Friday 04/09/10
I slept the fewest hours so far last night, however, it was my own fault. I had started reading Simple Genius by David Baldacci at the beginning of the week and I got to the point in my reading last night where I decided I was going to finish the book. It was a good book and Baldacci is one of my favorite authors.
Vendors came to the house this morning before we left for the clinic. It was nice to have them come to us to display their items. Haitian currency is called "gourdes" and the exchange rate we got was around $1=40 gourdes. I purchased three paintings that I'm very excited about. My favorite piece extends horizontally, like a streched out rectangle, and depicts a farm village in Haiti. I love it and can't wait for it to be framed.
Today was a good day at the clinic. Everyone seems to be in a rhythm now and things are moving well. I met a new translator today by the name of Kervans. I do not know his background or how he came about to the clinic but he was an interesting young man. I've heard others use the word "hustler" and "con artist" to describe the kid but we got along pretty well. He seems to be very "street smart", I just hope he continues to use his wit in a positive matter and not to take advantage of people. He worked at the clinic on Thursday, but I didn't have the chance to speak with him much. When he worked with us today he noticed ny nametag said "Dr. Mantoots" and asked me why today my name was Mantoots but yesterday it was Dr. Turk. I explained to him that it was a joke and I was just playing around and that I didn't take myself too seriously. Kervans looked at me and called me a "jerker" which I later deciphered to be "joker" instead. He was translating for us when we treatd a young girl around his age. Next thing I know, he is asking to use my pen and he writes down the girls phone number! Doug (RN)and I gave him a hard time after that asking if he was planning on "picking up" any more girls while he worked today. He kept saying "why you mock me?" and I was afraid he didn't realize our sense of humor. Not wanting to offend him, I explained to him how we were just kidding and giving him a hard time. He told us later that the girl was a relative and he was getting her number to contact her later. Still not certain whether to believe that or not.
My dad and I made the journey down and then up the mountain again today. It was getting easier for us but still a challenge. Caitlin walked with us everytime and I don't think she broke a sweat on any of the days. At one point I asked my dad how he was doing and he said "I just got passed by a five year old with a bucket of water on their head....I'm doing awesome." I told Caitlin, as I struggled up the goat trail, to never get old and get out of shape. She said "I won't" as she skipped up the trail wearing her crocs. I know that 26 almost 27 is not that old, but it sure felt like it.
I decided today, while writing this actually, that I want to come back. I'd like to make it an annual trip. I think it's good for my soul. It's a great time to reflect and put my life in check. I love the people here and the peace around this place. There is a wonderful energy that I think everyone can feel while you are here. You feel blessed being able to share this experience with so many wonderful people.
I've always loved the lyric "I know I'm good for something, I just haven't found it yet" and I feel like this trip could be God's way of pointing me in the right direction.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Haiti Journal Entry #4
Thursday 04/08/10
I can't get enough of this view from the balcony. I find myself just staring and collecting my thoughts for minutes at a time. The people here probably think I'm a weird daydreamer as I just sit and stare off at the beautiful countryside. It is truly breathtaking. It makes me want to get up in the morning to witness it again. Even amid all the destruction there is a great peace here.
(click on pic to enlarge)
Last night around 1ish (am), there was another earthquake. The epicenter was located off the coast in the ocean so the effects on the country were limited. Some of us did not even wake up when it happend.
Tomorrow is the last day at the clinic. I wonder if the people of Gramothe and those of nearby villages are aware that tomorrow is our last day. I'm assuming tomorrow will be the busiest day yet with people trying to come and be checked out before we leave.
I want to write down this story of a man we saw and treated today at the clinic. I want to remember it because it has summed up my experience with the people of Haiti. We treated this patient today for a severe ankle injury. It occurred when he had fallen at home. The ankle was swollen enough that you could not see his ankle bones. He hobbled into the clinic wearing flip flop sandals on his beaten feet. When we looked at his ankle we noticed his "good" foot was deformed. He said it was a birth defect and his foot never grew to its maximum size.
