Good morning dear friends in Haiti, in the states and "Earthquake Team" on this day of memorial -
I just want to acknowledge my thoughts of you today. I want to remind the "Earthquake Team" of the significance of their bravery and service that dreadful night and the days following. Willem spoke about the earthquake from his heart to our group 2 nights ago, recollecting much of our experiences together, thanking both our returning team members and those of you unable to return to Haiti this January. He reminded us of God's perfect timing, using Katia and the woman with the ripped off face to bring us to the hospital and the hundreds of others so severely injured. He expressed the miracle of our endurance, skills of our teamwork, abundant supplies from MTM and was very grateful. However, the needs in Haiti remain overwhelming but not insurmountable. The Haitian people have pride and desire, strength and resiliency. To be sure, these are my sentiments as well.
My prayers today for the people of Haiti (as they are everyday) are for unending hope, persistent fortitude, peace that surpasses understanding and to be the recipients of much assistance this year.
With great love and respect for each of you -
sue
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Team 13
Bonjou encore from Haiti –
January 12th, 2012. The 2nd anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti and a permanent mark on my calendar. Ironically, it is also the birthdate of a young man we sponsor, Sadrac, for his school attendance at Mountain Top Ministries (MTM). For me it will always be a day of reflection, remembrance and respect for those who died, suffered and served, along with a day to celebrate the life of Sadrac and all others who are working so hard to survive. Sadrac comes from the extremely poor mountain village of Bonga. From the MTM school and clinic he must walk down the rigorous terrain of the steep mountain, traverse over, up and behind another mountain to reach his home. With the strength and energy of his youth, he tells us his hike takes him about 2 hours each way. Even if I was equipped with good climbing shoes, sunscreen, water bottle and food pack I doubt I could make this trip back and forth in one day. He had a fever yesterday but came to school anyway because school means everything to him. He turns 18 today and is in 7th grade. There is no school in his village, so he was significantly older than other children by the time he could make it all the way to MTM to attend school. As I examined him in the clinic I saw a very large cellulitis on his lower right leg which certainly was very painful. He produced not a wince or flinch as he received bilateral injections of a thick antibiotic into his thighs at the end of his school day. I was glad we were able to treat him, but heartache superseded joy as I watched him stoically and routinely head home, reaching his home well after dark and knowing the difficulty of his path.
We completed our week caring for over 900 patients who found their way to the clinic. As God would have it, many of our clinic patients had significant and complicated disease processes spurring “pathology rounds” for at least 2 hours each night as we discussed each complicated patient’s case and attempted to develop a workable plan. There was no irony in our team’s professional constellation which included a practicing pathologist, a variety of experienced providers and 10 eager graduate level students. We also went to each classroom at the school (600 students), proving the students with de-worming medication, tooth brushes, fluoride varnish and an assessment of their skin and general health. Many children already had significant tooth decay, and were especially eager to receive this treatment – and a new toothbrush. Others had teeth with perfect white enamel, and opened their mouths equally as eagerly, hoping to keep away the cavities that are so hard to treat because of lack of available dental care.
Our non-medical team members continued to be amazing anticipators, keeping each station well stocked with essential medical supplies, health packs, diaper packs, baby blankets, medicated salt and medika mamba (fortified peanut butter produced and purchased in Haiti). Scabies treatment applications, injections, and fearful anticipation continue to produce cries from the babies and toddlers which mingled with much laughter and friendly chatter as the sounds of the busy clinic hit a sustained crescendo throughout the day. One of our team members was in the storage closet sizing up a pair of crocs for a patient when the door was accidentally closed and left her alone inside the small, dark room. She sat there for several minutes just listening to the cacophony of the clinic, visualizing the resiliency, strength and stoicism in every sound – then wiped away a few tears, emerged from the closet with the elusive size 7 crocs and continued on…
For you to be able to fully empathize, I want to tell you about Guerrier, a gentleman who made his way to the clinic on our second day in Haiti. He had significant 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his face, neck, chest and back following the pattern of the spray from a blown hot radiator gasket. His skin was blistered and charred. For four days he came back and forth to the clinic, enduring an excruciating debriding process without facial grimace, sounds or reports of pain. As the cool mountain air blew in from the open windows his body’s reluctant but uncontrollable shivering was the only evidence of his discomfort. He denied hunger or thirst, but when offered a peanut butter sandwich and Gatorade he ate and drank with vigor. The nurses tended to his wounds with skill and tenderness, and on our last day of clinic they taught his 11 y/o son how to help care for him over the following weeks. I have no reticence regarding his ultimate survival, but the endurance, strength, resiliency and stoicism observed in Guerrier, in all the other patients we saw this week, and in the country of Haiti humbles me lower than I can get just by falling onto my knees.
As we drove in the daylight back to the airport for our return home, there were still some very raggedy tent cities, but I was very moved by the open spaces I could now see in Petionville, Delmas and PAP. The acres of defined, square imprints on the ground, separated by only a foot or two of space were still fresh reminders of the thousands of families who lived in such close proximity, under such dire sanitation and social conditions. Despite all the dismal reports of lack of progress (which are true and Haiti needs an abundance of help), I do also want to report the small things.
Brian, some of our guys and a few MTM students were painting a new classroom at the MTM School and were wrapping up their work because they had run out of paint. As they were cleaning up they noticed a very young boy, definitely less than 4 or 5 y/o, scraping the paint remnants from the inside of the empty bucket with a paper plate and putting the scraped paint into the empty paint tray. When he could get no more paint off the side of the bucket with the paper plate, he took his hand, digging deep into the bucket and continued to wipe away all the remaining paint. At this point, the guys were really concerned about the mess the toddler had made with yellow paint on his hands and arms up to his axillae…but not to worry…with absolutely no cues, the little boy then went over to another bucket which was filled with water which they had been using for clean-up, and he submerged his arms into the water and scrubbed all the paint off of himself. Needless to say, the guys were very amused but also in awe of this little boy’s resourcefulness and instinct to conserve and use.
Our friends in Haiti have faith and hope. They have endurance and motivation. Thank you for your continued and various ways of support. We are very grateful!
