Return to Paradise Lost

By Adam Sarbin November 14th, 2016

Good morning All,

My apologies for the delay in my message. We have had difficulty posting as our signal is very weak on the island so far.  Please be at peace now knowing we have arrived safely. It was a long day and a half of travel to arrive here but the process was very smooth. We even met another remarkable young man, Antonio, on the flight from Miami. He is hard working, motivated, well educated, well traveled and works for the government in Port au Prince. For those who have followed us, he reminds me very much of a slightly older Josi. He remains in his country when other members of his family and some of his close friends entice him to leave for greener pastures. He wants to stay in his home and work to improve his country. 

Following the usual gauntlet at the airport, which we managed to navigate for a mere C-note this time, we met up with Gary, got all loaded and embarked on the drive to Les Cayes. Made it in a land speed record…just 3 and 1/2 hours and nobody was injured in the process, despite some near misses. I believe if our van had wings we could have reached a comfortable cruising altitude of about 27 feet.

Once in Les Cayes it was apparent much work had been done to clean up after the storm already. We boarded our boat and made a calm trip to Ile a Vache where we saw more evidence of the damaging storm in the stripped and dying trees, and closer up, the destroyed dwellings. We were however greeted by the island pig, cooling off in the “surf.”

After unloading all bags and settling in to our rooms, we were escorted to the beach for a quick dip to wash off the sweat and dust. Then back up to the guest house for dinner and the long process of sorting and bagging meds before turning in for the night. I am greeted this morning with the calls of the wild, which is reassuring knowing that so much was lost in the storm.

We now prepare to begin the process of connecting with the people of this island as medical providers. We hope to earn their trust as we take further steps in our desire to bring reliable, sustainable medical services to a population in such need and so deserving.

Please wish us well in our endeavors today and throughout our stay.

Love to All,

The Team