“Li pa gen pwoblèm kounye a”

Unfortunately, I have the task of bearing some sad news. A friend in the village of Santo has been patiently waiting for a temporary medical visa for her little 4 month old baby girl. Waiting is the norm in Haiti; for paperwork, for pay, for food, etc… After being born with apparently a heart & lung condition, this baby, Lynn Gellar has struggled for life ever since. having been exposed to many babies in my life and having five children, and a couple of grandchildren myself, I couldn’t help but notice a few things out of the ordinary while holding little baby Lynn…

Karl holding baby Lynn

Each breath seemed an effort for her. That little triangular place at the base of her throat would rapidly vibrate at each labored attempt to inhale. The same with the area where the ribs separate; maybe you’ve experienced seeing that after some extreme exertion. Another issue was that after three months Lynn couldn’t hold her little head up, she simply didn’t have the strength and muscle development. She was not whining or complaining but resilient and inquisitive.

I’ve waited to write this post because it is difficult for me. And if we hadn’t posted previously an opportunity for your financial help with this little baby’s situation, I wouldn’t write this now. But I feel compelled morally and ethically to follow up and let you know that little Lynn Gellar passed away August 31^st at around 11pm. I spoke with the mother the following day who, of course, was crying all day and expressing how much she loves her little girl and asking for prayers (which I also pass on to you). She has since begun to realize the comforting truth of her precious child being in the perfect care of our loving God. I was told yesterday these words, “li pa gen pwoblèm kounye a”. It is Haitian Creole meaning, “she doesn’t have problems now.”