Posts written by Adam Sarbin

Graduation Day…One More Step!

It was good to have a night off last night. Some played cards, some went to the roof, some caught up on reading and even studying. It was a good night after an exhausting day.

We awoke with anticipation of another first for the Team…graduation of the first Matwon Class. We are so proud of Kitty and Tom for their tireless efforts shepherding this project through to its completion. They were named as the godparents for this graduation which is a long standing custom in Haiti at such events. They looked like the proud parents they are.  Read More

Just Another Day at Bwa Bouton

So last night after our swim we were treated to my favorite meal – chicken and rice with fried plantains and pikliz. We are definitely not going hungry…and never have on this island. Our friends Gisline and Adeline feed us like their own family!

After a little more work and some friendly…and I might say interesting exchanges on the roof (you know who you are…), we turned in for the night. We awoke to a cloudy, cool morning and eventually some rain. It cleared off in time to load all supplies and team for the next chapter at Bwa Bouton. The ride over was much less treacherous with the work being done on the road…the drive home with the truck loaded down with 13 people was a bit more treacherous, but we made it unscathed! Read More

Let the Clinic Begin!

Last night the generator got going…and kept on going, which meant the fans ran all night…and once we were out, I think most all slept until the roosters provided a wake up call….for most of us. We all enjoyed a delicious breakfast before the continuing pre-Clinic chores.

The team knocked out sorting and bagging meds for today’s clinic like a well oiled machine…probably because I was off on an impromptu excursion to visit another clinic on the island. Kitty, Steve, Scott, Nora and I, along with a couple translators went to visit Kaikok where there is a long established clinic. This is well hidden in the bay where the  Port Morgan resort is located. It reminded me of the fishing village of Point Est from our last trip, although it appeared a bit more affluent. We met the resident physician and his staff and attempted to reassure them we were not trying to compete or even displace their clinic. I thought we acquitted ourselves well, but there always remains some doubt.

Once we departed Kaikok, we returned to assist with final clinic preparations, eat lunch and then it was “clinic on.” Considering we started later than usual, I think we provided a good service today by seeing between 80-100 patients between 1:30 & 4:30, especially considering the change in our process with actual medical record files to search for before even getting vitals to check in. Shout out to Beth, Emma and Corey for keeping the patients coming! For a change, Sarah and Kelly saw the most gruesome stuff….I am certain Kitty will make up for that before the trip is finished.

When we finished and returned to the guest house we met up with Steve and Scott, who had spent time with the building project engineer while we were in clinic. We are no longer speculating and are very encouraged by the plans for the clinic! What is even more inspiring and rewarding is that we found out this building Project is already employing 144 local residents who are now able to provide for their families in the form of food, education for their children and general living expenses…without having to leave their families for the mainland to do so. Win-Win-Win!!

We have now made our trip to the beach with the local children as our escorts, we are ready for a delicious dinner and then we will finish our administrative chores before our clinic in Bwa Bouton tomorrow. I think there may even be some winding down/star gazing on the roof this evening when the work is done!

Our work this trip is just beginning but we have our eyes on the ultimate prize…the day we are no longer needed in this community. Then we will return just to visit our good friends!

That is all for tonight. More again tomorrow!

Love to All,

The Team

Journey On

***Sorry for the delayed post but as you will learn, yesterday was a long day and evening, so here goes and I will try to keep up the rest of the way.***

Our first night in Haiti was cool with continued breezes. We were even treated to quite a rousing basketball duo before bedtime. After all, it is NBA Finals season and if we can’t watch it on TV here, this was the next best thing…a hard fought battle of H-O-R-S-E. I won’t share the winner, but let me just say, Beth has some mad shooting skills! I am told there WILL be a rematch on our return next week. Read More

…With Bated Breath!

This may be one of our most anticipated trips with the excitement of the Peter Y Whitehead Memorial Clinic now in construction!! We are 12 strong on this edition with 2 new members added to our growing family. Welcome to Corey and Beth and welcome back to our other cherished members! Those not with us are truly missed, but we are certain of your return soon!!  Read More