After seeing Chris off at the airport, I kept myself busy meeting with the new operations manager of the clinic. He is very nice and is looking forward to learning everything he can to make a successful transition and future for HHH.
It was sure quiet at dinner last night!! sheesh...I had to listen to the hum of the fan, the slap of the cards as Mr. Monclair takes his turn, the yap of the yappy mutt up the hill, the rooster was present and the giggles of little 4yr old Melissa on the other side of the gate. The clatter of dishes in the kitchen...the crickets were even chirping- They made me acra and chicken and cheesy corn bake. Hard to be lonely in surroundings like that...
About 10 pm it started raining again- a nice way to fall asleep.
So today I will sit out by the pool and try to bake my cold away.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Pizza night!
After our return to Port au Prince, we decided to order out for dinner...Domino's pizza had 10 ready in less than 30 minutes...and for 30 minutes everyone pretty much concentrated on their food. Hot, cheesy, delicious pizza!!!
Mary, Nancy, Casey and Brian had to pack for departure the next morning. After they left on Tuesday I took the rest of the team up the street for some shopping experiences - metal art, paintings etc - some good bargains and I have more boat pictures. The team said they are going to do an intervention if I buy more.
Wednesday was a sad day... saying good bye to everyone was very hard and I was happy that Chris-girl was staying a couple more days. The team worked very hard and met some tough challenges over the 2 weeks! They performed like a veteran team and I'm very proud of the work we accomplished.
Thank you Team Portland!!!
Mary, Nancy, Casey and Brian had to pack for departure the next morning. After they left on Tuesday I took the rest of the team up the street for some shopping experiences - metal art, paintings etc - some good bargains and I have more boat pictures. The team said they are going to do an intervention if I buy more.
Wednesday was a sad day... saying good bye to everyone was very hard and I was happy that Chris-girl was staying a couple more days. The team worked very hard and met some tough challenges over the 2 weeks! They performed like a veteran team and I'm very proud of the work we accomplished.
Thank you Team Portland!!!
our week in Pictures
goat gets to ride on top..
Mainstreet Jacmel
sugar cane press used to make syrup
relaxing after hike up to Bossier Pond
Beach where we had our BBQ
close up of paper mache mask
Market
Obama is everyones' brother, father or son...
The mayors office
Troubadour Band entertaining the guests at Cyvadier Hotel
Melissa gets into the Carnival spirit!
Driving up the mountain, our 4x4's stopped several times- many people stopped to offer assistance or shake their heads at our mis-fortune. However, we were able to get the trucks running again and complete our mission.
First river crossing....
My new 'son' at General Hospital Abandoned Childrens Unit.
Amazingly happy girls-
notice the shirt...it says I'll do anything for a BUCK
Gabe holding tight to sweet little thing.
RaRa band on the road from Indigo Beach
Haitian sailboat
Gabe with friends at Orphanage
Team Portland in front of National PalaceFriday, February 27, 2009
Toup pou yo!
2009 Carnival slogan roughly translates to We scored for Ayiti!
Friday started early - amazingly enough everyone was on the bus and we were on the road before 7 am...now I'm only saying everyone was still breathing but not exactly lively or even awake...Tim and I may be the only 2 that enjoyed the trip through the countryside with our eyes open. Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed some sleep, don't get me wrong...the roads aren't exactly conducive to a relaxed, non-drug induced sleep. We did have excellent transportation in a large air conditioned van with an excellent driver- Pouchon and our indispensable guide- Bob who met our every need and more with the best smiles! It is only an 10 minute airplane ride to Jacmel but by bus we arrived about 9:45. I had made arrangements through an organization called Tetkole and more specifically with Verbo - another amazing Haitian that is doing fabulous work for Haitians in his community and he has a fabulous smile as well!! He made arrangements for a pediatric outreach clinic for half of my team just on the outskirts of the town and then the rest of us climbed into 2 4x4's to travel into the mountain above town...we crossed 3 rivers and started our up hill drive that he said would take about an hour...maybe without breakdowns but despite a couple of unexpected stops we managed to keep going and arrived at 12:30 to a church/ school/ medical clinic building with lots of people waiting for us. We quickly went to business setting up and steadily saw patients until 4:45- 102 people. We were disappointed that we couldn't see everyone but with the reliability of the trucks I didn't want us driving in the dark. We made it down without incident, arriving to meet up with the other group (they saw 100 children*) and headed to our hotel to check in, eat dinner and be welcomed by Christophe and his rum punch. The Cyvadier is actually quite nice and most everyone had comfortable rooms-
*Some of the children were brought to the 'clinic' by older brothers or sisters...a couple of 5 yr. olds brought their little brother or sisters and told the doc what the symptoms were. Tim and Anne were quite amazed at their ability to describe and understand what was going on- they were very reluctant to prescribe anything without an adult present however.
Saturday morning we took the team on a city tour - through the Iron market which is a huge farmers market...every kind of food imaginable-fruit and vegies fish, dried and salted or semi fresh, goat, beef and ????also semi fresh, every product and about 10000 people to walk through. Again, it engages all of your senses. Bob led with little Bob (his nephew) following to keep everyone in sort of the same area...no one got lost or separated this year, luckily as the church was closed.
After a few hours of walking around town, visiting a few art shops, we headed back to the hotel to get our swim suits before heading to the beach and our beach bbq. We spent a relaxing 3 hours enjoying the sea, the sand and fish, lambi, coconut rum, being entertained by the children's rara band, the troubadour band and the constant attention by people trying to sell us paintings, t-shirts and all sorts of wares...including seashells.
After dinner, some of us went downtown to the la Florita and had a drink and a beer. WE went looking for some pre carnival parade of masks/ costumes but we were to late or they didn't have it this weekend...but we spent an hour dancing before heading back to the hotel.
Sunday morning some of us went on a "little hike" up the mountain...my friends Diane, Teresa and Janet would very much appreciate this little hike.
