Haiti is hard!

Let me repeat in case you didn't get it.....HAITI IS HARD!  I cannot ever adequately explain what a day in the life of a Haitian is like. There are no midday breaks, coffee breaks, lunch breaks, Spring breaks, four-day weekends or 'bucket list' vacations.  There is only the grueling daily hardship to merely survive and care for your family. Each day brings a need and a constant search to fulfill that need. Perhaps it is a simple bar of soap, a bucket of charcoal, an 8 ounce bag of rice.  Perhaps larger needs such as $5 IV bag for your sick child, the backpack that completes the obligatory items to actually attend school or the $50 tuition to attend one more year.  And as each day brings its task, the stomach gnaws from hunger and the throat thirsts.  This is life in Jeremie. And as you travel outside the city, there is one task and only one task--food and clean water. It is so unimaginable.  So, where do they get their strength?  I shake my head as I truly don't know. I believe their strong belief in God guides many through their days. Without that protective spirit and unconditional love they would despair. But instead the tackle each day--one day at a time. 

I cannot seem to write in detail about the people we've met and touched, but feel blessed merely because WE CAN. At the end of each day we laugh with joy for some and cry for others and pray that tonight God would take them to a better place.....a place that isn't so hard.

Two steps forward....one step back

Visited our medical clinic in Gebeau today. Over the past 6 months the clinic has been in state of transition. New budget, trimmed down staff, new medical doctor director-----new realities. Like anywhere else, change is hard and it showed on all the faces at Gebeau. Patient census is down (word spreads quickly when there is no doctor in the house ) and pharmacy is TOTALLY  bare. It is difficult to make any difference in health without medications, so you can imagine that frustration has led to apathy and depression. 

However with feet on the ground here I believe a statement of caring has been clearly made. 

My work is to communicate that we, the Jeremie Haiti Project, are committed to helping them succeed and get back on their feet doing what they do best----helping the local Haitian people. 

Yes I brought some medicine (certainly not enough) but constant communication is what is most required and perhaps more listening than talking!  Likewise it is a two-way street---- the way things were doesn't count for much and the sooner the new reality is accepted, the better it will be for all. 

Geez I feel like a union negotiator rather than a caring nurse!

Plan to return to the clinic on Monday......

Nancy 

Finally!

First time we have Internet since arrival on Thursday. Welcome to Haiti!

Did I yet mention it is really HOT here?  I mean REALLY hot. But, that aside I am happy to see friends and all the sights and sounds of Haiti. Yet amongst the joy of rekindling friendships and preparing our 'to do' lists, we've experienced a great sadness. Our friend and interpreter, Wilbens, lost his younger brother shortly after our arrival. We had just arrived at the Jeremie hospital to visit him and see how we might assist with his care, but were moments too late. God had taken him to a better place. We are filled with the sadness of his passing and for the deep family loss. Our prayers are extended to Wilbens' family for peace and solace.  Funeral arrangements are being made and planned for Monday. 

Nancy 

One 'mo time!

Nancy is off to Haiti tomorrow, tagging along with friends from thenJeremie Haiti Project.  She'll be taking 3 duffels of mess and other supplies for use in her visits to Good Sam, the Gebeau Clinic, the village of Chiraque, and St. Antoine's Hospital.  She knows her around and has lots of ground support, but keep her in mind and send her telepathically lots of encouragement to drink LOTS of water as it's about as hot and humid as it gets in Haiti this time of year.  She'll be back on September 12!  John Smith