Christmas gifts- Healing Haiti

Its been a couple of weeks since I’ve put my thoughts to paper- I’m home in Portland having left December 19, thinking that with official announcement of the election results on 20 December more manifestations would prevent our departures scheduled a few days later. With a delay in announcement, the city has been ‘quiet’.

We drove to Kettle Falls to spend Christmas with my mom, not wanting her to be alone with the memories of last Christmas when my dad passed away. It was really the first time we had spent Christmas since I moved to Portland many years before. Always our summer vacations were spent there but winter weather just not as welcoming. It was a quiet reflective time for all of us. The gift of memories past are cherished.

Just as I left Haiti, we had word that one of the orphanages Healing Hands for Haiti and Team Canada Healing Hands has supported in the past years was hit by cholera. I’ve written about this orphanage before located on Ile a Vache and run by Sr. Flora. They escaped without damage from the earthquake, survived the hurricaine but despite being on an island could not defend themselves from the deadly grip cholera has on the entire nation. Word of a 5th victim came today as help arrived in the form of cholera prevention - supplies that Fiona was able to procure or purchase and that Wadson was able to deliver today. Hopefully, we can do our part to halt the progression of this horrible, preventable disease. Christmas present- A simple gift...

600 sachet Oral Rehydration Solution

200 bars soap

50 hygience packs ( one is enough for 5 people = 250 hygiene items)

Large bucket of chlorox (enough to treat 100,000 gallon water apparently)

5 buckets

5 scrubbing brushes.

Cholera prevention information.

(see photo above)

I will return to Haiti just after New Years, Haiti’s Indepence Day knowing they will celebrate in a traditional way with pumpkin soup but not in a traditional sense. Its much more difficult when you live in a tarpulin covered tent, and if rubble piles, poor sanitation unsafe water isn’t enough to contend with there is the cholera and gangs and manifestations, but they will pray for life to be better. Even as we celebrate on New Year’s eve and make resolutions for better things to come, I hope you all will resolve to make something better for someone, pay it forward your good fortune. It doesn’t have to be a big thing...

Happy New Year and best wishes for you and your family.

December 12...Eleven months later. Are we 'raining love on Haiti or washing our guilt?

What does Port au Prince look like nearly a year later? Alas, Haiti still garners some headline news stories. Certainly these stories are no longer earn front page status as the first few days following the earthquake - there are always bigger and better stories from around the world to rate front page. But when a story does make the pages, every story begins the same way...Haiti, the most impoverished, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, continues to struggle since the earthquake of January 12...nearly 1 year later, Haiti still struggles.... Does this make the story more compelling?

There was a freak storm in September, Cholera came charging in a rampant rage in October, Hurricane Thomas threatened to blow away the tent communities and camps throughout the country in November and now the after-effects of the presidential election have nearly been the final straw. People are demonstrating their outrage as they should. They feel the election for a new President was a chance for hope. a chance for survival. But what they got was more of the same Haiti electoral process as every other electoral process.

President Obama campaigned for change. The candidates for President of Haiti offered change for a vote. But there is no change here.

The city still sits in rubble. People still need permanent housing options. People still struggle to find work, to provide enough food for their family, to provide medical care, education for their children....they don’t expect a lot- just the basics would be helpful really.

The land of plenty has yet to give plenty...the aid money has yet to be released. It is understandable under the circumstances. Governments around the world have sent aid in many forms, but still hold tight to millions of dollars that could lift the burden. That is not to say that there hasn’t been aid of course. The numbers of people that have come to give aid are in evidence every time I go to the airport. They ‘rain love’ on Haiti as one groups t-shirts proclaimed. Many ‘official’ people come on behalf of someone...of some government...to see for themselves the misery. What do they take back with them? What difference will they make?

Most of my Haitian friends and colleagues are fortunate to have jobs, to have homes- not all of them. Some still live in tents, still struggle to make ends meet before the end of the month. For me, it makes it more understandable to see why people live day to day. They can’t plan for next week or next month if they are struggling to feed their family at the end of the day.

I get to go home for Christmas (providing the airport reopens before then). I have the assurance that my kids have enough to eat. That they can get medical care should they need it. There are days I struggle with guilt. In fact, everytime someone asks for a few dollars. I can’t help everyone, how do I choose who to help and who to say I’m sorry to because I can’t help everyone. I will deal with this struggle because I do have the freedom of choice, of options, a job, a secure and safe place to live. Guilt is a small price to pay. Someone posted on Facebook that most people have a thousand wishes for Christmas, cancer patients just have one - to get well. I think that it is the same for Haiti. Its a country struggling to get well. To get away from the labels of poorest country, most impoverished. My wish for them is to have the burden of poverty lifted, to have the daily struggles lifted so they can have the same options, the same choices I have. We can rain all the love we have but until they have the perfect storm- a truely democratic government for the people, freedom from poverty and food for life they can’t get well.

My very best Christmas wishes to my Haitian friends and family, collegues and those friends I’ve yet to make on this 11month anniversary of the earthquake that the opportunity and actuallity that wellness will come soon.

Haiti boule- burning!

Smoke in the air, helicopters making circling flights overhead, shouting and even occasional singing loudly surrounds our compound. Occasional gunshots are heard as manifestations fill the streets of Port au Prince this morning. It actually started last night about 9 pm with the announcement of the candidates that qualify for the run off. Most people seemed to hope and expect it would be Mirlande Manigate, the 70 year old former first lady, and sometime senator and Michel 'Sweet Mickey' Martelly, a popular musician throughout the country. Alas, Jude Celestin- the choice of current president Preval was announced as the run off candidate against Manigat. I suspect and hear from others that a 70 yr old woman would have less chance of winning in the January 16 run off election. Bernice, Syltane and I feel quite safe here, our compound surrounded by high walls and we have 24 hour security guards with us. Our danger more likely will come from falling fruit and palm fronds falling seemingly out of the sky.

I've been constantly busy on phone, texting etc and getting reports from around country. Friends are safe, but protests and road blocks reported in most areas.

Celestin's headquarters are on fire & reports of people heading towards Prevals home above Petion-Ville, though extent of damage reported seems minimal- I'm sure cars have been burned and rocks (rubble?) have been thrown but hopefully people will continue to protest the candidate but not hurt themselves ie business', homes, etc.