(click on pic to enlarge)
This birth defect had also deformed his left arm as it was skinnier and he was unable to extend it straight out. He winced in pain when the nurse and doctor checked the injury on his ankle. The man had walked up the mountain with flip flops and no cane/crutch, a terribly sprained or broken ankle, a deformed "good" foot, waited in line for hours, and still never raised his voice or berated us for not being treated sooner. With our limited supplies the most we could do was wrap the ankle, prescribe some tylenol for pain, and tell him he needed to go to the hospital for x-rays to check for broken bones. We were able to supply him with a crutch to help him walk out of the clinic. He smiled at us, shook our hands, and thanked us for helping him. He hobbled out of the clinic to make his way back down the mountain. I will never forget that. We were not able to do 1/4 of what we can for people here in the States for this man, but he thanked us as if we had just saved his life. That sincereity he displayed towards us is something I hope I will always remember. Being gracious and grateful for any form of help, no matter how small, is a lesson that the people here have taught me every single day. The country of Haiti has blessed me more than I can explain.
Bondje beni ou(God bless you in Haitian Creole)
I will try to steal some pics from people to show "the view" I got to see everyday and the patients ankle injury. Thanks for reading!
I can't get enough of this view from the balcony. I find myself just staring and collecting my thoughts for minutes at a time. The people here probably think I'm a weird daydreamer as I just sit and stare off at the beautiful countryside. It is truly breathtaking. It makes me want to get up in the morning to witness it again. Even amid all the destruction there is a great peace here.
(click on pic to enlarge)
Last night around 1ish (am), there was another earthquake. The epicenter was located off the coast in the ocean so the effects on the country were limited. Some of us did not even wake up when it happend.
Tomorrow is the last day at the clinic. I wonder if the people of Gramothe and those of nearby villages are aware that tomorrow is our last day. I'm assuming tomorrow will be the busiest day yet with people trying to come and be checked out before we leave.
I want to write down this story of a man we saw and treated today at the clinic. I want to remember it because it has summed up my experience with the people of Haiti. We treated this patient today for a severe ankle injury. It occurred when he had fallen at home. The ankle was swollen enough that you could not see his ankle bones. He hobbled into the clinic wearing flip flop sandals on his beaten feet. When we looked at his ankle we noticed his "good" foot was deformed. He said it was a birth defect and his foot never grew to its maximum size.
(click on pic to enlarge)
This birth defect had also deformed his left arm as it was skinnier and he was unable to extend it straight out. He winced in pain when the nurse and doctor checked the injury on his ankle. The man had walked up the mountain with flip flops and no cane/crutch, a terribly sprained or broken ankle, a deformed "good" foot, waited in line for hours, and still never raised his voice or berated us for not being treated sooner. With our limited supplies the most we could do was wrap the ankle, prescribe some tylenol for pain, and tell him he needed to go to the hospital for x-rays to check for broken bones. We were able to supply him with a crutch to help him walk out of the clinic. He smiled at us, shook our hands, and thanked us for helping him. He hobbled out of the clinic to make his way back down the mountain. I will never forget that. We were not able to do 1/4 of what we can for people here in the States for this man, but he thanked us as if we had just saved his life. That sincereity he displayed towards us is something I hope I will always remember. Being gracious and grateful for any form of help, no matter how small, is a lesson that the people here have taught me every single day. The country of Haiti has blessed me more than I can explain.
Bondje beni ou(God bless you in Haitian Creole)
I will try to steal some pics from people to show "the view" I got to see everyday and the patients ankle injury. Thanks for reading!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Haiti Journal Entry #3
Wed 04/07/10
The day started tragically as we were informed that someone had been killed on their way up the mountain that morning. It was a reminder to us all how dangerous it was on the mountain. It also reminded us you can never be too careful.
