Haiti: Reflections of my journey: 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.