We walked about a mile up a river bed that was pretty much dry, then started climbing up the trail...it took about 2 hours to get to the top- in American time. In Haitian time, it should have taken an hour or less. At least thats what Bob told us. We saw some beautiful country and some evidence of the hurricanes but much less than I expected..however, maybe we just didn't recognize some of the damage as from the hurricanes. I'm not sure. At the top was Bossier Pond...it looked more like a lake but despite that no one actually got into the water. We sat and enjoyed the view while recovering a bit of energy.
It only took an hour or less to get back down, it was hot and we were ready to have something cold, a swim and some food and some rest before going back to the city for Carnival.
Taking the team of people through a crowd of carnival revilers and arriving with everyone is pretty good...we did it and enjoyed watching the people and the bands as they went by us on our stand. We still didn't see the parade so that was disappointing but still it was fun. We left as the crowd was thinning down so it was quite as 'scary' when we left. It is just as fun walking through the crowds and people watching. In the city square, there were many 'games' of chance being played - Jacmels version of Reno I think.
Monday morning we boarded the bus and headed back to Port au Prince....
Friday started early - amazingly enough everyone was on the bus and we were on the road before 7 am...now I'm only saying everyone was still breathing but not exactly lively or even awake...Tim and I may be the only 2 that enjoyed the trip through the countryside with our eyes open. Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed some sleep, don't get me wrong...the roads aren't exactly conducive to a relaxed, non-drug induced sleep. We did have excellent transportation in a large air conditioned van with an excellent driver- Pouchon and our indispensable guide- Bob who met our every need and more with the best smiles! It is only an 10 minute airplane ride to Jacmel but by bus we arrived about 9:45. I had made arrangements through an organization called Tetkole and more specifically with Verbo - another amazing Haitian that is doing fabulous work for Haitians in his community and he has a fabulous smile as well!! He made arrangements for a pediatric outreach clinic for half of my team just on the outskirts of the town and then the rest of us climbed into 2 4x4's to travel into the mountain above town...we crossed 3 rivers and started our up hill drive that he said would take about an hour...maybe without breakdowns but despite a couple of unexpected stops we managed to keep going and arrived at 12:30 to a church/ school/ medical clinic building with lots of people waiting for us. We quickly went to business setting up and steadily saw patients until 4:45- 102 people. We were disappointed that we couldn't see everyone but with the reliability of the trucks I didn't want us driving in the dark. We made it down without incident, arriving to meet up with the other group (they saw 100 children*) and headed to our hotel to check in, eat dinner and be welcomed by Christophe and his rum punch. The Cyvadier is actually quite nice and most everyone had comfortable rooms-
*Some of the children were brought to the 'clinic' by older brothers or sisters...a couple of 5 yr. olds brought their little brother or sisters and told the doc what the symptoms were. Tim and Anne were quite amazed at their ability to describe and understand what was going on- they were very reluctant to prescribe anything without an adult present however.
Saturday morning we took the team on a city tour - through the Iron market which is a huge farmers market...every kind of food imaginable-fruit and vegies fish, dried and salted or semi fresh, goat, beef and ????also semi fresh, every product and about 10000 people to walk through. Again, it engages all of your senses. Bob led with little Bob (his nephew) following to keep everyone in sort of the same area...no one got lost or separated this year, luckily as the church was closed.
After a few hours of walking around town, visiting a few art shops, we headed back to the hotel to get our swim suits before heading to the beach and our beach bbq. We spent a relaxing 3 hours enjoying the sea, the sand and fish, lambi, coconut rum, being entertained by the children's rara band, the troubadour band and the constant attention by people trying to sell us paintings, t-shirts and all sorts of wares...including seashells.
After dinner, some of us went downtown to the la Florita and had a drink and a beer. WE went looking for some pre carnival parade of masks/ costumes but we were to late or they didn't have it this weekend...but we spent an hour dancing before heading back to the hotel.
Sunday morning some of us went on a "little hike" up the mountain...my friends Diane, Teresa and Janet would very much appreciate this little hike.
We walked about a mile up a river bed that was pretty much dry, then started climbing up the trail...it took about 2 hours to get to the top- in American time. In Haitian time, it should have taken an hour or less. At least thats what Bob told us. We saw some beautiful country and some evidence of the hurricanes but much less than I expected..however, maybe we just didn't recognize some of the damage as from the hurricanes. I'm not sure. At the top was Bossier Pond...it looked more like a lake but despite that no one actually got into the water. We sat and enjoyed the view while recovering a bit of energy.
It only took an hour or less to get back down, it was hot and we were ready to have something cold, a swim and some food and some rest before going back to the city for Carnival.
Taking the team of people through a crowd of carnival revilers and arriving with everyone is pretty good...we did it and enjoyed watching the people and the bands as they went by us on our stand. We still didn't see the parade so that was disappointing but still it was fun. We left as the crowd was thinning down so it was quite as 'scary' when we left. It is just as fun walking through the crowds and people watching. In the city square, there were many 'games' of chance being played - Jacmels version of Reno I think.
Monday morning we boarded the bus and headed back to Port au Prince....
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The day ended with a night with RAM
I know I have a lot of catching up to do and where to start? Frontwards or backwards...
I left off on Wednesday with the nursing seminar, the OT seminar soooo
I can move on to Thursday which is over a week ago (can I remember that long ago after all that has happened)?
Chris and Maggie put on a diabetic seminar with the nursing students and the rest of us visited General Hospital's pediatric unit and abandoned childrens unit. This hospital reminds me of a civil war hospital that you would seen in Gone With the Wind. It is the large state run hospital downtown. There is no other comparison that I can make. Gabe who has worked in Ghana and Nicaraugua (sp?) agreed. The hardest part is a visit to the abandoned childrens unit. Its is sad and depressing. I will never understand how it is run. If I had the funds, I would do whatever I could to take it over. (My family should never tell me if they win the lottery- except if they saw it they would feel the same way) It is hard to think about, let alone to talk about a place that exists like this; I don't think words can describe it - There are more than a dozen large cribs, some had 3 children sharing the space. They ranged in age from infant to maybe 12 years. Its doubtful the baby still survives as I write this as she was so malnourished- next to a chubby little guy in a nursery sized crib- his head and feet touching the ends.