Despite the bad start to the day, things went pretty well at the clinic. People were more comfortable with their responsibilities and everything seemed to flow more smoothly. I had the pleasure of working with Bianca, a translator, today at the clinic. My dad has known her from previous trips and he was very excited that she was volunteering to help. Bianca is a 17 year old student from Haiti who can speak 5 languages fluently; Haitian Creole, French, Arabic, Spanish, and English. She is incredibly bright and has received interest from Ivy League schools already. She also doesn't take crap from anyone, including my dad. Not that my dad was rude to her, but she "gets" his playfulness and teasing attitude. She is able to take it all in stride and get her shots in as well. She has been doing the translating for awhile so she is very good at that as well. She explained that Haitians tend to "over exaggerate" and she is able to read between the lines. The people of Haiti have saying or slang just like we do here in America and her experience really helps in those situations. The language barrier is such a large obstacle for the staff so it helps when the translator is very good at what they do. It allows for the best possible care and helps the medical team to not miss anything.
My dad, Debbie, Caitlin (Dr's daughter), and myself decided to walk down the mountain today. I'm not sure if it was some subconscious thing we did because of the accident earlier that day or what, but I got my first taste of the mountain. The walk down the mountain isn't too bad. If you have uncomfortable shoes it will hurt your feet some since you are walking down at an angle for quite a few hundred yards. Once we got to the bottom of that mountain it was now time to head "up" the other side to our house. Caitlin, a junior high student who was making her 15th trip to Haiti, showed us a "shortcut". I put shortcut in quotations due to the fact it almost ended my life. Well, ok, not really but it was very challenging. I guess that's why it is a shortcut though, it's supposed to be tough, if it wasn't it would just be called "the way". Anywho, this shortcut was an old goat trail. You basically had to rock climb up the goat trail. I had to use all four limbs to travel up. Halfway up I was out of breath, my face was red, and I was sweating profusely. It was about this time I got passed by a young Haitian child with a bucket of water on there head going up the trail. (that didn't really happen at that exact moment, but it could've)
I did see Haitians walking up and down the goat trail with buckets on their head, not even breaking a sweat. I wondered how pathetic I looked to them as I struggled to make it up the trail. After finally making it up the trail, we walked the rest of the way back to the house. The rest of the journey was not any easier due to the fact it was all up hill as well!!
Let's just say I didn't mind the cold water "shower" I had tonight.
The day started tragically as we were informed that someone had been killed on their way up the mountain that morning. It was a reminder to us all how dangerous it was on the mountain. It also reminded us you can never be too careful.
Despite the bad start to the day, things went pretty well at the clinic. People were more comfortable with their responsibilities and everything seemed to flow more smoothly. I had the pleasure of working with Bianca, a translator, today at the clinic. My dad has known her from previous trips and he was very excited that she was volunteering to help. Bianca is a 17 year old student from Haiti who can speak 5 languages fluently; Haitian Creole, French, Arabic, Spanish, and English. She is incredibly bright and has received interest from Ivy League schools already. She also doesn't take crap from anyone, including my dad. Not that my dad was rude to her, but she "gets" his playfulness and teasing attitude. She is able to take it all in stride and get her shots in as well. She has been doing the translating for awhile so she is very good at that as well. She explained that Haitians tend to "over exaggerate" and she is able to read between the lines. The people of Haiti have saying or slang just like we do here in America and her experience really helps in those situations. The language barrier is such a large obstacle for the staff so it helps when the translator is very good at what they do. It allows for the best possible care and helps the medical team to not miss anything.
My dad, Debbie, Caitlin (Dr's daughter), and myself decided to walk down the mountain today. I'm not sure if it was some subconscious thing we did because of the accident earlier that day or what, but I got my first taste of the mountain. The walk down the mountain isn't too bad. If you have uncomfortable shoes it will hurt your feet some since you are walking down at an angle for quite a few hundred yards. Once we got to the bottom of that mountain it was now time to head "up" the other side to our house. Caitlin, a junior high student who was making her 15th trip to Haiti, showed us a "shortcut". I put shortcut in quotations due to the fact it almost ended my life. Well, ok, not really but it was very challenging. I guess that's why it is a shortcut though, it's supposed to be tough, if it wasn't it would just be called "the way". Anywho, this shortcut was an old goat trail. You basically had to rock climb up the goat trail. I had to use all four limbs to travel up. Halfway up I was out of breath, my face was red, and I was sweating profusely. It was about this time I got passed by a young Haitian child with a bucket of water on there head going up the trail. (that didn't really happen at that exact moment, but it could've)
I did see Haitians walking up and down the goat trail with buckets on their head, not even breaking a sweat. I wondered how pathetic I looked to them as I struggled to make it up the trail. After finally making it up the trail, we walked the rest of the way back to the house. The rest of the journey was not any easier due to the fact it was all up hill as well!!
