What did Scarlet say about tomorrow...

Sa kapfet? Whats happening.....?
Not much happened yesterday, just some last minute planning for the Boston team, on going planning for the Portland team and nothing exciting happening.
Today just before leaving to visit a special education school downtown, a mom stopped me to ask for help for her baby- he was so floppy- I don't think he had any bones in his little body. Certainly he was simply a raggedy andy doll- I was being called away and I have been feeling more distressed about him all day. Yasmine said he was a floppy kid - like she sees it all the time. I don't believe I've ever seen anything like that...

CES- Centre des Education Specialities. This is a special education school and parents bring their kids here but also the parents meet with kids to learn how to meet their needs as well as how to teach the kids, then they return each week to measure progress. I don't really see them as needing HHH -

Following that visit we stoppped at the mayors office and met with the deputy mayor so Soeurette could arrange for/ reserve a family space at carnival- They brought us a pot of coffee with tiny cups - and a long conversation ensued with different people and apparently she got what she wanted by the time we left.

This afternoon Yasmine and I visited an orphanage called Institut Espoir- also known as Rainbow of Love. There are 78 kids - 52 normal kids and more than they normally have- apparently they rec'd quite a few kids after the hurricanes killed their parents. The remaining 26 kids are pretty disabled - I saw only 2 that could walk. My team will go there and spend a couple of days with the kids and caregivers, making assessments and offering some assistance or training. This orphanage seemed to have all of the toys in Haiti- What a difference to see that. Still the kids had a wide variety of 'disability' dx and some of the worst I've seen. It was very hard to see and even more difficult to explain. Let me just say it was one of my hardest days spent today.
To top it off, I locked my self out of my room. Mark, my hide a key plan didn't work very well but I did finally manage to get in....by knocking a slat out of the window. Might have to have plan B if someone is going to lock my window.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow...it will be better I'm pretty sure of it.

Montana Hotel

It was looking to be a sort of quiet night here by myself after the final members of the team left. Soeurette and I worked some on the schedules, made some plans for the next few days - what should really take 30 minutes literally takes 90 - added into the mix, interruptions and distractions- and there you have it a 30 minute project that takes 2 hours. Not bad really- I came back to my lower office and worked several more hours- now just have to wait for responses to inquieries.

Cyril came after supper and took me to the Montana for a rum punch and we enjoyed a nice reunion and conversation. Plotting some more adventure for my team...a surprise.

The next team coming is from Boston on Saturday afternoon. Looking forward to working with them although I am going to talk them out of going to the Montana for dinner- It took us 3 hours to get our food last week and that was after waiting 40 minutes for our table and another 30 to order... For the money and time, there is many nice restaurants to attend in Peytionville. I will have a list for them to try. The Montana is a beautiful hotel and has a view of the city if you get their before sunset that is awesome. I believe it is the largest hotel- and they've expanded below so is about 10 stories altogether. They are in process of building a mall across from the entrance of hotel lobby. But the service isn't very good...

Not much excitement from Kay Gail (Gails house) tonight but making some more connections...for more adventure....

new pictures...surprise when I came to my room and had a new pillowcase....the plans for the new 'rehab hospital' that just rec'd approval of the Ministry of Health. The outline picture is a little more difficult to see but is a general overlay of the property- with guesthouse far left, apartments and clinic w/ rehab center at bottom of property. The final picture is a hillside of homes.

bon baygay!

Well I am sitting out here in the dark again, the steps haven't gotten any softer. But I couldn't get connection at 'home'. The Minnesota gang is packing up- they have given me some gifts- Ibuprophen, tuna and a very cool Barbie pink tool kit...I can do anything now- except fix the plumping for hot water to my room.
I went up to see Madam Cheap- I really need to learn her real name. A lovely tiny sprite who came running up and hugging me and said I'm so happy to see you again and how is your family? She gave me a beaded bracelet right away and said it is a gift for my friend.. She has my heart!!!