Brian and sue
January 12th, 2012. The 2nd anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti and a permanent mark on my calendar. Ironically, it is also the birthdate of a young man we sponsor, Sadrac, for his school attendance at Mountain Top Ministries (MTM). For me it will always be a day of reflection, remembrance and respect for those who died, suffered and served, along with a day to celebrate the life of Sadrac and all others who are working so hard to survive. Sadrac comes from the extremely poor mountain village of Bonga. From the MTM school and clinic he must walk down the rigorous terrain of the steep mountain, traverse over, up and behind another mountain to reach his home. With the strength and energy of his youth, he tells us his hike takes him about 2 hours each way. Even if I was equipped with good climbing shoes, sunscreen, water bottle and food pack I doubt I could make this trip back and forth in one day. He had a fever yesterday but came to school anyway because school means everything to him. He turns 18 today and is in 7th grade. There is no school in his village, so he was significantly older than other children by the time he could make it all the way to MTM to attend school. As I examined him in the clinic I saw a very large cellulitis on his lower right leg which certainly was very painful. He produced not a wince or flinch as he received bilateral injections of a thick antibiotic into his thighs at the end of his school day. I was glad we were able to treat him, but heartache superseded joy as I watched him stoically and routinely head home, reaching his home well after dark and knowing the difficulty of his path.
We completed our week caring for over 900 patients who found their way to the clinic. As God would have it, many of our clinic patients had significant and complicated disease processes spurring “pathology rounds” for at least 2 hours each night as we discussed each complicated patient’s case and attempted to develop a workable plan. There was no irony in our team’s professional constellation which included a practicing pathologist, a variety of experienced providers and 10 eager graduate level students. We also went to each classroom at the school (600 students), proving the students with de-worming medication, tooth brushes, fluoride varnish and an assessment of their skin and general health. Many children already had significant tooth decay, and were especially eager to receive this treatment – and a new toothbrush. Others had teeth with perfect white enamel, and opened their mouths equally as eagerly, hoping to keep away the cavities that are so hard to treat because of lack of available dental care.
Our non-medical team members continued to be amazing anticipators, keeping each station well stocked with essential medical supplies, health packs, diaper packs, baby blankets, medicated salt and medika mamba (fortified peanut butter produced and purchased in Haiti). Scabies treatment applications, injections, and fearful anticipation continue to produce cries from the babies and toddlers which mingled with much laughter and friendly chatter as the sounds of the busy clinic hit a sustained crescendo throughout the day. One of our team members was in the storage closet sizing up a pair of crocs for a patient when the door was accidentally closed and left her alone inside the small, dark room. She sat there for several minutes just listening to the cacophony of the clinic, visualizing the resiliency, strength and stoicism in every sound – then wiped away a few tears, emerged from the closet with the elusive size 7 crocs and continued on…
For you to be able to fully empathize, I want to tell you about Guerrier, a gentleman who made his way to the clinic on our second day in Haiti. He had significant 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his face, neck, chest and back following the pattern of the spray from a blown hot radiator gasket. His skin was blistered and charred. For four days he came back and forth to the clinic, enduring an excruciating debriding process without facial grimace, sounds or reports of pain. As the cool mountain air blew in from the open windows his body’s reluctant but uncontrollable shivering was the only evidence of his discomfort. He denied hunger or thirst, but when offered a peanut butter sandwich and Gatorade he ate and drank with vigor. The nurses tended to his wounds with skill and tenderness, and on our last day of clinic they taught his 11 y/o son how to help care for him over the following weeks. I have no reticence regarding his ultimate survival, but the endurance, strength, resiliency and stoicism observed in Guerrier, in all the other patients we saw this week, and in the country of Haiti humbles me lower than I can get just by falling onto my knees.
As we drove in the daylight back to the airport for our return home, there were still some very raggedy tent cities, but I was very moved by the open spaces I could now see in Petionville, Delmas and PAP. The acres of defined, square imprints on the ground, separated by only a foot or two of space were still fresh reminders of the thousands of families who lived in such close proximity, under such dire sanitation and social conditions. Despite all the dismal reports of lack of progress (which are true and Haiti needs an abundance of help), I do also want to report the small things.
Brian, some of our guys and a few MTM students were painting a new classroom at the MTM School and were wrapping up their work because they had run out of paint. As they were cleaning up they noticed a very young boy, definitely less than 4 or 5 y/o, scraping the paint remnants from the inside of the empty bucket with a paper plate and putting the scraped paint into the empty paint tray. When he could get no more paint off the side of the bucket with the paper plate, he took his hand, digging deep into the bucket and continued to wipe away all the remaining paint. At this point, the guys were really concerned about the mess the toddler had made with yellow paint on his hands and arms up to his axillae…but not to worry…with absolutely no cues, the little boy then went over to another bucket which was filled with water which they had been using for clean-up, and he submerged his arms into the water and scrubbed all the paint off of himself. Needless to say, the guys were very amused but also in awe of this little boy’s resourcefulness and instinct to conserve and use.
Our friends in Haiti have faith and hope. They have endurance and motivation. Thank you for your continued and various ways of support. We are very grateful!
Brian and sue
Team 13
Bonjou from Haiti January 8, 2012
Our arrival on January 4th was uneventful from the logistics point of view: O'Hare was ready for all missioners who were eager and on time, all perfectly packed and organized luggage (none over 50# and all inventory accounted for) was waiting for us at the Louveture International Airport along with Willem's robust embrace, many friendly porters, lots of muscle and elbowing, a bit of chaos from customs to the parking lot... but in comparison to previous years...all without a glitch! It was dark with a lot of airport traffic leaving PAP, so Willem took a less familiar route up the mountain. Laborers at construction sites were evident, vendors were packing up for the day, less rubble was obstructive and new sidewalks with new drainage ditches were a happy site. At first Brian and I almost felt like we were about to embark on a Caribbean vacation with 26 best friends but the drive through PAP quickly sobered our meandering thoughts. Garbage and broken buildings were our first jolt, and then came the pass by the first of still many tattered, worn-out and forlorn tent cities with so many families still displaced. Two years of living in conditions without safe shelter, sanitation, clean water or regular food. It's hard to observe so closely this heartache and uncertainty of humanity. There are still many reminders of the ravages Haiti has endured.