Let's just say I didn't mind the cold water "shower" I had tonight.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Haiti Journal Entry #2
Tues 04/6/10
I was woken by a rooster crowing this morning. One would assume it was light outside if the rooster was making noise, however, it was before 6am and the sun had not completely risen. Surprisingly, I felt energized. I was ready to tackle my first day working at the clinic. I slept very well and even though some team members complained about dogs making noise, I didn't hear a thing. I was so tired last night, that even when my dad told me the men's NCAA championship game (butler vs duke), was a two point game with only a couple minutes to go, I still rolled over and kept on sleeping.
We all gathered around 7:15 for breakfast. I had oatmeal with a sliced banana, and cinnamon, along with a pancake covered in peanut butter. There was a buzz in the house as we got prepared to leave. There were quite a few "first timers" and you could feel the excitement/nervousness in the air. I've learned already that you can't really be told what it's like here.
I am trying to capture the "feeling" with a camera and words, but it all pales in comparison to "living" it. One small example of this is the ride up to the clinic. My dad always told me about the trek up the mountain side. He would talk about how the road was steep and narrow, how there were multiple turns along the way, and how the natives of Haiti would travel up and down the road all day long standing within inches of the edge as vehicles passed them by. No amount of words or pictures could prepare me for my first ride up. The first thing you realize is that this is dangerous! We are standing in the back of a truck, literally hanging on to what we can so that we are not thrown out. The climb up the mountain is pretty unrelenting. There is no level surface on the way up, it is all inclined.
Then once you reach the top you see the line of people. They stand so close to one another so not to lose their place in line. I wondered how long they had been standing there waiting for us. I noticed that most were wearing nice, clean clothes. Almost as if they were trying to "impress" us in a way. I thought it was amazing. Many of them live in houses where they have dirt floors, yet they are able to wear clean clothes to come see us. Some women wore dresses like they were heading to church while some of the men had on khakis and button down shirts.
As far as the work in the clinic, things were slow today. My dad said this was common as the newer people get adjusted and comfortable with what they're doing. I was afraid to go outside the clinic in the afternoon to see how many people were turned away and asked to come back again. I know that it happend today, but another crazy thing happened as well...I didn't hear anyone complain all day long. No whining about how long it took, how hot it was outside, or only being seen for 15 minutes after waiting for 4 hours. They were just grateful that we were there to help them. They thanked us repeatedly for helping them, even if it just meant giving them some tylenol. Coming from our society where people just expect things to be given to them and where we have become unappreciative when helped out..... to the people of a country who have hardly anything and were devastated by an earthquake only a few months earlier, these people had every right in the world to be frustrated, angry, upset, ungrateful, but they weren't. They were genuine and thankful.
It was one of the most humbling experiences I've had.
I was woken by a rooster crowing this morning. One would assume it was light outside if the rooster was making noise, however, it was before 6am and the sun had not completely risen. Surprisingly, I felt energized. I was ready to tackle my first day working at the clinic. I slept very well and even though some team members complained about dogs making noise, I didn't hear a thing. I was so tired last night, that even when my dad told me the men's NCAA championship game (butler vs duke), was a two point game with only a couple minutes to go, I still rolled over and kept on sleeping.
We all gathered around 7:15 for breakfast. I had oatmeal with a sliced banana, and cinnamon, along with a pancake covered in peanut butter. There was a buzz in the house as we got prepared to leave. There were quite a few "first timers" and you could feel the excitement/nervousness in the air. I've learned already that you can't really be told what it's like here.
