — and can lead to death without aggressive treatment. Mom was breastfeeding him some but did not have any protein in her own diet. 

Without coming to see me, he would have probably died within the next week.

Richardson has a difficult road ahead of him.

I was able to find Richardson placement in an inpatient malnutrition center, and provide them transportation to the facility. 

Thank-You for making it possible to provide care to Richardson and show the love of Jesus to him and his mom!  You are a part of his story — a story that didn’t end in tragedy!

—

I introduced you to Anne in the last blog update. She is 19 years old and has a very bad heart. 

I have partnered with Haiti Cardiac Alliance to help with her care. She has exhausted the abilities of Haiti and hasn’t truly gotten a complete diagnosis. She requires a diagnostic cardiac catheterization to get a complete diagnosis.

Unfortunately, she took a turn for the worse in the last couple weeks. 

She has gone into Atrial Fibrillation and not normal Atrial Fib. She has an elevated rate, sometimes as high as 170. 

As with all patients with Atrial Fib, I have started her on Coumadin to try to reduce the chance of a blood clot (which could cause a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism).

She lives in the downtown area (which is frequently unsafe). Please pray for Anne, her heart, and that she will be safe as she goes to the lab each week for her blood work to regulate her Coumadin levels.

(It also makes it difficult to check on her as she has to come up to my clinic — and this takes a lot out of her to have to make the trip.)

We are looking to get her a diagnostic cardiac cath in the Dominican Republic, or possibly the Grand Cayman Islands. This procedure will probably be $5,000+ with transportation and housing. 

If the heart catheter indicates that it’s repairable, she would need to go to the states for open heart surgery. It could cost around $40,000. The first step is the catheterization for a definitive diagnosis. 

Anne and I at the clinic.

I will update you when I know more but would you consider if you would be able to be a part of Anne’s story when the time comes?

—

Haiti continues to have ongoing and furthering gang issues. 

The insecurities in the street continue. The numbers in the clinic are lower because people are scared to leave their own neighborhoods. 

But the need is even greater as the prices and availability of things become more difficult.  With your help, Kelby’s Kids is still serving in Haiti, sharing the gospel, and providing care to the many that come each day to the clinic.

“Dear Children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

Thank-you for helping to bring hope and love to so many in Haiti through your prayers and sacrificial giving to the work of Kelby’s Kids! It truly does make a difference!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Merry Christmas from Kelby's Kids!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2022 — from all of those who have benefited from the ministry of Kelby’s Kids through your generosity and support during this last year!!

Thank-You for the blessing of good health — because you care!

Rouselore came to the maternity clinic for the first time on August 18th.

Her mother brought her to the clinic. We all could tell she was a little embarrassed and did not want to say too much. 

We learned that Rouselore was cognitively impaired, and functioned at the level of about a 12-year-old, even though she is 28. A man had taken advantage of her condition and she had gotten pregnant. Mom said that she doesn’t let her go out alone very much because she believes whatever people tell her. (People in Haiti who are disabled in any way are very often ostracized.)

She had some problems with some premature labor and I was concerned that the baby would not survive. 

The clinic was able to help her.

It was so heartwarming when she walked into her last appointment before Christmas break — with her baby.

All the other mama’s started clapping. 

They’ve never done that before. 

It was encouraging to see the other ladies supporting her, despite the fact that she is a little different!

Rouselore and her brand new baby!

The baby was only 1 day old! 

She wanted to be sure to see me, and show me her son, before I left for the states. So she made the trip just 1 day after delivering. The baby didn’t even have a name yet, but he was almost 5 pounds, and seemed very healthy. 

Without the clinic, I believe momma would have delivered at 20 weeks, and she would have died.

===

Just before leaving for my Christmas break, I was encouraged by a visit with some of my past-patients. They said, “when are you coming home, your family needs to see you!” 

Haiti is often difficult and frustrating. So, it’s good to be reminded of the good things that slip into the past, and get buried under all the daily struggles.

===

I got to visit Ashana and Doodly; cousins. I took care of Ashana’s mama before I had my own maternity clinic. 

You may remember I initially introduced you to Doodly on August 26th 2019. Ashana’s mom had talked me into helping her Aunt deliver Doodly at home.  Before Doodly was born, mamas placenta detached. When he delivered, he wasn’t breathing. and his heart rate was at 20 or less.

Ashana, Doodly, and myself. Doodly is a little unsure of things.

I love the look Doodly is giving me in the photo! 

It took a long time (and bribing him with presents) for him to allow me to stand next to him. By the way he reacts to me, you’d think his chest still hurts from the life-saving CPR I had to give him — and he wants to keep his distance.

I remind him that I did for him what I have not done for anyone else in my 31 years of practicing medicine (he is the only patient I have actually done mouth to mouth on during CPR)!  Maybe some day he will like me and want me to hold him!!

===

I would like to introduce you to Anne. She is 19 years old, and I have been working with her. You would never know she is sick by looking at her. iIn this picture below, though, she is a very sick girl.