The rooster calls, blasts of dogs barking and the aroma of Haitian coffee and breakfast are a certainty early each morning, so there is no chance of over sleeping. An orderly line of hopeful patients snaking around the clinic has been our view from the binoculars each morning, motivating us to organize and get up to the mountain quickly. Many of the team are taking the 30-45 minute trek by foot, experiencing both the rigor of the villager's daily walks, a sweaty start to their day but a burst of energy from each smile and enthusiastic greeting received. Children peek out of door frames and run out to the road, waving and grinning, peeping past their strewn laundry amidst roosters, wash bins and water buckets. It's an emotion that's hard to describe...the joy of a child, the pain of poverty, both at the exact moment. It's the same emotion we feel at the clinic...the joy of helping a person out of their physical suffering from injury and infection, worms, scabies, hypertension, seizures and so many other medical problems while at the same time feeling their pain, knowing their hardship. It's a human experience that will never be fully describable.
We had 3 days of intense clinic, with all 28 of us working in synch: doing our medical passion; passing out health packs, Crocs and salt; filling hundreds of prescriptions while providing education to each patient...an efficiency that is truly amazing! The school children will return from their winter break today so we are also readying ourselves for applying fluoride varnish to all 600 student's teeth over the next 2 days.
Thank you for thinking of us and praying for us through each day. So much more work today, so don't stop yet ... more stories at the end of the week.
Blessings to you!
Sue, Brian, and Team
Our arrival on January 4th was uneventful from the logistics point of view: O'Hare was ready for all missioners who were eager and on time, all perfectly packed and organized luggage (none over 50# and all inventory accounted for) was waiting for us at the Louveture International Airport along with Willem's robust embrace, many friendly porters, lots of muscle and elbowing, a bit of chaos from customs to the parking lot... but in comparison to previous years...all without a glitch! It was dark with a lot of airport traffic leaving PAP, so Willem took a less familiar route up the mountain. Laborers at construction sites were evident, vendors were packing up for the day, less rubble was obstructive and new sidewalks with new drainage ditches were a happy site. At first Brian and I almost felt like we were about to embark on a Caribbean vacation with 26 best friends but the drive through PAP quickly sobered our meandering thoughts. Garbage and broken buildings were our first jolt, and then came the pass by the first of still many tattered, worn-out and forlorn tent cities with so many families still displaced. Two years of living in conditions without safe shelter, sanitation, clean water or regular food. It's hard to observe so closely this heartache and uncertainty of humanity. There are still many reminders of the ravages Haiti has endured.
The rooster calls, blasts of dogs barking and the aroma of Haitian coffee and breakfast are a certainty early each morning, so there is no chance of over sleeping. An orderly line of hopeful patients snaking around the clinic has been our view from the binoculars each morning, motivating us to organize and get up to the mountain quickly. Many of the team are taking the 30-45 minute trek by foot, experiencing both the rigor of the villager's daily walks, a sweaty start to their day but a burst of energy from each smile and enthusiastic greeting received. Children peek out of door frames and run out to the road, waving and grinning, peeping past their strewn laundry amidst roosters, wash bins and water buckets. It's an emotion that's hard to describe...the joy of a child, the pain of poverty, both at the exact moment. It's the same emotion we feel at the clinic...the joy of helping a person out of their physical suffering from injury and infection, worms, scabies, hypertension, seizures and so many other medical problems while at the same time feeling their pain, knowing their hardship. It's a human experience that will never be fully describable.
We had 3 days of intense clinic, with all 28 of us working in synch: doing our medical passion; passing out health packs, Crocs and salt; filling hundreds of prescriptions while providing education to each patient...an efficiency that is truly amazing! The school children will return from their winter break today so we are also readying ourselves for applying fluoride varnish to all 600 student's teeth over the next 2 days.
Thank you for thinking of us and praying for us through each day. So much more work today, so don't stop yet ... more stories at the end of the week.
Blessings to you!
Sue, Brian, and Team
Friday, June 10, 2011
Team 12 May 2011
May 20, 2011, 7:05 am
Bonjou -
The sun is rising, the mountains are cresting, the fog is dissipating and the roosters are in competition with the rhythmic little tree frogs. It is a morning to reflect and be thankful for our safe arrival, for all our luggage to be in tow, for the open arm greetings from our hosts, a delicious meal waiting to be enjoyed and a good night's rest following our first day in clinic.
As we landed in PAP and taxied to the jet way, I summoned my emotional and physical strength in anticipation for the typically chaotic bag retrieval process, armored with a buddy and check-point-check system that rivals the best. We were again greeted with a calypso band in the airport, setting the tone of relaxation rather than stress... lovely! The post-quake make-shift hanger-turn-customs building now had a drop ceiling with inset lighting, fans, signage and an impression of permanence. Haitians are certainly industrious, always making the best of what they have! The next surprise came as we braced to lumber our loads through the long walk over erratic concrete, preparing to ward off the well-meaning but unsolicited assistance by avoiding eye contact and repeating "no, mesi", (which feels unnatural since all we want to do is embrace each hard working man's assistance)...instead we had several airport "porters" who had quickly corralled all our ribboned and numbered suitcases while we were in customs, definitely marking their luggage territory from all the other prowling porters. What a pleasant surprise. No uncomfortable rejection process! Next we enjoyed a smooth exit through the newly created curbed and roofed promenade all the way to the parking lot. The tone of progress was set.
As we drove from the airport through PAP the shadows from rubble piles were fading, scaffolding embraced many damaged buildings, street vendors were in abundance and people were milling about with their loads. New curbing was evident as well as several new stoplights, neither, however, replaced the prominent traffic rules of horn blasting. The tent cities have not changed much, but there was evidence of more permanent temporary housing sprouting about.
Yesterday, our clinic began with a line of more than 100, all holding a rendezvous slip, which is the ticket for a "first in line" follow-up visit. WOW! That was amazing to see how well the system is working, how sustainable the care has become, and how many returned on the date requested. There have been 1-3 teams a month here at MTM post-quake, and consistent care is now the norm. Our team meshed immediately, working symbiotically right from the start. Our missioners all have come with a servant’s heart, no task snubbed, no job too big or small.
Thank you for anticipating our safe arrival, praying us here!
I will report our clinic stories at the end of our week. Please know how much we feel your support and prayers as we bring you with us, helping us care for each precious person.
