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.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
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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