It started out as doing a favor for my translator. She is his friend. We gave her medicine because she couldn’t afford any herself.

I was under the impression that she probably had Hepatitis and had gotten cirrhosis of the liver.  The medicine helped prevent her belly from getting bigger (ascites), and she needed to get it drained (paracentesis). She had had some bad experiences getting her abdomen drained at the city hospital. 

Her medication costs about $10,000.00 HTG a month (about $100 USD). And that amount is more than 2 months of wage for many Haitians. 

Anne would stop by the clinic every month or two and get her medicine.  Things were going well. And she was doing fine for some time.

Anne stopping at clinic on her way to school.

This summer, while I was in Michigan she was not feeling well. And went to another clinic. They put her on a bunch of different medicines that made her very sick. 

She came to see me after I returned and we stopped all of the new medicines. After talking with her further I discovered that she has never actually been diagnosed. All of her treatment in the approximately 4 years she has been having issues was just treatment of her symptoms (as is very common in Haiti). 

The last clinic put her on a bunch of cardiac medicines because of her symptoms. I was worried what they may have done to her heart, so I did an EKG on her. (She assured me that she had never had one of these before. So, with no EKG, no blood work, and no other related tests, they put her on heart and cholesterol medicine.)

It was by far the worst EKG I have seen in years. She said that she couldn’t do anything physical without getting very sick, like she was going to pass out. I left the EKG on and took her for a brisk walk. It took her less than 20 seconds to feel sick. I did a second EKG and her heart rate went up to 280 beats per minute with 20 seconds of exertion.

I got her into the program with Haiti Cardiac Alliance.  Just before I left for Christmas, we had taken her as far as is possible in all of Haiti’s medical system.  We know she has a very bad heart with at least 4 separate abnormalities/defects. The extent of her heart condition is causing her liver to produce fluid which creates her ascites in her abdomen. Haiti doesn’t have the technology to provide her with a definitive diagnosis. I have helped her apply for an emergency passport which she should have before the end of the year. Then we can get her a Visa to the Dominican Republic for further testing as well as a cardiac catherization. 

She will certainly need open-heart surgery as well. But one step at a time. This is the main purpose of Haiti Cardiac alliance, getting kids to other countries for heart surgeries, but they do not cover all costs. I have no idea how much all of this will cost in the end.

When she asked me if she was going to die, I told her I would do everything I could to keep that from happening. Please be praying for Anne that the paperwork will go through quickly and that we will be able to make progress before she deteriorates more. 

 ===

When Raymond came into the clinic, I first noticed his shirt and thought it was ironic that he would most likely never touch snow.  Raymond is a victim of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the southern peninsula of Haiti on August 14th. His mother had brought him to Port-au-Prince for medical care and kind of got lost in the system. She was looking for help for some tests and medicine.

Raymond with some treats from the clinic!

Raymond’s house collapsed and he was buried under a concrete wall from the earthquake.  It took a while to dig him out. 

He had a significant head injury, a skull fracture, and an orbit fracture (around your eye).  He was laughing and playing in the clinic and doing very well.  Other than the scars you would never know what he had been through. 

His mom needed money for a CT scan of his head — to see if the blood was gone. I explained to her that even if there was a little bit of blood left, that they shouldn’t do anything for it.  He was acting very normal and trying to remove it would cause way more harm than good. It was just an attempt to make money. 

She showed me a prescription for his seizure medicine.  I thought he may be having seizures as a result of the head injury. After questioning all about the seizures he was having, it was obvious that he was having night terrors from the earthquake, and from being trapped under the wall. 

I helped her understand what was happening and how she could support him through that. I told her that it seemed that he was doing well and they could probably return to their family.  She said that she had nothing to go back to and thought she would just stay in Port-au-Prince.  I gave her a little bit of money to help her out and they left, hopefully to put the earthquake behind them and move forward with their future.

 ===

An update on Woodline. 

If you missed the last blog post Woodline and Naika were homeless and living in the market behind the clinic while Woodline was pregnant. We got her into an organization to help provider her with food and housing. I agreed to pay for her to deliver in the hospital, so it wouldn’t be an additional burden to the organization. They let me know she was in the hospital and was unable to deliver and needed a C-section.  I wasn’t there so couldn’t say she didn’t.  So, they did a C-section almost 3 weeks early and the baby has been having trouble and is still in the hospital.  I later found out that when she got to the hospital, she told them a white guy was paying for all of this. So, they saw dollar signs — and started doing anything they could to bill her, even at the detriment of her and the baby. I don’t believe she was even in labor at that time.

They call him Baby Widley

After getting to this organization, they started sending me messages that she was crazy and was doing crazy things at night. I didn’t know what she was doing in the market at night. After working with her I found out why she disappeared from the maternity clinic for a while.  She said I had a good life, my husband loved me and I had a nice house (when she started maternity clinic). She disappeared for almost 2 months then returned and said that she was homeless. 