People are expressing freely their desire to see something better or at least different for their country. If the current government and candidates that have had a hand in the past history of the government haven't made a difference in their life, then its time to put someone else in place even if he has not experience and has reputation for wild antics on stage during music performances. Haiti has a history of protesting their government, none of this is new territory for them. They add and remove presidents seemingly as easy as shells from peanuts over the years. Unfortunately, nothing changes. If only....

Gail and Mary, at Magdoos

Bloody bon bagay!

Contradictions of life in Haiti

setting up for celebration- Danye, our receptionist
Eric Doubt, Executive Director of HHH

Bernice's map of Haiti in lights
Certificates of appreciation to Noel & Jorel, our drivers with Dr. Nau
Flower girl without flowers
The brides family
The dancing girls
Myrline, our beautiful lady in waiting

This week we had our official opening celebration of our Klinik Kay Kapab. Much preparations through out the week culminated on Friday 3 December- Day of Disability in Haiti. We had some very special guests from the Minister of Health, Dr. Pean and Mesye Metier as well as a number of patients, our Haitian board members and press along with our devoted staff. After speeches were made, we had a lovely catered lunch.

Friday night I went out to dinner with my co workers to a Lebanese restaurant called Magdoos. We said it was Eric’s birthday so we could get the roman candle birthday treat. To be inside this restaurant and having non Haitian food in an atmophere of green plants, billowing curtains, hookahs and hummas takes us to another world away from tents and rubble and manifestations.

Wedding day Dec 4...Mercia’s (our cook) daughter was married yesterday. It was my first Haitian wedding. Al, Deb, Shaun and I went to the wedding- the invitation said 4 o’clock but it didn’t start until 5. In the yard of the church is a tent community. The bride appeared extremely nervous as she didn’t have any smiles until after the ceremony and at the reception. She was very beautiful. Myrline and another friend were also in white dresses - if we hadn’t known who the bride was, we wouldn’t know who the bride was. Apparently they are the ladies in waiting for the bride. There were 6 other young women with green dresses accompanied by 6 young groomsmen that did a slow dance down the aisle ahead of the bride.

The ceremony appeared to be in French, kreyol and with some latin thrown in. It last a little more than an hour. The sky was thick with heavy clouds and it appeared that it might rain, however it did not. I didn’t understand most of what the Pastor was saying to the couple but had the gist of it and Shaun filled in some parts, telling the groom he was share the duties with his bride- chop the spices for her, provide the water for her to clean, when he is tempted to look at another woman, look at his beautiful bride.

The reception was held at the guest house. Music was blasting from the dj’s big speakers, tables were set up in the patio. Food layed out on tables, a beautiful cake set up in the dining room. After more pictures were taken, guests lined up to partake of the chicken, rice, Mercia’s famous and delicious lasagna, pasta salads, and other foods. A beautiful fruit dispay - Hela’s specialty was a very nice touch of color display.

The funny thing about Haitian wedding receptions- I attended one last year and it was the same -they do not cut the cake and share with their guests. Shortly after everyone finished eating, they began to leave. A few people danced, namely the grooms’ grandpapa and Isaia, the brides young brother, Shaun with Luna, Suze and Veronique. The cake was left in its glory to sit on the table. Untouched.

Cheers and Jeers...

I've returned from my week of thanksgiving over the Thanksgiving holiday week with my family. They are a great and supportive family and I am very thankful that they are patient and willing to allow me to be here in Haiti to do this work. The week was very cold! It is hard to layer enough clothes to stay warm and not look ridiculous! The good thing is that I get to come home for Christmas and experience it again. It is nice to return to sunshine and warm days I admit it. Yahoo weather says it is in low 90's for a high~ it is very comfortable and enjoyable. Cool nights- mid 70's- I've put on long pants and long sleeve shirt in Haiti.

I wasn't sure what to expect returning to Port au Prince following the sunday election for president. My flight arrived at 9:30 and I was met by some of my airport friends and "whisked" through the line, received my bags- worse for wear- and out to the waiting Noel and van in less than 30 minutes from landing! There was minimal traffic in the streets and despite rumors of manifestations, people were setting up their market stalls streetside. Everyone was very happy to see me at the guest house including Gracie who leapt into my arms! I felt very special for sure.

The election was held with 19 candidates- news reports of 'corruption', ballot box stuffing even before the polls opened, threats of violence, reports of violence - despite several polling places (there were over 11,000) burned down, people not able to vote due to not having their registration cards, or having them were not on the list at the polling place they were to go to, or not knowing where they were to go to vote, the government still issued a statement that the election process was a success. An announcement of the top vote getters is expected early next week. A special run off is scheduled for Jan 16th. Most of the candidates stated in joint press conference that their was blatant irregularities and wanted the election invalidated. They have since changed stances and said they would wait for the results. The 3 or 4 top vote getters most likely will be in the run off. Everyone has said they would bide by the results. I get a sense that they think the Presidents’ favorite, Celestin, will not be in the run off- more likely to be run out of town. Its been calm to this point - yesterday there were a few non-violent manifestations reported, traffic was detoured and it took me an hour to get to the airport to pick up Eric and an hour to get home again. Still we are thankful to not see a full scale revolution!

Having read about the Duvaliers - presidents for life from the late 50's to early 80's and immediate following and what I've learned about Aristide, Preval and their governments, and then experiencing the past 10 months of minimal recovery despite the masses of international aide, its difficult to see that this country will see and experience change that is needed to gain a foot hold to move forward. Its mired in quicksand that is slowly eating away those at the bottom of the pile. I continue to ask myself why is it so hard all of the time. Those that have jobs are industrious, work hard for little pay but are the happy to be able to take care of their family. Those that don't sit hopelessly and listlessly outside of tents or along a cement wall waiting.

The young boys rush with filthy rags to wipe down our car windows, usually smearing them more than cleaning. Occasional one will have a squirt bottle of fluid and actually make the windshield cleaner- they are trying hard to earn a few gourdes to have something to eat at the end of the day. Its hard not to reward them for their attempts to earn something rather than begging. Its just as hard to ignore the little old lady on John Brown or the little old lady on Dalencourt- both look about 90 years old at least. One begs all day, the other sits at the side of the road waiting for the day to pass I guess. I've given them both money - last year and this year if they are alone. I'm afraid to give it with people around for fear it will be taken from them.

