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Our latest adventures in Haiti

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Hope for the Future

Imagine a warm sunny morning after several days of rain. You have spent your night in a small two-room cement home with your husband and children, and your husband has left very early to go out on the ocean to fish. The labor pains start fast and hard, and you know the baby will be born today. Your labor is too difficult to allow you to walk up the steep hill to ask the “Big Man” on the island for a ride to the clinic in the back of the only truck in your community, so some neighbors pick you up on the springs of your mattress and carry you up the hill.

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A Tale of Two Boys in Two Countries

Recently a Friend in Bedford, VA suffered a puncture wound to his leg while trying to do some yard work. It was a mild injury, but unfortunately his leg became a bit red, and over a couple of days became more and more painful: he had to see a Medical Practitioner in his town to have minor surgery and an antibiotic. It was a bit frightening, but his surgery was done that day in an office setting, and antibiotics took care of the rest. He had already had his tetanus shot and healed very quickly. He paid a copay for his care, but much of the bill was paid by his insurance, and he has made a complete recovery.  Read More

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Home Safe…but One Foot Still in Haiti

We had but 1 mishap on our return trip – Sarah’s carry-on, which was checked in Port au Prince to make room on the plane, never seemed to make it to the carousel in ATL. We were assured it would be forwarded all the way to ROA, so we all regathered for a well deserved dinner and beverage before our last flight.  Read More

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Homeward Bound…aka Hurry Up and Wait

Last night we all cooled down on the roof and shared stories of our week as we listened to a raucous celebration on a nearby rooftop. We were tempted to join the party, but thought better of it as the work of the week had taken its toll.

The generator cut off early, so no fans, and those not in a corner room had a sultry night to endure. All of us were assaulted by the sounds of the night, and for those who have followed our travels, you know that means roosters, chickens, dogs and even some as yet unidentified creatures….it went on all night, building to max decibels just before dawn. In all the years I have spent overnights in Port au Prince, this was definitely the worst night for wildlife noise…and that’s saying something!

At least we didn’t have an early morning. Breakfast was at 9am sharp and boy was it a spread…enough to make the Hotel Roanoke proud – coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, oatmeal, melon, pineapple and mango!! The food here never dissapoints.

After breakfast, we loaded the bus one last time and headed to the airport with Mario at the wheel again…smooth ride. We arrived in plenty of time – surprisingly light traffic on a work day midweek! Of course once inside the airport, it was hurry up and wait…the usual.

Delta ticket agents seem to gather for an hour before actually checking luggage….and then they inform you to go to another line to first have your passport checked before getting to the ticket counter. Then we pass thru TSA security, Immigration, we wait some more, then another passport and personal item check by Delta and then a final wait before boarding the actual plane! For those counting, we had our passports and boarding passes checked no fewer than seven times, eight for those who purchased anything in the duty free store (even if just a soda) and it required another if anyone needed to use the bathroom – actual passport check and an escort! This should be the safest flight in the sky!!

We should be boarding “soon”…maybe, so I will conclude here for now. I will post a quick message on Facebook announcing our arrival in Atlanta and another final post tomorrow once well rested from the day’s travel. Wishing all our loved ones well and looking forward to our reunions!

Love to All,

The Team

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Returning to the Big City

Last night we dined again on a crowd favorite – rice with bean sauce and legume!! Shortly after, our new Director of Medication and Supply Inventory, aka Bethanie, cracked the whip and the fun began. There were bags and bottles flying, boxes opening and closing, papers being filled out and photographed, files being sorted…and an hour later we had taken over one wall in Paulsaint’s storage closet. Our supplies have never been so organized, thanks to the new boxes we brought and mostly the hard work of this team. I always tell myself I don’t think I could love and respect this group anymore, but with every trip I prove myself wrong! Read More