She said that she watched a group of men chop her husband up with Machetes. So she is struggling with significant trauma and PTSD. Then his family kicked her and Naika out of their house and took it over, putting them out on the street. I went back to the market to get a few things she had left and confirmed this with the ladies in the market. She was doing better as she got more comfortable with where she was. I think maybe she believed that she needed to have the baby but the hospital obviously didn’t use any clinical judgment before the C-section.

With all the scamming in Haiti and the world it’s very difficult to send money to Haiti now. I left a bunch of money but didn’t know it would be so much.  Woodline has been discharged, but baby Widley is still in the hospital. They won’t discharge him until the bill is paid in full.  Last I knew we were up to $165,000.00 HTG  (about $1,600.00 USD)  Hopefully we can get this resolved soon.  Nothing is ever easy with the medical system in Haiti.    

===

I know this was a long post but I wanted you to know that despite covid and all the crazy things going on in Haiti these days, that people are still being loved and cared for and that hearts are being changed because of the crucial part you play in making all of this come to be, through the ministry of Kelby’s Kids. I am beyond blessed to be your representative in Haiti to the least of these.

===

Please keep all of these in this post as well as the many other patients in your prayers. Please continue to pray for Haiti and the many issues that bring day to day struggles for many in Haiti.  If you are considering year end contributions, would you consider Kelby’s Kids to help some of the patients in this blog.

Thank-You again!

Always love it when I get to hold the little ones!

Praying God’s richest blessings on you all in 2022!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Happy Anniversary!

It is amazing that this week is the 5-year anniversary of Kelby’s Kids serving full time in Haiti!!  It doesn’t seem possible that I have been living in Haiti for half of a decade already!

It’s hard to believe all that has happened — all the lives that have been affected, all the families that have been helped, lives saved, hope delivered, and, sometimes … the headaches shared. 

Sometimes when I am looking back through my pictures for something, I see photos of patients that have come through the clinic over the years, and that I’d forgotten about.  Sometimes I forget just how many people have been affected in a life changing way by the ministry of Kelby’s Kids!  All of that is because of your faithful prayer and financial support.  I couldn’t do what I do without YOU!! 

Happy Anniversary to US!!!

I thought about going through the pictures from the last 5 years and sharing some of the memorable pictures.  But without the story behind it they wouldn’t mean as much to you if you don’t remember who they are.  So, I encourage you to scroll back through the blog posts from the last several years so you can be reminded, like me, of all the lives that have been touched

Some time ago, Woodline came to the maternity clinic.  But then she disappeared for a couple months.  When she came back, she said that she was homeless and was living in the market behind the clinic.  This area is not very safe and is very dark at night.  During the day she can’t be in the market while it’s open so she wanders the streets.  This is no place for a pregnant woman and, for sure, not a baby.

Naika enjoying the lunch you provided her!

Naika is only a year old.  She lives on the street and sleeps in the dirt with her Mama.  My heart went out to them and I helped them  out as much as I could while I worked on a solution.  Woodline had no family, no money, no support and her plan was to deliver in the market and raise her new baby there along with Naika.  I was able to find an organization to take them in and help them until after the baby arrives.  I found a second organization that is going to help her get a house, job training, and teach her money management.

Woodline and Naika no longer on the streets.

Please pray for Woodline, Niaka and the baby that they are able to turn there lives around and stay together as a family!

I know many of you have been waiting for an update on things and I apologize for the delay.  But It’s so hard to know what to say.

Haiti is difficult and stressful right now.  I am sure that most of you have heard of the 16 Americans and 1 Canadian short-term missionaries that were kidnapped on October 16th (and are still being held by a gang).

Kidnapping is up 300% in the last 3 months.  Gangs control 50% of Port-au-Prince, and it’s growing.  There are over 100 recognized gangs in Haiti.  Some of the police are corrupt and people don’t know who to trust.  There has not been any fuel sold at stations for about 3 weeks because gangs control the streets into the port where fuel is unloaded from the ships. Gas on the streets or black market is going for about $30 USD per gallon.  With no fuel it’s hard for people to find food and water and the prices of what’s available is going up significantly.  Hospitals are closing because they don’t have fuel for their generators.  Haiti is hurting, people are scared, and there is no hope of things changing anytime soon.

TiCalex, my moto guy, heading out to try to find some gas for my generator.

It’s a difficult decision to decide when to come back to Michigan.  Will it get better or will it get worse, how long would I have to be gone, what will my patients do if I leave? 

I am coming back for Christmas.  When I leave is yet to be determined, though. I make a daily assessment of what’s going on.  How long I will be gone is also up in the air.  Please pray for wisdom to make the best decisions.     

Maternity clinic has remained busy with patients and babies despite the insecurity in the streets.  There has been an increase in teens in the maternity program lately.  I am considering starting a second day for the maternity clinic just for teens.  Many of them are embarrassed to come to the clinic and I think a clinic designated for their age would help encourage them to be in the program. This could help reduce the complications and deaths that accompany teen pregnancies, especially those at 13, 14, and 15 years of age.