One little guys wrapped his arms about me -I could have taken him with me easily! Everyones emotions were on edge when we finally left.
We left and stopped at several pharmacys looking for meds to buy for our trip to Jacmel only to be told they didn't have any. Traffic was its usual craziness and I took the opportunity to take the team shopping to Haiti's version of Walmart - a little boost to help the economy and a stress reliever!
I was able to make arrangements for our team to visit St. Joseph's for an afternoon performance by the Resurrection Dance Troupe. This is a group of young men and boys that at some point in their life lived on the streets of Port au Prince. This is a very inspiring and emotional story. The team needed to have a positive view after this mornings visit to GH. The St. Josephs website is 'under construction' - www.sjfamilyhaiti.org but you can google the resurrection dance theater of haiti and learn more about them.
After the show, everyone made preparations for our early morning departure to Jacmel...and then we went out to the Oloffsen Hotel and enjoyed the ambience and music of RAM. Another cultural experience for Team Portland.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Spa day to work week!
Sunday morning everyone revived enough to climb aboard (its like herding cats sometimes to get everyone in the vehicle) the bus with our toys, clothes and misc. supplies to visit the orphanage near the beach. One of our translators, Jide, is associated with this orphanage and I visited it last October returning extremely impressed that they had no toys! My team, friends and family members responded by collecting many many toys, hygiene products and clothes for us to divide and give to many orpahanages. This orphanage took just about an hour to reach (excellant bus driver!) and we were greeted by the children singing a half a dozen songs including a very lively rendition of "If your happy and you know it, clap your hands" with the team joining in.
We stayed and played for over and hour after distributing the toys-it was like Christmas again. Even had Paster Vallenbrun joined in playing hopscotch! The kids are so sweet and cute and enjoyed the interaction- all are very healthy and active. Soeurette was ready to sign up 2-3 children per team member to take home. It would so easy to say ok....
It was off to Indigo Beach- a bit of drive further and we had to take a detour due to street damage from the hurricanes. It is less noticable in this area but we did see huge road equipment some large 'pipes/ culverts I suspect will be used to help divert future flood waters but with the deforestation the muds justs runs down the mountain sides. They need to plant sturdy shrubs that will hold the soil but not be useful for charcoal. Indigo plage (beach) used to be a club Med when they were popular back in the 80's but I suspect didn't enjoy the same popularity here in Haiti as at other hotspot tourist islands of the caribbean sea. It is now a 'resort with its beautiful beach, beautiful and very large swimming pool- The food was fantastic -and five of us at our table agreed with every bite we ate there was not a bad shrimp on our plates! The beautiful blue tropical water called us all for hours. No one was quite ready to leave at 5 but we did and got home very reasonably in under 2 hours and no major sunburns reported. Yves is an excellant driver and managed to avoid the worst of the sunday night carnival traffic though in the rural areas we crossed paths with 3 separate rara bands. Rara bands are best described as groups of people, somewhat spontaneously gathered and parading with music, horns, singing, cheering, sometimes drinking, celebrating the season (mardi gras or easter usually). The groups often gain momentum and grow as they travel along...sometimes for a very long time. Some of the members wore masks or had their face painted. By the time, we came upon them, I couldn't get a decent picture fast enough. But there will be other opportunities over the next few months.
Update from Fridays clinic:
Monday, Gabe stayed in the clinic; Grandma brought back the baby but as well the aunt and uncle of the baby returned as well and they were going to care for the baby- grandma was trying to give her away. Aunt and Uncle were very good and agreeable to keep the baby. Baby look healthy enough and was eating approp. Good news for everyone.
The outreach clinic went back up towards the beach at the orphanage we visited and the team saw approx 150 children and some parents and staff of orphanage. They felt very good about their accomplishment today- a long day with a lot of driving but they were happy and smiling at dinner.
The rest of us went to Institute Espoir orphanage (Rainbow of Love). Initially, everyone was stopped in their tracks to see such a site but being the people they are and being therapists with a mission, they jumped in and started repairing and modifying wheelchairs and nurses started assesssing the kids. A range of ages 2-26y and disability here. The kids were clean, the facility is clean and while there are 78 kids here, only 26 have disability. CP, Downs syndrome, and results from meningitis or polio or other disease, birth defects, and traumatic birth injury etc. It feels very overwhelming and there were a few tears at times but also some laughter as we interacted with the kids. They definately don't get the stimulation or activity any child should receive - I'm very proud of the team for jumping in a making an extremely tough job one of love! They returned Tuesday to finish w/chair modifications, some 1: 1 teaching with the 'mama's' (care givers) and today Dr. Anne and Dr. Tim, Chis-girl and Angel went to complete health assessments and wound/ skin care.
Melanie and Sheree enjoyed a day at the new childrens rehab center that opened in December. They taught some music, art and play therapy to parents of children that come to the center as well as some of the teachers. They included some of the children as well. We had a quick tour- obviously a very well funded organization..This new facility had the best pediatric walkers and wheelchairs, therapy equipment, classrooms, a therapy pool! They offer horse riding therapy!!! I want to work here!!
It is a beautiful place next to St. Damians children hospital that is also very beautiful and well funded facility. The very large property is more in the the country so very quiet and peaceful. I believe Healing Hands org. had looked in this area for property for their new rehab facility but couldn't find any for sale.
Nancy, MaryJ, and Lisa presented a lot of stroke information to a group of 38 nursing students and at first were very nervous but when I returned to pick them up, obviously were enjoying the experience.
Melissa and Casey had a conference as well, presenting to about 20 therapy techs. That left Ryan in the clinic trying to keep pace with the patients that came for therapy- While he worked very hard with no break most of the day, he had some fun and will either appreciate his practice at home or have less empathy for the clients who complain he is working them too hard. These patients try very hard to meet their therapists expectations I think.
