Saturday, April 13, 2013
A different look. . .
So often as human beings we make comparisons. I guess it is part of the thinking brain essentially done in order to predict the future, solve a problem, or avoid a pitfall. I have also found, sometimes, we can be terribly wrong. This is particularly true as it pertains to spirituality. I have a feeling that us being terribly wrong is God's sense of humor and Irony and sometimes the joke is on us. Not in a malicious sense, but more with a loving one sided grin and an"I told you so". As I compare life and work in Haiti to that in the states, I cannot help but reflect on this spiritual irony and have put together some of my own comparisons.
1.At home, I love a hot shower. It relaxes me and raises my body temperature just enough to make me tired before I slip into warm sheets and drift off to sleep. One of the rudest awakening in Haiti is that there is no such thing as a hot shower. However, after soaking in your own sweat and the Haitian humidity all day, there is nothing more refreshing or comforting than a cold shower even from a headless spigot. No water pressure, but as you look around you, you find yourself grateful that you are not bathing in the river.
2.Technology. Haitians are catching up. They have dirt floors and chickens running through a makeshift "kitchen" with an open fire, but by golly they have cellphones with Internet access. However, there are no agreements between any US carriers and Haiti, so it is ridiculously expensive to have your cell phone on . So I turn it off. I check email in the evening once per day . And guess what? I survive, maybe thrive. There have not been any earth shaking cataclysmic events that have come over my email that needed addressing immediately. And when or if they do, it will be very comforting to know I will not be able to fix them anyway.so hey, party on...with no cell phone..cool.
3. A "rainy day". We almost always curse a rainy day at home. No sun, gray, drab, depressing, can't enjoy the out of doors. Understandable, especially in Michigan. However, in Haiti a rainy day is a gift. It cools the air, it settles the dust. Particularly at night, it is a soothing comforting sound, a cool blanket in a hot room enabling us to drift off to sleep. A welcomed treat.
4. Productivity, efficiency: in the states I am always so conscious of the use of my time. How effective am I in my job, family, community? How much work can I get done in a day? In an hour? That "equation" totally goes out the window in Haiti. It quickly becomes " what can you do with what you have?" Because the simplest tasks such as basic water, food, travel are so precious and difficult to come by, your assessment of what can be accomplished has to change to maintain your sanity. In the operating room or the clinic, I never "measure" by how many people I can see or cases I can do like notches on my belt. But I measure whether or not I was able to improve the quality of life of the one person I am with that day, that hour, that moment. To impose modern westernized ( maybe even perverse) standards of "productivity" into the Haitian equation is an exercise in futility. It does not compute. But what you do for that one person in one moment is immeasurable, priceless...and God grins at our discovering this.
5. My watch. At home I have to "watch my watch". If I don't , all the people I interact with all day will be breathing down my neck. Appointment times kept, meetings running on time, other's time respected..Fine. In Haiti, they have watches, but I am not sure they really are used very much. When it is dark and we are tired, we go to bed. When the rooster crows ( literally) and the sky is just lightening up a little and the light is peeking through the window, we know it is 6:55am. Time to get up and start the day. Maybe that is more "normal". Who is to say?
5. Definition of "Hard". Sometimes I think a 16 hour day is hard. Trying to lead people who are not thinking is hard. Mastering the piano is hard...All of these.... Not really. Being disabled in Haiti and being capable of some work but being turned away from this job( only because you are "disabled" ) and not being able to find food or shelter AND being disabled is hard. Trying to raise two young children after your philandering husband has left you and you have no skills to support them is hard. There is certainly no such thing as "Public assistance". Being continuously infected with parasites or bug bites or typhoid because you have dirt floors, chickens living with you and no sanitation is hard. Life here is hard. Period. Interestingly, there are people here that "do hard" quite well- with absolutely no public assistance. They have raised and educated their children- somehow. They are disabled, but they are sharing with others that are disabled. This has hardened my outlook for people in the states that think they have it hard, but , in reality, there are so many assistance programs and mechanisms for them to improve their condition as to leave no excuses for them short of physical or mental disability. On the other hand it has softened my outlook for the other parts of the world, that really set the bar where "hard" should be- desperate for basic resources and needs and no mechanism to reasonably meet them. We ( all of us in the states) need to participate in helping and contributing to those truly hard conditions and stop making excuses for people who cannot seem to" make the most with what they got to improve their lot"
I will think of more, but enough pontificating for one trip...I think God is grinning. Maybe more of a sarcastic smirk, a roll of the eyes and an, "I told you so. Why wouldn't you listen to me in the first place."