Rosedaline is a strong Mama!  Only 27 hours after delivering a beautiful 7 lb 8 oz little girl named Clara, she walked 25 minutes one way to Clinic for her follow-up visit with her baby.

Rosedaline and Clara just 1 day after delivery.

A tough part about maternity clinic is when moms disregard part of the weekly education. It seems like there are always one or two things that they decide not to do.  It’s a struggle to change the old-school beliefs that they’ve grown up with.  But, hands-down, I’d rather have a little non-compliance here and there, than to have a dead mom or baby because mom didn’t have access to any prenatal care.

Getting to hold brand-new babies is always the best part of the maternity clinic.

Please pray for all the mamas. Pray for uncomplicated deliveries — especially since hospital care is so very limited right now.

Thank-you for the part you’ve played in the ministry of Kelby’s Kids over the last 5 years!  It’s a privilege to serve in Haiti on your behalf.  I look forward to what we can accomplish together through the next 5 years!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

It's Time To Catch Up!

I know it’s been a little while so we have a lot to catch up on!  So, grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable while you catch up on what’s happening with Kelby’s Kids!

—

I was able to come back to Michigan on July 1st for my summer break and to work at my summer camps. 

Just before I left for Michigan, Ludella came to the clinic with her baby.  If you missed it, I introduced you to her back in March. 

At her first appointment at the maternity clinic, she only weighed 88 pounds. She was very poor and had very little food to eat.  She’d also had a stroke as a child and had difficulty using the right side of her body, and her speech was difficult to understand. 

She had been coming to the maternity clinic every week to get food and care. Because she was at every clinic, many of the other moms got to know her and were actually kind to her, and would help her with her hair and other things. 

Unfortunately, disabled people in Haiti are often looked down on as if they don’t have any value.  It was good to see the other moms warm up to her, and find value in her friendship.

She did very well during her pregnancy — and gained 26 pounds!  She had a very healthy little girl at 6 pounds, 7 ounces!

A proud and healthy mama with her healthy baby!!

She had her baby at the local hospital. (The last time I saw her, she’d not yet named the baby). 

I was rather upset by her delivery story!

Right after giving birth, the hospital took the baby away from mama! 

After some time she asked “where’s my baby?” The hospital offered her money for her little girl!

Now, there are many scenarios where one could say that maybe mama misunderstood what was happening, or what the hospital’s intentions were.  BUT, I have been in that hospital … and have been solicited to buy kids!

So, besides the fact that the government-run hospital provides very poor care, they also openly traffic children!

I would like to think that maybe our little maternity clinic played a small part in giving mama the self-worth to say “NO! I want my baby back!”  I hope that this little girl will grow up knowing that she is very loved by her mother — even though mom may be a little different by some standards.

—

Shortly after I’d returned to Michigan on the first of July, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home on the seventh.

As a result, the airport and the borders were closed for several days. It also resulted in a lot of unknowns as to what would happen to Haiti in the coming days. 

Haiti was already very politically unstable before the assassination. I was very thankful that, by God’s sovereignty, I left when I did. 

Oftentimes I have to book tickets months out to get a better deal on a round trip ticket  If I had been delayed this could have made attending the camps much more difficult.  It’s always a blessing to be able to serve at camp every summer, especially after missing last year due to Covid 19. 

I believe that I have been working at camps for 24 years — and I still love it! 

I am also thankful that Haiti has kept things together and the assassination has not further spiraled Haiti into more political trouble than it’s already experiencing.

—

I returned to Haiti on July 31st.  The day before I left as I was trying to get many last-minute things done before returning for 5 months. 

As I pulled out from my house to run to town, I could see some smoke in the air. I thought to myself, “you’re really not supposed to be burning in the city limits.” 

As I continued, I could smell the smoke more strongly, and knew it wasn’t simply the smell of leaves burning. 

I, of course, had to check it out. 

As I turned a familiar corner to find the source of the smoke, I found it — my old fire station was on fire! 

I was first on scene. A vehicle was on fire inside the station. 

I quickly parked and tried to get inside. The door code had changed from my days on the department. I could hear sirens, and realized they were returning from another fire — and now responding back to their own station for a structure fire. 

When the first truck arrived, I started helping with the initial attack — like I’d never left!

After the fire was out. I’m on the far left.

Thankfully most of the damage was limited to a small portion of the building. But, still, it was hard to see this happen to the department I’d been with for 16 years!

It’d been quite a while since I have gotten a good adrenalin rush from a fire call!

— 

It’s important to get breaks from all the stresses and emotions of Haiti and to be able to decompress from life here.  But it’s also always good to get back.  I enjoy working with little ones and to be able to make a difference in their lives!

So cute in his little hat!!

Many babies were born while I was gone. And they are starting to come back to the maternity clinic for there follow up visits. 

It’s always encouraging to see healthy babies and moms and know that we’re helping them beat the odds — Haiti’s got one of the highest maternal death rates in the world. 