Gabe and Darla were both in the clinic though not a lot of patients came in.
I spent a very large portion of my day (starting at 8 am) trying to get people to their destination (4 areas in 3 hours) and picking them up again (only one van with wheels today) and the 3 hour trip ended with 17 exhausted people climbing out of the van at 5pm.
Angels' brother had to leave due to work obligations on Saturday. He did an excellant job of making repairs on wheelchairs and where ever he saw the need. (in fact, he attempted to fix a door to one of the bedrooms which opened backwords for years- totally messed with the housekeeper as she practically pulled the door off the hinges! Funny but not funny for poor Suze- she was trying to re-fix it! )
So everyone has worked very hard, a bit more subdued tonight. Tomorrow will be an 'easy' day with a couple of hospital tours and preparation for Friday - we have two clinics scheduled in Jacmel.
Bon nwi from Haiti
We stayed and played for over and hour after distributing the toys-it was like Christmas again. Even had Paster Vallenbrun joined in playing hopscotch! The kids are so sweet and cute and enjoyed the interaction- all are very healthy and active. Soeurette was ready to sign up 2-3 children per team member to take home. It would so easy to say ok....
It was off to Indigo Beach- a bit of drive further and we had to take a detour due to street damage from the hurricanes. It is less noticable in this area but we did see huge road equipment some large 'pipes/ culverts I suspect will be used to help divert future flood waters but with the deforestation the muds justs runs down the mountain sides. They need to plant sturdy shrubs that will hold the soil but not be useful for charcoal. Indigo plage (beach) used to be a club Med when they were popular back in the 80's but I suspect didn't enjoy the same popularity here in Haiti as at other hotspot tourist islands of the caribbean sea. It is now a 'resort with its beautiful beach, beautiful and very large swimming pool- The food was fantastic -and five of us at our table agreed with every bite we ate there was not a bad shrimp on our plates! The beautiful blue tropical water called us all for hours. No one was quite ready to leave at 5 but we did and got home very reasonably in under 2 hours and no major sunburns reported. Yves is an excellant driver and managed to avoid the worst of the sunday night carnival traffic though in the rural areas we crossed paths with 3 separate rara bands. Rara bands are best described as groups of people, somewhat spontaneously gathered and parading with music, horns, singing, cheering, sometimes drinking, celebrating the season (mardi gras or easter usually). The groups often gain momentum and grow as they travel along...sometimes for a very long time. Some of the members wore masks or had their face painted. By the time, we came upon them, I couldn't get a decent picture fast enough. But there will be other opportunities over the next few months.
Update from Fridays clinic:
Monday, Gabe stayed in the clinic; Grandma brought back the baby but as well the aunt and uncle of the baby returned as well and they were going to care for the baby- grandma was trying to give her away. Aunt and Uncle were very good and agreeable to keep the baby. Baby look healthy enough and was eating approp. Good news for everyone.
The outreach clinic went back up towards the beach at the orphanage we visited and the team saw approx 150 children and some parents and staff of orphanage. They felt very good about their accomplishment today- a long day with a lot of driving but they were happy and smiling at dinner.
The rest of us went to Institute Espoir orphanage (Rainbow of Love). Initially, everyone was stopped in their tracks to see such a site but being the people they are and being therapists with a mission, they jumped in and started repairing and modifying wheelchairs and nurses started assesssing the kids. A range of ages 2-26y and disability here. The kids were clean, the facility is clean and while there are 78 kids here, only 26 have disability. CP, Downs syndrome, and results from meningitis or polio or other disease, birth defects, and traumatic birth injury etc. It feels very overwhelming and there were a few tears at times but also some laughter as we interacted with the kids. They definately don't get the stimulation or activity any child should receive - I'm very proud of the team for jumping in a making an extremely tough job one of love! They returned Tuesday to finish w/chair modifications, some 1: 1 teaching with the 'mama's' (care givers) and today Dr. Anne and Dr. Tim, Chis-girl and Angel went to complete health assessments and wound/ skin care.
Melanie and Sheree enjoyed a day at the new childrens rehab center that opened in December. They taught some music, art and play therapy to parents of children that come to the center as well as some of the teachers. They included some of the children as well. We had a quick tour- obviously a very well funded organization..This new facility had the best pediatric walkers and wheelchairs, therapy equipment, classrooms, a therapy pool! They offer horse riding therapy!!! I want to work here!!
It is a beautiful place next to St. Damians children hospital that is also very beautiful and well funded facility. The very large property is more in the the country so very quiet and peaceful. I believe Healing Hands org. had looked in this area for property for their new rehab facility but couldn't find any for sale.
Nancy, MaryJ, and Lisa presented a lot of stroke information to a group of 38 nursing students and at first were very nervous but when I returned to pick them up, obviously were enjoying the experience.
Melissa and Casey had a conference as well, presenting to about 20 therapy techs. That left Ryan in the clinic trying to keep pace with the patients that came for therapy- While he worked very hard with no break most of the day, he had some fun and will either appreciate his practice at home or have less empathy for the clients who complain he is working them too hard. These patients try very hard to meet their therapists expectations I think.
Gabe and Darla were both in the clinic though not a lot of patients came in.
I spent a very large portion of my day (starting at 8 am) trying to get people to their destination (4 areas in 3 hours) and picking them up again (only one van with wheels today) and the 3 hour trip ended with 17 exhausted people climbing out of the van at 5pm.
Angels' brother had to leave due to work obligations on Saturday. He did an excellant job of making repairs on wheelchairs and where ever he saw the need. (in fact, he attempted to fix a door to one of the bedrooms which opened backwords for years- totally messed with the housekeeper as she practically pulled the door off the hinges! Funny but not funny for poor Suze- she was trying to re-fix it! )
So everyone has worked very hard, a bit more subdued tonight. Tomorrow will be an 'easy' day with a couple of hospital tours and preparation for Friday - we have two clinics scheduled in Jacmel.