Scott Wilkinson
Friday, April 12, 2013
(Truly) Amazing Grace
We've had a great week all along, and another memorable day to close it out. The eye team did 4 surgeries today, bringing the week's total to 14. The equipment available put Scott in some kind of time machine, having to recall procedures last used a decade or two ago, but there were 100% satisfied patients leaving the clinic this week. . .some recovering their sight after years of impaired vision.
The construction team were prevented from returning to Chiracque today by a giant tree, with some history (see below), which fell across the dirt road turn off. So, we shipped the eyeglasses and medicines we promised to parishioners after last Sunday's services by way of motorcycle, which seem to find their way through any crack. We boogied off to Gommiers, another 10 minutes down the road from the turnoff, and delivered a world map, in French, to the Methodist-run school there. We got there at recess and Nancy and Lynne proceeded to engage about 100 kids in ring-around-the-Rosie. The kids won. . . .
We returned to the clinic and Nancy and Lynne turned to triage for a bit, left all the scrubs they brought for the local Nurse Ratchett. . .who warmed up to the "help" as the week wore on. . .then down the road to the orphanage, where the east of the flouride treatments to the 30-odd kids just returning from school.
The day was still young.
We departed the clinic for the guest house. . .14 people, including 3 eye surgery patients who were
offered a lift in our beat up compact crew-cab pick-up rather than walk 3 miles or take a "taxi" (aka
riding shotgun on a motorbike). It was reminiscent of either the old clown trick about how many of them you can stuff into a VW or the Keystone Cops, or some blend of both! What a hoot! That said, compared to the loading of some other vehicles, we had room to spare.
One of our translators, Victor, was born with short and disfigured arms. He spent two years at a young age in the U.S. undergoing several surgeries which left him with a semblance of functioning hands, and a good command of English. He and Wilbens, our other translator, were indispensable this week. We learned that Victor had organized a support group of other disabled Haitians in
Jeremie, most of whom are truly homeless, living from day to day either begging for food or
prevailing on a friend for a place to sleep at night.
Pastor Chrisnel has quite a lot of despair to deal with already in Jeremie but met with this group once before, and agreed to let Victor gather them together again at the John Wesley School this afternoon so we, too, might meet them and learn more about their circumstances. The disabled in Haiti are shunned, basically, and have to overcome both physical and socia obstacles. Now in a support group, they hope to secure a permanent place where those with no place to go or no food to eat might go. . .a place where supplies important to their mobility and dignity might be maintained, and where food might be cooked and delivered to the less able by those among them that are more able.
Pastor Chrisnel said such a room in Jeremie might cost $300-500. . . .a year.
Nancy, Lynne and I probably had the same thought, about the same time, which most of you reading this blog are also having right now. . . ."here's the money, when can you move in?".
After a while here, you learn to rein in your shock/disbelief/disgust, take a deep breath, and find a way to be supportive without building undue expectations, working within and with the local Pastor, but giving some inkling that their might be some light at the end of the tunnel. So, I said we would work with Pastor Chrisnel, our church and the other Methodist churches in Michigan that have come together to coordinate their work in Jeremie to find a way. Just the thought that we wanted to meet them was hope enough, but those admittedly vague words brought cheers and smiles. If I have to say goodbye Starbucks for a year, they will have their safe house, and soon. After dinner. . .yes, yes, goat again. . .we all began to pack for the return tomorrow. One of the young Haitians we have been helping, Rubins (who is the high school's computer jock) brought a 9-person choir to the guest house to serenade our group. . .it was lovely and lively, featuring English and Creole songs, some of them decidedly upbeat. They sang Hallelujah (so did some of us) and they sang Amazing Grace (so did all of us). The words remind us of our faith, and their voices. . .passionate, sometimes soaring, a few truly beautiful. . .remind of us of our shared humanity, and the very real and important differences we can make in their lives when we compare our concerns with their condition. Thank you all again for your support. With it, we can do more here and are ready to so.
The construction team were prevented from returning to Chiracque today by a giant tree, with some history (see below), which fell across the dirt road turn off. So, we shipped the eyeglasses and medicines we promised to parishioners after last Sunday's services by way of motorcycle, which seem to find their way through any crack. We boogied off to Gommiers, another 10 minutes down the road from the turnoff, and delivered a world map, in French, to the Methodist-run school there. We got there at recess and Nancy and Lynne proceeded to engage about 100 kids in ring-around-the-Rosie. The kids won. . . .
We returned to the clinic and Nancy and Lynne turned to triage for a bit, left all the scrubs they brought for the local Nurse Ratchett. . .who warmed up to the "help" as the week wore on. . .then down the road to the orphanage, where the east of the flouride treatments to the 30-odd kids just returning from school.
The day was still young.