I am trying to capture the "feeling" with a camera and words, but it all pales in comparison to "living" it. One small example of this is the ride up to the clinic. My dad always told me about the trek up the mountain side. He would talk about how the road was steep and narrow, how there were multiple turns along the way, and how the natives of Haiti would travel up and down the road all day long standing within inches of the edge as vehicles passed them by. No amount of words or pictures could prepare me for my first ride up. The first thing you realize is that this is dangerous! We are standing in the back of a truck, literally hanging on to what we can so that we are not thrown out. The climb up the mountain is pretty unrelenting. There is no level surface on the way up, it is all inclined.
Then once you reach the top you see the line of people. They stand so close to one another so not to lose their place in line. I wondered how long they had been standing there waiting for us. I noticed that most were wearing nice, clean clothes. Almost as if they were trying to "impress" us in a way. I thought it was amazing. Many of them live in houses where they have dirt floors, yet they are able to wear clean clothes to come see us. Some women wore dresses like they were heading to church while some of the men had on khakis and button down shirts.
As far as the work in the clinic, things were slow today. My dad said this was common as the newer people get adjusted and comfortable with what they're doing. I was afraid to go outside the clinic in the afternoon to see how many people were turned away and asked to come back again. I know that it happend today, but another crazy thing happened as well...I didn't hear anyone complain all day long. No whining about how long it took, how hot it was outside, or only being seen for 15 minutes after waiting for 4 hours. They were just grateful that we were there to help them. They thanked us repeatedly for helping them, even if it just meant giving them some tylenol. Coming from our society where people just expect things to be given to them and where we have become unappreciative when helped out..... to the people of a country who have hardly anything and were devastated by an earthquake only a few months earlier, these people had every right in the world to be frustrated, angry, upset, ungrateful, but they weren't. They were genuine and thankful.
It was one of the most humbling experiences I've had.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Haiti Journal
Bonswa!
It's been awhile since my last blog or podcast so I thought I should catch y'all up on what I've been doing, if you are interested.
I have just recently returned from the island nation of Haiti. I stayed there for a week, along with a large group of others from the USA and Mexico.
While I was there, I kept a daily journal just jotting down some of my thoughts each day. The idea behind it was for me to keep track of my emotions and I wanted to remember this trip. So I thought I'd share with y'all what I ended up writing down. I'm just going to be copying exactly what I had written while I was there, so if I talk in the present tense, don't think I'm crazy. ;)
Sun-Mon 04/5/10
I've made it! I'm finally here in Haiti. The journey here was a bit rough but I survived and I'm looking forward to what else is in store for me this week. The lack of sleep and traveling has taken it's toll on my body. I never realized until I actually got to my final destination how truly exhausted and tired I am. The current time is 9pm (on Monday) and I've slept around 4.5 hours since 12:45 pm on Saturday afternoon. Let me recount the steps that has led me here thus far.
I had to work Saturday night until 6am on Sunday. After work I finished my packing and took my dog to my mom's house for the week. I had originally planned on napping for a few hours then taking Maylee over there, but I was afraid I would sleep late and be tardy in meeting my dad. Anywho, I met my dad and stepmom, Debbie, and we headed towards Indy, where we would be meeting some of the other members of our team.
We arrived at the airport before the rest of the team and grabbed a bite to eat. While we were eating, some members of the team decided to play a trick on us. They told us that they were missing one of the RN's and were running late. I smelled "doodie" from the get go, but they had convinced both my dad and Debbie. Luckily it was a joke as the remaining members of our team showed up before we could finish our burritos from Qdoba. It was then when I finally got to meet most of the members of our team. Dr. Marcia and her daughter Caitlin, Doug (RN), Delores(retired RN), Haylee (student nurse), and Betsie(RN, whom I had known a little bit already).
The journey from Indy to Haiti was long. We faced several delays in Indy, which caused a later flight out of Chicago. We ended up canceling the hotel rooms we had booked for the night in Miami due to the fact we only had a couple hours to waste before we departed to Port Au Prince. On our flight from Chicago to Miami our plane was struck by lightning! I'm not sure if many of you have experienced that before, but it was VERY loud. I had finally just dozed off on the plane when it happened. I didn't sleep very well after it happened, haha.