I do education every week with moms on how to take care of themselves during pregnancy, delivery, and afterwards. 

It’s always difficult when moms come in and have not been doing the simple things they were taught to help keep their babies safe and healthy.  It’s very difficult to work though culture of “it’s what we always do” thinking.

—

Last week, little Hanna came into the malnutrition clinic. She was tiny. She was almost 9 months old and only weighed 10 pounds. 

She was off the malnutrition chart. She was sick. She cried and refused to eat or drink anything.  Sometimes babies get to a malnourished point where their bodies just want it all to be over.

So little and vulnerable.

We started working on getting her placed at in-patient malnutrition care. 

Mama said that she’d need to go home and take care of her other child first (a caretaker must stay with the children at in-patient centers).  We asked who was taking car of her 3-year-old back home.

“No one,” she said. She’d just locked her in the house and left her alone. 

Hanna was very sick, and same-day arrangements were made to get her critical care. 

Mama said she’d have to return the next day, as she couldn’t take care of all of it today.  So, arrangements were made for the next morning. 

We suspected that she was using Hanna to make money — and that she didn’t really want her child to be better.

We’ve seen this before. 

The next morning came and went … and mama never showed up.

We heard from another mom that Hanna had been taken to a witch doctor instead. Please pray that Hanna will survive.

—

BUT THERE’S MORE!

—

As most of you seen on the news, on August 14th at 8:29 am Haiti experienced another devastating earthquake. 

The 7.2 magnitude epicenter was about 80 miles west of me. 

Although there was very little damage in Port-au-Prince, it was quite the ride. 

For comparison, when I was in Port-de-Paix for the last earthquake, the aftershocks were like a big truck going by. One aftershock felt like the truck hit the building. There was an incredible swaying and rolling back and forth. 

I ran outside and was disoriented because it messed with my balance so much.  It was amazing to watch my vehicle bouncing and rocking back and forth.  It was unbelievable that the house didn’t crumble down — everything was moving!  But I guess when it all moves as one piece, you’re okay. 

For this most-recent quake, the damage was devastating about half way out the southern peninsula. THEN tropical storm Grace hit the area 2 days after the quake. 

The death toll continues to rise above 2,000. 10 days later there were still villages that had not received any help due to access — landslides and broken bridges.  People are trying to get to these areas to send GPS locations so the U.S. Coast Guard can fly in and hoist patients out.

The main road from Port-au-Prince to the area is completely controlled by gangs, and has been for months. This has required that almost all of the aid has had to arrive by plane and helicopter.  Last week the gangs carjacked an ambulance loaded with patients going to Port-au-Prince. 

Please pray for Haiti as so many are completely broken by all they have been through. 

I decided that I could not just leave all my patients here hanging as I went out there to help them instead.  I also anticipate very shortly I will start seeing patients that have been brought to Port-au-Prince and they have been discharged or never found care that need help in the wound care clinic. 

The medical system was very overloaded even before all this.

Just because he is so cute!!

Kelby’s Kids continues to bring help, minister to, and share the gospel in Haiti because of your faithful prayer support and your sacrificial giving to support this ministry. You are key to this work continuing. 

You made Ludella’s story of hope possible. Thank-you for coming along side of me. And thank-you for taking the time to catch up with Kelby’s Kids!

Blessings on your day!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

Thank you! I am blessed!

As we finish the fund-raising campaign to provide dependable 24-hour power for my house, I want to say THANK YOU! You are a blessing to me! 

I am happy to announce that you not only met the goal but even exceeded it a little bit! 

There is enough going on in Haiti that brings daily stress to life, but now, power isn’t one of them! 

Laying in a damp bed because of the heat, unable to turn a fan on for fear my batteries will die, concerned that the food in the refrigerator will ruin if the power goes out … are now worries of the past!  And that is because of your generosity!! 

Miguerline would say “Thank you for being a blessing to me by your support of Kelby’s Kids”

I always enjoy when I am able to visit patients in their homes.  It makes it easier to understand what day-to-day life is like for them, and the struggles they face.  This little cutie, Miguerline, lost her mom shortly after she was born.  Her family went and found her in the country side.  I agreed to help so that her family would keep her and not send her to an orphanage. Now she is healthy and doing well with her Aunt.

—

Unfortunately, a month after we opened the medical clinic, we had to close again!

There has been a dramatic rise in Covid cases and deaths in Haiti in the last several weeks.  It’s not easy given the need that so many people have. The clinic was very busy for the weeks it was open.  But it would not be beneficial if the clinic becomes a place that exposes sick patients to each other. And increase the risks that I could get sick — and pass the virus to the malnourished and pregnant patients that are at higher risk of complications.  I just have to trust that God is in control and that everything has a purpose even when it’s not what I want.

Sometimes you have to let go and let God take control. And maybe just take a little nap!

This little guy wasn’t too sure about the medical peanut butter that is used for the malnutrition clinic.  They have to eat some before they can take a weeks’ worth home with them so it isn’t wasted if they don’t like it.  It took him a little bit before he would eat it.  It may have been the first time he ever had peanut butter.