With great fondness and appreciation :)
Sue Walsh & Team 12
May 25, 2011
Fini Bonjou -
Waking this morning for an early departure it was still dark, and I lay in bed listening to the orchestra of sounds. Caribbean night frogs croak with an interesting combination of musical cadence and wood instrument rhythm, sharing the beautiful rolling French accent of the island. On the cusp of dawn the small tree dwelling birds sweetly flirt with each other as their early chirps lilt through the air, officially starting the concert. Morning doves tandem in quickly with their gentle, consistent coo calls like a clarinet joining the playful flutes. Without being obnoxious but rather quite complementary, rooster calls join in with essential accents to the ensemble as would a saxophonist, along with an occasional donkey bray and several deep lows from a lone cow, definitely rounding out the musical score. The dogs are quiet and will blast soon if someone walks past the compound gate, but for now the air is gentle and soothing, and I love it! I feel sorry for all trippers who wear ear plugs to sleep, because once the house and the rest of the mountain wakes up, the serenade is over.
We had a wonderful, productive week, with our clinic counts again rounding 1000 along with completing the application of the fluoride varnish on the teeth of all the school children with a total of treating 600 students throughout this year. I don't mean to always report "numbers"; it's just that it is so emotional for us to see the seemingly endless lines, and endless needs. I think we all find a form of comfort in this counting, knowing that we saw all who came to us throughout our time here. Of course we had experiences that ranged from heartaches to belly laughs. Heartaches came as we saw both advanced lymphatic filariasis (elephantitis) and early signs of the condition, knowing that the best we can offer is the hope of preventing advancement. Elephantitis is the descriptor of what the filarial worm does to the extremities and scrotum as it clogs up the lymphatic system, causing both to enlarge with the size and appearance of an elephant, causing significant pain and immobility. Prevention, with no cure available, is our goal by treating everyone with the de-worming medication albendazole, and distributing medicated/fortified salt to each family, every trip. We have been doing this for several years, and the Haitians now know about the special salt, and request it :) For other conditions that were severe, we knew that many teams will follow us, including surgical, dental and ophthalmology, so the range of treatment continues to expand with the expertise of all who visit MTM. We were quite amused when a young man reported his litany of complaints including headache, anemia, gripe (a constant cold), backache, acid, dry eyes, trouble reading (requesting reading glasses) with the finale of ailments being "infecion vaginale"... Not sure if the interpreter was confused with his translation or what - but because "infecion vaginale" seems to be the complaint of every female, young and old, it was quite humorous as I was jokingly consulted for this "unusual complaint" which has now spread to the male population!
We are so grateful for all the supplies and medications you have helped us provide. Treatment of hypertension and other chronic diseases seem reasonably well controlled, allowing for a better quality of life, and we had proper antibiotics for all organisms causing infections of all ages. We had the pleasure of having Dr. Tom Keys, an internist and infectious disease specialist from the Cleveland clinic, on our team this trip who helped us with many complicated cases, bring a new depth to our clinical expertise, along with so many other very knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate RNs, nurse practitioners, pharmacist and our indispensible 'non-medicals', who keep all supplies/medications inventoried, stocked and humbly keep the clinic flowing.
In spite of still acquiring scabies and worms regularly, many children are strong and healthy, so treating their recurring infestations continues to relieve their discomfort and suffering, but their overall health is good. We saw no severe malnutrition! Each pregnant mom we cared for, about 35, (here I go counting again!) each child whether they were moderately malnourished or growing nicely, along with an amazing number of people over 60 years old received medika mamba, which is a fortified peanut butter where the peanuts are grown, picked and manufactured into a paste in Haiti. Everyone received vitamins and a health pack as well. We also had the privilege to give to each mom a lovingly made baby blanket and an enthusiastically folded diaper pack for each new young life they were carrying, including those still cradled in the wombs of the strong Haitian women. This mountain oasis at MTM is doing wonderful things for many, and Little by Little is so blessed to be partnering with them.
An excruciating reality of the continued needs of Haiti came to me as I passed through the slum of Carrefour, a very troubled area of PAP, and saw masses living in garbage and rubble reaching proportions that go beyond description or comprehension. Please continue your thoughts and prayers for Haiti.
Again, it was a privilege and pleasure to serve in Haiti with an amazing team of giving, humble teammates, supported by you daily. Thank you for helping us with this mission.
With abundant love and gratitude -
Sue and Brian et al
Addendum: internet was spotty and travel was long but we did arrive safely back to Chicago. Thank you for your traveling mercies prayers!
Bonjou -
The sun is rising, the mountains are cresting, the fog is dissipating and the roosters are in competition with the rhythmic little tree frogs. It is a morning to reflect and be thankful for our safe arrival, for all our luggage to be in tow, for the open arm greetings from our hosts, a delicious meal waiting to be enjoyed and a good night's rest following our first day in clinic.
As we landed in PAP and taxied to the jet way, I summoned my emotional and physical strength in anticipation for the typically chaotic bag retrieval process, armored with a buddy and check-point-check system that rivals the best. We were again greeted with a calypso band in the airport, setting the tone of relaxation rather than stress... lovely! The post-quake make-shift hanger-turn-customs building now had a drop ceiling with inset lighting, fans, signage and an impression of permanence. Haitians are certainly industrious, always making the best of what they have! The next surprise came as we braced to lumber our loads through the long walk over erratic concrete, preparing to ward off the well-meaning but unsolicited assistance by avoiding eye contact and repeating "no, mesi", (which feels unnatural since all we want to do is embrace each hard working man's assistance)...instead we had several airport "porters" who had quickly corralled all our ribboned and numbered suitcases while we were in customs, definitely marking their luggage territory from all the other prowling porters. What a pleasant surprise. No uncomfortable rejection process! Next we enjoyed a smooth exit through the newly created curbed and roofed promenade all the way to the parking lot. The tone of progress was set.
As we drove from the airport through PAP the shadows from rubble piles were fading, scaffolding embraced many damaged buildings, street vendors were in abundance and people were milling about with their loads. New curbing was evident as well as several new stoplights, neither, however, replaced the prominent traffic rules of horn blasting. The tent cities have not changed much, but there was evidence of more permanent temporary housing sprouting about.
Yesterday, our clinic began with a line of more than 100, all holding a rendezvous slip, which is the ticket for a "first in line" follow-up visit. WOW! That was amazing to see how well the system is working, how sustainable the care has become, and how many returned on the date requested. There have been 1-3 teams a month here at MTM post-quake, and consistent care is now the norm. Our team meshed immediately, working symbiotically right from the start. Our missioners all have come with a servant’s heart, no task snubbed, no job too big or small.