People continue to clear rubble, carrying buckets and wheelbarrows full to dump them along the street. The garbage collectors are collecting the garbage, the markets are busy, the busses and tap taps are full of people going somewhere. Business are running yet something is not working. I still have not been able to get the 21 specialized wheelchairs and other equipment out of customs, we have new computers and printers sitting in DHL waiting for the minister of finance to sign a paper releasing them to us. Our story is no different then many many organizations that have shipped donations by ship- piles of stuff sit in warehouses or on the dock waiting for government sign off. It shouldn't be this hard. I promise to be appropriately thankful when they are released. Minimal amounts of the aid money has yet to come. So what isn't working- all points to the government.

Cholera is still in the news as it should be. Over 1800 deaths reported and thousands ill- we continue to be vigilent of our staff and patients, providing everyone with as much information and education as we can. We are being proactive.

We are planning our official opening of our clinic on friday- National Day of Disability and we have invited press, government officials (hopefully we've invited the right ones), our partner organizations and a number of friends. It will be interesting to see who shows up. I'll post pictures next weekend. I hope we have a good turn out... another thing to be thankful for.

The daughter of our cook is getting married on Saturday and the reception is to be held here at the guest house. A celebration of love!

When it rains, it pours. Our power has gone out each day between 4 and 5 pm- fortunately, I am good at turning on the generators. Unfortunately, we are having issues with them- one is not working. Then the crew working on our driveway, broke the water pipe in 2 places - the pipe that feeds water to our cistern from city and the pipe that feeds our guest house. The pool pump crashed yesterday and still is being fixed. So that is 3 things- once fixed we should be in cracker jacks for awhile!

All of this long winded blog is a way of saying in Haiti we take the good with the bad, happy with the sad, encouraging the discouraged and deal with it the best we can. Sometimes with a bloody mary cocktail. cheers.

Reflections....

I went to bed thinking by this time tomorrow night I will be home, walking down the hall of Portland Int. airport scanning the faces to find the familiar...I expect to see my sons and can hear their voices greeting me...Hey mama welcome home.... whats up mothe... hey mom...and Laddie saying how was your flight? Do you still want to stop at Taco Bell. It is what it is every trip home from Haiti! Welcome home.

Up at 6 am, make sure I have everything which is actually nothing but my suitcases and trunk- basically empty but hopefully will be packed full upon return.

I am going home for Thanksgiving holiday...about 8 days. I’m looking forward to the break, of spending time with the family and friends. Touch base. Be thankful.

On the two hour flight to Ft. Lauderdale the first leg of my journey home, the sky is beautiful blue, under the plane someone shook out a bag of cotton ball clouds that dot and shadow the sea underneith. The changing blue, green, aqua, turquoise jewel tones of the water give me peace. Maybe I was a mermaid in a former life.

As I glanced up at the little TV’s suspended from the overhead consol and saw the images flashing, wondering what they represent- images of presidents Kennedy and Obama, olympics, soldiers, injured (amputees), athletes, and more- my mind went to more simple thoughts like hot water, hot tea with milk and sugar, bloody mary’s, omelets. Funny little distracting thoughts that mean nothing in the big picture book. I will dwell on the big picture later when people ask me, is it getting better in Haiti? I want so badly to respond positively but I can only say that I see baby steps. The flight attendant asked me if I was scared. For some reason, that surprised me. I said no, I'm not. Its true, I'm not scared. I'm not scared for myself. I am scared to think we won't see the changes that the country needs to see, needs to have, needs to know is coming soon.

Sitting in the airport with a long layover forces on to do several things...continue to write (ramble or reflect? ) the blog, and since I can't seem to find an appropriate place to nap, guess I'll write.

This week is the opportunity for Hait to make a big step. On sunday- 1 week from tomorrow is the presidential elections. The opportunity for Haitians to make their voices heard. Here is the opportunity for the top candidate make a statement and bring change to this country. I can’t honestly say that I am hopeful that this will happen. I’ve read news stories, books based on past history, talked with people and asked will you vote? its hard to find hope in their eyes, in their voices, in their hearts. Its hard to drive down the street and imagine it to be any different next year. I’ve encouraged them to vote - this is the way to voice the will of the people. This is a way to make a change. People blame the government- Al responds, who is the government? Aren’t they your uncle or cousin, your neighbor? I’ve heard people say they want Aristide back; they want Baby Doc-Jean-Claude Duvalier back. I suspect these are the people that are too young to understand what Duvalier did to this country. I suspect they don’t even understand that Aristide was becoming more like Jean Claude and his wife. Little chance of either returning, the race is looking more like Madame Manigat and Mr. Celestin will be in a run off election in January. Unless a candidate wins by 50% or greater of votes, they will have run off elections Jan 16. Term of office- inaugural day I believe is February 7th.

Mrs. Manigat, former first lady, and I believe former senator in her own previous political career is 70 + years old. Mr. Jude Celestin, a 40 something is head of a governement department building/ repairing roads. I believe the possible first woman president of Haiti is currently leading the polls. There is a history of turmoil around elections but I suspect people will take a watchful eye to see how a new president deal with the aid money, the lack of permanent housing and all else in need of fixing in Haiti. A daunting job for 10 heads of state...let alone for 1 new one that will spend months placing the people of his / her choice into government positions. Lets hope the cholera epeidemic will not scare people into staying home. Lets hope apathy doesn’t claim the day. Let’s Hope. Let’s give them hope.

International Red Cross supports Healing Hands for Hiait Int.

This past few weeks we have been busy first in preparing for cholera outbreak that is reaching epidemic proportions in the north of the country followed by threats of Hurricane Thomas. We have received teams and rearranged schedules, provided education to staff and as well to patients that have come into our clinic. At this point, we are receiving reports that cholera is reaching Port au Prince but all of the organizations in the city are stepping up to provide people with the means to fight and to control the inevitable~ we can imagine that as cholera invades the tent communities, it will cause further disruption to weary lives. We were extremely fortunate to not have to deal with the effects of the hurricane as well. It was bad enough on the west coast of the island. Here in Port au Prince, we had several days of rain, again lucky that it was not the torrential down pours that washes everything in its path to sea- we call it street cleaner rain- but steady, drizzly rain. Enough to keep everyone and everything wet. and miserable. in tents.

All of these problems are causing another major problem as manifestations have broken out in Cap Haitian with the UN being blamed for the cholera. All of this just coming weeks before the presidential elections. Are they ready for elections? Will everyone be able to vote? There are 19 candidates. Some are well publicized and known- There are posters plastered every where including on some cars parked (broken) on the streets. NO wall, gate, post goes un-postered. Graffiti claims walls and gates. Hopefully, voting will go smoothly and democratically and without violence. Unfortunately, this is Haiti and history dictates there will be problems. No doubt increased with the view that this government has done nothing to make life better, prevented cholera, provided jobs and homes, cleared rubble or given voting rights to every eligible person. I'm pretty sure we'll see more manifestations, more tires burring and hear that more rocks are being thrown at cars.

