There are certain moments in your life that warrant the title of being called "life changing events"....marriage, your first born child....you know that those events will change your life. Then there are events in your life that you don't see coming and they are life changing as well. For me, this trip to Haiti was one of those things. I went in with no expectations and came out different. I don't look different, I'm still overweight, still 1/4 Japanese, but inside I am different. I'm looking at the world through a new pair of eyes.
Throughout my life, my relationship with God could be described as tumultuous, but I never doubted that He had a plan for me. I was, and in many ways still am, unsure exactly what that plan is supposed to entail. But I think this trip was His way of helping guide me down the correct path. Haiti ended up being more than just an unforgettable experience for me, it was a soul cleansing. The things that I saw humbled me and the people I met inspired me. I fell in love with the people and the country. To witness what they have gone through and to take a glimpse at their way of life, is a lesson that cannot be taught or shown here in the States. No words or pictures can capture exactly what it is like there, no matter how hard we may try to relay that message. I saw people who traveled by foot up a mountain, injured and weak, wait in line for hours to be seen by the medical staff, and then treated with what limited supplies we had available to us. In my experience working side by side with an emergency room, complaints would be rampant. However, not one person complained. They were just thankful people were there to help them in any way they could. This kind of positive energy that the people of Haiti provided is something that neither words or pictures can capture. Looking back now, it is no surprise to me that many of the people with whom I traveled with have been there multiple times. For those of us that made the journey for the first time, we now have intentions of making the trip again.
I know it's cliche to say, but the people of Haiti helped me more than I could ever help them. Their strength, will to live, and resiliency are qualities I will carry with me always. These qualities are something I hope that I'm able to share with people that I come into contact in my life.
I'd like to thank my Dad and Debbie for giving me the opportunity to make this trip with them. It was nice to be able to spend that much time with both of them. As you get older, life happens and it's sometimes difficult to make time for those people that mean the most to you and I was thankful to share this experience with them. I'd also like to thank the rest of the team that went with us, they made me feel welcomed and a part of the team from the get go, thank you all.
In closing I wanted to share a phrase that I learned while I was there, it is "bondje beni ou" which means God bless you in Haitian....however, to say it correctly, it goes like this...."bondje beni ou-ou!!"
Friday, June 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Haiti Journal Entry #7
Sun 4/11/10
Church service began at 10am this morning which somehow translates to waking up at 6:30 to my dad. Despite the early start to the day, the service inside the church was wonderful. The music was my favorite part of the service. I have no clue what they were singing but they sang with such passion you couldn't help but be in awe.
Willem had asked a few members of the team to share a message at the church and my dad was one of them. My dad was nervous due to the fact that Willem didn't ask him until this morning if he'd share. My dad was able to scramble up the shortest sermon I've ever heard from him, but he still did an excellent job. You could tell he had done this before as he and Willem had an excellent back and forth rythm as they both stood at the altar. It took a moment for the whole scene in front of me to sink in my brain. I was watching my dad preach (with the help of a translator) at a church in Haiti. NEVER in my life would I have thought that sentence would've been possible. Right now at this point in his life, he is the happiest I've ever seen him. He has a personality now that draws people to him and I know it's because of how happy he has become. I am incredibly proud of him.
After the church service Willem took us to see Port-au-Prince. He took us to the "tent city" which is located in one of the poorest parts in all of Haiti. Words and pictures will never be able to capture what I witnessed. The first thing you notice is the smell. Raw sewage is not something you can describe, either you know what that smell is like or you don't. This smell is suffocating. It fills up your nose all the way into your lungs. You want to open your mouth to help you breathe, but then you are afraid you will almost be able to "taste" it if you do. The river/stream that ran through this place was all raw sewage. People's homes were built next to this river. You couldn't escape this smell as we drove through. The next thing I noticed was the amount of people living there. They were everywhere. One lady said she had a family of 8 living inside her tent with her, the tent was big enough to fit maybe 3 somewhat comfortably. Goats, dogs, and chickens wandered the streets and inbetween homes. Piles of garbage laid beside houses and tents. There were over 60,000 people living in these conditions. Kids would come up to the truck holding their stomach and pointing to their mouths asking for food. We were given very strict orders to NOT give anyone food while we drove through the town. If one person tried to give someone food, it could literally cause a riot.
We had all been cracking jokes and talking on our way through the city, but when we drove through tent city, the mood in the truck changed. A silence fell over everyone in our truck. It was a feeling we all shared and it swallowed all of us up. Heartache. That feeling of helplessnes as we witnessed how some people have to live. It makes you feel guilty and grateful at the same time. It is a feeling that I hope I will never forget. Seeing this unbelievable amount of poverty is something I'm glad I was able to experience, even if it was one of the most difficult things I've ever seen.