We went to the art co-op over by the old (original) clinic/ guesthouse but it had closed - we then headed for Peytionville over a route I hadn't been on before- of course traffic at 5 pm is horrendous despite continuing gasoline problems. I always like going in new directions - which is totally the opposite of my life at home..same trip to the store, same trip to gas station, same trip to work...I seldom go a new / different direction any place...
Anyway, as we were driving to another gift shop, I was looking at the houses stacked upon each other on the hillside. Literally stacked upon stacks of cement up the sides of these hills. It made me think of Mrs. Alcindors' comment that someday they will all come tumbling down. I think it could happen.
We ended up on the street so Eric could buy some different items to take back to Toronto to sell- I didn't mention that the Minnesota team was actually international with 2 members from Canada.
It is such a kick to be on the street with these guys all wanting to sell you 'there' paintings and they have a best buy! They have many different items to sell. I did buy 2 paintings for $6.50 each. Bon Bayguy. I have to make Kay Shaun kay Gail so this is a start. Sorry Shaun; I will keep the Rooster for sure.. Following that stop, we went to another gift shop and I've been there before- but it was more hi end art almost like a museum. Now it has aa nice little gift shop with a more expensive art shop upstairs and a restaurant. By this time, I was so grangou (pardon my spelling) I told JOel I could eat the paper mache bananas...no more stops, we are going home. I said it in creole - at least enough he got my point and said he was very hungry too.
Kevin (water truck guy) and another partner were there visiting. I've got more connections for more adventure. Robert Duval is the partners name...really and he has a food program for kids in a stadium before school and after they come to eat. They they play football (soccer). I might have my team to set up a clinic to see the kids. I'm not sure yet as it may be too overwhelming...
I was told I could hike over the mountain. I could stay at a lodge in Furcy.
Kevin said he would think of more things. Meantime, I do have to work. The next team will be here Saturday. There is also a wedding reception apparently being planned - I don't know any details to it. Celine has invited me to a Jazz Festival this weekend.
Gas delivery is being delayed a week so not sure how that will affect the team. apparently the black market is doing ok so far...they can still get it if you can pay for it...

Something is biting me, and battery is nearly done...so time to go in.
Maybe I can talk some one into leaving their bug spray- bon baygay! Means good thing!

MInustuh- United Nations

Something of a busy weekend this weekend...but relaxing as well.
Some team members began leaving Friday and some Saturday. One group went to Indigo Beach for overnight and had a good relaxing time. The rest stayed here, did a little work in the P&O clinic (prosthetics and orthotics lab), relaxed.
I was invited to go to a party at the United Nations / Minustuh- not sure how to spell it- for the Chinese New Year Celebration. They showed on- going video of the Olympics moments, had some cultural activities- dancing, chinese kung foo, songs and a huge buffet of chinese food- the Haitians are quite particular about their rice for sure- no sticky rice for them. It was funny to look around a see what they would eat and seemed amazed that I would try and eat and like what I was eating. I had some 'Chinese' rum though I think it was more likely spiced saki- It was discusting really. My friend Jackies husband works for the UN. Ewald also works there but his grandfather died this week so he was helping his mom to make some arrangements. I'm not sure yet if he is planning to go to Les Cayes for the funeral-
This morning some of us went down to St. Vincents to take some supplies- didnt' make it to the van so another trip...and for some of the guys to meet other guys to talk supplies etc. To back up a little Physicians for Peace were supposed to arrive yesterday and only one actually made it- the others were stuck in Miami. All were to leave tomorrow for the Dominican Republic for a conference. Gil is a P&O that is works for Hangar and lives in Virginia. He is Dominican and has family there. But I plan to have him write his colleagues i n Portland and ask them to step up and join the Portland team.
Or at least support their efforts and offer us supplies...Sissy, maybe you can give them a little heads up- we still use Hangar don't we?
We tried to find a special ed school downtown we heard about but couldn't find. Joel drove and drove..so will need to have more contact info. Shaun?

I came to find that a Madam Cheap was here but I got distracted by different people and didn't make it up to see her. NO worries, now I know she is still alive, I'll see her. We are to go to the art co op soon as well I think. I had a pedicure today for $10- I think it was really just $6 and I tipped her big for coming here- she gave Natalie a pedicure and manicure before she left for the DR. Now I have pink toes...

Some people left today and the remaining team members will leave tomorrow. So a little last minute shopping.
I will take a picture of the new rehab institue and try to attach them later today.
back to work....

Evolution of life...