Weather has been cooler- quite tolerable and enjoyable low 90's during the day and mid 70's during the evening / night hours. I've even had some long sleeve shirt and jean evenings sitting. I had a volunteer here who was deaf and signed...and luckily another volunteer who could sign and translate. Apparently, I can pick up some signs, just not the appropriate ones.

Anyway a person doesn't need to many signs/ words to play Rummicube or cards.

The big news this week was the ceremony we held on Monday to sign the memorandum of understanding with the International Red Cross of Switzerland that will support our funding for building our out patient clinic and prosthetic and orthotic workshop. Pictures below. Its such a huge step and they will get it done- I am so excited to follow this progression to rebuilding HHH even bigger and more beautiful for the Haitian disabled people.

Its exciting to meet people that can make it happen! Imagine me having dinner with the head of the ICRC! I can't even imagine it! But it happened.

I'm headed home for some R&R and turkey this week. Will spend a week with my family and friends, do some Christmas shopping and try to relax.

HHH Executive Director Eric Doubt signing MOU

Andreas Lendorff, International Red Cross of Switzerland

HHH, ICRC at table to sign MOU
Peter (ICRC), Dr. Pierre, Ministry of Health for Disability- Margaret and Dr. Peon.

Goodbye Thomas!

Me at Sodo Falls,
Bernice and me
Karen, Fiona and me...

We spent the better part of this past week planning for hurricane Thomas to strike Haiti. Throughout the week we kept close tabs with frequent checks, preparing staff and making sure we had what was needed should we get hit. Fortunately, Thomas basically was a tropical storm that included a lot of rain here in Port au Prince- most of the day Friday and on through the night. No wind which is fortunate for those living in tents. I'm sure the western part of Haiti had a much much tougher time. Most of Port au Prince was closed down from about noon Wednesday for people to prepare for storm. Our clinic was closed Thursday and Friday. All team members worked at Wings of Hope with one eye on the weather at all times.

By Saturday, it appeared the worst possibilities were past and we chose to make an outing by driving to Sodo to see the waterfalls just over 2 hours drive away. I heard about and read about these falls and water for several years not and have not gone. Every July 14-16, Haitians make a pilgrimage to these waters, performing or participating in the voudou ceremonies and ritual cleansing. They pray for many things from financial assistance to health issues to protection.

There are 2 actual falls and and a lot of water is coming through there. While it was cold, it was very tolerable to sit in the waters rushing and swirling and spraying as it hit the rocks. We had plenty of help from the local guides and boys to help us climb up- and down the rocks between the two falls. I'm amazed at how sore my thighs are today!

History per wikipedia: Saut-d'Eau (Creole: Sodo) is a municipality in the Mirebalais Arrondissement, in the Centre Department of Haiti. It has 34,885 inhabitants.

Its name is French for 'waterfall', named after a large waterfall called 'Le Saut'. The area holds cultural significance in Haiti, to bothCatholic and Vodou practitioners. In the 19th century, it is believed that the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (or the closely associated VodouLwa, Erzulie Dantor) appeared on a palm tree there. A French priest, afraid of the superstition this would inspire, cut the tree down, but it nonetheless became an important religious destination for Haitians, akin to the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico.

Annually, the falls are the site of a large, important religious pilgrimage, during the festival of Our Lady of Carmel, from July 14–16. A Eucharistic rite is held during the festival, as well as various vodou rituals, but the penultimate devotional activity is bathing in the waters of the falls, and asking favors of the Virgin or Erzulie. The water is also sacred to the lwa Damballah and Ayida Wedo, the book The Serpent and the Rainbow is named for their appearance at this site.

After supper last night we went to the Montana Hotel- Much of this hotel crumbled in the earthquake killing many Canadians and others and memories of many visits there over the years came flooding in. A few tears were shed at the site and it was bit overwhelming at first - everyone on teams past have their experiences here. There isn't much left- the main patio area over-looking the city and the conference room center and a few hotel rooms. After a couple of drinks, some of the team members returned to guest house while the rest of us went to Karamel to dance the night away.

Today was a quiet day, resting and relaxing. A bit of rain but mostly very cool and cloudy. I made a couple of airport runs- 1 for pick up and 1 for departure. Some of the team members went out to dinner late this afternoon. Since I didn't sleep much, I stayed at home enjoying the effects of the climbing up and down the waterfall, wishing the healing powers were a bit stronger.

Thomas the hurricane

It is hard to believe it is the end of October already. Halloween- All St. Day- Day of the Dead- Its a 4 day weekend here in Haiti. Monday and Tueday are National Holidays. Fiona and I will have to have our own Halloween party...or hurricane party. Somehow seems more fitting.

One more day..until the end of official hurricane season, yet here we are preparing for hurricane Thomas’ arrival on Tuesday. We are tracking the storm closely and doing everything we can think of to be prepared for high winds and rain. Today is a beautiful sunny morning and there are 4 of us in the guest house for the weekend. Our discussions center around the pending storm and all possible effects. We know we will be fine here but our thoughts and hearts are with the thousands of people that continue to live in tents. We heard the problems they had during the freak storm we had over a month ago and that one lasted just about an hour or so - this one could be so much more devastating. Voila is one of the three cell phone services here in Haiti. Everyone has a cell phone and this company has been sending messages to the people to prepare for pending storm. How does one prepare for that when you live in a tent? When one has no resources, one turns to prayer. So whatever beliefs you have, send a prayer for the safety of the Haitian people during the storm.