I have to eat this every day??

There is a reason that the wound care clinic always has patients.  There are so many unsafe things that occur in Haiti.  The streets are crazy and some of the drivers are even crazier.  Motorcycle accidents are very frequent.  This is also a common sight in Haiti.

Just catching a ride!

It’s not a peculiar sight here — you see it frequently.  If the driver was not wearing his seat-belt, he would be quick to get a ticket.  But officers would not say anything about the kids hanging off the truck, while driving down a bumpy road. 

Some of the boys/guys don’t like the pink, yellow, or purple bandages we use in the assorted color packs.  But as we tell them, girls very rarely get hurt compared to guys and they have to be used on someone.

—

I would like to introduce you to the newest staff member of Kelby’s Kids!

This is Ziva

Ziva is in the new Security Enforcement Specialist for Kelby’s Kids.  She will be in training for a few months and have a probationary period.  If she doesn’t chew up too much stuff then she will help to keep me and my compound safer! She will also be a good companion.

 —

The other day I ran into a friend on the street.  It is always good when you get to know people and can have relationships outside of a 15-minute visit to the clinic.

This is Faeka.  She is 4 years old now.  She was my first baby delivery in Haiti!  It’s a blessing to see that she is healthy and doing well!!

—

The maternity, malnutrition, and wound clinics continue.  Maternity clinic always has new people, and the number of teens in the program is growing.  Many have a hard time caring for themselves. Often because their family is mad at them — and will not help them with food and day-to-day needs. 

The streets continue to be unstable and it’s hard to know when trouble will pop up.  The election has been postponed due to Covid and the repercussions of that are yet to be seen.  Please continue to pray for Haiti and the work of Kelby’s Kids.

THANK YOU again for your generosity and faithful prayer support that keeps this ministry going to help bring hope though healing in a broken world.

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby

On the move!

I need to start by apologizing that it has been so long since I have done an update!

Like many of you, things are not the same as they used to be, and it makes everything more difficult. Often times it makes you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere.  Life for missionaries around the world is not any different. 

Most everyone I talk to in Haiti says ministry has just become very difficult. And it makes us feel ineffective at what we’re supposed to be doing. 

But there is some light on the horizon!

I am starting to get more patients coming to maternity clinic. And more babies!

The biggest announcement is that after 4 year and 4 months of living in Haiti I have gotten my own place!! 

I am very excited to be moving into my own house (rented) and to see what new opportunities it brings. I believe it will allow for the growth of Kelby’s Kids! 

But first … a house is a very expensive venture. There are appliances and furniture and POWER!  Power is very limited in Haiti, but at least it’s unreliable. 

A good day is when we have power for a couple hours. It’s not uncommon to go several days without any. Last July, there was so little power, the power company didn’t even bother to bill anyone for the month. In 90+ degree temperatures a refrigerator doesn’t keep things very cold. (Imagine having to throw everything away in your refrigerator once a week. Or more.) 

Homerenters need an generator, an inverter, and a big collection of batteries. So … we bought some outright. They belong me and will move with me if I need to move again.

Spoiler alert: Be watching in the next several days for more information on helping to supply reliable power for everything that happens in my new place, and with the ministry of Kelby’s Kids …

The front of the house

I want you to meet Ludella. 

When she came to her first appointment at the maternity clinic, she only weighed 88 pounds. Pregnant.

It was obvious that her baby would struggle given her malnutrition. So I decided that she would receive food at every appointment. (It’s possible for babies to be born malnourished.) 

Ludella had a stroke when she was a child, and has some trouble walking. She has difficulty using her right hand, and she’s very difficult to understand. Those things have made it hard for her to find a means to provide for herself.

If you support Kelby’s Kids you are helping both Ludella and her unborn baby to be healthy. 

We at the clinic were excited that she weighed in at 105 pounds on her last appointment!  She said that she felt much better. Her baby has a MUCH BETTER chance to be healthy!

Ludella asked that I tell you, “Thank you for helping me and my baby!”

I’m excited that all of the clinics will be reopening!  For the first time in more than a year there’ll be a Monday medical clinic, Tuesday malnutrition clinic, Wednesday maternity clinic, and wound care 3 times a week! It will feel good to be back to a normal schedule. 

Please be praying for Haiti. Things are very unstable right now — a lot of uncertainty and fear on the streets. Pray that things will improve. We do not want to close the clinics again.

Meet the newest member of Kelby’s Kids krew, Djooniah!  She was born on February 21st.

Djooniah was 3.44 kg (7.56 lbs) at her check up on March 10th.  Both mom and baby are doing well.

Along with general education at the clinics, we also deal with specific things with each person’s own unique hurts and pains.

Djooniah was having issues with her tummy hurting. So we showed mom some alternative ways to hold her to make her tummy feel better.

She quickly fell asleep after being able to lay on her tummy!

Thank you for the part you play at Kelby’s Kids!  I could not do what I do without you. Together we are bringing hope and shining a light in the darkness!