It was a little hard to get up this morning after 3 hours of sleep but most of the team managed to even look alert...
A few people met with the Ministry of Health today to attempt to get started with the new HHH Rehab Insitute of Haiti or whatever the name will be in the end with the hope that things can begin next year. The minister asked if March was soon enough.....of this year! So hopefully, while I am here I will be seeing some work starting to take place on the grounds.
I got a new lock on door- the old one would unlock at the thought of a key, didn't actually need to use it. I wasn't really too concerned but for the sake of my ipod, thought I should have some security.
Tonight we all went to the Montana Hotel for the 'team' dinner- The team of about 20 plus guests made us a group of at least 30 I think - It took over 3 hours for us all to get our dinners. Food was good - I had smoked salmon /toast and the special fettacine alfredo- not sure I spelled that correctly but it was made with speghetti with shrimp.
We got home about 11 and Shaun and Bob made some watermelon rum punch and we are sitting around discussing philosophy....of life.

Leogane and Oloffson

Shaun came yesterday- former member of team Portland from Canada, he is working at the Hospital Albert Swietzer in Hinche - a few hours drive north / northeast of Port au Prince. Today he and I drove to Leogane to visit an nursing school with sponsorship from University of Michigan. The director is a Haitian nurse that has worked in US / Canada in many areas of the field. Very impressive and wants a nursing school graduate able to compete at top level of nursing. They just graduated their first class of 13 including 3 male nurses. They will sit for their boards in March.
We talked about how we wanted to find a way to integrate rehab nursing into curriculum with even some physio/ occupational therapy techniques.
Elena and Sharon, you could come down for a 6 week session on rehab nursing - they would house you and feed your very well. Well actually all of you PARC nurses could take turns. OT's & PT's could do a less intensive session...I know Melissa would love it. Healing Hands would then have some specialty nurses to hire for their new Rehab Institute of Haiti.
We visited a hospital called St. Croix that has been closed about a year due to mismanagement but was considered one of the best hospitals in Haiti.
It is a large hospital with 250 beds. Currently it is being used as an outpatient clinic. While we were there, a group from Tennessee was providing care including medical and dental; they told us they had 250 patients waiting by 7:30 am. That is actually when they cut it off. People had being waiting a long time very patiently- we were there about 1 pm.
We left about 2:45 to get home before the worst of the traffic...we were still in the traffic..and got home about 4pm.
The Minnesota team has been busy as well - working in P&O at the clinic and at St. Vincents, in the clinic, at Holy Angel- the support people painted a murial, they've cleaned, sorted, reviewed, held meetings, and more meetings and then relaxed and had fun.. which brings us to tonight...

We are going to the Oloffson Hotel - an old Hotel with great history and featured in Graham Greene's book called the Comedians and was made into a movie with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and back in the day of Papa Doc Duvalier era. Maybe famous and infamous people have visited the hotel and is now famous for the thursday night party with RAM- a local Haitian band. Shaun and I are going to be tag alongs.
And now I must have a rest- The van is pulling out at 9 pm. RAM is not known to start the first set of music until 11 or 11:30...so it will be a late night tonight.
(I doubt Erik and partners will be there)

Pictures

Robert is in the red shirt. Kevin in white shirt w/ hat; kids posing. The little boy in the worn blue shirt says Oregon coast; Filling a water truck and our truck...and kids posing.

Mwen kampe toujou

Bonswa from my little room under the guesthouse.. today was quite an adventure. Robert and I were able to join Kevin, a Minnesotan who lives here part time and works on water systems - today we drove a huge water truck to Cite Soleil - the largest, poorest slum in Port auPrince. I would have to research to tell you the population of this area. I have seen places in Haiti that seem equally as poor and that word doesn't really do it justice in terms of describing- but in terms of size, population density etc. its depressing. I've seen pictures of the areas, I've seen a movie filmed in cite Soleil about the gangs - and seeing it in person is the same. I felt perfectly comfortable in terms of my safety with Kevin and his co workers...and they would not have agreed to take us had they felt concern for our safety as well. It has had an extremely negative and dangerous history but about a year ago, the UN began a 'clean up of the gangs' and certainly as we drove through there was little evidence that the people were afraid or nervous - children running freely everywhere is a pretty fair indication of safety.