Thank you for anticipating our safe arrival, praying us here!
I will report our clinic stories at the end of our week. Please know how much we feel your support and prayers as we bring you with us, helping us care for each precious person.
With great fondness and appreciation :)
Sue Walsh & Team 12
May 25, 2011
Fini Bonjou -
Waking this morning for an early departure it was still dark, and I lay in bed listening to the orchestra of sounds. Caribbean night frogs croak with an interesting combination of musical cadence and wood instrument rhythm, sharing the beautiful rolling French accent of the island. On the cusp of dawn the small tree dwelling birds sweetly flirt with each other as their early chirps lilt through the air, officially starting the concert. Morning doves tandem in quickly with their gentle, consistent coo calls like a clarinet joining the playful flutes. Without being obnoxious but rather quite complementary, rooster calls join in with essential accents to the ensemble as would a saxophonist, along with an occasional donkey bray and several deep lows from a lone cow, definitely rounding out the musical score. The dogs are quiet and will blast soon if someone walks past the compound gate, but for now the air is gentle and soothing, and I love it! I feel sorry for all trippers who wear ear plugs to sleep, because once the house and the rest of the mountain wakes up, the serenade is over.
We had a wonderful, productive week, with our clinic counts again rounding 1000 along with completing the application of the fluoride varnish on the teeth of all the school children with a total of treating 600 students throughout this year. I don't mean to always report "numbers"; it's just that it is so emotional for us to see the seemingly endless lines, and endless needs. I think we all find a form of comfort in this counting, knowing that we saw all who came to us throughout our time here. Of course we had experiences that ranged from heartaches to belly laughs. Heartaches came as we saw both advanced lymphatic filariasis (elephantitis) and early signs of the condition, knowing that the best we can offer is the hope of preventing advancement. Elephantitis is the descriptor of what the filarial worm does to the extremities and scrotum as it clogs up the lymphatic system, causing both to enlarge with the size and appearance of an elephant, causing significant pain and immobility. Prevention, with no cure available, is our goal by treating everyone with the de-worming medication albendazole, and distributing medicated/fortified salt to each family, every trip. We have been doing this for several years, and the Haitians now know about the special salt, and request it :) For other conditions that were severe, we knew that many teams will follow us, including surgical, dental and ophthalmology, so the range of treatment continues to expand with the expertise of all who visit MTM. We were quite amused when a young man reported his litany of complaints including headache, anemia, gripe (a constant cold), backache, acid, dry eyes, trouble reading (requesting reading glasses) with the finale of ailments being "infecion vaginale"... Not sure if the interpreter was confused with his translation or what - but because "infecion vaginale" seems to be the complaint of every female, young and old, it was quite humorous as I was jokingly consulted for this "unusual complaint" which has now spread to the male population!
We are so grateful for all the supplies and medications you have helped us provide. Treatment of hypertension and other chronic diseases seem reasonably well controlled, allowing for a better quality of life, and we had proper antibiotics for all organisms causing infections of all ages. We had the pleasure of having Dr. Tom Keys, an internist and infectious disease specialist from the Cleveland clinic, on our team this trip who helped us with many complicated cases, bring a new depth to our clinical expertise, along with so many other very knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate RNs, nurse practitioners, pharmacist and our indispensible 'non-medicals', who keep all supplies/medications inventoried, stocked and humbly keep the clinic flowing.
In spite of still acquiring scabies and worms regularly, many children are strong and healthy, so treating their recurring infestations continues to relieve their discomfort and suffering, but their overall health is good. We saw no severe malnutrition! Each pregnant mom we cared for, about 35, (here I go counting again!) each child whether they were moderately malnourished or growing nicely, along with an amazing number of people over 60 years old received medika mamba, which is a fortified peanut butter where the peanuts are grown, picked and manufactured into a paste in Haiti. Everyone received vitamins and a health pack as well. We also had the privilege to give to each mom a lovingly made baby blanket and an enthusiastically folded diaper pack for each new young life they were carrying, including those still cradled in the wombs of the strong Haitian women. This mountain oasis at MTM is doing wonderful things for many, and Little by Little is so blessed to be partnering with them.
An excruciating reality of the continued needs of Haiti came to me as I passed through the slum of Carrefour, a very troubled area of PAP, and saw masses living in garbage and rubble reaching proportions that go beyond description or comprehension. Please continue your thoughts and prayers for Haiti.
Again, it was a privilege and pleasure to serve in Haiti with an amazing team of giving, humble teammates, supported by you daily. Thank you for helping us with this mission.
With abundant love and gratitude -
Sue and Brian et al
Addendum: internet was spotty and travel was long but we did arrive safely back to Chicago. Thank you for your traveling mercies prayers!
Team 11 March 2011
March 26, 2011, 8:07 pm
Bonswa to our dear friends and family,
As we settle into our evening activities I wanted to share some of our experience with all of you. Each of us so appreciates your support, your love and your prayers as we move through each day of this work.
Each day is beginning with a glorious blue sky and warm breezes that should envy all of you! :) We gather each morning to a scrumptious meal of fruit, oatmeal and this morning PANCAKES as we contemplated the large crowd of our Haitian friends awaiting us on the top of the moumntain. Many of the team love to walk the mountain roads and traverse across the riverbed greeting friends and patients along their away....a "Bonjour" creates a smile and a wave that is heartfelt and heartwarming all in one.
Our days have been filled with patients needing many different levels of care. Skin infections, malnutrition and asthma remain on the top of the list with an assortment of less severe conditions such as allergies, colds, diarrhea, fevers and pain of all sorts being frequent concerns. (Can YOU imagine carrying 30 pounds of water or vegetables on top of your head, up a steep mountain in cruddy shoes?)... and our favorite moments involving our pregnant mom's first hearing their baby's heartbeat and the new moms bringing their tiny new wee ones for us to see and ooh and ahh over:) It is also truly uplifting to see former patients who share a hug and Haitian team members who work with us on each visit....again sharing hugs and laughter as well as working so diligent and hard to help us meet the needs of our precious folks.