After leaving tent city we drove around the areas of Port-au-Prince that were hit hardest by the earthquake. It looked like a war zone. Buildings were in shambles, debris and rubble littered the streets and sidewalks, yet the people of Haiti were still going. There were no clean up crews or heavy machinery aiding with the recovery, just men using wheelbarrows, pick axes, and shovels. They were doing what they could with what supplies they had at their disposal.
Thankfully we were able to end the day trip on a positive note, although it was bittersweet. We stopped by an orphanage ran by a woman who had translated at the clinic during the week. I'm a sucker for kids. I had been looking forward to visiting the orphanage all week long. After seeing the things we saw earlier that day, I think everyone was excited about seeing the kids. The orphanage was home to 6 children ranging from newborn to somewhere inbetween 1-2 years old. Before the earthquake, there were close to 20 children living there, but after the quake the process was expedited and more than half had found a home. One little guy and I became buddies. I feel terrible that I never found out his name. He was between 1-2 years old and had just received some peanut butter crackers from a member of our team. He was sitting on my dad's lap but he made his way over and found a spot on mine. I think the real reason he moved was so that he could get closer to the tv to watch his cartoons, but in my head I like to think it was because he liked me more than dad. (jk pops) He sat there letting me hold him while he was watching Tom and Jerry on the tv. After he'd finish a cracker, he had these big eyes that would look up at me letting me know he was ready for the next one.
When Willem told us it was time to go, I told the little guy I'd come back to visit him and I handed him the remaining crackers. I picked him up off my lap and stood him to the left of me so that I could get up. As soon as his feet hit the floor he came back over and sat on my lap before I could get up. It was one of the sweetest gestures that has ever happened to me. It was one of those things that only kids can do. Kids can't always express themselves verbally, but they can do little things that will melt your heart. I may be blowing it out of proportion, but it meant a lot to me. I was a stranger, someone he had only just met, but he was comfortable enough with me that he wanted to be on my lap. (the food probably helped) I have no children of my own but it's little moments like that I'm looking forward to experiencing the most.
Church service began at 10am this morning which somehow translates to waking up at 6:30 to my dad. Despite the early start to the day, the service inside the church was wonderful. The music was my favorite part of the service. I have no clue what they were singing but they sang with such passion you couldn't help but be in awe.
Willem had asked a few members of the team to share a message at the church and my dad was one of them. My dad was nervous due to the fact that Willem didn't ask him until this morning if he'd share. My dad was able to scramble up the shortest sermon I've ever heard from him, but he still did an excellent job. You could tell he had done this before as he and Willem had an excellent back and forth rythm as they both stood at the altar. It took a moment for the whole scene in front of me to sink in my brain. I was watching my dad preach (with the help of a translator) at a church in Haiti. NEVER in my life would I have thought that sentence would've been possible. Right now at this point in his life, he is the happiest I've ever seen him. He has a personality now that draws people to him and I know it's because of how happy he has become. I am incredibly proud of him.
After the church service Willem took us to see Port-au-Prince. He took us to the "tent city" which is located in one of the poorest parts in all of Haiti. Words and pictures will never be able to capture what I witnessed. The first thing you notice is the smell. Raw sewage is not something you can describe, either you know what that smell is like or you don't. This smell is suffocating. It fills up your nose all the way into your lungs. You want to open your mouth to help you breathe, but then you are afraid you will almost be able to "taste" it if you do. The river/stream that ran through this place was all raw sewage. People's homes were built next to this river. You couldn't escape this smell as we drove through. The next thing I noticed was the amount of people living there. They were everywhere. One lady said she had a family of 8 living inside her tent with her, the tent was big enough to fit maybe 3 somewhat comfortably. Goats, dogs, and chickens wandered the streets and inbetween homes. Piles of garbage laid beside houses and tents. There were over 60,000 people living in these conditions. Kids would come up to the truck holding their stomach and pointing to their mouths asking for food. We were given very strict orders to NOT give anyone food while we drove through the town. If one person tried to give someone food, it could literally cause a riot.
We had all been cracking jokes and talking on our way through the city, but when we drove through tent city, the mood in the truck changed. A silence fell over everyone in our truck. It was a feeling we all shared and it swallowed all of us up. Heartache. That feeling of helplessnes as we witnessed how some people have to live. It makes you feel guilty and grateful at the same time. It is a feeling that I hope I will never forget. Seeing this unbelievable amount of poverty is something I'm glad I was able to experience, even if it was one of the most difficult things I've ever seen.
After leaving tent city we drove around the areas of Port-au-Prince that were hit hardest by the earthquake. It looked like a war zone. Buildings were in shambles, debris and rubble littered the streets and sidewalks, yet the people of Haiti were still going. There were no clean up crews or heavy machinery aiding with the recovery, just men using wheelbarrows, pick axes, and shovels. They were doing what they could with what supplies they had at their disposal.
