I've now been home about 10 days. I wondered about the adjustment and how I would feel about things. Adjustment to time isn't really difficult (I do enjoy the longer days of summer) but space is a little different. I havent' had to cook or clean or do laundry for about 6 months...(no dishes!) -just pick up after myself. Its always easy to see an over abundance in one's home after living in a minimal space. There is a lot of stuff everywhere. What do I do about it? How do I deal with it...I walked in circles mostly. Gave myself permission not to feel good or bad about it for now. Slowly I will start organizing the spaces around me.
I returned to work today...wondered how it would feel, what I would forget...but thankfully, the census was low enough that I only had 3 patients to worry about. I was a little slow, a little disorganized at first but Tammy and Janet were there to help. Melissa was giving me hugs all day which is always a good thing. I survived...but I must say my feet felt very confined and were happy to return to my flipflops when I got home!!! Since I work the next 2 days, I'm sure each day will get easier.
Tuesday is pie day...our annual celebration of summer and is usually held on the Thursday closest to the first day of summer but was postponed until my return. Everyone that works is supposed to bring a pie- their favorite and that is our lunch...someone will bring a pizza pie and someone might bring a quiche (it has pie crust) so we can have something besides just dessert if we want. It has over the years become one of our favorite days of the year...like a holiday for everyone.
News from Haiti...
I had news that my turtle disappeared...escaped or kidnapped, no one knows. Unfortunately they have no CSI's - maybe the UN has one but I'm doubtful of that. It disappeared sometime during the night on Friday. I guess they searched everywhere to no avail and I'm sure there is much saddness amongst the girls in the kitchen. I will rethink the pet thing next year.
Planning for next year will soon begin again. Angel and I will get together and discuss preliminary plans next week. We are always looking for help in the fund raising department so if anyone has ideas or wants to help support our team, let me know.
I look forward to any comments or questions you may have about my blog, the trip, the team, and team plans!
Thanks for reading....
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Nearing the end of the journey...
Monday evening I had dinner with Celine and Hans and lovely visit. We didn't get to have sushi one last time before I left but hopefully we'll have another opportunity for this one day. She had only just returned from a trip to Miami so I was happy to be able to have the time with her before leaving.
She is a good cook...I should have taken greater advantage of this.
Tuesday afternoon we had a huge storm. While I had been hearing thunder most of the early afternoon, I wasn't prepared for the sudden cyclone that hit. I was just packing up my computer and getting ready to say good bye to everyone in the clinic. The fury of it pretty amazing- my friend John came from the guesthouse with an umbrella to help me back to my room. The gesture was so sweet but very funny. The water by this time was about 4 inches deep everywhere, the rain still going sideways due to the rain so the umbrella quite useless. We were completely soaked. I had to take off my flipflops to walk. The worst lasted only about 45 minutes but it continued to thunder and rain until early evening.
Saying good bye and leaving was bittersweet. Antonio sang in his baritone voice, his version of I left my heart in (San Francisco) Port au Prince. Many hugs, tears and promises before climbing into the van...some hot patay for my lunch from Mercia and I was on my way.
Going through airport in Port au Prince is usually a little crazy although the check in line was slow, it all was uneventful and with minimal waiting...
This was just the beginning of my 4 flights to get home.
Arrived in Fort Lauderdale fine, going through customs a very handsome agent, Levi welcomed me home. Obviously, the feelings were still tender as the tears came rolling down rather unexpectedly but he was very nice and said don't worry everything will be alright.
On the flight to Dallas, there was little boy about 5 in the seat ahead of me. He peaked around the seat a few times. Sometime later, and without a word, his little hand poked back offering me an orange peanut M&M. He did this about 3 more times during the flight. And near the end, just before landing, another little peak and a little bit of a smile.
