Fabiola
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 11:34PM This afternoon JC, one of our drivers, drove the three of us and Fabiola around the city to take photos. Fabiola is a young nurse sharing my room, helping the medical teams. She is the only other person who shares meals with Christian, Jeremy and myself during the weekend.
After the sun had set, we drove by the national TV station and stopped. Fabiola jumped out, returning shortly with two young ladies, introducing them to me as her friends. She then took my hand and told me that I needed to get out of the truck and to follow her inside the gates of the station. They were broadcasting from inside a van. She proceeded to introduce me to a couple more friends who were hanging out in an open space beside a car, parked between makeshift tents. There was a small cook stove, a few belongings, a chair and her four friends. "This is my home now." I asked if they were her family, no, her friend, friend's husband & two younger girls.
I had noticed that there is a Coleman tent under her bed here at the Center. I assume that she will keep it safe with her until she is no longer helping with the teams, then she will use it for her home.
On the way back to the Center we passed the Convent on the back side of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. It was the huge church which had collapsed on their Priest, killing him. This is Fabiola's church.
Apparently Fabiola was at the Convent, checking someone's blood pressure when the quake hit. From what I could understand of the translation of her story, the quake knocked her off of her chair, pushing her away from the outer wall that proceeded to collapse. A wind then blew her and she rolled out of the building as more collapsed, saving her life.
Being a nurse she said that she felt helpless as she tried to help people around her as she tried to run home to check on her family. She ended up taking off a sweater or outer shirt and tying it around a man's arm or leg that was bleeding out badly.
At one point, while she was running down the road, a man stopped to give her a ride. Another building fell, crushing the driver as he drove, killing him and trapping Fabiola. Eventually by standers were able to get her free and she was finally able to get home, only to find it flattened & several family members dead inside.
I marvel as I watch Fabiola. She can't be more than about 23-24 years old. Young, attractive, very friendly, yet shy. She's always smiling and helping those around her. She has nothing else to do, so she helps medically with the teams, helping those less fortunate than herself. Watching her, you would never fathom what she has gone through. She is an amazing young woman. All I can think of is that God has great plans for her life. You can see her faith and love of God just in watching her.
Tonight she was in our room as I returned from my shower. One of the men had borrowed my Bible today and she was holding it for me. She was reading the 23rd Psalm out loud in English. God, help me to learn to have the faith and giving spirit of these people, like Fabiola. Amen.
Reader Comments (5)
What a great posting, like you I believe that GOD spared the life of Fabiola so that he could use her in some great way.
Perhaps his allowing her to be with you is part of that great teaching. You have a GREAT LOVING TEACHING SPIRIT and it RADIATES from you everyday as you treat your patients here and I am sure it RADIATES there as well. Keep up the GREAT work that GOD has allowed you to be a part of. Our PRAYERS are with you.
GOD BLESS, Brenda
It's so good to get your updates, thanks. You make me feel a lot closer to the situation. Continuing to pray for you.
Love from Ruth
hi mommmy its molly i love u mom ur comeing home in 21 days!!!!!!!!!!! love u
I have goosebumps after reading your post about Fabiola! God is indeed a mighty rushing wind. What a testimony that young woman has.
Thanks for your updates, Eva. It is obvious that God is using you in Haiti and that He is also doing a work in you at the same time. Praise Him!
Angela
Eva - your posts are so moving. I pray that you are taking care of yourself as well as all of the others that you see daily. Drink that water - or so says a certain wise friend of mine!
Val