We departed the clinic for the guest house. . .14 people, including 3 eye surgery patients who were
offered a lift in our beat up compact crew-cab pick-up rather than walk 3 miles or take a "taxi" (aka
riding shotgun on a motorbike). It was reminiscent of either the old clown trick about how many of them you can stuff into a VW or the Keystone Cops, or some blend of both! What a hoot! That said, compared to the loading of some other vehicles, we had room to spare.
One of our translators, Victor, was born with short and disfigured arms. He spent two years at a young age in the U.S. undergoing several surgeries which left him with a semblance of functioning hands, and a good command of English. He and Wilbens, our other translator, were indispensable this week. We learned that Victor had organized a support group of other disabled Haitians in
Jeremie, most of whom are truly homeless, living from day to day either begging for food or
prevailing on a friend for a place to sleep at night.
Pastor Chrisnel has quite a lot of despair to deal with already in Jeremie but met with this group once before, and agreed to let Victor gather them together again at the John Wesley School this afternoon so we, too, might meet them and learn more about their circumstances. The disabled in Haiti are shunned, basically, and have to overcome both physical and socia obstacles. Now in a support group, they hope to secure a permanent place where those with no place to go or no food to eat might go. . .a place where supplies important to their mobility and dignity might be maintained, and where food might be cooked and delivered to the less able by those among them that are more able.
Pastor Chrisnel said such a room in Jeremie might cost $300-500. . . .a year.
Nancy, Lynne and I probably had the same thought, about the same time, which most of you reading this blog are also having right now. . . ."here's the money, when can you move in?".
After a while here, you learn to rein in your shock/disbelief/disgust, take a deep breath, and find a way to be supportive without building undue expectations, working within and with the local Pastor, but giving some inkling that their might be some light at the end of the tunnel. So, I said we would work with Pastor Chrisnel, our church and the other Methodist churches in Michigan that have come together to coordinate their work in Jeremie to find a way. Just the thought that we wanted to meet them was hope enough, but those admittedly vague words brought cheers and smiles. If I have to say goodbye Starbucks for a year, they will have their safe house, and soon. After dinner. . .yes, yes, goat again. . .we all began to pack for the return tomorrow. One of the young Haitians we have been helping, Rubins (who is the high school's computer jock) brought a 9-person choir to the guest house to serenade our group. . .it was lovely and lively, featuring English and Creole songs, some of them decidedly upbeat. They sang Hallelujah (so did some of us) and they sang Amazing Grace (so did all of us). The words remind us of our faith, and their voices. . .passionate, sometimes soaring, a few truly beautiful. . .remind of us of our shared humanity, and the very real and important differences we can make in their lives when we compare our concerns with their condition. Thank you all again for your support. With it, we can do more here and are ready to so.
From dark to light
I must mention a bit about the work of Dr. Scott and his team of three....himself, his scrub tech (Mary) and his newly indoctrinated circulating nurse (Jill). These three have worked for past four days behind closed doors and surgical masks removing dense cataracts from those who haven't been able to see clearly for years. They work nonstop knowing that patients have walked miles and waited hours to be seen. They trust the American dr. Something to be proud of for sure.
Dr. Scott, calm, quiet and methodical goes about his business of providing this delicate surgery with skill of steady hand and steadfast heart. Mary must move quicker trying to anticipate Scott's every move in unfamiliar territory and with what I shall call...huge lapses in equipment, supplies....it's a 'make do with what you have' system. She smiles constantly....a reassurance to both the Dr. And the patient. And Jill, my goodness...she is not a nurse, she is not medical at all, but from behind a mask she has become an astute circulating nurse. Getting this and that, adjusting equipment. She is the conduit between the unsterile and the sterile surgical world. A lifeline if you will. She has provided the surgical team everything they need and has learned all that medical jibberish and jargon along the way. I am so very proud of them. I am joyous for the patients they have served and brought into the light of this world. Thanks be to God!
Today we serve the people of Jeremie for the last day. Who knows what today will bring!
Nancy
Dr. Scott, calm, quiet and methodical goes about his business of providing this delicate surgery with skill of steady hand and steadfast heart. Mary must move quicker trying to anticipate Scott's every move in unfamiliar territory and with what I shall call...huge lapses in equipment, supplies....it's a 'make do with what you have' system. She smiles constantly....a reassurance to both the Dr. And the patient. And Jill, my goodness...she is not a nurse, she is not medical at all, but from behind a mask she has become an astute circulating nurse. Getting this and that, adjusting equipment. She is the conduit between the unsterile and the sterile surgical world. A lifeline if you will. She has provided the surgical team everything they need and has learned all that medical jibberish and jargon along the way. I am so very proud of them. I am joyous for the patients they have served and brought into the light of this world. Thanks be to God!
Today we serve the people of Jeremie for the last day. Who knows what today will bring!