When we arrived, we were greeted at baggage claim by our host, Mr. Willem. Mr. Willem is from Haiti and still resides here today with his wife and two sons.
At the baggage claim we spotted a nice surprise. Mrs. Katie Couric was there as well! She had been on our flight into Haiti. Betsie and Haylee, as well as my dad got there picture taken with her. She was very kind....and very short.
This was my first trip to Haiti but my dad, who was making his fourth, tried to warn me about leaving the airport. Some Haitians would stand outside the gates waiting for people to walk out from the airport and try to assist them with their bags. My dad warned me against using their assistance. Reason being is that they would expect a tip of some kind in return. If you tip one of them, that could cause a riot as the rest will be looking at you for a tip as well.
It was a very surreal feeling walking out the airport. The people were aggressive and spoke a language I did not know or understand. I had traveled to Mexico before and faced a similar situation, but the Haitians were more persistent and adamant on helping with your bags. Also I know a little bit of Spanish so the language barrier isn't as wide as it was in Haiti. I don't know how others felt in the group, but I was nervous, confused, and excited all at the same time. It felt awkward listening to someone speak a language and I had no idea what he was saying to me. I couldn't tell if they were angry with us, frustrated, excited to help....there body language didn't help decipher the situation either. It was all surreal. Thankfully, Willem was there to help us and he told them to leave and they listened.
I got the sense immediately that Mr. Willem was a very well known and respected man in Haiti. He had also helped us get our luggage and we walked right on out of the building without being harassed by airport security. It wasn't until later today I found out that Willem had been asked by the President of Haiti, that Willem join him for meetings on how to help rebuild the country after the earthquake earlier this year.
We traveled in the back of a truck to Willem's house and I got my first taste of Port Au Prince. (i talked more about the city in my journal, but i will wait until sundays journal entry to post about it here)
Once we arrived to our house, we were given the rest of the day to relax. We were still waiting on members from our team, Nancy(pharmacist), as well as others from the States. As of right now, I think there are close to 25 people here, including an optometrist and a team from Florida with Eagles Wings Foundation .
Earlier this evening after everyone had arrived, Willem gave us a little welcoming speech and talked a little bit about Mountain Top Ministries
He explained on why he didn't want us to give "handouts" to the people of Haiti. His goal is to erase the "begging mentality" that many of the people of Haiti have today. He wants them to work for a living and not have them expect people to give them things. He has already proven that it can be done as well.
In 10 years time, he has been able to take Gramothe, Haiti and make a school, medical clinic, and a church. He has increased crop production from 1 crop a year to 3-4. They now have a 97% employment rate and 100% of the kids go to school. He said we don't have to worry about the "begging" while we are in Gramothe because he has erased that way of thinking.
An inspirational man indeed.
I'll post the other entries later. Thanks for reading. :)
It's been awhile since my last blog or podcast so I thought I should catch y'all up on what I've been doing, if you are interested.
I have just recently returned from the island nation of Haiti. I stayed there for a week, along with a large group of others from the USA and Mexico.
While I was there, I kept a daily journal just jotting down some of my thoughts each day. The idea behind it was for me to keep track of my emotions and I wanted to remember this trip. So I thought I'd share with y'all what I ended up writing down. I'm just going to be copying exactly what I had written while I was there, so if I talk in the present tense, don't think I'm crazy. ;)
Sun-Mon 04/5/10
I've made it! I'm finally here in Haiti. The journey here was a bit rough but I survived and I'm looking forward to what else is in store for me this week. The lack of sleep and traveling has taken it's toll on my body. I never realized until I actually got to my final destination how truly exhausted and tired I am. The current time is 9pm (on Monday) and I've slept around 4.5 hours since 12:45 pm on Saturday afternoon. Let me recount the steps that has led me here thus far.
