Our Arrival

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Well we are here. Safe and sound. Which I've learned is a big deal in Haiti. As usual, the trip was full of bumps and unexpected turns, but we lived to tell about it.

We seem to be having a baggage problem this trip. We had gathered enough supplies to stuff 30 army surplus duffles. However, American Airlines wasn't as pleased with this as we were. They recently changed their Hatit baggage allowance to one checked bag per passenger. The fact that there was only 12 of us and 30 bags posed a mathematical dilemma. AA wasn't willing to budge at all and $1400 in fees later, we were on our merry way.

We arrived in Miami and settled into our hotel around 10pm. After a not so quick meal at Bennigan's we tried to catch some Zzzzz's. I tossed and turned for a few hours, then it was up and at em at 4 am so we could catch the shuttle back to the airport. Of course, getting onto the shuttle on time took some finagling, but we made it on that final plane to Port Au Prince. More impressively, my massive backpack made it into the overhead bin with minimal resistance. Yep, I was that annoying person with the carry on that barely fits and causes the flight attendants to suffer symptoms mimicking a heart attack. Sorry, but sometimes a chick has to do what a chick has to do.

We thought we were doing swell when we landed in Port Au Prince and found all 30 of our bags relatively easily. Things started to go down hill when we attempted to get all 30 awkward heavy bags onto the wobbly carts you can expect to find in an airport of Haiti's caliber. These carts were the opposite of cooperative. If we wanted to go left, it would go right. If we wanted to go straight, well it would just fall over.

And then we and our impossible carts came to a screeching halt when we went through our final customs check. We (and the 30 bags) were "randomly selected for inspection." Life gets a little tricky here.

In a country that isn't exactly known for being honest and fair, sometimes you have to play by the same rules. We were hoping that they wouldn't find the meds that we may or may not have declared. Items like meds are highly coveted in Haiti and if found, we knew we might as well kiss them goodbye. So when they started going through our bags, we were a little concerned about what they were going to find (and subsequently take). After rifling through crocs, blankets and baby clothes, they released us.

Released us to the wolves is probably more accurate. The minute you step foot outside of the airport, you are greeted by the most persistent sales people known to man, known as porters. There are about 50 or so guys begging to help you out with your bags in exchange for a cash payout at the end. Our group of 12 weary American travelers with bags tumbling off of wobbly carts was every porters' dream...

We fended off as many as we could for as long as possible. But our exhaustion proved to be a weak opponent to their persistence. About halfway to our mile (uphill both ways) trek to the bus, we surcame to the pressure and and stopped batting away hands. Of course, this always leads to the tenuous moment of money exchange. It's amazing how many people can appear once you pull out a little green.

Soon we realized paying the porters was the least of our concerns. Our friends from customs were back. It seems that they wanted to be awarded for their "leniency" with our baggage. Things got decently heated and perhaps just a little scary. It took some time and prayers, but we narrowly escaped. I have never been so happy to be moving on a school bus in my life. Never mind having all of our bags and team members in tact. I was actually relieved for another reason as well.

I was very excited to see, smell and hear Haiti. My first impression was of absence. All of the tents that used to line the streets going into the airport were absent. There was a remnant of blue canvas here and there, but the society that used to inhabit this ground was absent. Wow. I can't begin to describe what that means. Probably a more stable home to a thousand or so people. That is mind boggling.

Now that I try to reflect, I am not sure that I recall passing any tent cities....Wow...

As much that has changed, there is so much that hasn't. Trash litters the streets, sometimes in burning piles. The markets are bustling as ever. Music blares around every corner. Traffic will scare every rookie.

Apparently, Haiti has been experiencing some downpours. As we entered the orphanage, I was really sad to see the "soccer field" was underwater. However, Haiti contradictions continued, as I was uplifted to see a second story on the orphanage. And then I saw Pastor Ron's house. It is magnificent! We are blessed enough to get to stay in this luxurious palace by Haiti standards. Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, mosquito free, kitchen and bathrooms all included! I can't wait to rest in this comfortable bed! We even have the option of hot water, but can't bring ourselves to turn it on. Seems glutenous.