In Dallas I had my longest layover and as a mexican restaurant was nearest my gate, I thought a little guacamole, chips, margarita and enchalada sounded good. When my food arrived, I started laughing. I had not even thought about it but my first meal back in the states included beans and rice! To top it off, the man at the next table kept receiving phone calls and his ring tones werre crickets. For a minute, I thought I really hadn't left Haiti, I was only dreaming all this.
My only problem occured in Las Vegas; I could not get off the plane quick enough, nor get across to the next concourse and gate to catch my Alaska connection. It was leaving the gate as I arrived. The agent was one of the nicer airline employeess encountered and immediately (even before the original flight) had rolled away, had a seat reserved on US Airways (clear across to the otherside of airport...He said please hurry and you'll make it on time and gave me directions to follow so I didn't need to go through security again. I just made it with 15 minutes to spare. However, my luggage never left Las Vegas. Hopefully, it will arrive today.
My family was waiting to greet me at nearly midnight, my dogs greeted me at the door but seeming as if I was not gone at all or just another person. Oh well, they know whats important...
So now I am home, time to reintegrate back into the family and the routine...and I hope it warms up soon.
She is a good cook...I should have taken greater advantage of this.
Tuesday afternoon we had a huge storm. While I had been hearing thunder most of the early afternoon, I wasn't prepared for the sudden cyclone that hit. I was just packing up my computer and getting ready to say good bye to everyone in the clinic. The fury of it pretty amazing- my friend John came from the guesthouse with an umbrella to help me back to my room. The gesture was so sweet but very funny. The water by this time was about 4 inches deep everywhere, the rain still going sideways due to the rain so the umbrella quite useless. We were completely soaked. I had to take off my flipflops to walk. The worst lasted only about 45 minutes but it continued to thunder and rain until early evening.
Saying good bye and leaving was bittersweet. Antonio sang in his baritone voice, his version of I left my heart in (San Francisco) Port au Prince. Many hugs, tears and promises before climbing into the van...some hot patay for my lunch from Mercia and I was on my way.
Going through airport in Port au Prince is usually a little crazy although the check in line was slow, it all was uneventful and with minimal waiting...
This was just the beginning of my 4 flights to get home.
Arrived in Fort Lauderdale fine, going through customs a very handsome agent, Levi welcomed me home. Obviously, the feelings were still tender as the tears came rolling down rather unexpectedly but he was very nice and said don't worry everything will be alright.
On the flight to Dallas, there was little boy about 5 in the seat ahead of me. He peaked around the seat a few times. Sometime later, and without a word, his little hand poked back offering me an orange peanut M&M. He did this about 3 more times during the flight. And near the end, just before landing, another little peak and a little bit of a smile.
In Dallas I had my longest layover and as a mexican restaurant was nearest my gate, I thought a little guacamole, chips, margarita and enchalada sounded good. When my food arrived, I started laughing. I had not even thought about it but my first meal back in the states included beans and rice! To top it off, the man at the next table kept receiving phone calls and his ring tones werre crickets. For a minute, I thought I really hadn't left Haiti, I was only dreaming all this.
My only problem occured in Las Vegas; I could not get off the plane quick enough, nor get across to the next concourse and gate to catch my Alaska connection. It was leaving the gate as I arrived. The agent was one of the nicer airline employeess encountered and immediately (even before the original flight) had rolled away, had a seat reserved on US Airways (clear across to the otherside of airport...He said please hurry and you'll make it on time and gave me directions to follow so I didn't need to go through security again. I just made it with 15 minutes to spare. However, my luggage never left Las Vegas. Hopefully, it will arrive today.
My family was waiting to greet me at nearly midnight, my dogs greeted me at the door but seeming as if I was not gone at all or just another person. Oh well, they know whats important...
So now I am home, time to reintegrate back into the family and the routine...and I hope it warms up soon.
Monday, June 15, 2009
This is going to be hard....
Saying good bye to someone you see often isn't hard. Saying good bye to someone you don't see often is a little harder....saying good bye tomorrow and wednesday...well, its going to be hard even as I know I will be back.
I'm trying to decide what to focus on...today its been what I won't miss...
