Sunday morning everyone revived enough to climb aboard (its like herding cats sometimes to get everyone in the vehicle) the bus with our toys, clothes and misc. supplies to visit the orphanage near the beach. One of our translators, Jide, is associated with this orphanage and I visited it last October returning extremely impressed that they had no toys! My team, friends and family members responded by collecting many many toys, hygiene products and clothes for us to divide and give to many orpahanages. This orphanage took just about an hour to reach (excellant bus driver!) and we were greeted by the children singing a half a dozen songs including a very lively rendition of "If your happy and you know it, clap your hands" with the team joining in.
We stayed and played for over and hour after distributing the toys-it was like Christmas again. Even had Paster Vallenbrun joined in playing hopscotch! The kids are so sweet and cute and enjoyed the interaction- all are very healthy and active. Soeurette was ready to sign up 2-3 children per team member to take home. It would so easy to say ok....
It was off to Indigo Beach- a bit of drive further and we had to take a detour due to street damage from the hurricanes. It is less noticable in this area but we did see huge road equipment some large 'pipes/ culverts I suspect will be used to help divert future flood waters but with the deforestation the muds justs runs down the mountain sides. They need to plant sturdy shrubs that will hold the soil but not be useful for charcoal. Indigo plage (beach) used to be a club Med when they were popular back in the 80's but I suspect didn't enjoy the same popularity here in Haiti as at other hotspot tourist islands of the caribbean sea. It is now a 'resort with its beautiful beach, beautiful and very large swimming pool- The food was fantastic -and five of us at our table agreed with every bite we ate there was not a bad shrimp on our plates! The beautiful blue tropical water called us all for hours. No one was quite ready to leave at 5 but we did and got home very reasonably in under 2 hours and no major sunburns reported. Yves is an excellant driver and managed to avoid the worst of the sunday night carnival traffic though in the rural areas we crossed paths with 3 separate rara bands. Rara bands are best described as groups of people, somewhat spontaneously gathered and parading with music, horns, singing, cheering, sometimes drinking, celebrating the season (mardi gras or easter usually). The groups often gain momentum and grow as they travel along...sometimes for a very long time. Some of the members wore masks or had their face painted. By the time, we came upon them, I couldn't get a decent picture fast enough. But there will be other opportunities over the next few months.
Update from Fridays clinic:
Monday, Gabe stayed in the clinic; Grandma brought back the baby but as well the aunt and uncle of the baby returned as well and they were going to care for the baby- grandma was trying to give her away. Aunt and Uncle were very good and agreeable to keep the baby. Baby look healthy enough and was eating approp. Good news for everyone.
The outreach clinic went back up towards the beach at the orphanage we visited and the team saw approx 150 children and some parents and staff of orphanage. They felt very good about their accomplishment today- a long day with a lot of driving but they were happy and smiling at dinner.
The rest of us went to Institute Espoir orphanage (Rainbow of Love). Initially, everyone was stopped in their tracks to see such a site but being the people they are and being therapists with a mission, they jumped in and started repairing and modifying wheelchairs and nurses started assesssing the kids. A range of ages 2-26y and disability here. The kids were clean, the facility is clean and while there are 78 kids here, only 26 have disability. CP, Downs syndrome, and results from meningitis or polio or other disease, birth defects, and traumatic birth injury etc. It feels very overwhelming and there were a few tears at times but also some laughter as we interacted with the kids. They definately don't get the stimulation or activity any child should receive - I'm very proud of the team for jumping in a making an extremely tough job one of love! They returned Tuesday to finish w/chair modifications, some 1: 1 teaching with the 'mama's' (care givers) and today Dr. Anne and Dr. Tim, Chis-girl and Angel went to complete health assessments and wound/ skin care.
Melanie and Sheree enjoyed a day at the new childrens rehab center that opened in December. They taught some music, art and play therapy to parents of children that come to the center as well as some of the teachers. They included some of the children as well. We had a quick tour- obviously a very well funded organization..This new facility had the best pediatric walkers and wheelchairs, therapy equipment, classrooms, a therapy pool! They offer horse riding therapy!!! I want to work here!!
It is a beautiful place next to St. Damians children hospital that is also very beautiful and well funded facility. The very large property is more in the the country so very quiet and peaceful. I believe Healing Hands org. had looked in this area for property for their new rehab facility but couldn't find any for sale.
Nancy, MaryJ, and Lisa presented a lot of stroke information to a group of 38 nursing students and at first were very nervous but when I returned to pick them up, obviously were enjoying the experience.
Melissa and Casey had a conference as well, presenting to about 20 therapy techs. That left Ryan in the clinic trying to keep pace with the patients that came for therapy- While he worked very hard with no break most of the day, he had some fun and will either appreciate his practice at home or have less empathy for the clients who complain he is working them too hard. These patients try very hard to meet their therapists expectations I think.
Gabe and Darla were both in the clinic though not a lot of patients came in.
I spent a very large portion of my day (starting at 8 am) trying to get people to their destination (4 areas in 3 hours) and picking them up again (only one van with wheels today) and the 3 hour trip ended with 17 exhausted people climbing out of the van at 5pm.
Angels' brother had to leave due to work obligations on Saturday. He did an excellant job of making repairs on wheelchairs and where ever he saw the need. (in fact, he attempted to fix a door to one of the bedrooms which opened backwords for years- totally messed with the housekeeper as she practically pulled the door off the hinges! Funny but not funny for poor Suze- she was trying to re-fix it! )
So everyone has worked very hard, a bit more subdued tonight. Tomorrow will be an 'easy' day with a couple of hospital tours and preparation for Friday - we have two clinics scheduled in Jacmel.
Bon nwi from Haiti
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