As the bus parked, the orphans ran outside and arranged themselves neatly on the steps. Surprisingly, they greeted us with a great rendition of "Hey Hey Hey" complete with clapping. I love these kids! Our overwhelming greeting continued with the customary kisses and hugs. I love these kids!

We were told before we sat down for lunch that the orphans wanted to sing a song for us. So once again, they neatly arranged themselves and placed their right hands over their hearts and sang the Star Bangled Banner- in Creole! I loved it! Have I mentioned that I love these kids?!?!?

After lunch, we immersed ourselves in orphans. It's so easy to love these kids, and they want it so badly. These kids just soak up every ounce of love we can give and it feels amazing to give our hearts to them.

To me, these orphans are the definition of resilient. Left without parents, few clothes, maybe a pair of shoes and two servings of porridge a day, they continue to smile and make you realize just how lucky you are. There's Wadson, who is my Haiti version of Jace and will always hold a special place in my heart. There's the youngest, Stevie, who just wants to be able to play with the older kids. There's Sonal, the hyper 7 year old who loves to use your body as his personal monkey bars. There's Annanya, a 2 year old whose infectious giggle is craved by all. There's Eugenia, a 7 year old who was wearing shorts that buttoned up the middle. Yes, she was wearing a pair of infant pants as shorts. I could go on and on describing these souls that have forever touched my heart...

It's amazing to watch these children interact with each other. They really run around the orphanage with little supervision. There's wildlife to contend with, jagged rocks and many other hazards that American lawyers would never allow. But these kids never seem to get hurt. They know that that danger is present and are smart enough to avoid it. There's also a level of accountability they hold that is unexplainable.

We just wrapped up with the best part of staying at the orphanage; the nightly devotional. The older children recite psalms and the entire orphanage is overwhelmed by the singing of hymns. It's a feeling that cannot be described. Especially at this level of exhaustion.

I am barely at a functioning level right now. I am looking forward to my weak, cold shower and bed. I'll check back with you later!

The biggest question answered

I love this question!

Is there anything you need or that I can donate for you trip?  The answer is absolutely!  We are currently collecting many over the counter medications for our clinics, as well as baby and children clothes.  Here's a list of some of the most requested items:

Adult:
Tylenol
Ibuprofen
Benadryl
Claritin
Hydrocortisone Cream
Lotrimin Cream
Zantac
Adult Mulitvitamins
Prenatal Vitamins,
Monistat
Tums

Children:
Tylenol Children's Elixir
Children's Ibuprofen suspension
Chewable multi vitamin (no gummy vitamins please!)

Other:
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Body soap
Travel size shampoo
Band-Aids
Antibiotic Ointment
Zip lock bags (any size)
Empty travel size containers
Flip Flops

Handing out donated flip flops to the orphans

I am also accepting donations towards the cost of this mission; with my fundraising goal being $1000.  Donations will also be used towards purchasing prescription medications.  Checks can be made out to myself or Red Rocks Church with Haiti-April in the memo line.  If you need an address, just message me.

Personally, I am well prepared for this trip.  However, I do need a couple of items to make the most out of my trip.  Believe it or not, I don't have a stethoscope!  If anyone has an old one they would consider donating, I would greatly appreciate it!  I would love one that I could dedicate solely to mission trips!

Also, since we will be spending a few days in the mountains, I would love to borrow a simple point and shoot digital camera that uses regular batteries.  On my last trip, my rechargeable battery died and I missed out on many beautiful photography opportunities.  Since we will go 3 days without electricity, I want to be prepared this time!

The harsh reality

Ok, so I've covered how this trip was made possible through my amazing, graceful husband.  And then I explained our "plans" for the first few days.  Now on to the end of the week...

Hopefully, we will have arrived safely back at the orphanage by Thursday.  Thursday is perhaps the most challenging day for our team.  On Thursday, it won't be the endless line of patients to see, the language barrier, the culture shock, the heat or the bugs that challenge us.  It will be looking into the eyes of starving, dying children.  As I type, it seems harsh, but it's the truth.  It's ugly and uncomfortable; but it's the truth.