Well actually, children seem to run freely everywhere in Haiti so maybe that isn't much of a statement.

To start the story from the beginning...Kevin is a friend of Al's who came to join us for dinner last night. Al had mentioned he had gone on this water run and you know who is always wanting adventures here...said can I go?

And Robert - who is going to manage the property also was interested- so we made arrangements with Kevin to meet him at the water truck. It is a 10 story Mack truck with 10 gears ( that grind with every shift) - maybe not every shift as we only got into 6th gear. (I meant for the picture to come insert at this point!)

Anyway, the 3 &4 th things to stand out- We had to share a seat without cusion and the streets in Cite Solay are actually some of the best in Port au Prince. We drove into the city with our first 'drop' and as we approached the area, with the air horn almost continuous, people- mostly children began running towards us from all directions with buckets of all sizes. Our workers made sure they stayed in some sort of orderly caos..and some of the hardest working people were the 5- 8 year old girls. They can fill a 5 gallon bucket to the top, ask for a little help to get it onto their head and without spilling more than a couple of cups of water. They were amazing. Most of the boys were more interested in posing for pictures. Many of the children wanted my bracelet or ring, some indicated they were hungry, some of the older girls just wanted to hold my hand or hug me. Robert and I at first watched the process and took pictures but then we got in and helped move buckets, keep the lines in line, fill buckets and lift as needed. Everyone was polite except if you got in the way of a little girl or tried to take her bucket - watch out. They did not hesitate to protect and preserve their water. The first drop took approx 45 minutes, then a refill of the tank and two more water drops - Robert said if everyone experienced this, they would find a way to solve problems rather than complain about them- this is the life of these people everyday. Some of the kids had no clothes, some were so tattered, torn, worn they may as well not had them on. No one had new shoes, no one wore Nike or Polo or any other name brand that could be recognized...Looking into the faces of the adults, it was often a face much older than the eyes - thin, worn or torn like the clothes. The older children actually looked fairly healthy but the very young often had orange hair- an indication of severe malnutrition.

Once our water drop was complete we went with Kevin to a clinic they were adding a roof to a second room..we were taken down a side street to a lane to an alley between buildings to finally arrive at the clinic. The former home of a gangster that the presiding judge donated to the group upon the gangsters incarceration. They do hiv/aids and TB testing as when they are able, give medications to people. The room they are adding a roof to will be able to house people to sick to travel far for treatment. They were in the process of trying to get the peanutbutter product for the malnutritioned children. Note that the workers were from US and did not stop to talk with us, hoping to complete the frame at least before dark.

Kevin (on his motorbike) and his partner than brought us back home...on some of the worst roads in Port au Prince just to avoid traffic- I sincerely wished I was on the motorcycle.

We arrived home...mwen kampe toujou- I'm still standing!

Inaugeration & Jubilation for Obama!

What a momentous day today- We (some of us) were able to watch the swearing in on tv...I'm sure our emotions matched the entire world! What a pleasure to listen to an entire speech -so elequantly spoken and without a single gw-goof up! Offering Hope to those who will unclench their fists! The first meeting this morning the Haitian staff offered thanks that we were there in their country helping on such a marvelous day for our country. They are extremely excited for the US and historical significance of this day. It is kind of ironic that I was in Haiti on election day and again on this occasion.
Today has been a mixture of meetings with the staff and board members, team meetings etc. with more to come tomorrow.
I'm going on an outing with Mr. Graham, the property manager of the grounds here where I stay so I'll report on that tomorrow. I've been invited to join different team members going to the DR next week for an International Orthotics and Prosthetics conference- I'll have to think about that but it would be interesting to travel there and increase my 'network'- or at least add to my experience and adventure. I would also get to see some friends from former teams- Cate and Colleen.
Today I was sitting in my usual place under a tree and a pretty big gecko fell onto my laptop- I was a bit startled and then it started running all over me before he got off and up into the tree....I thought he was going to get stuck in my shirt- I probably would have lost it...or my computer.It actually scared me more than the catfight in the dark right next to me. Speaking of geckos, my 2 little friends came out last night and each caught a moth- very impressive!!! It definately was a full meal as they did not come out again for the tiny bugs. What a Day!