Nancy
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Skills
It is always wonderful when you learn about someone's strengths, and boy have we learned about the strengths of Nurse Dorismond at the clinic. Young mom of two kids, slow to warm, quick to delegate, and after a few days you know what she is really good at. Today we labeled her Larenn de Lavage or Queen of the Washing (of the ears, that is). Because of dusty conditions here, let alone sanitation issues, many folks have awesome bug-a-boos deep in their ears. Enter in Nrs. Dorismond ....bulb syringe in one hand, an occasional use of otoscope and then any other contraption she can find to remove that bugger. I don't care if it takes 45 min per ear, she will squirt and spray until voile.....out it comes! We had her laughing like crazy today with her new title. She also 'got it '
when immediately after one ear washing the patient's cell phone rang and we yelled "can you hear me now?" The place was cracking up. It is nice to share some fun times among the difficult ones, (17 year olds with tb, 34 year old with malaria and tb, and those with blood pressures of 234/122!). How are they even walking around?
Nrs. Dorismond must trust us too because she let us follow her everywhere....to show us everything she does. She is not only and expert ear washer, but also a most thorough family planning counselor. I have never seen such a complete, kind, non judge mental approach to teaching birth control. Every method (abstinence to rhythm to pills to injections to ligation) were explained. Patient was asked to repeat such that there were no misunderstandings. The rhythm method was very interesting as she utilized a multi colored beaded necklace as a tool that represented a monthly cycle.....complete with 'danger zone beads!'
We love the sharing and look forward to another day!
Nancy
when immediately after one ear washing the patient's cell phone rang and we yelled "can you hear me now?" The place was cracking up. It is nice to share some fun times among the difficult ones, (17 year olds with tb, 34 year old with malaria and tb, and those with blood pressures of 234/122!). How are they even walking around?
Nrs. Dorismond must trust us too because she let us follow her everywhere....to show us everything she does. She is not only and expert ear washer, but also a most thorough family planning counselor. I have never seen such a complete, kind, non judge mental approach to teaching birth control. Every method (abstinence to rhythm to pills to injections to ligation) were explained. Patient was asked to repeat such that there were no misunderstandings. The rhythm method was very interesting as she utilized a multi colored beaded necklace as a tool that represented a monthly cycle.....complete with 'danger zone beads!'
We love the sharing and look forward to another day!
Nancy
Lion King Redux
In an earlier blog, you'll recall how a clinic full of Haitians made it their collective business to figure out an injured 6-year old's identity. That story ended well enough. . .the gashes were stitched and the little guy escorted home by an aunt that was quickly located. . .but it represents but one aspect of a complicated and sometimes conflicted "family" culture here.
Since we're around the clinic quite a bit, the first thing you can see is that seldom does a patient arrive without at least one family member in tow. Many walk to the clinic, and others ride together in. . .er, "on" a taxi (2nd and 3rd seats on a Chinese-made motorbike) navigating dirt roads easily confused with plain 'ole rocky hillsides!
Young mothers bring their newborns, sporting no obvious signs of distress in triage, but wanting reassurance that the appearance of a healthy baby is just that.
We've seen moms with large families, and wonder how. . .given the very tough conditions here. . .they can properly care for them. That said, mothers and children were always neatly attired, and respectful of the staff (except for the occasional shot. . .how much we have in common!).
The clinic offers family planning counseling, provided not by the Haitian Government (who can't afford it) but through a U.S. agency. Various treatments are available to moms wanting to manage the size of their families, all free. When you think about the incredibly high unemployment here, you have to wonder what folks do with their time. . .you have to wonder why a fairly significant number of dads check out and become serial dads. . .and you have to conclude that the very best family planning "treatment" might be a resurgent economy.
This would be a kindler, gentler "circle of life" for the warm, willing and capable folks of Haiti. The news back home sometimes make the desperation here seem impossible to overcome. On the ground, though, it's about making whatever difference you can with anyone you can whenever you can. Make no mistake, wherever possible, it should be about teaching the Haitians how to fish (rather than shipping boatload after boatload of fish) so they can build a better, more family-friendly economy.
Since we're around the clinic quite a bit, the first thing you can see is that seldom does a patient arrive without at least one family member in tow. Many walk to the clinic, and others ride together in. . .er, "on" a taxi (2nd and 3rd seats on a Chinese-made motorbike) navigating dirt roads easily confused with plain 'ole rocky hillsides!
Young mothers bring their newborns, sporting no obvious signs of distress in triage, but wanting reassurance that the appearance of a healthy baby is just that.
We've seen moms with large families, and wonder how. . .given the very tough conditions here. . .they can properly care for them. That said, mothers and children were always neatly attired, and respectful of the staff (except for the occasional shot. . .how much we have in common!).