We will be venturing even further outside of our comfort zone and into what can only be described as "hell on Earth" as we go to Mother Teresa's Hospital.  This discreet building is hidden behind locked gates and surrounded by classrooms.  Inside, there are cribs and cribs lined up in a dim, dark room.  Inside the cribs lay children who have been hospitalized for numerous reasons, but mostly undernourishment.

I have been anxiously awaiting to go back to Mother Theresa's.  On my last visit, I feel that I was more desensitized to the crying children than my teammates.  I mean, I deal with crying babies, sick babies ad babies with IV's all the time at work.  What was so different about this place?

It wasn't until I went back to work that this experience slapped me in the face.  Early during our shift on that fateful night, the RN's were weighing, assessing and feeding babies.  It's generally a busy, loud time during my work day.  But as I was helping with various tasks, the crying in the NICU brought back vivid, horrendous flashbacks of Mother Theresa's. At that precise moment I realized how big of tragedy I had witnessed in that cramped, hot building.  I left the unit and cried until my heart went numb.  The Lord has been calling me back ever since that shift 18 months ago.  I need to go back and be willing to offer myself to these children.  The hospital is operated by amazing nuns who happen to be nurses, so I won't necessarily be offering medical services.  But I can hold, I can love and I can (and will) let my heart ache for these children.

And since you can't go to Haiti and not spend time in a tent city, on Friday we will do just that.  I'm not sure of the location of this tent city; but am sure that the tent dwellers will appreciate our medical advice and supplies just as much as they have in the past.  I'm curious to see if there are still residual injuries/illnesses from the 2010 Earthquake.  I'm also curious to see the progress and hopefully the reduction in the quantity of the tent cities.

Saturday, we will say goodbye to the new friends we made in translators, orphans and workers at the orphanage.  We will gladly trade out mosquito bites for hugs from our children.  We will fly into Miami and be disgusted by the gaudily amount of bling in the Airport jewelry store.  It will take every ounce of self control for me to not trip the debutante strutting around in her Christian Louboutin's. And another piece of my heart will be left in Haiti....

Our plans...err...make that "Ideas"

We have "finalized" our plans while in Haiti.  I must put finalize in quotations, because nothing ever seems to go to plan on that island!  In my two trips I have experienced flight delays, missed flights, stalled Mack trucks blocking our path, car accidents, civil unrest and being on lockdown, and that's just a few of the obstacles!  So, maybe it's better to say that we have an "idea" of what we are going to be doing on our trip.  As Dave said on my first mission, "We plan and God laughs".  Apparently, God laughs a lot during mission trips!

I leave Denver Friday, April 20th. (BTW, I will need a ride to the airport if you'd like to send me off!)  That night, I'll reacquaint myself with the floor of the Miami airport and try to get some sleep before our plane departs for Haiti early in the AM.

Sometime on Saturday we will arrive at the orphanage.  I am so looking forward to our arrival.  The orphans line up and graciously kiss our hands while our hearts instantly melt.  I'm looking forward to see how much everyone has grown, especially my buddy, Wadson.  I hope to see Julissa, who suffers from a chronic illness, healthy and smiling.

We will go to church (early!) on Sunday morning.  I have seen pictures of the church since my last visit and I can't wait to see the improvements for myself.  18 months ago, the parishioners walked past twisted rebar and up broken steps to worship the lord.  From the looks of it, the church is now in one complete beautiful piece!  

Sunday afternoon we will spend some time with the widows of the Church.  I haven't met this group of ladies yet, but am looking forward to embracing their tenacious spirit and seeing their grateful smiles.

We start "working" on Monday.  We are going to start our journey up the mountains to Cornillion.  This town is past the town I went to previously, Gran Buchon. From the sounds of it, Cornillion is "a lot bigger."  I'm not exactly sure what to expect, but I guess I will find out soon enough!  The last time I drove up this road, I was at a loss for words.  I think I compared it to Independence Pass, subtract the concrete, but add in random rocks of all sizes.  From pebbles to 4 foot boulders, this is a whole new world of off roading.  When you factor in the massive hillside you are on, it fulfills every adventure seekers dream.

