So last night I did come down from the roof before the card games were finished…and I was like a moth to the flames. I was not disappointed and it turns out JennyMa was getting just as schooled as Wilson. I think they both have met their match and an equilibrium has been achieved.
Once the final match ended we again retired to our rooms for the night, anticipating our final clinic day at this location. We awoke to another fine breakfast after which some joined Léon and Nora for a discussion of our future plans on the island. Just having this discussion a mere 12 months since our first arrival on the island amazes me and gives me so much hope that we will indeed achieve our ultimate goals. Now we just need to raise the funds!!
As clinic was getting started, Emma and Lindsay were treated to some 2nd, 3rd and 6th grade class time – will have to see if Emma learned some Haitian techniques for her classroom some day. She was clearly attentive at the front of the class!
Today’s clinic was much like yesterday’s, although instead of running the “sweet old lady” hypertension clinic, today I enjoyed being a Pediatrician again! The children are so adorable!! As much as I enjoy the sweet old ladies, there is no doubt Pediatrics is my comfort zone, though at times I feel hamstrung not having the meds I want or need….but we must do the best we can under the circumstances.
After lunch and a good rest over a cold drink, some went to make a house call on new Mama and baby Joshua Emanuel – the report was all good! Others stayed back and enjoyed learning more from our hostess, Nora, aka Big Boss Lady, or in Kreyol, Madamn Big Boss. She has been most gracious and is fast endearing herself to our family! We look forward to many reunions as we continue on this journey.
Once we had cooled off from the day, many of us ventured to a beach closer by, which we had visited on 2 prior occasions. It was a beautiful walk and the beach appeared much cleaner today. We were actually accompanied by even more children to this location. One of them gave me the stink eye as we were enjoying some music…and it was on…dance off on the beach! I think for an old guy I acquitted myself pretty well, but am certain I embarrassed my daughter. If Bethanie ever releases the video, my youngest daughter Audrey, the dancer, will certainly be mortified by my display.
We had a nice walk home and I think Emma may have been proposed to yet again on this trip. A 16yr old boy presented her with a beautiful conch shell. Turns out he really just wanted one of her bracelets. Once home we had another delicious meal – this time fish, potatoes and rice & beans.
We then learned the location of tomorrow’s clinic and were initially told there were 300 patients already registered! The team quickly kicked it into high gear again – re-sorting, counting, bagging and packing for the morning. Turns out there was a “slight” miscommunication…there are just 60 patients registered thus far (no telling how that number might grow, but we should still be set for the rest of the week…and maybe even for the next trip).
Once all zipped up, attention turned to the dining room where Wilson, aka “Chicken Nugget” and his cousin Felix, another one of our translators, were running a raucous small Domino’s parlor (apparently another “game you must be intelligent to play”). If goudes were changing hands, Vegas would most certainly be proud. I would not be surprised if Bethanie starts searching for a local game when she gets home!
As the night wore on the team slowly drifted off to bed, leaving just the diehards. We are past the halfway point on this adventure and the heat and work is starting to sap some energy. No doubt though we will all awake energized for the day ahead tomorrow.
Signing off for now. More tomorrow night.
Love to All,
The Team