Bon nwi from Haiti
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentines Day Surprise
I've got some catching up to do.....when last I wrote the first team had arrived. Everyone right away jumped in to sort and prepare packages of meds for the medical outreach clinic on Delmas 28. Which doesn't mean anything for me to write that without a quick explanation. One of the main streets in Port au Prince is Delmas...all of the streets off of Delma are Delmas # 19, 28, 33, 55, 75, 95 etc. Its is also a neighborhood...ie I live in Delmas 75...It could roughly be neighbor the size of Rosecity or Queen Annes Hill or Kettle Falls (with more people). Anyway we had 100 people waiting for us when we arrived at 9:45- we set up and worked until 5 pm seeing the entire group. They were so patient and quiet and greatful...its hard to know if we really are doing something sustainable or bandaging the wounds when we come to Haiti. My feeling is the teaching we are able to do is the most important part of our work and supporting the local staff in all that they do. So we added a little teaching with our medication distribution. Its not enough time in those situations to do proper teaching. Anyway it was a very good day. A smaller group of therapists went with Angel to Wings of Hope and did a bunch of wheelchair repairs- something that is ongoing. We didn't have a toolkit to give them unfortunately but I think they helped with the repairs. Wings of Hope is a nice orphanage up the mountain in Fermathe. The staff always appreciates a visit by the teams, especially if we can leave some of our knowledge behind with them. The kids are great as are the staff. A vista view is overlooking a big valley.
The pediatric docs stayed in clinic and assessed about 20 hydrocephalus kids. The reported that most were in very good health. There was some concern with a new born that the grandma would abandon the baby (mom was still in hospital and septic after c-section) so they made her promise to bring baby back on Monday for check up and instructed her on what to feed her.
I spent much of Saturday 10 until 2 at airport waiting for Nancy, MaryJ and Shaun...who didn't show up until much later. I took the team on the big bus for a tour of downtown, views of the National Palace and statues around Champ d'mars and driving through the streets to see perspectives of markets/ neighborhoods/ etc then we went to a gallery for some art shopping. Finally, we returned home to prepare for my Valentine's Day surprise. At five, everyone was ready when one of my favorite TapTap buses drove into the compound, music playing and ready to take us out for the evening. Like true Haitians, we climbed in, fitting everyone into every inch of seat. Of course, the people at the Montana had a very good laugh to see a bunch of Blan climbing out of the tap tap! The Montana being a very very nice international hotel- Everyone knows the Montana. They were preparing for Valentines eveing dance and while we had our rum mangos, they also served us strawberry rum drinks complimentary.
From there we went to the la vien Rose Italian restaurant for some most excellant fresh pasta at very reasonable price. Some people returned home after supper and the rest of us ended up at Jet Set (next door) for some dancing until midnight and with carnival music blasting from the speakers we took off in our tap tap...for home. It was a great surprise!!! Everyone had a great time!
The pediatric docs stayed in clinic and assessed about 20 hydrocephalus kids. The reported that most were in very good health. There was some concern with a new born that the grandma would abandon the baby (mom was still in hospital and septic after c-section) so they made her promise to bring baby back on Monday for check up and instructed her on what to feed her.
I spent much of Saturday 10 until 2 at airport waiting for Nancy, MaryJ and Shaun...who didn't show up until much later. I took the team on the big bus for a tour of downtown, views of the National Palace and statues around Champ d'mars and driving through the streets to see perspectives of markets/ neighborhoods/ etc then we went to a gallery for some art shopping. Finally, we returned home to prepare for my Valentine's Day surprise. At five, everyone was ready when one of my favorite TapTap buses drove into the compound, music playing and ready to take us out for the evening. Like true Haitians, we climbed in, fitting everyone into every inch of seat. Of course, the people at the Montana had a very good laugh to see a bunch of Blan climbing out of the tap tap! The Montana being a very very nice international hotel- Everyone knows the Montana. They were preparing for Valentines eveing dance and while we had our rum mangos, they also served us strawberry rum drinks complimentary.
From there we went to the la vien Rose Italian restaurant for some most excellant fresh pasta at very reasonable price. Some people returned home after supper and the rest of us ended up at Jet Set (next door) for some dancing until midnight and with carnival music blasting from the speakers we took off in our tap tap...for home. It was a great surprise!!! Everyone had a great time!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Christmas Day
I felt like a kid on Christmas morning...I wanted to leave at 9:30 to go to the airport to get my team. You can imagine how I was feeling at 1035 and we still hadn't left. Then Delmas was blocked and we had to detour and the traffic was bad. Of course even when the plane is on time, it takes time to collect bags and get through customs so even by arriving at 11:15 we weren't late. Even taking another route home, traffic was slow and we no more got unloaded and I made the trip again. Only this time we had to way for the girls to get their luggage - it was almost 2 by the time we got them loaded.
After a quick tour of the clinic, we spend a couple of hours sorting supplies before supper and after supper, more preparation for a full work day. a little rum punch, a visit to the castle and a dip in the pool and I think everyone is ready to call it a day.
Melissa brought me an early birthday gift from my friends at work- Diane painted me a beautiful picture and I feel honored to receive it. The other is a book of pictures and wishes and I'm going to end this blog now and read it. Thank you PARC family for your support and love and good wishes. You give me strength!
After a quick tour of the clinic, we spend a couple of hours sorting supplies before supper and after supper, more preparation for a full work day. a little rum punch, a visit to the castle and a dip in the pool and I think everyone is ready to call it a day.
Melissa brought me an early birthday gift from my friends at work- Diane painted me a beautiful picture and I feel honored to receive it. The other is a book of pictures and wishes and I'm going to end this blog now and read it. Thank you PARC family for your support and love and good wishes. You give me strength!
pictures
Gifts from my PPMC family!