There are two churches in this town that we will set up clinics at.  On Monday, we will set up "education clinics"  We are going to cover a variety of topics relevant to the villagers, such as first aid, hygiene, oral care and of course, my specialty, newborn care.  We are making canvases to leave with the pastors that will depict our education.

I don't think I can properly convey with words how excited about this part I am.  I don't think most people adequately appreciate how fortunate we are to have "inherent" knowledge about taking care of ourselves.  For example, we know that we must wash our hands after using the restroom to avoid disease, especially before preparing meals.  As an incentive for attending the education sessions, we are going to give attendees front of the line access at the clinics.  Of course, we will also be providing hygiene essentials (i.e. toothbrushes, soap, etc) to those who come.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be dedicated to running clinics; with a day at each church in the village.  I am expecting these to be two long, tough days.  I hope to be primarily seeing children and treating the common ailments of childhood in Haiti; dehydration, tinnea, jaws and the sort.  I have to brush up on my reading of course, but am so excited to be in a mission clinic again!  Nothing can compare to the array of emotions you experience after providing medical care to the severely impoverished for the first time.

Our group wanted to spend one more night in the mountains, but our Haitian leader, Pastor Ron was not in agreement with us.  He did not feel that we would be able to stay up there that long; due to lack of clean water and even more of a lack of bathroom facilities.  I am a little bummed about this detail, but know to trust Pastor Ron.  All the conditions are less than ideal up there.  Our sleeping conditions alone are enough to make most "uneasy" at best.  And I know that if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of others.  But it's hard.  It's like saying, "we will help you, as long as we aren't too inconvienced."  That bothers me a bit. But again, I will trust Pastor Ron. So we will head home Wednesday after our clinic.  

Wow, I'm only through Wednesday and this is quite long!  I'll explain the rest of the trip later; but I got to get a nap in before tonight's shift!

The Beginning of Round 3!!!

I'm so excited to finally be able to say I am headed back to Haiti!  I leave in a few short weeks, on April 20th!  This time I am going back to where my love of Haiti started, at My Father's House Orphanage in Bon Repos, through Red Rocks Church. (Sorry, I can't stop using exclamation points, I'm just so excited!)  I have a lot to do in a short amount of time, but I'm confident that this is God's plan, so will just keep praying and crossing things off my to-do list as fast as possible!

This trip came out of nowhere and smacked me in the face!  I think it's quite the story, so I feel compelled to tell you how this all came about.  A few weeks ago, the night Resource RN, Kendall, came along with the Nursing Sup on his nightly rounds while I was at work.  She looked at me and said, "You went to Haiti, right?"  I confirmed that I had been to Haiti and was wondering how she knew this.  She responded, "I thought so; I'm dating Tony Babb and thought I saw pictures of you with him in Haiti."

Of course, at this point we had an instant bond and Kendall told me she was going to Haiti in April.  I learned of this trip through her and was impressed by their plans.  The most intriguing part involved staying in the mountains for as long as physically possible and going to villages that have never seen health professionals before.  After having to leave so many people behind in the mountains the last time I was with Red Rocks, I thought this sounded like a perfect opportunity to reach out even further in Haiti.

A few days later, I got an email from Tony, asking if I was interested in joining him on this trip.  I told him I would have loved to, but Paul is working out of town for a few more months, so I would have to pass.  A few days later, I was telling Paul about the trip and how I was bummed to have to miss this trip.  Without missing a beat, he responded, "You should go.  I'll work from the office that week and take care of the kids." I couldn't believe my ears!  Could this really work; could I really go to Haiti again and help people who have never had access to health care of any kind?  Was I willing to put myself through the physical and mental anguish again?  Is this even feasible?  Paul seemed to think that it was settled, I would go to Haiti and he quickly fell sound asleep.

However, I was beside myself imagining the possibilities.  I stayed up for a few more hours, just wondering if this would all work.  Would Tony still have room for me?  Could I get the time off of work?  Was I ready to leave the luxuries of the first world again?

It took a couple of weeks to sort out, but it eventually did!  I am on my way....

