Today started with another long anticipated reunion. We were very excited to see Kez again and now just await our reunion with Christine. We ate a quick breakfast and then turned our attention to getting supplies together for our first clinic. We then embarked on a 1 hour ride to Carrefour where we met Monfort at his clinic.
The patients arrived shortly thereafter and by 9am the clinic was in full swing – before we knew it we were finishing up around 2pm. Between 4 providers we cared for about 150 people.
The ride home seemed even longer with even heavier traffic. This round trip was on yet another new route for us and it is clear that the plight of these people has really not improved.
There are still numerous large and small tent cities all over, toppled buildings and piles of rubble everywhere, trash and refuse on the streets and in what are meant to be drainage creeks that flow to the ocean. It is hard to believe anyone can exist in these conditions yet they go about there business and we see adorable children in uniforms walking the sidewalks to school. We felt quite lucky because we got to see some of these same adorable children up close and personal in clinic after school.
We are also so lucky to have such a nice oasis to return to and a prepared dinner to sustain us.
As the day has worn on, I believe the roosters have gotten the word we are back in town-in fact, I think they are looking for Vanessa. Someone even heard a stray bird last night around 10 so I can only think it is just a matter of time before we hear that old familiar song again. Probably a good thing since I am not sure how long our new friend the Goose will last in this climate.
Hope to rest soundly tonight as we prepare for the same round trip tomorrow (Jeff is working on his telepathic powers to silence the barking dog just outside our window-if he is successful, we will surely need his skills with roosters soon). Please keep this team and the people of this country in your prayers.
Will write again tomorrow. Love to all.
The Team