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…which translates into “busy clinic day”, and it didn’t disappoint! It is but a short walk from the market to the clinic site and word travels fast. But first…we made quick work of the filing last night, after some cooling off on the roof, followed by some fun and games in the kitchen…which were only fair if Wilson was winning. Sleep came easy last night for most, but didn’t last for all…I think Corey had the Haitian version of a stink bug climb in bed with him…a rude awakening for sure in the middle of the night, but after some quick thinking and exterminator work, all was well.  Read More

Despite the fatigue of the day yesterday and the chores last night, we did muster enough energy to enjoy some cooling off on the roof before bed. We did manage to catch up on all our chart filing and we are finding out just how many patients there are on this island who will be accessing care at our future clinic. With this and the 2 previous trips where records have been kept, we are already well over 1,000 patients and at the rate we see patients on every mission, I foresee a patient population numbering 5-6,000 at a minimum.  Read More

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

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

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