The clinic offers family planning counseling, provided not by the Haitian Government (who can't afford it) but through a U.S. agency. Various treatments are available to moms wanting to manage the size of their families, all free. When you think about the incredibly high unemployment here, you have to wonder what folks do with their time. . .you have to wonder why a fairly significant number of dads check out and become serial dads. . .and you have to conclude that the very best family planning "treatment" might be a resurgent economy.
This would be a kindler, gentler "circle of life" for the warm, willing and capable folks of Haiti. The news back home sometimes make the desperation here seem impossible to overcome. On the ground, though, it's about making whatever difference you can with anyone you can whenever you can. Make no mistake, wherever possible, it should be about teaching the Haitians how to fish (rather than shipping boatload after boatload of fish) so they can build a better, more family-friendly economy.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Foaming at the mouth. . .
It's not what you think.
Today, the eye surgery team was back at it at the clinic in Gebeau, and the other 3 (Nancy, Lynne and John) made their way back to Chiraque. We were sponsoring construction at both the church and adjacent multi-grade school (a two room affair, not counting the three classes taking place outside under tarps). All students were neatly attired in their yellow uniforms, and all girls' hair sported barrettes or ribbons.
Inside the church, the carpenters were sawing, sanding, gluing and nailing new pews. . 8 done so far against a total of 30 to be built. After that, school benches will be built.
Masons had poured a concrete floor in the one school room that was still hard packed dirt, and were putting a finish skim on the cinder block walls that had recently been repaired.
We set up shop inside the church as well, and began flouride treatments for 130 kids over 3 hours. . .5 at a time, first with brush on treatments and, when gone, followed by teeth trays filled with. .you guessed it, foam. Word spread fast. . .the first few were reluctant but once the other kids saw the cool stickers on their uniforms (and also realized it really was 10 minutes of sanctioned hookey!), they sort of ran into the room and took their seats on the waiting bench.
During this time, some of the folks subject to eye and medical triage after Sunday's services came to pick up their eyeglasses or other prescribed medications. There were also some walk-ins, including a mother with a truly healthy baby but just wanting to be reassured. There was also a teenager who sadly appeared to be afflicted with TB. We had his condition documented in a note written in Creole, and gave him taxi fare to the clinic in Gebeau, where they can give him proper treatment.
The flouride treatments wrapped up around 1 pm, and we arranged with the school Principal to have all kids return to the church where the girls were given a new dress, and the boys given shorts or a shirt. Those of you who have ever visited Filene's Basement can visualize the energy in the room. . .
. . .but the teachers helped maintain order, sort of. Picture a room filled with the sounds of circular saws, hammers, power sanders, planers, squealing girls and jostling boys. . . .and Nancy and Lynne attempting to listen to heartbeats while taking blood pressures.
Gotta love the energy of it all. . .and many of you reading this blog are to thank for all the smiles. . .the brighter ones following flouride treatments. . .the excited ones after getting a new, lovely dress. . .the grateful ones after receiving any of the food and drink we shared as we could. We were there for you, as you were there for them.
Today, the eye surgery team was back at it at the clinic in Gebeau, and the other 3 (Nancy, Lynne and John) made their way back to Chiraque. We were sponsoring construction at both the church and adjacent multi-grade school (a two room affair, not counting the three classes taking place outside under tarps). All students were neatly attired in their yellow uniforms, and all girls' hair sported barrettes or ribbons.
Inside the church, the carpenters were sawing, sanding, gluing and nailing new pews. . 8 done so far against a total of 30 to be built. After that, school benches will be built.
Masons had poured a concrete floor in the one school room that was still hard packed dirt, and were putting a finish skim on the cinder block walls that had recently been repaired.
We set up shop inside the church as well, and began flouride treatments for 130 kids over 3 hours. . .5 at a time, first with brush on treatments and, when gone, followed by teeth trays filled with. .you guessed it, foam. Word spread fast. . .the first few were reluctant but once the other kids saw the cool stickers on their uniforms (and also realized it really was 10 minutes of sanctioned hookey!), they sort of ran into the room and took their seats on the waiting bench.
During this time, some of the folks subject to eye and medical triage after Sunday's services came to pick up their eyeglasses or other prescribed medications. There were also some walk-ins, including a mother with a truly healthy baby but just wanting to be reassured. There was also a teenager who sadly appeared to be afflicted with TB. We had his condition documented in a note written in Creole, and gave him taxi fare to the clinic in Gebeau, where they can give him proper treatment.
The flouride treatments wrapped up around 1 pm, and we arranged with the school Principal to have all kids return to the church where the girls were given a new dress, and the boys given shorts or a shirt. Those of you who have ever visited Filene's Basement can visualize the energy in the room. . .