(trying to keep it light) but I won't miss those disrespectful stealth mosquitos, the giant crickets that sound like they belong in the Steven Speilburg Dinosaur movie (I haven't actually seen one because I would know if I did because they are so loud, they must be very large). I won't miss the internet here...and if anyone complains about it at home, I will have some thoughts for them.
I probably won't miss the rain because we usually have our share in Portland...its just different here. The humidity....will have reminders of it in Portland for sure.
I won't miss the food for awhile....but hoping we can have a Haitian dinner fund raiser later this summer.
I won't miss the short days...its dark by 6:30 pm and I enjoy the long summer days in Portland...there are never enough of them.
Its not much of a list and nothing very important in the scheme of things.
Not much of a list to keep me away....
I'm trying to decide what to focus on...today its been what I won't miss...
(trying to keep it light) but I won't miss those disrespectful stealth mosquitos, the giant crickets that sound like they belong in the Steven Speilburg Dinosaur movie (I haven't actually seen one because I would know if I did because they are so loud, they must be very large). I won't miss the internet here...and if anyone complains about it at home, I will have some thoughts for them.
I probably won't miss the rain because we usually have our share in Portland...its just different here. The humidity....will have reminders of it in Portland for sure.
I won't miss the food for awhile....but hoping we can have a Haitian dinner fund raiser later this summer.
I won't miss the short days...its dark by 6:30 pm and I enjoy the long summer days in Portland...there are never enough of them.
Its not much of a list and nothing very important in the scheme of things.
Not much of a list to keep me away....
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Good Bye Party
So I began suspecting something was going on when I went to beg for a patay for lunch and on the stove was a huge pot of chicken parts cooking. When questioned, it was all very vague with rapid fire creole....then people in the office were 'talking' around me so to speak. Rachelle came to my room before she left to say goodbye....sorry she couldn't stay longer but lived a long ways away. Then Soeurette came and said I need you upstairs now...everyone was so happy that they kept the party a secret for me to have a big surprise! About 40 people came including members of the Haitian board. It was very touching and everyone of them thanked me for being here, to help HHH and to help the Haitians. Everyone enjoyed the music, the food, and the prestige. Antonio said its good he's not in kidnapping business as he would like to keep me here longer....but knows its time to see my family. It was a nice way to start my last weekend in Haiti....
I'll do a little packing today...see how I can manage to fit everything into 2 bags or see what I can leave behind...George wants my camera so I may just give it to him. He is the man in the apartment that had a stroke. I think I wrote about him. Tomorrow I may go to the beach with Celine. She is back from Miami.
Just a few days to make more memories....
Prepping for party...
Haitian board members
some of the guys hanging out...
Kattia, Felonette, Daniella, Mme Justine, Yolie
and Michaelle
Centerpiece
Troubadou Band
Antonio and myself with Shirley (board member)
Soeurette and me
Me with Mme. Justine and Lucienne
I'll do a little packing today...see how I can manage to fit everything into 2 bags or see what I can leave behind...George wants my camera so I may just give it to him. He is the man in the apartment that had a stroke. I think I wrote about him. Tomorrow I may go to the beach with Celine. She is back from Miami.
Just a few days to make more memories....
Prepping for party...
Haitian board members
some of the guys hanging out...
Kattia, Felonette, Daniella, Mme Justine, Yolie
and Michaelle
Centerpiece
Troubadou Band
Antonio and myself with Shirley (board member)
Soeurette and me
Me with Mme. Justine and Lucienne
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Saying Thank You....
Today is a holiday here in Haiti- kind of cool and cloudy. Maybe a good day to go through some of accumulation of 'stuff' in my room.
I have less than a week here in this enchanted land of beautiful people. Usually Haiti has a long last name...Haiti, most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere...yes, it is poor and desparate and in need of so much but this is not not the only thing you should know about it. I've written 100 blogs, many of them detailed stories about Haiti, its people, its culture and many of them about my experiences. I've met so many people, Haitians that want to improve the lives of their fellow countryman.