The team we are expecting to arrive on Tuesday was able to ship by air cargo a lot of supplies needed for their 2 week trip. About 55 boxes, bags, and w/chairs arrived Tuesday night in 3 separape shipments. I arrived Wednesday morning to begin my lessons in Haitian bureuracracy. These items were shipped to me personally, with the hope that I could arrive at airport and pick them up as if they were like all other luggage being brought in.....I knew it wouldn’t be as simple as that. For most all items sent to Haiti usually shipped by container on a boat or even by Fed ex or DHL, one needs to have a broker to deal with it. We hoped by having it shipped to me versus Healing Hands for Haiti to bypass this step. And in fact, one of the 3 shipments was addressed to me and at my personal address. The other two identified HHH first on the shipping invoice. They told me for that reason, I would need a broker, but for now I could get the one shippment. My paperwork and the rest of the day involved no less than 15 people, 6 offices and multiple trips to some of those offices. After 6 hours on Wednesday, I was told I could come back on Thursday to verify shipment. After 6 hours on Thursday, I was finally able to see the supplies, count it - and finding 1 missing- but I could not take it. There was apparently more paperwork and verification and the 1 peice of missing equipment to deal with. On Friday, along with the broker to aid the process this time we returned to find out that after all of the paperwork was done, handled by all of these people, stamped, signed etc etc one of the numbers was wrong and did not match the number it was supposed to match. I would have to start over- to say this was disheartening is an understatement but after some words and a bit of a wait, somehow and a talk with the ‘director’ of something to waive some fees, they allowed me to load the equipment without changing all the paperwork. It seems small miricles do happen and I am not questioning it, just accepting it. I will have to return on Wednesday to begin the paperwork of the other 2 shipments and with no expectations of less than what the past week entailed. Beuroacracy at its most primitive form. Only the first form was generated via computer, the rest was done by hand. One form typed on an old and partially broken typewriter, by a man typing with one hand. I believe brokers earn their salary 10 fold in dealing with this process. It takes a lot of patience at the very least. It seems that a lot of people are employed through this process however so maybe that it is more important then efficiciency of a computerized system. We are so used to instant graitification that few people can deal with this kind of system. We’ll hope for the best of luck to receive remaining shipment of goods in a timely manner but I can’t let my expectations be too high. And no doubt, the process will be affected by the hurricane status.

For now, we'll do what we can to prepare for the coming week.

News of the week...

Fiona and Gracie

a little light reading by the pool?

Ti poul...after it was suggested to name them breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack, we decided to name them Wings, Legs, Tete and Wishbone. (Mark is the mama)
reflection of gecko
ti poul
It was a lovely day today in so many ways but having a day off is certainly a reason to just enjoy the sunshine and pool. The weather held quite nicely through out the week and having Fiona here working with me now is a pleasure as well. Fiona is a nurse from the UK that HHH has hired to help in the clinic as we re establish our programs. We spent many hours over 4 days flushing out all the bits and pieces of each program and the work that HHH does...we put together power point presentations of each to get a picture for the HHH board members to assist in funding all the different aspects of HHH Klinik Kay Kapab. We were pretty proud of ourselves (and exhausted as well)!

Team Portland team members held a Haiti dinner and silent auction. Authentic Haitian style food was served, art from Haiti was in the silent auction. While I haven't heard the details, I did hear it was a success and raised about $3000 to help the team bring rehabilitation care to Haiti next February. Way to go Team. We owe a debt of gratitude to our friends and families for their ongoing support, generosity and love that allows us to continue to help our Haitian friends and colleagues provide care to those disabled by stroke and injuries sustained in the earthquake.

You may have read that Cholera is now the big news in Haiti. The last case was reported in 1961 but it seemed like just a matter of time before it struck again. This time it is mostly in the Central part of the country although there is rumor that there is a few cases in PaP (reportedly from persons coming into the city during the incubation period and before symptoms appeared). We are gearing our staff up- providing education to what Cholera is. Certainly, the situation in the tent communities around the city a ripe place for epidemics like Cholera and TB and typhoid. Awareness, education and vigilance are key components that we can do for now. We have read that the Ministry of Health suggests that the Cholera is under control as many organizations jumped into the fire so to speak to help contain, prevent further outbreaks and treat the huge numbers of patients exhibiting the signs and symptoms.

We received 2 containers of supplies this week and seriously have supplies stacked everywhere with more expected on Tuesday from Canada. Our new van arrived as well- its a beauty and I drove it home after our dinner out at the Oloffson on Wednesday night. I can't wait to drive it again. I wonder how long the new car smell will last....

I got new batteries for my apartment~ For weeks now, when the city power when out at night about 8 pm, my back up power ie batteries to inverter were so weak it caused my inverter to beep for hours every night. My fans would go off and on every 2-4 seconds all night long. If my light was on, it flashed like a cheap neon sign at the corner bar....reminding me I probably should go buy a drink.

More rain coming...

A busy week and weekend was highlighted by a visit to the 3rd annual Haitian Art Fair held at the Sugar Cane Museum. This was a surprise and delight to see so many booths of art, food and clothing displayed for sale of course. I was quite indecisive about what to purchase and seriously controlled any impulses. I did however buy 2 things before leaving...a Christmas gift for one of my sons and a pair of sandals. I am proving to be the flip flop queen of shoe styles. It is all I wear but I'm no where near the number that compares with the shoes my kids have. I suspect my son will be very surprised and delighted with the christmas gift.

We opened the clinic on Wednesday, 13 October- 9 months after the earthquake made it impossible for us to continue therapy in our former clinic. We decided to keep the name Klinik Kay Kapab after a brief discussion as to mark it as a new beginning. The clinic doctor and nurse saw 5 patients that had received spinal cord injuries in the earthquake. They are all living in community, all in tents. They have received wheelchairs, walkers (if needed), mattresses and medical supplies and medications to aid in their survival. Most are doing pretty well considering their living situation, a testament to the amount of education that they received by numerous individuals that have cared for them over the months they were hospitalized. One of the greatest issues facing survival for these patients is financial- they have been unable to return to previous employment- one is a nurse, one is a teacher for example. Transportation from their homes is extremely difficult- they may have to be carried down stairs or rubbly path, as w/ch accessibility remains an illusive dream throughout most of Port au Prince. They are dependent on their families for their very basic survival needs of food and water. Healing Hands for Haiti Klinik Kay Kapab can now be a source for their therapy and medical needs.

Rain: Lets hope the rainy season stops soon. Last night it rained so hard our living room was basically flooded as the roof continues to leak even after repairs were made. There were other areas of leakage but none as severe. This is certainly a minor inconvenience to those of us living in the guest house. For people living in tents it is much more - Tents fill with mud and water- belongings and the fortunate ones having a mattress become soaked. Everyone is forced to stand and hold their valuables close for protection as best as they can until the storm passes.

As I write this the thunder is becoming closer and louder and I will escape to my room before the rain begins.

Camille prepping in the kitchen
Our new BBQ

Mike and Camille

Me :)

Mike monitoring the situation...yep its working!

10-10-10-TIH

We need to celebrate this special day. There are 10 people (blans) here today. Noel says he will go to the lotto today- with these numbers how can we miss the 'big' one!