Until No Child Dies

Kelby

Thankful for You in 2020!

What a year that 2020 has been! It’s had many crazy, exciting, sad and funny experiences, stories, situations, and types of patients — and that’s not to mention the whole Covid-19 thing! 

I have been blessed by your continued goodness and generosity throughout this year that has allowed the ministry of Kelby’s Kids to continue. 

I know for many it was a sacrifice to continue to support this ministry through 2020 and I pray that you will be richly blessed because of your faithfulness. Because of you, Kelby’s Kids was able to continue to bring hope to so many through free medical care that not only brought physical healing but also the hope of Christ!

Despite getting locked out of Haiti for several months this summer when the airport closed, I was still able to be in Haiti serving for 210 days this year!  Things were different for most of this year but I was still able to provide limited general medical care, while still having malnutrition, maternity, and wound care clinics. 

I look forward to being able to return to a normal medical clinic. Life is so difficult in Haiti for most people. Being able to provide free medical care — so they don’t have to decide if they will eat or get treated for a medical issue — is a blessing you and I are able to provide.

Oftentimes clinics may be combined for multiple purposes to benefit the patients. It’s not uncommon to treat underlying medical problems or injuries at the maternity or malnutrition clinic.  Recently I had a mom come to the maternity clinic who, at her first appointment, weighed 88 lbs.! 

Because of your generosity, not only does she receive free prenatal care, she also gets medical care — AND receives 15 pounds of food at each visit to the clinic. This all goes toward give her and her baby the best chance at being healthy!

——

A couple weeks ago, Wisline made her last regular appointment to the malnutrition clinic. She has been in the program probably longer than any other child. She has Cerebral Palsy, and it’s a struggle everyday for her grandmother to care for her. It was a blessing when another organization was willing to sponsor her and her grandmother so that Grandma could devote her time to caring for her instead of trying to go out and earn money for food —while carrying her.  She couldn’t live on the medical peanut butter from the malnutrition clinic forever.

Hopefully not goodbye, but see you later!

She is non-verbal, but would always light up when I hold her and talk to her. I always enjoy holding her for a few extra minutes, while giving Grandma’s arms a little break.  She has gotten so big and Grandma struggles to carry her now.  For the last 5 months I have been giving grandma money every week for a taxi.  She had to move to a safer neighborhood which is farther away and would walk and carry her about 2 ½ hours one way to get to clinic.

I have to admit, I was a little emotional watching her head out the door for the last time. I always looked forward to seeing her. Grandma said she would come back with her to visit.  I sure hope that she does!

——

The other day a mom brought to daughter to the malnutrition clinic for the first time.  While she was setting out on the porch waiting for her turn there was a lot going through my mind.  Because when her turn came, we were going to have a serious talk. . . .

It was obvious by the pattern of the injury on her face that this was intentional and was clearly child abuse.  The baby’s face had been forced down into something hot that burned her. 

Mom admitted that she knew what happened, and that it was probably intentional. 

Child care is almost nonexistent in Haiti. Often times the kids are just left home alone. 

One day, while Mom was trying to find work, she left her baby with her sister.  Her sister, in turn, left the little girl in the care of her 17 year old son. 

When mom picked her up, she was burned and the 17-year-old had no explanation. She stated that she would not leave her at her sisters home again. Thankfully the burn is healing well and she is gaining weight in the program!  And, hopefully her scars will fade in time.

——

Although Haiti has been spared from the initial predictions of how Covid would affect it, there is still a lot going on in Haiti.  There continues to be a lot of political unrest, violence in the streets, gang activity, and kidnappings. 

Please continue to pray for Haiti! Pray for my patients (some live in terrible areas, and deal with violence on a daily basis), the ministry of Kelby’s Kids, and myself.

Part of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I live in the area of the red dot just above the airport.

——

Great News!  The twins have doubled their Birth weight!!

Nothing better than family being together during the holidays!

Shnailens (the boy in my right arm) and Shnailie (the girl in my left arm) have doubled their birth weight and are healthy and doing well! 

Miriole (mom) is also doing well and we have been able to resolve all of her issues from her poorly-done C-Section.  After 10 months she was discharged from the maternity program the day before they were going to the countryside to visit family for Christmas!!  It’s so exciting to see — after all the effort — that a family is together and happy!  By God’s grace, after sever pre-eclampsia, delivery twins early by C-section (which had complications), and very low birth weights, everyone beat the statistics in Haiti to keep a family from experiencing heartbreak and loss!!

——

I hope that you, as you read this blogpost — and others from this year — get a sense of joy in your heart to know that good things are still happening in this broken world. I hope that each one of you who support Kelby’s Kids through your faithful prayers and financial giving know that you had a part in each of these stories. If it wasn’t for you, this ministry could not continue to serve in Haiti. 

If you are looking for an organization to support with your year end giving I hope that you would consider supporting Kelby’s Kids so that we can start 2021 strong and continue to bring hope to so many! 