Antonio, who became the new operations manager in February. He came from a background in banking and not knowing anything about the medical field but the people that hired him saw something good and right in the man. He tells me everyday when he walks through the clinic and sees the patients, he is newly inspired by the trust they place in us to provide medical care they otherwise don't receive. He sees the hope in their eyes for a better opportunity at living a more normal life after receiving a prosthetic. Soeurette's title is administrative director- she helps the teams get through the airport with their luggage filled with drugs, when once upon a time, we had to pay a bribe to get through (and it is by no means the only duties she has with HHH). She sometimes appears stern and tough but really she has a big old soft heart for her people. She could move to the US or Canada and have an easier life (currently, she is living without electricity- they told her it would be 3 months before it is restored to the area of the city she lives in). She has family in the states, but she feels the need to take care of her "Haitian" family, The people that work for HHH and the people that come to the clinic, the kids in the orphanages we visit. Jony is the clinic coordinator, over-seeing the staff in the clinic and has many other duties he takes on...he calls me his Angel and says I bring a ray of sunshine into his life. Antonio, Soeurette and Jony along with all of the people in the clinic, from Madame Justine and Lucienne, Kattia, Verny, all of the therapy techs, Schedula, the techs in the prosthetics lab, to Berny and Hercule in the depot, Jeune and Felonette, to the grounds keepers greet me each morning with "Bonjou Madame Gail, how was your night. Did you sleep well? How is your family- they are well?" Now they are beginning to say they are very sad that I will be leaving soon. They want to know how soon until I return. They say they appreciate that my family allowed me to come to help them. From Drs. Nau, Moise, Geneus and most recently Dr. Benjamin, from my friend Noel, his brother Maxo and Jorel (who doesn't tell me I need to speak creole like Colleen anymore) to all of the gals (Carmel, Mercia, Suze, Luna, Myrline and Syltane) in the guesthouse, John who has become a very good friend, and all of the others I've failed to mention are my inspiration. They cheer my meager attempts of creole, they have been kind to me, supported my work and most of all made me a better person. Its been an incredible experience and one never forgotten. I hope I've been able to provide a little insight to some of you who have read all of my words and wondering why I would volunteer to do this, a little inspiration to give back in your own way, or maybe even a little hope that we can make the world a better place by working together.
Healing Hands for Haiti teams try each time they volunteer to come here.
Its not enough to say Thank you but its all I have....
I have less than a week here in this enchanted land of beautiful people. Usually Haiti has a long last name...Haiti, most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere...yes, it is poor and desparate and in need of so much but this is not not the only thing you should know about it. I've written 100 blogs, many of them detailed stories about Haiti, its people, its culture and many of them about my experiences. I've met so many people, Haitians that want to improve the lives of their fellow countryman.