Actually, the team that is here now is out for the afternoon and so Mike will BBQ brats for Camille, Fi and I. We have some good french bread, corn on the cob and avocado and chips.

We'll have our own little festivities to mark this day.

Today we went to Giants...the big new supermarket. You have to remember where we are in terms of supermarkets and size- but it is big and it does have a large variety of food stuff!

My son left on Wednesday morning. This kid has been to a lot of places including Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Africa and Japan yet it was just as hard to say good bye. We had some fun. Monday night we went out to the Oloffson Hotel where he met Richard, the leader of the band, RAM. On tuesday night we went to Magdoos for Camille's birthday. This is a Lebanese restaurant in P-V. Camille had a very large birthday candle. Before we finished, it started to storm- thunder and lightening and hard rain. It continued and we were finally forced to go out into it to get into the car. The streets were running with water and Al was driving. Since it was so hard he took us home rather than have me drive which was nice for the other passengers including Andy. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of water that flows in the streets.

Friday, we had a meeting to go to on the other side of town. We left the workshop at 11:30, plenty of time to get out to Santos 19 in Croix des Bouquets before 1 pm. right....

Well at 1 pm we were stalled on the road, most likely due to the car over heating in the stop and crawl traffic. After determining, no flat tires and all fluids intact, we were able to start the car again and head out, only with the heater full blast with hot air to try to keep engine cool. We finally arrived about 2:15. almost 3 hours after we had left downtown and I would guess travelled about 10 miles. Time and distance here do not correlate and when people ask why, you can only respond by saying TIH (this is Haiti) and we are on Haitian time. Most everyone realizes and expects you to be late. When you have a morning appointment, they will expect you before noon-ish; an afternoon appointment - well sometime before they leave for the day.

The best news is that we are planning to open the clinic on Wednesday October 13. We have patients scheduled to see the Dr. We have been working towards this day since May. It will be exciting and most likely confusing and I really should have bought a bottle of champagne at the store today.

Tuesday marks the 9 month anniversary of the earthquake. Some of us will take a moment to realize how far Haiti has come and how far it has to go to return to the pre quake status but with the hope of improving it as progress continues in all its baby steps. Preparations are underway for Presidential elections. There are 19 candidates- including 2 women. This person is going to have tremendous pressure from the constituents of all parties. Once again the Lavalas (Aristids party) appears to be out in the cold. This is a large body of the population, most at poverty level. The government has denied them voting rights as they have in other elections- last years senate race for example. Many people lost their identification and voters' card and the government says they are doing their best to help people gain their voting rights prior to the elections, word is that they won't be prepared with polling sites or with completion of cards. People report waiting in line all day to be told they can't get a card. If people are denied to vote in this election, they will cry fraud and be inclined to protest who ever is 'elected'. What a job this will be. Mr. Preval hasn't been seen as very effective, certainly since the earthquake there is a lot of criticism of him. TIH...Haitian time folks. He doesn't have time to make any progress. The next president will be under a microscope from the Haitians and International governments and organizations. It would be my hope that with such scrutiny, there won't be the graft and corruption and maybe there won't be at first....but TIH- With a senate also slated to be held with one third of the senate to be replaced it will still take time to think about the plight of the people. The very basic service have to be restored; infrastructure, jobs, housing, education, health services...How will the people view it to be valid? They will think if their choice for president is not elected, will they see interference from International governments? Will they feel further despair or hopefulness for a better future? It remains to be seen. TIH.

October 3, sunny warm sunday morning, crickets chirping, fan whirling at ceiling and not really helping cool my office but then it also doesn't make paper airplanes of all my paperwork on my desk. I woke up at 5:45 wondering who I had forgotten and where were they...luckily, I hadn't forgotten anyone.

Gracie went out and tried to play with the pig again this morning- she tries so hard to get the pig to play only to be very much ignored. The pig freezes until she goes away. Its funny to watch her jump and pounce and swat and circle but after 10 minutes she gives up. The pig just isn't as much fun as an empty plastic soda bottle. Crazy Hen won't play either- she just flies away.

We had a team turn over this weekend with about 25 people here last night- about a dozen leaving this morning and 7 coming in this afternoon. It will be a busy week again. Some of the team will go up to Cap Haitian for better part of the week and the rest will stay here to teach a care givers class to parent of children with hydrocephalus and some will visit orphanages over the course of 2 weeks. The schedule is a transportation maze with people going in different directions. With a lot of patience, people will get to where they need to be and we'll pull it off but it will be a challenge.

We had a troubadour band play for the team last night as a send off for the team leaving and a welcome to the team that arrived yesterday. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the music very much.

I had a huge surprise on thursday- sitting in my office and talking on the phone trying to conduct some business and looked up to see a very familiar face...my son, Andy walked into my office. I was literally speechless for 10 minutes. Its very comforting to say the least to have him here, to meet the people I work with. Of course he is learning Haitian time as he has waiting for friend of Ewalds to pick him up to show him the 'night life' in PaP. Manno says at 6:30, I'll be there in an hour and 4 hours later shows up. He's visited a couple of nightclubs and danced the night away with some very aggressive women from the sounds of his stories. Not sure a mother is supposed to hear those things but its Haiti and the reality of what its like. I don't know if this aggressiveness is particularly new since the earthquake and the desperation people have but I suspect its not new but more so in terms of aggressiveness. He might go to the beach today with Manno and hang out with me for the next few days before he has to leave on Wednesday morning. The staff is thrilled that he has come to visit his mom almost as much as she is.

Since our wild cyclone weather of a week ago, we've just had a bit of rain here in Port au Prince. Apparently in the south they have had some heavy rain causing flooding and mudslides and loss of 7 lives. We have to be thankful for a relatively mild hurricane season with so many people in tent cities. We don't know what tomorrow will bring but for today, I will enjoy the peacefulness of this sunday morning sunshine and visiting with my son.

Whirlwind Week

Last Saturday I picked up 23 people at the airport, and with the couple already here, we had 25 guests. They were scheduled to work in several parts of the city as well as Jacmel and les Cayes.

It was a very productive week for sure and came off as planned. We provided a CME class on spinal cord injury to a group of 35 nurses and nursing students and will be repeated this week as well. This group also has been surveying Haitian nurses for a research project and the team has reported some very bright nurses working in a number of settings. Its worked out very well so far and been well received.