The team sorting medicine, clothes, shoes, rehab equipment and a mountain of toys
The first group arrives!Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Christmas Eve
The eve of Team Portland...kind of feels like Christmas for me. I'll pick up the first 12 at 10:30 and 3 more at noon with all the luggage, bags, bins- 31 pieces =1550 pounds of donated supplies plus all of their own personal luggage. It always amazes me to see that much stuff in one place...I'll take pictures for sure.
Stephania - the UN worker living next door to me returned from a visit home to Italy this afternoon. She will have a bit of surprise when the team arrives. Good thing she is cheerfully having a reunion with friends tonight. She won't be so cheerful tomorrow night from past experience. ;-)
The staff has been cheerfully preparing for my team- excited for me to have them here. It is very touching. They all want to make such a good impression.
It was quite pleasantly warm today and a good day to drive to Fermathe. Its cooler up the mountain of course. Joel and I delivered the invitation to Wings of Hope, then stopped at several places for me...Mission Baptiste for some home made raisen bread and carrot bread. They didn't have any peanutbrittle unfortunately. Maybe Friday when I send some team members up to Wings of Hope to work. It is a delicious treat. I broke down and bought some black berries from a tiny wizened old woman as well so may have them for breakfast. She is always outside the bakery selling her berries.
Coming back down we stopped at a pharmacy so I could get more chloroquine tablets. It was way easier that going to Fred Meyer- in about 5 minutes I paid 200 gourdes (5.00 for 48 tabs.) took my little packet of pills and left. Next stop the Caribbean Market on Delmas 95. I was told I could find about anything I wanted there. I found diet coke and a few other items for team but forgot to look for corn tortilla shells. They have all other ingredients for tacos so one day I'll be making those. I'll go back again.
My last errand was to find scales but I forgot that it was on my list. It will be added to the to do list again.
The woman fed me well tonight..goat, creamed spinich, fresh vegetables, rice/ beans. fresh juice and desert. Too much food but delicious.
After dinner, I sat out by the pool for an hour waiting for it to be dark- it is staying light longer. When I first arrived here in January it was very dark by 6 pm. Tonight it was 6:30. I watched the bats swoop down and get bugs off the water. You can't look for them but focus out towards the sky and catch them in peripheral vision. The make a little a little splash on the water. I know, I am easily entertained with bats and geckos eating bugs.
I watched the stars come out as well- a beautiful night sky. I was beginning to think none of the neighbors were home because no lights came on in the apartment as it became darker but then they began coming on one room at a time. I'll have to look up southern constellations -its certain I'm not seeing the North start so bright above me.
Someone asked me what my top 10 annoyances were so far...roosters or the makak (monkey) birds? The birds are large like crows or black birds and very loud - they sound like monkeys in the trees. I named them makaks because no one I asked had a name for them. Neither would make my list.
Probably because I don't have one yet. (sleeplessness would be number one now that I think of it.)
I think not having hot water is a bit of annoyance but apparently not severe or I would go upstairs and shower. The cat fights are startling but rare. Mangos fall from the trees making a large bang on the roof or
thump on the ground- that might be annoying if one hit me.
Big bugs in my room make the list for sure.
So 5 weeks into my stay I have 2 things on my list. Lack of sleep and big bugs.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dr. Tiffany Keenen and her husband spent a couple days with us and I was able to get some valuable advice from her for our outreach clinics. I first met Tiffany on the TeamCoast to Coast- the combined Canada and Portland team in 2006. Since then she has started a clinic in the north of the country near Cap Haitian and comes several times a year with teams.
Today was spent mostly with my head over my computer answering last minute team questions, sending last minute tidbits of info as well as doing some planning for other teams. Stopped for my supper of Lasagna, salad and desert. Haitians make pasta dishes really well and this lasagna had a little kick to it and was really good.
Now I am awake - tired but not sleeping for whatever reason. I don't feel nervous or anxious, maybe just overly excited although I feel too tired to be excited.
I did get news that we won't be able to attend the the dance theater show at St. Josephs Boys Home due to electricity/ generator problems. I'm very disappointed in that for my team. It is a wonderful story told in dance form the history of Haiti and ends with some history of St. Josephs. They have some world class drummers and the troupe tours internationally to raise money to run their home. Michael came from the US and I think Minnesota to Haiti and while here he learned about the street kids. Upon return felt a calling to come back and get the kids off the street. He did this and with his help the boys run the home, take care of their own. Here is a link to their story: http://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/radio.nsf/stable/B95F8BF935117B3A8825726C00712290?OpenDocument
If this doesn't work you can google Resurrection Dance Troupe, Haiti and get more info.
I'm not sure how many boys live there now but how fortunate for them that Michael came into their lives.
Tomorrow - rather today I am planning a quick visit to Wings of Hope in Kenskoff to invite them to the OT education day we are doing, a stop at the bakery at the Baptist Mission, checking out the Caribbean Market where I heard you can get anything, picking up more chloroquine and looking for some scales to weigh babies and adults.
Mr. Cadet announced his replacement of manager of the HHH clinic Kay Kapab so I suspect it will be a busy few weeks with my team here, planning for the next 2 teams, the transition of new management and carnival going on.
So maybe I can sleep now that I've put all this out of my head....
Hope all is well with all of you. I heard Portland had a bit more snow-of course its winter but I can honestly say I'm happy to be in a sunny warm climate. In fact, yesterday I met with the director of medicine at the General Hospital and his office had air conditioning. I thought I would freeze to death before I could leave.
The hospital is a story on its own for sure but I was there to see if we could have some sort of partnership with visiting MD's but also with therapy which better fits with Healing Hands work. He said he would welcome therapists to visit patients immediate post op/ post stroke prior to discharge and then refer them to HHH clinic. I believe there is a therapy department at GH but obviously not functioning well if he says they don't have one.
Bonne nuit mon zanmi
Today was spent mostly with my head over my computer answering last minute team questions, sending last minute tidbits of info as well as doing some planning for other teams. Stopped for my supper of Lasagna, salad and desert. Haitians make pasta dishes really well and this lasagna had a little kick to it and was really good.