In the next few days (or hours, if I'm lucky) I'll post more details on our trip, requested donations and other goodies!  Stay tuned!

hint: if you "follow" me; you will get updates on when new updates are posted!

The glorious mountains!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Ahh…Haitian countryside.  Nothing is as refreshing as the crips air you breathe in going up the Haitian hillside.  There are beautiful rolling hills as far as the eye can see, challenging roads to be traversed and random livestock to be encountered.  It truly is a place without comparison.

 Leaving Port Au Prince

Mountain village trips are such a contrast to the Port Au Prince area.  The city is busy, dusty and appears rundown.  Once you leave the city, the colors of the mountains jump out at you.  Exotic pink and yellow flowers litter the luscious green hillside and the city life hustle and bustle is replaced with a sense of serenity…I could go on and on with the sappy adjectives. 

My camera never seems to capture just how green everything is.

This trip was extra contradicting as we drove through the richest area of Haiti on our way to the village.  We saw houses that looked like they belonged on a wealthy southern plantation, rather than the poorest country in the western hemisphere.   We would occasionally steal a glance beyond the elaborate steel gates and would see acres of manicured lawns, perfected landscapes, a 3 story house and at least 2 or 3 satellite dishes.  Once at the village, I remember studying the shacks a few feet away from me, when the elaborate houses on the hillside caught my attentions.  What a clash.  How can such extreme poverty and wealth coincide in such a small area?

Typical house in the village

I turned 90 degrees from the last photo and took this one: it's hard to tell, but there are huge mansions back there

With what seem like the standard in Haitian Mountain villages, our clinic took place in the local church.  HERnow had actually been here about two weeks ago and the population was relatively healthy.  We did continue with deworming treatment, as we could see it was needed.  I also saw a gorgeous 1 year old that had been wheezing for 6 months.  The only thing I could do was suggest that her parents try to get her to the hospital in Port Au Prince.  Again, such a simple treatment that is unavailable.  How is it fair?

 The "clinic"

Love the kids!

There was this twelve year old girl who tugs at my heartstrings every time I think of her.  She was wearing these dressy sandles that were about two sizes too small.  She had developed calluses on her insteps because her heels were hanging off of her ill-fitting shoes, making her walk funny.  To add insult to injury, the calluses had cracked open and dirt was starting to cake in the cracks. 

A few of us were planning on leaving shoes behind anyways, so we let her pick out which shoes she wanted.  So, yeah, we literally gave her shoes off of our feet!  And socks for that matter too, but they were in a bad need of a wash!

I got to see lots of little ones today.  Those little faces will forever bring me back to Haiti.  I probably didn’t save lives by performing adrenaline pumping procedures, but I did treat almost everyone for tinea and scabies.  I hope I also showed I cared and loved for them. Maybe that’s enough.

Jeff, our photographer, and I decided to wander a bit while I took a break from my station.  We followed a trail down the hillside, took some pictures and interacted with locals using our limited Creole.  Before we knew it, we saw some very odd looking people working.  It took me a minute to figure out what was so odd about their appearance.  Then it hit me- they were white!  I almost stopped and yelled “Blan!” like I had heard shouted in my direction throughout the trip.

Upon talking to them, we learned there were a Mennonite group that “adopted” this village.  Two years ago, they started building a school/church.  It was quite a site, two woman in their “pilgrimage” dress at a lice treatment station, men working on a multitude of construction projects and “blan” children running around. 

After seeing about 150 patients, we had to pack up in order to get home before dark.   Our trip home contained our standard obstacles with the road.  This time, the truck wasn’t able to climb the steep incline out of the village.  So we hauled our equipment and supplies up the hill where our truck was waiting for us.  Yes, we had to carry everything downhill on the way there, but I forgot to think about the climb back.  A half mile feels like an eternity when you are carrying bags and pretty much going straight up hill.  And poor Elaine, who had given her shoes to the twelve year old!

 Part of our "stroll"

I'm sure this trek was highly entertaining. 

We finally reached the truck and heaved ourselves and supplies into the back of the truck.  Our rest was short lived however, when we realized we were too heavy for the truck to make it out with us in it.  So we walked further uphill.  And further… It felt like 10 miles, but maybe it was only a mile or so. That should make up for some of my gym classes.