Antonio, who became the new operations manager in February. He came from a background in banking and not knowing anything about the medical field but the people that hired him saw something good and right in the man. He tells me everyday when he walks through the clinic and sees the patients, he is newly inspired by the trust they place in us to provide medical care they otherwise don't receive. He sees the hope in their eyes for a better opportunity at living a more normal life after receiving a prosthetic. Soeurette's title is administrative director- she helps the teams get through the airport with their luggage filled with drugs, when once upon a time, we had to pay a bribe to get through (and it is by no means the only duties she has with HHH). She sometimes appears stern and tough but really she has a big old soft heart for her people. She could move to the US or Canada and have an easier life (currently, she is living without electricity- they told her it would be 3 months before it is restored to the area of the city she lives in). She has family in the states, but she feels the need to take care of her "Haitian" family, The people that work for HHH and the people that come to the clinic, the kids in the orphanages we visit. Jony is the clinic coordinator, over-seeing the staff in the clinic and has many other duties he takes on...he calls me his Angel and says I bring a ray of sunshine into his life. Antonio, Soeurette and Jony along with all of the people in the clinic, from Madame Justine and Lucienne, Kattia, Verny, all of the therapy techs, Schedula, the techs in the prosthetics lab, to Berny and Hercule in the depot, Jeune and Felonette, to the grounds keepers greet me each morning with "Bonjou Madame Gail, how was your night. Did you sleep well? How is your family- they are well?" Now they are beginning to say they are very sad that I will be leaving soon. They want to know how soon until I return. They say they appreciate that my family allowed me to come to help them. From Drs. Nau, Moise, Geneus and most recently Dr. Benjamin, from my friend Noel, his brother Maxo and Jorel (who doesn't tell me I need to speak creole like Colleen anymore) to all of the gals (Carmel, Mercia, Suze, Luna, Myrline and Syltane) in the guesthouse, John who has become a very good friend, and all of the others I've failed to mention are my inspiration. They cheer my meager attempts of creole, they have been kind to me, supported my work and most of all made me a better person. Its been an incredible experience and one never forgotten. I hope I've been able to provide a little insight to some of you who have read all of my words and wondering why I would volunteer to do this, a little inspiration to give back in your own way, or maybe even a little hope that we can make the world a better place by working together.
Healing Hands for Haiti teams try each time they volunteer to come here.
Its not enough to say Thank you but its all I have....
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The rest of the family...
Lest you think I only have two kids in my family, I will have to finish the story....
Laddie, my husband of 26 years is a boyscout executive and obviously kind enough, supportive enough, loving enough to allow me to have this experience- knowing how much my work on behalf of Healing Hands for Haiti has become such a part of who I have become. He has managed the household, the dogs, his own work and been the main support for our children- even though they are adults now. He too does much work in the community on behalf of the scouts, he delivers meals on wheels, provides meals at Ronald McDonald and doesn't say no to often to any request.
Danny is the baby in the family and is now 21...not much of a baby anymore. He is a strong athletic guy- he plays basketball every Sunday night for a rec league (has BUCK tattooed on his back in case he gets into a shirts and skins game, he can be on the skins team) and works in a shoe store. He is still trying to figure out where he wants to go in this world but I've no doubt one day he'll find his way.... He is funny, drives his sister crazy sometimes...& doesn't sing very well. But there is no doubt that he loves his family and friends.
So to my family, my friends and co workers and all of those who have supported me, written to me and have missed me, your love and kindness can never be repaid, will never be forgotten and is forever appreciated.
Laddie, my husband of 26 years is a boyscout executive and obviously kind enough, supportive enough, loving enough to allow me to have this experience- knowing how much my work on behalf of Healing Hands for Haiti has become such a part of who I have become. He has managed the household, the dogs, his own work and been the main support for our children- even though they are adults now. He too does much work in the community on behalf of the scouts, he delivers meals on wheels, provides meals at Ronald McDonald and doesn't say no to often to any request.
Danny is the baby in the family and is now 21...not much of a baby anymore. He is a strong athletic guy- he plays basketball every Sunday night for a rec league (has BUCK tattooed on his back in case he gets into a shirts and skins game, he can be on the skins team) and works in a shoe store. He is still trying to figure out where he wants to go in this world but I've no doubt one day he'll find his way.... He is funny, drives his sister crazy sometimes...& doesn't sing very well. But there is no doubt that he loves his family and friends.
So to my family, my friends and co workers and all of those who have supported me, written to me and have missed me, your love and kindness can never be repaid, will never be forgotten and is forever appreciated.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Andy
My oldest son in the Oregon National Guard. Delta unit I think and currently in Georgia training for deployment to Iraq next month. I haven't seen him since I left Portland in January and it is difficult to think about not seeing him again until he returns to Oregon, maybe a year or more from now.
He joined the Marines before he graduated from high school and left for boot camp before he turned 18. It was one of the hardest days of my life to turn him over to the Marines that day. He did some travelling then...to Kuwait, Bahran, Djabouti and Japan....I wish he was going to Japan again now but no, Bagdad is the destination of his unit.