. . .but the teachers helped maintain order, sort of. Picture a room filled with the sounds of circular saws, hammers, power sanders, planers, squealing girls and jostling boys. . . .and Nancy and Lynne attempting to listen to heartbeats while taking blood pressures.
Gotta love the energy of it all. . .and many of you reading this blog are to thank for all the smiles. . .the brighter ones following flouride treatments. . .the excited ones after getting a new, lovely dress. . .the grateful ones after receiving any of the food and drink we shared as we could. We were there for you, as you were there for them.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Beep Beep
Any Haitian with a motorbike or truck (fugittaboutit if you're thinking cars, 'cause they can't survive the roads here) lays on the horn. . .all the time. . .at people. . .at other motorbikes or trucks. . .at nothing!! At some point, one might conclude its just about making a statement. . .like, amid all of the squalor, the poverty, the imperceptible (if any) improvement in any aspect of daily life here, that honking the horn is one way to stand out, to announce one's existence.
I'm now reminded of a little poem. . ."A man said to the Universe, 'Sir, I exist'. . .to which the Universe replied, 'That does not create within me a sense of obligation'".
I can imagine it takes a lot to get the Universe's attention, but one little anonymous 6-year old managed to get an entire clinic's attentions today. He was on his way home. . .alone. . .walking alongside the main drag. . .darted across the road and got knocked down by two dudes on a motorcycle. They did the right thing and brought him into the clinic, and departed. .probably
fearing the cops would nail them (for the record, in 3 trips to Haiti, I haven't seen a cop issuing a citation to anyone). The little guy had two gashes in his scalp, requiring stitches, and a nasty raspberry on his right inner thigh above the knee. Nancy and Lynne began cleaning and prepping him for the repairs to come. . .but no one knew where he lived and he couldn't really say because, well, the street addresses we all memorized when that age just don't exist down here.
But, one by one, Haitian adults crowded into the treatment room, piecing together this kid's family particulars. . .ultimately leading to someone going and fetching his aunt. Who needs the Universe when ordinary folks care. . . .
. . . .but I'm cool with the honking, especially given these roads and the less-than-robust structural integrity of the local fleet!
I'm now reminded of a little poem. . ."A man said to the Universe, 'Sir, I exist'. . .to which the Universe replied, 'That does not create within me a sense of obligation'".
I can imagine it takes a lot to get the Universe's attention, but one little anonymous 6-year old managed to get an entire clinic's attentions today. He was on his way home. . .alone. . .walking alongside the main drag. . .darted across the road and got knocked down by two dudes on a motorcycle. They did the right thing and brought him into the clinic, and departed. .probably
fearing the cops would nail them (for the record, in 3 trips to Haiti, I haven't seen a cop issuing a citation to anyone). The little guy had two gashes in his scalp, requiring stitches, and a nasty raspberry on his right inner thigh above the knee. Nancy and Lynne began cleaning and prepping him for the repairs to come. . .but no one knew where he lived and he couldn't really say because, well, the street addresses we all memorized when that age just don't exist down here.
But, one by one, Haitian adults crowded into the treatment room, piecing together this kid's family particulars. . .ultimately leading to someone going and fetching his aunt. Who needs the Universe when ordinary folks care. . . .
. . . .but I'm cool with the honking, especially given these roads and the less-than-robust structural integrity of the local fleet!
Monday, April 8, 2013
"Life is what happens to you when you're busy making plans."
Maybe you remember this bit of lyric from one of John Lennon's last songs. . . .and it perfectly describes our day!
We had planned to begin at the clinic in Gebeau, all of us, with me, Nancy and Lynne peeling off to then mountain village of Chiraque around noon. We were there yesterday afternoon and had meds to deliver, kids teeth to apply flouride to, and church pews and school benches to make. . .
. . .but news of visiting doctors preceded us, and the clinic grounds were jammed with expectant patients. After delivering the donated meds from St. John's-Providence Hospital, and tidying up the general stores area, Nancy and Lynne were drafted to perform triage on the many folks waiting in the heat and humidity. We had capable translators and the two whittled the crowd down to a trickle by around 3 pm. . .way too late to make our way up the mountain to Chiraque.
Dr. Scott and Dr. Marcellus saw lots of eye patients, although surgery was delayed until tommorrow as they got the equipment in good working order. . .and the "small issue" that the clinic usually charges for such procedures even when visiting teams offer to do so for free. There is always the issue of charging some nothing one week and charging others something the next, but the local price is pretty stiff given Haitian living standards. After a lengthy after dinner conversation with Pastor Chrisnel, the clinic director, Drs. Scott and Marcellus, we've resolved to ask surgery patients for something, and to care for the truly indigent for free. . .just as we typically do in the U.S.