Now I am awake - tired but not sleeping for whatever reason. I don't feel nervous or anxious, maybe just overly excited although I feel too tired to be excited.
I did get news that we won't be able to attend the the dance theater show at St. Josephs Boys Home due to electricity/ generator problems. I'm very disappointed in that for my team. It is a wonderful story told in dance form the history of Haiti and ends with some history of St. Josephs. They have some world class drummers and the troupe tours internationally to raise money to run their home. Michael came from the US and I think Minnesota to Haiti and while here he learned about the street kids. Upon return felt a calling to come back and get the kids off the street. He did this and with his help the boys run the home, take care of their own. Here is a link to their story: http://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/radio.nsf/stable/B95F8BF935117B3A8825726C00712290?OpenDocument
If this doesn't work you can google Resurrection Dance Troupe, Haiti and get more info.
I'm not sure how many boys live there now but how fortunate for them that Michael came into their lives.
Tomorrow - rather today I am planning a quick visit to Wings of Hope in Kenskoff to invite them to the OT education day we are doing, a stop at the bakery at the Baptist Mission, checking out the Caribbean Market where I heard you can get anything, picking up more chloroquine and looking for some scales to weigh babies and adults.
Mr. Cadet announced his replacement of manager of the HHH clinic Kay Kapab so I suspect it will be a busy few weeks with my team here, planning for the next 2 teams, the transition of new management and carnival going on.
So maybe I can sleep now that I've put all this out of my head....
Hope all is well with all of you. I heard Portland had a bit more snow-of course its winter but I can honestly say I'm happy to be in a sunny warm climate. In fact, yesterday I met with the director of medicine at the General Hospital and his office had air conditioning. I thought I would freeze to death before I could leave.
The hospital is a story on its own for sure but I was there to see if we could have some sort of partnership with visiting MD's but also with therapy which better fits with Healing Hands work. He said he would welcome therapists to visit patients immediate post op/ post stroke prior to discharge and then refer them to HHH clinic. I believe there is a therapy department at GH but obviously not functioning well if he says they don't have one.
Bonne nuit mon zanmi
Monday, February 9, 2009
Goodbye to Boston team...
We said goodbye to the Boston team today...I think they enjoyed their stay with us despite a few problems with transportation.
Our special dinner Saturday night wasn't exactly as ordered but the staff made up for it tonight serving me lambi, acra and creamed spinich and salad. Really dinner on saturday was good- but the mashed potatoes were more like a sheppards pie. and no mangos for dessert. Will have to make some american mashed potatoes with garlic and cheese and sourcream and little green onions or chives....and what else? lots of butter?
I went to the cinema yesterday afternoon- the new movie with Uma Thurman. I don't know the title as it was in French. The whole movie was in french without subtitles but it was actually easy to follow- pretty much formula romantic comedy. Ewald tried to tell me what was happening but that was more distracting. It was pretty fun. Sunday night carnival was crowding the streets as we left the movie and we had a slow go for quite awhile. Stopped for pizza before he dropped me off. Kind of a fun change for the afternoon. The rest of the team had returned and everyone was busy packing when I got back.
My team will be here in just a few more days...can't wait to see them!!!
Our special dinner Saturday night wasn't exactly as ordered but the staff made up for it tonight serving me lambi, acra and creamed spinich and salad. Really dinner on saturday was good- but the mashed potatoes were more like a sheppards pie. and no mangos for dessert. Will have to make some american mashed potatoes with garlic and cheese and sourcream and little green onions or chives....and what else? lots of butter?
I went to the cinema yesterday afternoon- the new movie with Uma Thurman. I don't know the title as it was in French. The whole movie was in french without subtitles but it was actually easy to follow- pretty much formula romantic comedy. Ewald tried to tell me what was happening but that was more distracting. It was pretty fun. Sunday night carnival was crowding the streets as we left the movie and we had a slow go for quite awhile. Stopped for pizza before he dropped me off. Kind of a fun change for the afternoon. The rest of the team had returned and everyone was busy packing when I got back.
My team will be here in just a few more days...can't wait to see them!!!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Its a quiet relaxing day. There is only 3 of us here this weekend. Two members of the team (from Wisconsin) left yesterday and the rest of the team went on a weekend excursion to Grand Goave (beach) and tomorrow will go into the mountains for a nature hike.
Ashley was planning was planning to stay behind but Sarah Jo wasn't feeling very well so decided to stay too.
Carmel is having a special dinner prepared for us...goat, mashed potatoes, creamed spinich, mango. I'm so excited to have mashed potatoes-
Thursday night after a long day of outreach clinics, we went to the Oloffson to listen to RAM. I don't know if this is good or bad, but people are recognizing me from other visits. M'konton we'w anko. (I'm happy to see you again). Everyone enjoyed themselves and danced until it was time to go.
Friday was 'clean up' day with some people cleaning / organizing storage, depot and pharmacy...a little work in the clinic, some writing reports. Some people visited General Hospital and gave them some supplies and medications. I learned I have an appointment to talk with the director of medicine on Monday to learn how the docs visiting HHH can enjoy a day of working at General Hospital. That will be interesting.
The majority of the team went out to dinner at the Montana. Many said they enjoyed their $30 steak. (the reason I didn't go...) They certainly were served faster than the Minnesota on their night at Montana but the size of the group was considerably larger.
Cool River, pigs and the Mayor's office
The mayors office
The van broke down on the way home near a large family of pigs...
I asked Joel if I could take it home for a pet and he said I'd get arrested for stealing. How do you know who the pigs belong to? They know is the answer.
I continue to search for the perfect taptap bus design.I saw Obama on one but couldn't get a picture. I'll see it again. This is Che Guevara - I've seen his picture depicted on walls, paintings and the buses along with Marley and Michael Jordon & Iverson(Nuggets), Sylvestor Stallone and Chuck Norris.