Yesterday I picked up 13 more people to add to our mix of guests from Canada and all over the US. So what to do and where to put all the heads that need a bed in a house that holds 30...We managed to get 4 new beds delivered friday night (after the storm) and got extra beds set up in 2 of the offices temporarily- guests in both rooms enjoyed the semi private rooms offered to them.

To distract from the potential chaos of having so many people here, we chose to add to it by having a traditional Haitian troubadour band come play and plenty of beer and coke. The team prepared spaghetti and garlic bread with brownies & ice cream for dinner.

After the band left, we had a rousing game of pool volleyball.

The plan worked well!

Friday afternoon, Al and I were sitting in a meeting on the back patio area of the Seiph Office when we watched an extremely fast moving cloud approach us- much before we could react, we were buffeted with seed pods flying in all directions. We all grabbed our chairs and ran inside and while sitting there witnessed a couple of trees fly through the air much as the house in Wizard of Oz did before crashing to the ground.

I started calling all our groups scattered in all areas of the city and made sure all were ready to return home as soon as storm passed and it was safe to do so. We had contact with everyone but the trip home for all was almost a 3 hour adventure. We've had word of major damage at some of the tent cities and witnessed downed trees, downed billboards, wires and see the wrathful impact of a sudden unexpected cyclone. We in Haiti are grateful that we've not had to deal with an actual hurricane.

Eight months later

Sunday morning dawns bright and clear this morning. Its hard to believe it will be anything but beautiful today but we've been told we can't go to the beach today because of severe storm warnings. So we'll stay home and recharge our batteries in whatever way comes along. Maybe by the pool or maybe napping and reading if the storm materializes.

We had a hard rain Friday night- hard enough for Camille to shower outside. Loud enough we couldn't talk in normal voice to be heard. Its sobering to realize we have a tin roof over our heads to mostly keep out the rain- it does leak in some spots so strategically placed bins are dotted around the room but imagine if you live in a tent that is worn thin from constant sun and rain, water coming in on all sides, rising rapidly if you live in low area, washing debris and mud inside if you are on a slope. If you are lucky to have a mattress, its probably sitting on the floor of the tent soaking up the water. Your holding whatever clothes you have in your arms to protect them from becoming soaked. If your tent leaks badly, you might try to search for a dry place to wait out the rain but everyone else in your tent city is doing the same.

Today marks 8 months since the earthquake hit this island nation and its reported that only 2% of the rubble has been removed. How can hope survive at such a slow snails pace? People remain traumatized and depressed, yet rarely show it to 'outsiders'. You have to ask questions and then ask some more questions yet unless you have answers you don't want to dig this deep.

I wake up everyday hoping to have answers just for today. I think this is what the Haitians do as well. I also look ahead to see what I need to do to accomplish tasks and planning for the next week and for several weeks after that, but I am not in 'survival' mode. Haitians seem to look only one day at a time~ it is too hard to think about next week when your belly is empty today, your child has a fever today, or the few clothes your family owns are too wet to attend church today. This is survival mode. For the hundreds of thousands of people living in makeshift tents, in tent cities, they need to begin living again and that means we must not forget what happened 8 months ago today.

Link to pictures of Life in Port au Prince

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/multimedia/pov/Life-in-Haiti-102546184.html

I also forgot to mention a google search to see information about one of my recent guests, Dominique - google joyshanti . Dominique is a singer in France.

Ice Age

I'm a bit behind in my blogging. I was so busy all week that I decided to try to go the whole weekend without turning on my computer. It worked pretty well. Last Friday Al and I drove to the warehouses where our 380 wheelchairs are stored to bring some back. The van held 8 which is quite far to go for only 8. But storage is still a bit of an issue. At any rate the warehouse is in a huge complex owned by 2 brothers. In one building they make these big chunks of ice. A large vat holds metal cylinders that are filled with fresh water. The vats are surrounded by a chemical water of salt and ammonia to freeze the containers of ice. They are hauled out and loaded into trucks to deliver to the city. Driving around the city, you might see someone pushing a very rickety cart on wheels that look like they are going in 4 different directions and ready to wobble off on every bump and rubble they hit. The carts carry a wrapped hunk of ice and is surrounded by grimy looking bottles filled with different colors of liquid. These are the snow cone vendors. They will shave off some ice and cover it with your choice of color- I wouldn't presume to guess if they are flavored syrup but would think it is. I've not been brave enough to try it.

At this large warehouse complex they also 'package' water in 12 ounce size plastic bags. They are heat sealed 'culligan' water. These I drink all the time. You can buy 3 for 5 goudes which is roughly 12 cents worth. You just bite off the corner of the bag and drink. Its usually very cold and refreshing- Usually, as we are driving down the street, and stopped in traffic the water vendor walks by shouting dlo dlo dlo dlo really fast. Sitting in traffic is when it is most refreshing. Anyway, the machines weren't running while we were there but you could view through the window to see how they worked. Several guys were filling up gunnysack sized bags and loading them on to a truck.

On Saturday, we went shopping again - Deb, Al and I. I drove to Al's house again...a little practice never hurts. I think Jorel likes being chauffeured around. Anyway, after that he drove while we directed him.
one stop was Men Nou, an artisans shop with large variety. This haunting earthquake painting is on the wall. Probably not what you'd put in your house as it would be hard to look at daily. It is a beautiful piece of art and one of the best earthquake renditions we've seen. Its on color is the Haitian flag 'weeping'.

Some of the earthquake paintings depict ambulances picking up people among broken houses or more graphically heads laying in the streets. I'm not such a fan of these.

Anyway on Saturday, I bought some large pots to put plants in and oh we visited that brand new Giants supermarket that just opened last Monday. They had large packages of fresh ravioli, a huge cheese selection, caviar, and many other unexpected items. Its 2 stories with an elevator to the second floor. Its quite fun to discover these places. We found an antique store to rummage through. Next week I will buy a BBQ grill and more pots to put by the pool. Dr Moise will give me some Jasmine to put into the pots. I'm still looking for some comfortable chairs for the pool and patio.

Saturday night I drove to Munchees to meet Al, Deb and Dominique- we considered it an unofficial Working Group meeting. Unfortunately, no one else was able to come. Oh well, the guy guarding the van washed it while we were meeting.

Sunday was spent relaxing in the pool until I had to pick up someone at the airport. On the way, we had a rainstorm that filled the streets with rushing water in each low spot. It stopped by the time we got to the airport and on the way back, water that reached the bumper was all gone.