I had to work Saturday night until 6am on Sunday. After work I finished my packing and took my dog to my mom's house for the week. I had originally planned on napping for a few hours then taking Maylee over there, but I was afraid I would sleep late and be tardy in meeting my dad. Anywho, I met my dad and stepmom, Debbie, and we headed towards Indy, where we would be meeting some of the other members of our team.
We arrived at the airport before the rest of the team and grabbed a bite to eat. While we were eating, some members of the team decided to play a trick on us. They told us that they were missing one of the RN's and were running late. I smelled "doodie" from the get go, but they had convinced both my dad and Debbie. Luckily it was a joke as the remaining members of our team showed up before we could finish our burritos from Qdoba. It was then when I finally got to meet most of the members of our team. Dr. Marcia and her daughter Caitlin, Doug (RN), Delores(retired RN), Haylee (student nurse), and Betsie(RN, whom I had known a little bit already).
The journey from Indy to Haiti was long. We faced several delays in Indy, which caused a later flight out of Chicago. We ended up canceling the hotel rooms we had booked for the night in Miami due to the fact we only had a couple hours to waste before we departed to Port Au Prince. On our flight from Chicago to Miami our plane was struck by lightning! I'm not sure if many of you have experienced that before, but it was VERY loud. I had finally just dozed off on the plane when it happened. I didn't sleep very well after it happened, haha.
When we arrived, we were greeted at baggage claim by our host, Mr. Willem. Mr. Willem is from Haiti and still resides here today with his wife and two sons.
At the baggage claim we spotted a nice surprise. Mrs. Katie Couric was there as well! She had been on our flight into Haiti. Betsie and Haylee, as well as my dad got there picture taken with her. She was very kind....and very short.
This was my first trip to Haiti but my dad, who was making his fourth, tried to warn me about leaving the airport. Some Haitians would stand outside the gates waiting for people to walk out from the airport and try to assist them with their bags. My dad warned me against using their assistance. Reason being is that they would expect a tip of some kind in return. If you tip one of them, that could cause a riot as the rest will be looking at you for a tip as well.
It was a very surreal feeling walking out the airport. The people were aggressive and spoke a language I did not know or understand. I had traveled to Mexico before and faced a similar situation, but the Haitians were more persistent and adamant on helping with your bags. Also I know a little bit of Spanish so the language barrier isn't as wide as it was in Haiti. I don't know how others felt in the group, but I was nervous, confused, and excited all at the same time. It felt awkward listening to someone speak a language and I had no idea what he was saying to me. I couldn't tell if they were angry with us, frustrated, excited to help....there body language didn't help decipher the situation either. It was all surreal. Thankfully, Willem was there to help us and he told them to leave and they listened.
I got the sense immediately that Mr. Willem was a very well known and respected man in Haiti. He had also helped us get our luggage and we walked right on out of the building without being harassed by airport security. It wasn't until later today I found out that Willem had been asked by the President of Haiti, that Willem join him for meetings on how to help rebuild the country after the earthquake earlier this year.
We traveled in the back of a truck to Willem's house and I got my first taste of Port Au Prince. (i talked more about the city in my journal, but i will wait until sundays journal entry to post about it here)
Once we arrived to our house, we were given the rest of the day to relax. We were still waiting on members from our team, Nancy(pharmacist), as well as others from the States. As of right now, I think there are close to 25 people here, including an optometrist and a team from Florida with Eagles Wings Foundation .
Earlier this evening after everyone had arrived, Willem gave us a little welcoming speech and talked a little bit about Mountain Top Ministries
He explained on why he didn't want us to give "handouts" to the people of Haiti. His goal is to erase the "begging mentality" that many of the people of Haiti have today. He wants them to work for a living and not have them expect people to give them things. He has already proven that it can be done as well.
In 10 years time, he has been able to take Gramothe, Haiti and make a school, medical clinic, and a church. He has increased crop production from 1 crop a year to 3-4. They now have a 97% employment rate and 100% of the kids go to school. He said we don't have to worry about the "begging" while we are in Gramothe because he has erased that way of thinking.
An inspirational man indeed.
I'll post the other entries later. Thanks for reading. :)
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