Quite proudly Sister Teresa wears her new 'Hat' after the team emptied a bag of toys and clothes.
The orange hair is an indication of malnutrition- often seen in small children and babies.
2 very sweet little girls
An adult w/ch was adapted using a car seat for a little boy that couldn't walk. His mama carried him everywhere. Hopefully, this will ease her burden and he can 'grow' into the wheelchair. Pediatric w/chairs are scarce.
On the road to Cool River Orphanage.
Homes stacked up the side of a hill...Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Packing night in Portland
Its good that I have something to write about tonight...my team is at Angels' tonight packing everything up...at least I hope they are- I'm waiting on 'hold' to skype with them at some point. Ewald brought me his computer today on his lunch break- he has camera and microphone. My computer lacks both. I'm so excited about them coming next week...The majority is leaving a week from today and arriving on Thursday.
I'm a little nervous for them as for many it will be the first time to visit Haiti and some are a little nervous, a little anxious, very excited....I'm excited to show them the Haiti that I see when I come down here as well the one they will see when they get off the plane and take that first drive through the city. To look beyond the holes in the street, the garbage, the corruption; to see the people - to look beyond the poverty to see the hope, to see the spirit and sometimes you see the joy in their heart.
I am very nervous that I will overwhelm them with the work I am asking them to do- they will be working very hard and beyond their imagination. I know they will be successful in terms of meeting my expectations- no doubts about that. I hope that I can meet their needs throughout the 2 weeks. I have lots of things planned to balance the work load and hopefully allow them to let off some 'steam'. Between a large number of outreach clinics, clinic work, educational seminars with nursing students and orphanage outreach, we have a special night at St. Josephs, RAM, a beach day, and a special surprise that I am having a really hard time keeping a surprise. We are also going to Jacmel. I'm sure I'll have some things to share with you on all of those activities.
I have to say its going to be really interesting meeting all of the different teams coming over the next few months - the variety of personalities and styles etc. The team members that have been coming repeatedly over the years obviously have a common thread of love of Haiti and its people despite the unchanging poverty and problems experienced here.
The new people will come home with a lot to process, how the experience affects them and how they are able to sift through all of it will determine if they come back again. As team leaders, I hope we are able to help them find the balance they need to go from home to Haiti and back home again. Its tough. Family members will have to allow them time to process, listen to their experience even if they don't really understand and give lots of hugs. Those are my thoughts tonight- I loved talking to my team! lylt!
I had a late night last night, its late and tomorrow will be a long day - followed by a late night at the Oloffson....so Goodnight from Haiti.
(I do miss you comments and thoughts that I used to get when I sent email)
I'm a little nervous for them as for many it will be the first time to visit Haiti and some are a little nervous, a little anxious, very excited....I'm excited to show them the Haiti that I see when I come down here as well the one they will see when they get off the plane and take that first drive through the city. To look beyond the holes in the street, the garbage, the corruption; to see the people - to look beyond the poverty to see the hope, to see the spirit and sometimes you see the joy in their heart.
I am very nervous that I will overwhelm them with the work I am asking them to do- they will be working very hard and beyond their imagination. I know they will be successful in terms of meeting my expectations- no doubts about that. I hope that I can meet their needs throughout the 2 weeks. I have lots of things planned to balance the work load and hopefully allow them to let off some 'steam'. Between a large number of outreach clinics, clinic work, educational seminars with nursing students and orphanage outreach, we have a special night at St. Josephs, RAM, a beach day, and a special surprise that I am having a really hard time keeping a surprise. We are also going to Jacmel. I'm sure I'll have some things to share with you on all of those activities.
I have to say its going to be really interesting meeting all of the different teams coming over the next few months - the variety of personalities and styles etc. The team members that have been coming repeatedly over the years obviously have a common thread of love of Haiti and its people despite the unchanging poverty and problems experienced here.
The new people will come home with a lot to process, how the experience affects them and how they are able to sift through all of it will determine if they come back again. As team leaders, I hope we are able to help them find the balance they need to go from home to Haiti and back home again. Its tough. Family members will have to allow them time to process, listen to their experience even if they don't really understand and give lots of hugs. Those are my thoughts tonight- I loved talking to my team! lylt!
I had a late night last night, its late and tomorrow will be a long day - followed by a late night at the Oloffson....so Goodnight from Haiti.
(I do miss you comments and thoughts that I used to get when I sent email)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sonja B Green Home
Today started out a wee bit chaotic....The first day of care giver school was scheduled at Sonja B. Green home for moms/ dads with Hydrocephalic babies. The team was told to expect 6-10 moms and babies in the class. 
As we were preparing to leave, we were told some of the moms, babies were at the clinic to ride with us. I will back up just a little bit with some history. The Sonja B Green Hydrocephalis program is a joint project with Medishare in Miami- HHH finds the potential patients , provides care giver training classes over a 4 day period. The Medishare neuro surgeons come down and pre screen, test and then provide surgery for the kids that can benefit- not all will fit criteria. I was told that prior to the care giver training, there was approx. 50% rate of death following surg. Since then over the past 3 years, only 1 or 2 have died...
The moms and babies come from all over the provinces and stay for the 4 days of 'school' at the Sonja B green home. Ok so we go to the clinic to pick up the moms- There were 22 with babies, and their personal belongings and a couple extra people. Plus 5 team members,
1 translator, 1 coordinator, and 1 driver and 1 van....We weren't all going to fit so we got a tap tap off the street. Half in the van and the rest of us in the tap tap. and off we went - Arriving about 45 min. later.
The kids range in age of infant to 10 yr today and in the end the group was 25 including about 4 dads. Its an intensive class for those parents- but maybe an incredible support group for them to know they aren't alone with the very sad realization of the future of some of these kiddos. This is the first time that I've had any part of this program- my part today was just to hold any baby that was fussing so mom could focus on the class. All I can say is life is very unfair sometimes.
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