King of the mountain

The Minnesota team- at least a good portion of them arrived finally just after 6 pm. After some searching for the perfect beds, miandering about, some introductions etc we finally got to eat...yeah! I was getting really hungry.
While they are settling in, I'm outside to add some notes. A lot of people here tonight after my 10 days of evening solitude; I will have to get used to conversation again. Patrick said at dinner, he brought me some glue....there was a big pause when he said for bug. I started laughing - he meant for the cockroach...maybe you had to be there.
Patrick is Haitian and was adopted by Deb and Al Ingersoll a few years ago. He is a junior in high school and I believe will help out with translation in the clinic. Even though we just met for the first time, I feel like I've known him for awhile.

Anyway, the team is enjoying the weather as it was 20 degrees when they left Minn. - up 40 degrees from a couple days ago...so how can they not be enjoying this.
They have a blog site as well- so for a different perspective you might want to check it out.... http://minnesotateamhealinghandsforhaiti.blogspot.com

Oh the title- I'm not king of my little mountain tonight... =)

Redcaps and dodo birds

Noel and I went to the airport to pick up Sue...its always such a trip to go to the airport. For one thing, there are 3 men who have been there for years and who recognize me now as easily as I recognize them. One is very tall & slender, kind of distinguished and kindly, the other is much shorter and rounder- speaks pretty good english and calls himself the big boss and the other is the one arm man that out works others...there are the redcaps in their crisp gray uniforms that seem to take turns pushing their way to help someone, even the ones who keep saying no, go away. The tan shirts- like Boot, the one arm man. The boss has more than once gotten money from me to pay the ones helping me only to disappear and leave me to pay my helpers 'again'. I'm a little slow but think I'm on to his game now.
So our trip started out with Noel taking a short cut to the airport- I've been that direction one other time and am very surprised that it takes less time- probably because there is few cars/ people because the roads can not be called streets, the driver goes from one side to the other trying to find the shallowest pothole or the least rubble. We seemed to wait for the longest time but its very entertaining to me to watch people. Those that are waiting, those that come out of the airport trying to maneuver their luggage cart full of bags, boxes and whatever else they managed to bring on the plane without running into someone, fending off offers of help from 6 redcaps or brown shirts-note to team the brown shirts seem more pleasant, less pushy for the most part- and trying not to run over those waiting (and not moving out of the way). Some people come out looking a little over whelmed- first time visitors? Some come looking tired or bored, disinterested in anyone around them and determined to get through the crowd of people with minimal politeness. Some frazzled, some searching the crowd and smiling brightly as they spot a loved one. I saw some that maybe were musicians coming for carnival as many people seemed to recognize them and they had were a little more hip with lots of bling and assumed that they should be helped with their luggage.
The cooks made hamburgers for Sue and I today...really the first 'lunch' I received in my first 10 days and the best burger I've had in Haiti- my 3rd one but definately the best.
There is a strange bird - I think it is a bird- I haven't actually seen it but have heard it for the past several days. It has a very loud noise it makes- not unpleasant or annoying but more funny like a cartoon dodo bird or something. It makes me want to laugh. I hope I can see it sometime but the foliage on the trees is very lush.
Little Ricky has a friend, Geiko- maybe they are brothers, one is slightly smaller but they also provide entertainment for me and at the same time keeping the bug population to a minimum in my room.
The next wave of Minnesota team will be arriving a little later this afternoon- it will become a different atmosphere around here I'm sure...
Its kind of cloudy and I thought it might rain a little but maybe it will pass to the mountains.

A big Thank you

I just found out today that a school in Vancouver has been selling hot chocolate to raise money for our team - $300 !!! How awesome is that!! Maggie and Chris-girl did a presentation last fall.
A local Portland Kiwanis club (is it the Sellwood club?) has donated $140 to our team.
We've had a lot of good support and good friends and family that has provided us with funds and supplies to help make our trip successful. The rest will be up to us to provide the care and love to the Haitian people.

The weather today has been cool to warm to very humid/ cloudy and back to pleasant with a few sprinkles of rain...the music has gotten louder out here but can barely hear it in my room which is actually closer but the direction/ location must protect me a little and the sound carrying.