Thankfully we were able to end the day trip on a positive note, although it was bittersweet. We stopped by an orphanage ran by a woman who had translated at the clinic during the week. I'm a sucker for kids. I had been looking forward to visiting the orphanage all week long. After seeing the things we saw earlier that day, I think everyone was excited about seeing the kids. The orphanage was home to 6 children ranging from newborn to somewhere inbetween 1-2 years old. Before the earthquake, there were close to 20 children living there, but after the quake the process was expedited and more than half had found a home. One little guy and I became buddies. I feel terrible that I never found out his name. He was between 1-2 years old and had just received some peanut butter crackers from a member of our team. He was sitting on my dad's lap but he made his way over and found a spot on mine. I think the real reason he moved was so that he could get closer to the tv to watch his cartoons, but in my head I like to think it was because he liked me more than dad. (jk pops) He sat there letting me hold him while he was watching Tom and Jerry on the tv. After he'd finish a cracker, he had these big eyes that would look up at me letting me know he was ready for the next one.
When Willem told us it was time to go, I told the little guy I'd come back to visit him and I handed him the remaining crackers. I picked him up off my lap and stood him to the left of me so that I could get up. As soon as his feet hit the floor he came back over and sat on my lap before I could get up. It was one of the sweetest gestures that has ever happened to me. It was one of those things that only kids can do. Kids can't always express themselves verbally, but they can do little things that will melt your heart. I may be blowing it out of proportion, but it meant a lot to me. I was a stranger, someone he had only just met, but he was comfortable enough with me that he wanted to be on my lap. (the food probably helped) I have no children of my own but it's little moments like that I'm looking forward to experiencing the most.
Haiti Journal Entry #6
Sat 04/10/10
Saturday was a bit of a lazy day for us. I was able to "sleep in" til 7am (thanks Dad) and we lounged around the rest of the morning. During this down time I took to my favorite part of the house, the outside balcony, and laid down in the sun for awhile with my ipod singing me to sleep. I did not use sunscreen for the entire trip and today it finally caught up with me. My feet were as red as a strawberry.
For lunch we all piled in the truck and went to a Baptist Mission. They served "american" food and I destroyed a submarine sammich. After lunch we put on our tourist hats and walked around the facility. We checked out the gift shop, a small museum, and a little zoo. Right outside the mission were some street vendors. My dad warned me about how persistent the vendors were but you don't really get it until you've done it. I had walked maybe 2 steps outside the mission and immediately 3 vendors came out of the bushes and started putting things in my face. I had sunglasses on which I think helped me because they could not tell which one of them I was looking at. I had already purchased all that I was planning on earlier in the week, so I had no intention of buying anything else, I just wanted to take a looksies. Every time I moved they would follow me, telling me to come look at their items. After saying "no merci" so much that it began to sound weird to me, I fled to the safety of the mission. Wrong. Realizing that some members of the team had bought some items, they followed us in. I took refuge in the areas that were unoccupied by vendors and waited until it was time to leave. Poor Doug (RN) has the unfortunate quality of not being able to tell someone no. He took his time and talked to every vendor trying to barter with them to a price that Doug wanted. After buying his first item, the sharks smelled blood in the water and they all came surrounding Doug. I think he had to buy another suitcase just to pack all his new items (jk).
We were able to spend the rest of the day at the house being lazy.
Saturday was a bit of a lazy day for us. I was able to "sleep in" til 7am (thanks Dad) and we lounged around the rest of the morning. During this down time I took to my favorite part of the house, the outside balcony, and laid down in the sun for awhile with my ipod singing me to sleep. I did not use sunscreen for the entire trip and today it finally caught up with me. My feet were as red as a strawberry.
For lunch we all piled in the truck and went to a Baptist Mission. They served "american" food and I destroyed a submarine sammich. After lunch we put on our tourist hats and walked around the facility. We checked out the gift shop, a small museum, and a little zoo. Right outside the mission were some street vendors. My dad warned me about how persistent the vendors were but you don't really get it until you've done it. I had walked maybe 2 steps outside the mission and immediately 3 vendors came out of the bushes and started putting things in my face. I had sunglasses on which I think helped me because they could not tell which one of them I was looking at. I had already purchased all that I was planning on earlier in the week, so I had no intention of buying anything else, I just wanted to take a looksies. Every time I moved they would follow me, telling me to come look at their items. After saying "no merci" so much that it began to sound weird to me, I fled to the safety of the mission. Wrong. Realizing that some members of the team had bought some items, they followed us in. I took refuge in the areas that were unoccupied by vendors and waited until it was time to leave. Poor Doug (RN) has the unfortunate quality of not being able to tell someone no. He took his time and talked to every vendor trying to barter with them to a price that Doug wanted. After buying his first item, the sharks smelled blood in the water and they all came surrounding Doug. I think he had to buy another suitcase just to pack all his new items (jk).
We were able to spend the rest of the day at the house being lazy.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Haiti Journal Entry #5
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.
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.
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.
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