I hope that each of you had a very Merry Christmas and that you have a very blessed 2021!!

Until No Child Dies,

Kelby 

Giving Tuesday!

Keep the good times rollin'.

If you haven't supported Kelby's Kids this year, or want to increase your donation, or make a new one, this Tuesday is Giving Tuesday — and it's a great time to help the ministry through your end-of-year giving. http://www.kelbyskids.org/support

AND, bonus! As you shop on Amazon this season (and all year long), you can support Kelby's Kids just by using this link!

Sometimes It's Hard Work

Good medical care in Haiti is so hard to find.  And the problem is compounded by the inability to pay (there are so many factors that go into that).  So, with the inability to pay, quality advanced medical care is almost non-existent for most of my patients.

—

Miriole came to the maternity clinic on February 19th for the first time.  She did not have any children yet. 

During the course of her care the numbers were just not adding up.  It was a shock to her to find out that she was having twins (although she herself was a twin)!  She continued to receive prenatal vitamins and Iron supplements during Covid while I was gone. 

A few weeks ago, she started to have some mild health issues.  They continued until it was obvious that she was developing pre-eclampsia, and would most likely not be able to carry the babies to term. 

She located a doctor so that she could be prepared in the event she needed a C-section — for her own safety, as well as that of her babies. 

After visiting the OB/GYN surgeon who would do the C-section, she said he never said a word about her pre-eclampsia.  It was obvious with her headaches, high blood pressure, and severe swelling that she had a serious problem. 

We decided that the OBGYN may not be the best choice to allow to do surgery on her—especially since it was probably time for her to have her babies, and he was planning to wait until closer to her due date. 

We made arrangements for her at a different hospital, and she had her C-section that same day.  She and the babies did very well! 

The babies remained in the hospital for 10 days because of some issues as they were about 3 weeks early and twins.

Double the blessing!

Shnailens (boy) and Shnailie (girl) were both 1.9 kg (4.18 lbs) at birth.  She has gained a little weight while he is just a little below his birth wait.  We are working with mom on breast feeding for preemies in the hope that the twins will both do well now that they are out of the hospital.

(Sadly hospitals do not allow breast feeding most of the time.)  Please be praying for Miriole, Shnailens, and Shnailie as they still have a lot of obstacles in front of them while trying to do life in Haiti.

The education time at Maternity clinic always seems to run long and I know the moms get tired of listening to me…  but, there is still so much work to be done. 

The #1 causes of death in Haiti for a woman of child bearing age is pregnancy and delivery complications.  A long time ago the death rate for children was 1 in 5 before the age of 5 (20%).  That number has not improved much over the years.

We always encourage moms to come back after delivery so we can assist them with any problems and to gauge the success of the program by the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery.  One mom came back the other day for her follow up.  And, many of the things we worked on were still not being done.

This is baby “John Doe.”  Mom said that Dad had named the child but she does not remember what it was.  Sadly, there often seems to be a detachment between mom and baby.  I think this is a defense mechanism for mom given the chance her baby may not survive.  She was doing a very poor job of breast feeding him. 

The baby was also 11 days old and he had yet to have a bath.  Mom said that she was told that if you bathe a baby before their soft spot closes, and they’ll get water in their brain. 

Thinking I could prove her theory wrong in her own mind I asked her if she had ever witnessed this actually happen before?  She said she’d seen it — with. friend’s baby.  I realized that bathing a baby was associated with babies with Hydrocephalus (a slowly enlarging head due to the inability for spinal fluid to drain).  So, we worked on several things with mom to help her understand and care for her baby better. 

When I snapped a picture of him my first thought was “I see that hand!”  Like a preacher responding to someone in church who acknowledged what the message was about.  I felt like he was saying “with your help and hard work, I believe I will survive!!”

—

I got to clinic early the other day, and there was some work going on in the back.  I was amazed to watch them cut a 2x4 board down he middle.  Normally, it would be a 30-second job to rip a 2x4.  But in Haiti, things are often a lot of work.  He was cutting a 20-foot board in half with a hand saw.

Defiantly hard work

I don’t know how long he had been working before I got there but he worked a long time on this project.  Sometime things in life aren’t easy.  But we have to do our best with what we have at the time.

—

Work in Haiti continues, despite all the problems!  Covid is still lurking around.  There have been fuel shortages again.  Protests continue (which is becoming a normal thing in America too).  In Haiti, the last three weeks, the value of the U.S. dollar has dropped by half!  This means that my cost on everything has doubled.  It is unknown how long this could last.  Long term, this will be a big budget issue.

I thank you for your support of Kelby’s Kids.  You are bringing hope to so many, and saving the lives of some of the most vulnerable! If you have been on the fence about supporting Kelby’s Kids, now would be a great time for a one-time gift or a monthly partnership. 

This world is a broken place.  But if you look closely there is still a lot of hope as well, and some of it goes on in a little clinic in Port-au-Prince Haiti — and you are a part of it!

Until No Child Dies

Kelby