Again, a pretty good night sleep for most and the roosters did give us an extra 36 minutes sleep….according to Jil, they sounded off at exactly 4:36 this morning.
Later this morning we learned there would be space on one more motorcycle to go to the first bush clinic. Peter was able to get going quickly and offered his services to help staff the clinic in Grivot, not far from last year’s location in Haus Mustique, but a 90 minute ride from here. He was going with Brooke and others from Jolivert and meeting community health workers in the village to see patients, much as we have done in the past.
Clinic this morning was relatively quiet again by our previous standards, but Kitty reestablished herself as the queen of the “black cloud” with her first patient….a woman who was injured and suffered a laceration above her left eye with a small pumping artery. Roy got to assist in her minor surgery and after about one hour the bleeding stopped and she was able to depart the clinic. Once done, I put Roy to work seeing some patients – I am sure he will do well during his med school clinicals. He connects well with his patients and if he can handle it in Haitian Creole, it will be a piece of cake in English.
While eating lunch, an afternoon thunderstorm dumped on Jolivert. We were all hopeful that those working in Grivot were spared, especially hoping they were not en route on their “motos”, but were certain we would get an embellished tale upon Peter’s return. Alas, no fish stories….sounds like the same medical care being provided everywhere.
The medicine was the same but getting there was the adventure. Luckily, all made it safely and Peter got to ride in comfort in a UN SUV on his return, avoiding the soaking.
The rain has come and gone all day, leaving everyone sticky and indoors most of the afternoon. This led to much discussion about how we want the Starfish Project to grow and what we wish to achieve. We have certainly raised more questions than we have found answers for but the base truth remains the same and that is a desire to help the people of this tiny, impoverished country. And realistically, we will accomplish this goal one person at a time.
Just as we will likely accomplish our goals one person at a time, we will only be able to do so with your sustained support…and I don’t just mean financial, though that will certainly be necessary.
Just as my brain began hurting, the rain picked up again, the fans blessedly began turning and the discussion turned to lighter topics. I am certain we will revisit the other topics upon our return – there will be plenty of time to ensure we get this right!
I will close for now as we anticipate dinner and what we will do to entertain ourselves. Hard to believe we are already half way through our stay. We miss you all but still have unfinished business here.
Love to all,
The Team