I met another resident last night...Francin from Quebec lives in apartment under the pool. She is making a documentary on agriculture for students - if I understood her correctly. She is vey nice - her second trip her to live and work...She says she has made some wonderful friends here and really likes it.
The little boy that blows his whistle annoyingly non stop on the balcony of his apartment in the afternoons was out riding his bike tonight- making sure I was impressed with his skills but also ignoring me in the process. He is kind of cute when he doesn't have his whistle.

This little guy spends his days behind the metal gecko I think. He comes out for supper- he is stalking it now. Image is very telephoto so isn't the best. I think his name is Richard.

Barbincourt, goat and carnival- all that is Haiti

As I sit here, getting some bites tonight in my outdoor office- scratching like crazy every 10 words or so....The neighborhood to the west and a little south of us is gearing up for carnival fun tonight. For the past hour, there is someone on a microphone, music, cheers, shouting. I suspect it will last until about midnight. The music is lively- are to keep from moving body parts.

So the other part of the title...yesterday my esteem raised in the eyes of the staff...my cute little goats became food for the team coming tomorrow. As part of the ritual, they prepare parts of the goat - I don't want to gross people out but first they cook some blood and offered it to me. I don't think they thought I would eat it but I did (actually, with the Barbincourt as a compliment, it wasn't bad ;-)) For supper they prepared a soup /stew of other parts - I asked they not be labeled -seemed like they would go down easier not knowing what they were. The liver was easily identifiable and I passed that on to the person on my left who enjoyed it immensely.

We played some cards- casino- so I am improving on that game. After everyone left, I had a swim, relaxed and read - the power was going off and on all evening so not much else to do. Same with today except I thought I would get goat steak...got fish, yams, corn au gratin and acra. Acra is my favorite but the rest is just food to fill my stomach.
Ewald was unablet to get out of work early enough to get his car insurance so still no wheels. I hope this week it happens.

Minnesota team begins arriving tomorrow (and Tuesday) with a full team and full schedule. The staff has been busy yesterday and today with preparations- all the bedrooms cleaned and made up with fresh linen, etc.
Menu planning under way..I'll try to get a look at it later.

Its getting darker, soon dark and I dont' have my light with me. and I need bug spray so I'll sign off. Have a good week everyone. Stay warm!

Friday Night Lights

ok so I'd like to think my little goats were taken to some nice green grass to fatten and grow a little more- at any rate they are no longer tied below my room. So despite the fact that I like goat meat, I'm a little sad about them.

Which brings me to dinner....I had lambi (not lamb) stew, pasta (mac and cheese) vegies and sweet banana's in a sauce that very well could be sweetened condensed milk with raisens and marichino cherries for presentation. Lambi is conch, a little chewy but as long as I don't think about where it comes from, I like it too. I'm pretty good about not thinking about where my food comes from...

I spent most of my day doing computer work/ team planning / emails/ cleaning and sorting email on my computer so that I can find the ones I need to refer to- I'm still working on organizing everything.

During supper I was watching Joel and another guy finish repairing van- and replacing wheels and they took off so it must be fixed. The security guard was playing cards with someone while the gatekeeper watch. I don't know what game but he was quite forcefully throwing down his card during his turn.

Johnny -Jean worked very hard today preparing the grounds for the teams arrival. The pool is cleaned, bushes/ trees/ plants trimmed. He is a hard worker. Every morning I wake up to swishing sounds- he is usually out sweeping the fallen leaves and fruit from the grounds. Sometimes I think he has prepared my breakfast. He tests my creole each morning and plans that I should be fluent before I leave. Berny in the pharmacy also expects that I should be as well and thinks if I begin to think in creole, I should learn faster. Can someone tell me how to do that?
The neighborhood is very quite tonight, its quite dark and the air quite comfortable. Last night about 10 we even had a bit of rain for and hour or so. The electricity is out again- nearly every night is goes out. It didn't come on until about 5:30 or 6 this morning.
I think that doesn't bode well for me watching some of the inaugeration on TV..Its a good thing to appreciate- electricity and being able to turn on a spigot and get hot water for a shower.

I will attempt to post some picture tonight on this site...

ti-kabrit

Is the creole word for little goat as in the one that cried outside my door for hours this morning. Now I may revise my thoughts of having a herd of goats and I suspect these 4 little goats are someones dinner....

No coffee this morning...so I may be a little grumpy.