Never a dull moment. . .but we are not to be denied.
For the dressmakers out there, and you know who you are, we've begun to generate some huge smiles. . .thanks to you, and there a couple hundred yet to go!
We had planned to begin at the clinic in Gebeau, all of us, with me, Nancy and Lynne peeling off to then mountain village of Chiraque around noon. We were there yesterday afternoon and had meds to deliver, kids teeth to apply flouride to, and church pews and school benches to make. . .
. . .but news of visiting doctors preceded us, and the clinic grounds were jammed with expectant patients. After delivering the donated meds from St. John's-Providence Hospital, and tidying up the general stores area, Nancy and Lynne were drafted to perform triage on the many folks waiting in the heat and humidity. We had capable translators and the two whittled the crowd down to a trickle by around 3 pm. . .way too late to make our way up the mountain to Chiraque.
Dr. Scott and Dr. Marcellus saw lots of eye patients, although surgery was delayed until tommorrow as they got the equipment in good working order. . .and the "small issue" that the clinic usually charges for such procedures even when visiting teams offer to do so for free. There is always the issue of charging some nothing one week and charging others something the next, but the local price is pretty stiff given Haitian living standards. After a lengthy after dinner conversation with Pastor Chrisnel, the clinic director, Drs. Scott and Marcellus, we've resolved to ask surgery patients for something, and to care for the truly indigent for free. . .just as we typically do in the U.S.
Never a dull moment. . .but we are not to be denied.
For the dressmakers out there, and you know who you are, we've begun to generate some huge smiles. . .thanks to you, and there a couple hundred yet to go!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Sunday in Chiraque
Our first night in Jeremie was some kind of different. . .sporadic updates on the NCAA tournament, always 20-30 minutes behind, and unending roosters crowing and dogs barking throughout the night. . .oh, almost forgot, the power going out, silencing the room fans for most of the hot, humid, breeze less night. Well, it's not supposed to be anywhere close to summer camp. . . .
. . . .but we had a wonderful Haitian dinner. . .goat, plantains, rice and beans, and the local dessert fav, almond cake.
Most of us were off to the village of Chiraque this morning for Sunday services, presided over by
Reverend Chrisnel, our host and the circuit superintendent. FUMC is supporting masonry and carpentry work in Chiraque, along with Wyandotte Methodist Church. Haitian skilled trades have poured a concrete floor in the schoolroom, previously dirt. Cracks in the walls have also been repaired. The carpenters have already completed 4 of 20 new church pews, and will be making a dozen new school benches as well, along with installing new chalkboards and constructing a wooden cross for the front of the church. Getting to Chiraque isn't easy. . .20 minutes by 'good' road, 20 minutes by truly crummy road, and 10 minutes walking uphill. So, every bit of concrete and lumber purchased with FUMC funds has been carried uphill by the villagers of Chiraque.
We were warmly welcomed at this morning's service, and have lots of photos of smiling Haitians, young and old alike, to share. . .but uploading bit-rich photos is tough to do down here. Nancy and her nurse pal, Lynne Portnoy, took blood pressures for about 75 folks after service, and found several who need medications. Scott and Dr Marcellus did eye triage on another 30 or so parishioners, some of whom will make their way down mountain for surgery this week. . . .and we brought a soccer ball for to occupy the kids while the parents got checked out.
We enjoyed communion with the villagers, and a great sermon from Pastor Chrisnel. . .OK, it was in French but he delivered with a whole lotta passion!
On the way down mountain, the local pastor showed us to his home. . .well placed in any Hobbit movie. . .where we served some food, their last bit of hospitality for today. Wouldn't you know it, more goat, more rice and beans, more plantains. . .and it tasted great, it tasted of friendship.
Tomorrow, we'll restock the clinic pharmacy, and Scott will set up eye shop there. Some of us will bag up meds and make our way back to Chiraque to treat the folks we saw today.
More to come. . . .
John Smith
. . . .but we had a wonderful Haitian dinner. . .goat, plantains, rice and beans, and the local dessert fav, almond cake.
Most of us were off to the village of Chiraque this morning for Sunday services, presided over by
Reverend Chrisnel, our host and the circuit superintendent. FUMC is supporting masonry and carpentry work in Chiraque, along with Wyandotte Methodist Church. Haitian skilled trades have poured a concrete floor in the schoolroom, previously dirt. Cracks in the walls have also been repaired. The carpenters have already completed 4 of 20 new church pews, and will be making a dozen new school benches as well, along with installing new chalkboards and constructing a wooden cross for the front of the church. Getting to Chiraque isn't easy. . .20 minutes by 'good' road, 20 minutes by truly crummy road, and 10 minutes walking uphill. So, every bit of concrete and lumber purchased with FUMC funds has been carried uphill by the villagers of Chiraque.