The team is lively, bright and filled with love for these people and our mission. It is a joy to lead this group. Please know everyone is safe, well and enjoying this opportunity to serve. Keep the team in your prayers that we may continue to do God's work and pray that our Haitian brothers and sisters will continue to find us in the days ahead. We noticed today that their needs become greater as our time here lengthens and they come from mountains away.
God bless and keep each of you and know you are loved here in Haiti by Team 11.
Blessings for a restful night,
Vanda & all of Team 11
Bonswa to our dear friends and family,
As we settle into our evening activities I wanted to share some of our experience with all of you. Each of us so appreciates your support, your love and your prayers as we move through each day of this work.
Each day is beginning with a glorious blue sky and warm breezes that should envy all of you! :) We gather each morning to a scrumptious meal of fruit, oatmeal and this morning PANCAKES as we contemplated the large crowd of our Haitian friends awaiting us on the top of the moumntain. Many of the team love to walk the mountain roads and traverse across the riverbed greeting friends and patients along their away....a "Bonjour" creates a smile and a wave that is heartfelt and heartwarming all in one.
Our days have been filled with patients needing many different levels of care. Skin infections, malnutrition and asthma remain on the top of the list with an assortment of less severe conditions such as allergies, colds, diarrhea, fevers and pain of all sorts being frequent concerns. (Can YOU imagine carrying 30 pounds of water or vegetables on top of your head, up a steep mountain in cruddy shoes?)... and our favorite moments involving our pregnant mom's first hearing their baby's heartbeat and the new moms bringing their tiny new wee ones for us to see and ooh and ahh over:) It is also truly uplifting to see former patients who share a hug and Haitian team members who work with us on each visit....again sharing hugs and laughter as well as working so diligent and hard to help us meet the needs of our precious folks.
The team is lively, bright and filled with love for these people and our mission. It is a joy to lead this group. Please know everyone is safe, well and enjoying this opportunity to serve. Keep the team in your prayers that we may continue to do God's work and pray that our Haitian brothers and sisters will continue to find us in the days ahead. We noticed today that their needs become greater as our time here lengthens and they come from mountains away.
God bless and keep each of you and know you are loved here in Haiti by Team 11.
Blessings for a restful night,
Vanda & all of Team 11
Monday, March 28, 2011
Team 10 January 2011
January 5, 2011
Bonjou from Haiti!
It's always such a swing of emotions when we first arrive in Haiti. Initially the thrill of a warm breeze in January sets the the tone for the extremes of sensations to follow. We were greeted with efficiency in customs, smiling hugs from Willem and our other Haitian friends and all of our suitcases! Then our sense and sensibilities were bombarded as we drove from the airport to Gramothe, seeing the rubbled and broken condition of Port-Au-Prince. What was previously a reassuring site of newly erected tents everywhere is now a discouraging view. The tents are raggedy and the smells of poor sanitation and crowded humans coupled with dust and diesel brought my heart to my throat. Our 52 suitcases were piled high in the dump truck, with Brian perched atop tightening security straps as needed and having a bird's eye view of the city. Traffic was stop and go (mostly stop), giving Brian the opportunity to quietly interact with those who caught his seeking looks. Four guys were washing themselves in the street (naked) and quickly engaged in Brian's gaze recognizing him as a source for something good. Brian quickly and instinctively opened up just the right suitcase and threw them health packs, just as the truck jolted away. With wide grins they waved their thanks.
Oops!
Brian just read my email and reported that I made a grievous error...
the four showering males were actually little boys!!! So all readers, please change your visual :)
We arrived at the guest house and learned of Willem's mother's death 2 days ago, sinking my heart down to my stomach. Our rooster buddies were on time with their wake up call, as we prepared to accompany Willem, Beth, Stephan and David to the church, praying Willem's mother to Heaven. Brass music, wailing and rejoicing were melded together with family, friends and flowers in the church, the funeral processional and at the grave site.
The emotional pendulum brought us from the honor of participating in the funeral to the disappointment of not having clinic, to the surprising gift of time to prepare for a full day of clinic tomorrow. We have accomplished, in one afternoon, that which always takes us the full week to unpack and organize. We know by now to leave all timing to God, and it will be right!
I ask you to pray for strength and peace for Willem and his family. Willem, a man who has put his grief in his chest pocket in order to keep room in his heart for the compassion he constantly feels for the villagers who are awaiting health care. He choose not to cancel our trip to grieve, but rather embrace our presence and service.
We look forward to working tomorrow!
With praise that the elections have been postponed and that there is a sense of calm,
Sue, Brian, and the Team
*************************************************************************************
January 12, 2011
Back in town :)
Wow! The stark contrasts of Haiti to sweet home, Chicago were startling from the aerial views and the blasts of temperature variations, noticing first the orderly street grid of Chicago land and the pure white snow vs the chaotic topography of the tents and damaged buildings, garbage, diesel and dust of Port-Au-Prince. As we exited the plane and started the reentry process, we were forced to clock watch as time ticked away in lines for security, customs, and trying to make connecting flights. Old habits of impatience and self-absorption were stifled, but could be felt creeping back. This email could easily turn into another book if I dared to express all the swings of emotions we feel as our team returns. Succinctly, we know how blessed we are in our comforts, and we will work to reconcile how uncomfortable we are with our blessings. We plan to keep our hearts in shape, not allowing them to get narrowed or hardened or broken beyond repair. But instead we will strive to keep them soft and malleable, seeking action to hold the torn edges together, so they can be strong and function for good.
Thank you for praying us through and home!
Sue and Team
In case anyone is interested, I will be speaking about our trip and peddling a few books at the Book Stall in Winnetka tomorrow, Saturday 1/15 starting at 2:00 pm
Susan Walsh, MS, CPNP
Founder of Little by Little
Bonjou from Haiti!
It's always such a swing of emotions when we first arrive in Haiti. Initially the thrill of a warm breeze in January sets the the tone for the extremes of sensations to follow. We were greeted with efficiency in customs, smiling hugs from Willem and our other Haitian friends and all of our suitcases! Then our sense and sensibilities were bombarded as we drove from the airport to Gramothe, seeing the rubbled and broken condition of Port-Au-Prince. What was previously a reassuring site of newly erected tents everywhere is now a discouraging view. The tents are raggedy and the smells of poor sanitation and crowded humans coupled with dust and diesel brought my heart to my throat. Our 52 suitcases were piled high in the dump truck, with Brian perched atop tightening security straps as needed and having a bird's eye view of the city. Traffic was stop and go (mostly stop), giving Brian the opportunity to quietly interact with those who caught his seeking looks. Four guys were washing themselves in the street (naked) and quickly engaged in Brian's gaze recognizing him as a source for something good. Brian quickly and instinctively opened up just the right suitcase and threw them health packs, just as the truck jolted away. With wide grins they waved their thanks.
