Monthly Archives: March 2015

(Disclaimer – sorry for the delayed post. My phone died while traveling and I did not have long enough anywhere to recharge adequately. And once home I was way too tired to stay up to finish, but here it is now…mea culpa.)

Last night (Saturday actually) I got to speak with all my girls and cannot wait to see them. After wishing them all a good night, I rejoined the group for a rowdy game of Tourettes. I imagine, for a change, the Haitian people in the hills of Port au Prince were wondering, “what is THAT noise?”…it was the sound of a bunch of Americans laughing hysterically on a rooftop in Haiti…music to my ears!

Once the game was over we descended to our rooms exhausted, I think physically, emotionally and mentally as is common at this stage of our trips. Sleep came quickly for me, but as is the case in this crowded city, the constant barking of dogs and crowing of roosters quickly roused and disturbed slumber through the night. I have come to realize I need to stay in one place long enough to acclimate to the native sounds of the night before I am able to sleep soundly through. Maybe next trip?? Read More

Last night we had a nice conversation with our hosts from Mission of Grace in Carries and it leaves our group with many new questions as we explore our options and search for a way to establish our own identity in this tiny country with such great need. No matter the outcome of our deliberations, I know our commitment to serve the Haitian people will not falter.

After much conversation, I think we all hit the sack exhausted and most, if not all, slept rather soundly with no wildlife interruptions. I awoke around 6 AM feeling rested and spent some quiet time reading and thinking before the rest of the team began stirring. At 8 AM sharp a delicious breakfast was served, including a ham and cheese omelet and the best ripe mango ever! We then made our way to the orphanage to play with and hold as many cute kids as we could. Some proceeded on to the senior citizens home, playfully referred to as the Granny’s Home, and some of us just kept holding those kids! Read More

Last night we were interrupted intermittently and throughout, starting at 10 PM, by all manner of wildlife…dogs, then goats, then Charlie, then a burro and let’s not forget the roosters. By 5 AM all these random sounds coalesced into the usual cacophony that we have “lovingly” come to know as our Haitian wake-up call…and since we knew we had an early start in clinic, we rolled out for an early breakfast.

Then it was all hands down the hill for an early clinic and we saw nearly 60 patients in the 2 hours we had before our departure. Today I even got Chelsea seeing patients and she knocked it out of the park. Unfortunately, we left a few loose ends for Dr. Daniel as well as a full waiting area. We did however see a 2 month old in follow-up who had recently lost her mother and had not been feeding. I am happy to report she was taking formula for her aunt and had gained weight in the past 2 days – success! Bravo Carey, Sarah and Melila! Another small life saved and SO cute!!! Read More

Last night, no rain, which I think emboldened all the wildlife, mostly the dogs and roosters. Around 1 AM our watchful canines must have sensed danger and were patrolling the perimeter constantly and incessantly barking…which in turn awoke the roosters early…and repeatedly. Result – NO SLEEP!!!

Read More

Yesterday we had on and off showers late into the evening, which kept things cool and allowed most to get a decent night’s sleep…at least while the bears were quiet. However, I believe we were all treated to the serenade of the 3:45 AM rooster again. He was alone until his peers joined in about a half hour later, after which little sleep was had by most of the team.

Once awake, we enjoyed a wonderful pancake breakfast, compliments of our host Blaud. With full bellies and water bottles we trooped down the hill to get ready for both local and outreach clinics. Soon after, several motos arrived to take the group to the first true Bush Clinic of the week. Once meds were gathered, we were assigned to our motos and mounted up. Ches was experiencing a motorcycle for the first time and…wait, no helmet. I wonder if her mother knows this…oh yeah she was on the moto just behind her! Read More