We were warmly welcomed at this morning's service, and have lots of photos of smiling Haitians, young and old alike, to share. . .but uploading bit-rich photos is tough to do down here. Nancy and her nurse pal, Lynne Portnoy, took blood pressures for about 75 folks after service, and found several who need medications. Scott and Dr Marcellus did eye triage on another 30 or so parishioners, some of whom will make their way down mountain for surgery this week. . . .and we brought a soccer ball for to occupy the kids while the parents got checked out.
We enjoyed communion with the villagers, and a great sermon from Pastor Chrisnel. . .OK, it was in French but he delivered with a whole lotta passion!
On the way down mountain, the local pastor showed us to his home. . .well placed in any Hobbit movie. . .where we served some food, their last bit of hospitality for today. Wouldn't you know it, more goat, more rice and beans, more plantains. . .and it tasted great, it tasted of friendship.
Tomorrow, we'll restock the clinic pharmacy, and Scott will set up eye shop there. Some of us will bag up meds and make our way back to Chiraque to treat the folks we saw today.
More to come. . . .
John Smith
Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Oasis
Good morning. We arrived safely into Port au Prince. What a transformation! The airport has been mostly rebuilt and has an actual arrival and departure area along with a lower level baggage claim and carousel ....let alone a hundred porters waiting to assist! Good to see progress. Nader our driver picked us up on schedule along with Cassy who took some of our duffles to drive them to Jeremie (a 10 hour drive on horrible roads).
The Palm Inn Hotel is truly an oasis of luxury in Haiti. Food good, beverages good, accommodations fantastic.
I would like to introduce our team. Dr. Scott Wilkinson and his wife, Jill. He will be doing eye surgeries at the clinic with Haitian eye doctor, Dr. Marcellus and Jill, always flexible will do anything asked (except eat goat)! Mary Weeks, a first timer to Haiti, but experienced in mission trips is Dr. Scott's surgical tech. Lynne Portnoy, RN is back for the second time to Haiti, but new to Jeremie. She was doing mission work shortly after the earthquake in 2010. She will be helping me in the village above Jeremie. Of course you know John and I. We love it here. The warmth (no pun intended) of the people is infectious. Their needs are great but their gratitude is tenfold. We are blessed to share.
Today we are off by puddlejumper plane to Jeremie. Anxious to see our hosts once again. Until later....
Nancy
The Palm Inn Hotel is truly an oasis of luxury in Haiti. Food good, beverages good, accommodations fantastic.
I would like to introduce our team. Dr. Scott Wilkinson and his wife, Jill. He will be doing eye surgeries at the clinic with Haitian eye doctor, Dr. Marcellus and Jill, always flexible will do anything asked (except eat goat)! Mary Weeks, a first timer to Haiti, but experienced in mission trips is Dr. Scott's surgical tech. Lynne Portnoy, RN is back for the second time to Haiti, but new to Jeremie. She was doing mission work shortly after the earthquake in 2010. She will be helping me in the village above Jeremie. Of course you know John and I. We love it here. The warmth (no pun intended) of the people is infectious. Their needs are great but their gratitude is tenfold. We are blessed to share.
Today we are off by puddlejumper plane to Jeremie. Anxious to see our hosts once again. Until later....
Nancy
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Well, we're off again soon. . . .
. . .packing done, duffles with "leave behinds" distributed to team members, and beginning to have goat fricassee dreams. . . .
We depart real early tomorrow. . .around 6 am, traveling to Miami and then on to Port au Prince. We overnight in PaP and take a charter to Jeremie on Saturday morning, since the local "commercial" airline, Tortugair, has morphed into Torturedair. . .can't keep a schedule, and can't keep their planes in good repair either (yikes!).
We'll be unpacking and getting set up on Saturday afternoon at the guest house and then on to the small village of Chiraque for Sunday services and some triage of those villagers with serious eye problems. .to be brought down mountain to the clinic during the week where Dr. Scott can do surgeries and other procedures.
Lots more to come so stay tuned. . .
John and Nancy Smith
We depart real early tomorrow. . .around 6 am, traveling to Miami and then on to Port au Prince. We overnight in PaP and take a charter to Jeremie on Saturday morning, since the local "commercial" airline, Tortugair, has morphed into Torturedair. . .can't keep a schedule, and can't keep their planes in good repair either (yikes!).
We'll be unpacking and getting set up on Saturday afternoon at the guest house and then on to the small village of Chiraque for Sunday services and some triage of those villagers with serious eye problems. .to be brought down mountain to the clinic during the week where Dr. Scott can do surgeries and other procedures.
Lots more to come so stay tuned. . .
John and Nancy Smith
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