Oops!
Brian just read my email and reported that I made a grievous error...
the four showering males were actually little boys!!! So all readers, please change your visual :)
We arrived at the guest house and learned of Willem's mother's death 2 days ago, sinking my heart down to my stomach. Our rooster buddies were on time with their wake up call, as we prepared to accompany Willem, Beth, Stephan and David to the church, praying Willem's mother to Heaven. Brass music, wailing and rejoicing were melded together with family, friends and flowers in the church, the funeral processional and at the grave site.
The emotional pendulum brought us from the honor of participating in the funeral to the disappointment of not having clinic, to the surprising gift of time to prepare for a full day of clinic tomorrow. We have accomplished, in one afternoon, that which always takes us the full week to unpack and organize. We know by now to leave all timing to God, and it will be right!
I ask you to pray for strength and peace for Willem and his family. Willem, a man who has put his grief in his chest pocket in order to keep room in his heart for the compassion he constantly feels for the villagers who are awaiting health care. He choose not to cancel our trip to grieve, but rather embrace our presence and service.
We look forward to working tomorrow!
With praise that the elections have been postponed and that there is a sense of calm,
Sue, Brian, and the Team
*************************************************************************************
January 12, 2011
Back in town :)
Wow! The stark contrasts of Haiti to sweet home, Chicago were startling from the aerial views and the blasts of temperature variations, noticing first the orderly street grid of Chicago land and the pure white snow vs the chaotic topography of the tents and damaged buildings, garbage, diesel and dust of Port-Au-Prince. As we exited the plane and started the reentry process, we were forced to clock watch as time ticked away in lines for security, customs, and trying to make connecting flights. Old habits of impatience and self-absorption were stifled, but could be felt creeping back. This email could easily turn into another book if I dared to express all the swings of emotions we feel as our team returns. Succinctly, we know how blessed we are in our comforts, and we will work to reconcile how uncomfortable we are with our blessings. We plan to keep our hearts in shape, not allowing them to get narrowed or hardened or broken beyond repair. But instead we will strive to keep them soft and malleable, seeking action to hold the torn edges together, so they can be strong and function for good.
Thank you for praying us through and home!
Sue and Team
In case anyone is interested, I will be speaking about our trip and peddling a few books at the Book Stall in Winnetka tomorrow, Saturday 1/15 starting at 2:00 pm
Susan Walsh, MS, CPNP
Founder of Little by Little
Saturday, July 3, 2010
May 28, 2010
Bonjour from Haiti!
We arrived safely, to an airport that has recovered in spirit and has become quite functional. A Haitian rendition of a calypso band was a welcoming first sight and sound, after walking down a long, newly built reception hallway, built pre-earthquake to keep travelers off the tarmac. In January, prior to the earthquake, this addition to the airport was all of our first comment, recognizing the growth and forward movement of Haiti, yet missing the celebrity feeling of exiting directly onto the tarmac...but Brian and I knew that now on the other side of that wall was a cracked and damaged building, still not useable, previously filled with water from broken pipes, rubble from broken walls and the chaos of a broken country. To everyone else it was just a walkway to the bus, which then took us to a "remodeled" hanger, being used as the country's customs center. The friendly and happy music and vision of the Haitian musicians was an effective anxiolytic coaxing us into a relaxed frame of mind that Haiti is as resilienient as we are all trying to believe. In the customs hanger the old wood cabinet/desks were salvaged from the damages of falling walls and exploding pipes, set in the middle of a 3 story high echo chamber of a hanger, being reused, providing us with a familiar feel as we stepped forward with our passports to be stamped. Once again, we eagerly claimed on our entrance forms that our reason for entering their country was "Pleasure", and that we had no pharmaceuticals. A blunt blur of truth. All but one bag found their way to the repaired turnstile, the only missing suitcase was filled with diaper packs and peanut butter...nice but not essential. I’m hopeful that whoever establishes custody of that bag will disperse the goods for good use.
The truck ride out of the airport and through Port-Au-Prince was a dusty kaleidoscope of visions and emotions, darting from one sight to another. The familiar movement of Haitians busying themselves up and down each street was reassuring. However, the disconnect of the vision came watching them side step and seemingly ignore the massive mounds of rubble in their paths, in their houses, in their lives. Street vendors were everywhere as usual, setting their goods to the side of a mound of crumbled concrete, or arranging the rubble to suit the presentation of what they are selling or where they wanted to sit. Behind the vendors and the distorted walls of previous dwellings and stores were tents, sheets, tarps, kids, people, dogs, rubble, all blending together in a dusty, diesel filled blur. Being in the open bed trucks with 40 suitcases and 20 white people, we are a sight. Everyone on the street looks intently at us, with seeking a gaze. The traffic was slow so it was easy to make eye contact with the stares. Each Haitian, young and old smiled at my searching looks. I was momentarily reassured but permanently humbled. If I allow myself to recognize the reality of what resiliency means to a Haitian...
Our first day of clinic we were greeted with 250 people waiting patiently for us and our offerings. We were careful to not be overwhelmed by the numbers in line, taking time to listen, touch and connect with each person. The amazing consistency of maladies, concerns, way of life, from pre to post earthquake almost has me lulled into thinking that all effects of Jan 12th are forgotten.
June 2, 2010Hi from Haiti -
It's 5 am Weds morning, I LOVE waking to roosters and dogs, to sunrise and green mountains!!! With sky breaking into peeks of blue, and puffs of cotton clouds rolling down off the tops and dips of the hills, there is no rain, and there is no line at the clinic, we are happy!!! I have a peaceful heart from these visions. We've had an incredibly full week, with a team that has been able to anticipate the needs of the Haitians and has been intuitive of each other’s needs as well, both physically and emotionally. As is typical of our trips, we seemed to have everything we needed. The missioners have a skill set that has been unbelievably diversified, compassionately and carefully treating patients with infections, infestations, injuries, worms, high blood pressure, and trying to provide some comfort for the headaches of anemia and arthritis of such a hard life, that is literally always up hill. It's been so amazing to see people again and again over the years, to have a familiar Haitian hug, to see health improving in this small oasis at Mountain Top. We've had just enough health packs, just enough medications, just enough blankets, crocs, peanut butter, laughter, energy...It is more and more evident with each passing trip that we are bringing all of you with us, as you support us, help us pack and pray for our work. The only thing we seemed to be missing is more time to spend here!