Never fails to amaze me how much water in such a short time disappears so rapidly.

Til next time, maybe I will be brave enough to try a snow cone.

Against all odds

I stayed up too late last night just talking to Rosite and Camille, as Rosite left this morning. They arrived on Thursday with a patient from Chicago. This patient received a severe spinal cord injury in the earthquake, and against odds of survival was flown to the US for treatment. Now 7 months after the quake, she had made it quite clear that despite continued low odds, she wanted to come home. Rosite, a Haitian nurse and Camille, a specialized nurse in spinal cord injury brought her back to Port au Prince. She will be in the hospital for just a few days longer-hopefully until her home can be prepared and family trained how to care for her. She has a lot more than rubble to manage for her survival. She has very little function and control from shoulders down. She will be dependent on family and friends for each and every need. Imagine that where you live. The resources that would be available to you. Most likely you would have a motorized wheelchair to get around. Ramps, no steps. Accessible buildings. You might even have a special bed.

Camille will be trying to locate a bed frame for this patient so the mattress the family set up can be taken off of the broken cinderblocks. It'd be scary to see a motorized w/chair try to get around the rubble, the sidewalk vendors, the traffic, the potholes, and dodging motorcycles and cars.

Rosite is a Haitian nurse that grew up in Haiti. She told us some of her stories- as a little girl she had a restivek for a play companion and they are friends to this day. She had 10 brothers and sisters and her father had 8 more children with his other 'wife'. Her father donated property for a hospital not far from Les Cayes that I hope to visit soon. She was here right after the earthquake for 2 weeks and returned again in June for a week. I look forward to her next trip to Haiti for sure. She is a delightful woman.

We had a fun weekend. Al, Deb, and I found a store that is like Target with a large variety of items and relatively inexpensive. I bought a few things for the guest house but mostly just looked. Later in the afternoon, I drove Deb and Al home to their apartment in Petion-ville and back home to the guest house. Jorel really enjoyed having a chauffeur instead of being the chauffeur and seemed so surprised that I could drive. I can manage to honk, pass and not hit anything as well as him. I will bow to him when it comes to knowing the city and the shortcuts! It felt good to be able to have this bit of freedom, a bit of control. Now I'll just have to work on getting a car!

Today was spent pretty much poolside, relaxing and listening to the thunder rumbling over the mountain. It looked like it we would have a raging storm but while there was the thunder and lightening, the rain was relatively light. We've had reports of 3 hurricanes but so far nothing is headed our direction.

Storms on Horizen?

The team from Chicago left this morning and the final team member from the Vancouver, British Columbia team also left. The Chicago team split into two groups, one group of 4 went to the southern peninsula area of Fond des Blanc and Les Cayes while the other 3 stayed in Port au Prince to work. All had a pretty successful week.

With the announcement that Wyclef Jean would not be allowed to run for president, word was out among the NGO's that their might be manifestations however nothing materialized. Maybe they will wait until Monday or tuesday to make their 'statement' fas a fas to the government during the busiest time of day; blocking traffic and disrupting morning commutes is surely going to get them noticed and the attention of the electoral commission. The list of candidates came out very late Friday night and there is just 15 or so names on the list. Michael 'Sweet Mickey" is one of them. This is about half the nubbier that ran in 2006. There is at least one woman but since I haven't seen the list, I can't say more than that. Our hip hop duo candidates are down to a hip now.

We had a pretty decent storm on Tuesday late afternoon. Thunder, lightning, wind and rain...I'd rate it about a 4 out of 10, mostly because it only lasted about an hour Still I had dirt and water deposited in my office. I took a video of it for 2 minutes. If it will load, I will post it. There as been a few rain showers through the week but nothing nearly worth mention. But with hurricane season, you can't look beyond the horizon - we still have to be vigilant to all kinds of storms.. whether its by mother nature or in the hands of the people in the way of manifestations. Stay tuned.

a view from my desk which is a little messy this morning but I have a goal of decreasing the clutter today. It sometimes appears as if a cyclone hit it!

The view from my office..
The collection corner- everything collects here including a map of PaP, files, first aid kits, crayons, an umbrella, bungi cords, my computer bag, pills someone left, printer paper, mosquito coils, licorice, artwork, duct tape.....another storm ravaged area. Really it looks like the tide rolled in a left a deposit.
across from my desk in another corner is a collection of wheelchairs, boxes of kitchen sets for discharged patients from SCI unit, A large wrapped bags of 200 mosquito nets, and miscellaneous other items stuck there. I can't blame a storm on this corner.
Gracie is almost 6 months old. She comes into my office to nap or see what is going on...she is a happy puppy, likes to play and chew and unfortunately nip your ankles when you walk. She knows better than to bite me but still in the puppy stage, she forgets quickly, unfortunately for my ankles. or my heels. or my fingers....Deb calls her shark. She likes to hang out in the kitchen, hoping one of the staff will drop some treats for her.
Playground on Delmas 33, somedays its full of happy children and a joy to watch them having some playtime. It always makes me smile.
Hmmm, who thinks Body Perfect is the gym to join?
On Saturday we took a drive to Croix des Bouquets area to buy some plants for the pool patio area. Unfortunately, on Saturdays they close at noon. the man in charge was kind enough to give us a tour of the farm although I certainly didn't ask enough questions. It is quite a large beautiful farm and very unexpected. They have all sorts of plants and trees and its called Great Harvest I think. Quite like something you would see in the states.
They have a tilapia and koi 'farm' as well with about 6 tanks filled with fish. Obviously filled as this picture indicates... They also have chickens-hundreds of them. The babies fill one shed and the hens another. They aren't very good looking and I tried not to think about this too much. I'm not ready to give up eating poultry or eggs. For this reason, I'm not posting any pictures of them. Again, I'm pretty sure it is no different than a poultry factory in the US.

Its been a quiet day although I did make an airport run to pick up Fiona, a nurse from England that has been in Haiti since January as well. She first worked in Port au Prince for a number of weeks, then moved to Cap Haitian where she has helped put the SCI unit of Haiti Hospital Appeal in good working order with Haitian staff (with the help of many HHH/ TCHH volunteers) . They have done a fabulous job of caring for the more than 25 SCI patients they've cared for over the months, half of whom have been discharged mostly to the PaP area. The spinal cord injury patients are living and surviving in tents just as all of the uninjured persons of Haiti continue to do more than 7 months after the earthquake.

I've got just one more stack of papers to search through and file and I'll be ready for the week ahead.