I don't think of him as being a tough guy- although he is pretty tough. He has two big tiger tattoos, one on each shoulder. He's had his share of scrapes and bruises and stitches as a little kid. He most recently 'survived' a Brown Recluse spider bite and is taking a load of antibiotics. I think he is compassionate, funny , strong, smart, determined. He is able to keep his cool in emergency situations (he gets that from me)...good qualities that make him a tough enough guy to honor his country.
So for people that think I'm doing something good in a tough place to live, volunteering for a relatively small organization, and doing what I can to make something a little better, Andy is doing a far greater service for a far greater organization to make something a lot better.
I love you Andy. Please take good care! I'll miss you but I am proud of you!
Friday, June 5, 2009
13 days
I have to be ready to return home by then...not ready to count down the days but noticed I've written 94 blogs...shall I try to make it to 100 by the time I leave?
Thought for today....omg its hot! My hair is actually dripping! There is a slight breeze every once in awhile to help but it is just a teaser! I've not been in Haiti during July and August...I can't imagine it but I'm pretty sure it would be a very good time to visit Kenskoff up on the mountain side (or Alaska).
Yesterday I bought a refrigerator for the guesthouse. I had a little money from my team and a donation from 2 of the Utah teams - not quite enough but I wanted to give a gift to them to show my appreciation for all that they have done to take care of me. The old one had only one shelf - even though the new one is smaller it is better. The women were all so happy! We have it decorated with magnets from each of the teams that have visited to this point (I will take a picture later). It is the very least I could do and I could not think of anything else I could do...well maybe a new washing machine but it would have to be portable like the one they have or a new freezer...which was way out of my budget level.
Also yesterday I delivered some soccer balls to the World Vision Office for a little boy that is sponsored by a Team Canada member. Melissa asked me to deliver when we happened to see their office on the way to Peytionville. I hope they will send pictures of him with the soccer ball. Mostly just so I know that he received it. I have a few more soccer balls left..I've decided to give them to Noel, our driver. He has put together a little soccer team in Jacmel and they will have their first game this Saturday. He promised to take pictures for me.
I also answered 17 emails from potential volunteers. Its pretty wonderful to know that despite the economy, people find the place in their hearts to offer their services to the less fortunate. To me, that seems like the best time to offer assistance, to count your blessings and give back. Sometimes its hard to see how blessed we are - its up to each of us to recognize it.
Thought for today....omg its hot! My hair is actually dripping! There is a slight breeze every once in awhile to help but it is just a teaser! I've not been in Haiti during July and August...I can't imagine it but I'm pretty sure it would be a very good time to visit Kenskoff up on the mountain side (or Alaska).
Yesterday I bought a refrigerator for the guesthouse. I had a little money from my team and a donation from 2 of the Utah teams - not quite enough but I wanted to give a gift to them to show my appreciation for all that they have done to take care of me. The old one had only one shelf - even though the new one is smaller it is better. The women were all so happy! We have it decorated with magnets from each of the teams that have visited to this point (I will take a picture later). It is the very least I could do and I could not think of anything else I could do...well maybe a new washing machine but it would have to be portable like the one they have or a new freezer...which was way out of my budget level.
Also yesterday I delivered some soccer balls to the World Vision Office for a little boy that is sponsored by a Team Canada member. Melissa asked me to deliver when we happened to see their office on the way to Peytionville. I hope they will send pictures of him with the soccer ball. Mostly just so I know that he received it. I have a few more soccer balls left..I've decided to give them to Noel, our driver. He has put together a little soccer team in Jacmel and they will have their first game this Saturday. He promised to take pictures for me.
I also answered 17 emails from potential volunteers. Its pretty wonderful to know that despite the economy, people find the place in their hearts to offer their services to the less fortunate. To me, that seems like the best time to offer assistance, to count your blessings and give back. Sometimes its hard to see how blessed we are - its up to each of us to recognize it.
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