We have not been able to get through a day here without a little miracle, reasons for joy but also the unstoppable tears of sadness. A 12-year-old boy blinded by cataracts likely from measles, a man without a hand and without a daughter he lost in the earthquake, a 7 lb 7 month old... I will never, ever have a completely settled mind as long as it is filled with the remembrance of sick children and the blank stares of a child with malnutrition. I will, however, discipline myself to remember that God is in control, and that He reminds us of His love and hope, and that we can be His hands and feet to do something about the happenings of this world.
I want to share a quote with you from Jimmy Valvano, who was the basketball coach for N. Carolina State. He gave a speech at the ESPT awards 1 month before he died of cancer at age 47. His words are moving..."We should do this every day. Number one is laugh, you should laugh every day. Number 2 is think, you should spend some time in thought. Number 3 is you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that 7 days a week, you're going to have something special".
Our trip has been special - thank you for being a part of it!
With much love – sue and Brian and the rest of the Little by Little Team
Bonjour from Haiti!
We arrived safely, to an airport that has recovered in spirit and has become quite functional. A Haitian rendition of a calypso band was a welcoming first sight and sound, after walking down a long, newly built reception hallway, built pre-earthquake to keep travelers off the tarmac. In January, prior to the earthquake, this addition to the airport was all of our first comment, recognizing the growth and forward movement of Haiti, yet missing the celebrity feeling of exiting directly onto the tarmac...but Brian and I knew that now on the other side of that wall was a cracked and damaged building, still not useable, previously filled with water from broken pipes, rubble from broken walls and the chaos of a broken country. To everyone else it was just a walkway to the bus, which then took us to a "remodeled" hanger, being used as the country's customs center. The friendly and happy music and vision of the Haitian musicians was an effective anxiolytic coaxing us into a relaxed frame of mind that Haiti is as resilienient as we are all trying to believe. In the customs hanger the old wood cabinet/desks were salvaged from the damages of falling walls and exploding pipes, set in the middle of a 3 story high echo chamber of a hanger, being reused, providing us with a familiar feel as we stepped forward with our passports to be stamped. Once again, we eagerly claimed on our entrance forms that our reason for entering their country was "Pleasure", and that we had no pharmaceuticals. A blunt blur of truth. All but one bag found their way to the repaired turnstile, the only missing suitcase was filled with diaper packs and peanut butter...nice but not essential. I’m hopeful that whoever establishes custody of that bag will disperse the goods for good use.
The truck ride out of the airport and through Port-Au-Prince was a dusty kaleidoscope of visions and emotions, darting from one sight to another. The familiar movement of Haitians busying themselves up and down each street was reassuring. However, the disconnect of the vision came watching them side step and seemingly ignore the massive mounds of rubble in their paths, in their houses, in their lives. Street vendors were everywhere as usual, setting their goods to the side of a mound of crumbled concrete, or arranging the rubble to suit the presentation of what they are selling or where they wanted to sit. Behind the vendors and the distorted walls of previous dwellings and stores were tents, sheets, tarps, kids, people, dogs, rubble, all blending together in a dusty, diesel filled blur. Being in the open bed trucks with 40 suitcases and 20 white people, we are a sight. Everyone on the street looks intently at us, with seeking a gaze. The traffic was slow so it was easy to make eye contact with the stares. Each Haitian, young and old smiled at my searching looks. I was momentarily reassured but permanently humbled. If I allow myself to recognize the reality of what resiliency means to a Haitian...
Our first day of clinic we were greeted with 250 people waiting patiently for us and our offerings. We were careful to not be overwhelmed by the numbers in line, taking time to listen, touch and connect with each person. The amazing consistency of maladies, concerns, way of life, from pre to post earthquake almost has me lulled into thinking that all effects of Jan 12th are forgotten.
June 2, 2010Hi from Haiti -
It's 5 am Weds morning, I LOVE waking to roosters and dogs, to sunrise and green mountains!!! With sky breaking into peeks of blue, and puffs of cotton clouds rolling down off the tops and dips of the hills, there is no rain, and there is no line at the clinic, we are happy!!! I have a peaceful heart from these visions. We've had an incredibly full week, with a team that has been able to anticipate the needs of the Haitians and has been intuitive of each other’s needs as well, both physically and emotionally. As is typical of our trips, we seemed to have everything we needed. The missioners have a skill set that has been unbelievably diversified, compassionately and carefully treating patients with infections, infestations, injuries, worms, high blood pressure, and trying to provide some comfort for the headaches of anemia and arthritis of such a hard life, that is literally always up hill. It's been so amazing to see people again and again over the years, to have a familiar Haitian hug, to see health improving in this small oasis at Mountain Top. We've had just enough health packs, just enough medications, just enough blankets, crocs, peanut butter, laughter, energy...It is more and more evident with each passing trip that we are bringing all of you with us, as you support us, help us pack and pray for our work. The only thing we seemed to be missing is more time to spend here!
We have not been able to get through a day here without a little miracle, reasons for joy but also the unstoppable tears of sadness. A 12-year-old boy blinded by cataracts likely from measles, a man without a hand and without a daughter he lost in the earthquake, a 7 lb 7 month old... I will never, ever have a completely settled mind as long as it is filled with the remembrance of sick children and the blank stares of a child with malnutrition. I will, however, discipline myself to remember that God is in control, and that He reminds us of His love and hope, and that we can be His hands and feet to do something about the happenings of this world.
I want to share a quote with you from Jimmy Valvano, who was the basketball coach for N. Carolina State. He gave a speech at the ESPT awards 1 month before he died of cancer at age 47. His words are moving..."We should do this every day. Number one is laugh, you should laugh every day. Number 2 is think, you should spend some time in thought. Number 3 is you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that 7 days a week, you're going to have something special".
Our trip has been special - thank you for being a part of it!
With much love – sue and Brian and the rest of the Little by Little Team
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