Turns out last night we were all so exhausted, we just had dinner, enjoyed the cool breeze on the roof for awhile, played cards, checked out the orphanage boys for any concerns…no scut work. We knew there would be plenty to do today, so it was a good night for a break!
It was a bit cooler last night but unfortunately we have had some team members fall victim to the Haitian “crut” so for some, sleep did not come easy or at all. So far nothing too serious and luckily as the day progressed, they have begun to feel a bit better.
Once we finished breakfast, at least those that ate, we loaded the truck for one last clinic…and guess who is now a smiling member of the truck bed kids…Go Melila! As our staff numbers were a bit depleted today we asked to limit clinic to a modest 75 patients (we have never really done this before) and as it turned out we saw 74 with no backlash at the registration desk…I think Big Boss had spoken. Despite the smaller numbers today, we were sufficiently depleted when the last patient exited…again the heat and closeness drains and this is our fifth day straight…and after all, we have seen and treated nearly 600 patients this week!
Must say it felt good to finish a bit early, load down the truck one final time and head for “home”. The breeze was welcome, we had no muddy mishaps and we arrived back to the shade tree and breeze in good time. The breeze was so welcome that we all just stood there for a moment taking it in before heading down to unload the truck and get a bite for lunch.
After lunch a few of us caught a ride over to the building site and despite there being no work at the clinic site today – it is the 2nd day of the All Saints Day holiday – there is again evidence of progress! Now all the steel is in place for the floor. They will finish trenching for plumbing and installing the proper PVC in the floor next week, weather permitting, and then let the concrete flow!
Once back to the house, some walked again to “short beach” for a needed, refreshing dip. The waves were big today bringing cooler water, which was a refreshing relief…hoping they lay down somewhat for tomorrow’s channel crossing…not so comfortable riding 5 hours to Port au Prince in damp clothing. Either way, this group will make the best of it and forge onward.
We have already finished our chart work like a well oiled machine. We will have dinner and then tackle the medication and supply inventory as quickly as we can, so we might enjoy one last night on the island before turning in. The good news is, we have seen so many patients and dispensed so much medication, there is sure to be much less to inventory! We will most certainly make a fresh start with our return in March, but for now we reflect on the week’s events and hope to have left our “home away” a little better off than we found it…
All for now. Hope to be able to update you all tomorrow evening from our coveted rooftop in Port au Prince!
Love to All,
The Team