We waited for the truck at the top of a summit with this odd tree house.  I hope there aren’t kids playing on it. All it is a few rusted pieces of sheet metal hanging off a hillside, haphazardly attached to a tree. The chance that someone would get cut by rusted metal or simply fall through the floor and down about a hundred feet is gigantic.  But we played on it anyway.  Hey, when in Rome…

It’s our last night in Haiti and we are winding down with a game of scrabble.  It’s hard to believe that we leave tomorrow.  Once again, the trip is too short and I don’t feel that I did enough.  But then again, there isn’t as much to do.  Haiti has gotten so much media exposure, people are rushing to get in.  The aid has helped so much that there just isn’t as much need- at least in Port Au Prince. Outside of the city, I’m sure there is a severe necessity for help; it’s just not as possible to access. I feel like I am leaving mountains worth of people out.  

However, as Americans, we must be careful not to abandon what we started.  As aid workers switch from emergency mode to maintenance mode, it’s vital we don’t lose what we have gained.  The moment we forget about the struggling survivors, the moment it all of the efforts are for not.  Haiti has suffered an earthquake, an extraordinary rainy season, choler and a violently contested election.  And they have survived. 

I know keeping people healthy isn’t as glamorous as “rescuing” people from the stories heard on the nightly news, but it’s just as important.  Ok, off of my soapbox and on to planning my next trip…

Not much to say...

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Get me out of here!  I’m stuck in this house and I want to be in a tent city, in a mountain village, in a Haitian hospital, anywhere but here!  I’m not helping anyone, not am I seeing Haiti in all of its glory.  I’m reading, checking facebook and joining Twitter. Stupid politics.

The CEP was supposed to make their election runoff announcement yesterday afternoon.  Then 4:00 came and went.  Then 8:00, then 10:00, then midnight.  They were supposed to make the big announcement at all of those times and it just never happened.  Our hosts were tapped into various websites and connections, while we sipped on wine and got to know each other a little better.  We waited until a little after 1:00 am and decided to call it a night.  It sucks to feel that the gov’t is trying to manipulate the people.  We are losing time, just waiting for them to tell us what they already know.

I woke up at about 7 this morning, just in time for the big announcement.  Fortunately, the CEP followed OAS recommendations and Mirlande Maniga and Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly as the runoff candidates. The runoff is scheduled for March 20.

We couldn’t go to our clinic though, as we weren’t sure how the country would respond. There was a rumor that Celestine, the gov’t backed candidate, had armed supporters who were prepared to protest.  At the moment, that seems to be just that, a rumor, and all is peaceful. As the morning progressed, we heard only celebratory sounds.  The occasional “Tet Kale” chant or excited screams would float through the air.  There were also UN helicopters and planes in the air, but no sign of violence. 

We were slated to go in to the mountains today, but had to postpone our clinic until tomorrow.  A trip into the mountains requires an early start, and we couldn’t be sure it was safe to travel until it was too late to get started.  We know to appreciate the unexpected rest day, but I think we are starting to get a little stir crazy.  The cooks started on dinner shortly after breakfast and the smell has been teasing our senses all day!  We did help organize the donation supply room, but other than that, the day has felt rather unproductive.

It sucks to lose a day.  Now we only have one more clinic before we head home.  Oh well, such is life in a land of political uncertainty I guess.

Since this blog is so short, I’ll fill it with pictures I took from “lockdown.”

Enjoy!

 I spent quite a few minutes just watching the daily life of this family across the street. 

 My favorite mosquito eating lizard.

One of the UN planes flying overhead.

We did get to go to this quaint Lebanese restaurant in Petionville.  It didn’t look like much on the outside, but were overwhelmed by its beauty the minute we stepped foot inside.  The food was delicious, the atmosphere was relaxing , and the company was unbeatable.  Haiti is full of surprises…

Turns out, we clean up ok!

I was on constant lookout for Shakira.

 Ok, the bathroom was a little creepy.

The outside of the restaurant.