Haiti • September 2010

This is just a note to thank all of you for including me on the latest team to Haiti. The devastation in Haiti is truly heartbreaking and there is so much to be done. These are a few brief highlights of out time in Port au Prince and Leogane
 
On Monday, our team—Lisette Narragon (team leader) Lauren Fox and I-- were able to organize and clean out the storage room at the Hopital Francais where our first two teams worked in February and March. It was good to have the time to get everything in order.

Lisette Narragon, Lauren Fox, driver Joseph, Mary Salica
 
We then went to St. Vincent’s center for the Disabled, the most amazing school and home, where the July team had established a relationship. The residents and staff were very welcoming and came asking for help in dealing with acute problems resulting from the earthquake, as well as severe chronic problems that so many were born with. Michelle, the nurse at St. Vincent’s, did her best to stay on top of translation, as did Lisette who was translating and treating at the same time.  Patients who were seen and treated by the previous team were happy to report their progress. The time went quickly and we saw quite a number of patients. We spent the evening organizing our supplies.
 
Tuesday we proceeded to the nursing school in Leogane. The head of nursing did have to cancel at the last moment, but we went anyway in the hope of making contact with one of her colleagues. As it turned out, we got to speak to Shirley Dieuveille who was very gracious with her time. She expressed interest in pursuing a course in Homeopathic instruction for the nursing students and promised to speak to Hilda Alcindor (head of nursing). Shirley also gave us a complete tour of the school.
 
Our driver, Joseph did a great job steering us (as well as he could) over earthquake ravaged roads and countryside. Joseph was very helpful and protective of the three of us. We took a brief rest stop at a private beach on the way back to Port-Au-Prince. (Picture attached)
 
Wednesday we arrived, as scheduled, at the Notre Dame School for Nursing in Port-au-Prince to begin our teaching program. Lisette did an amazing job teaching First Aid etc. in French, especially considering the miscommunication about time allowance-- we thought instruction would be an hour, they thought all day. Lisette taught for three hours, meeting with enthusiastic response from the 65 participants. Afterwards we discussed the curriculum for an ongoing program of Homeopathic instruction both acute and chronic. They are truly a wonderful group of staff and students.
 
That afternoon we returned to St. Vincent’s school with a first aid kit and instructions for Michelle (Pere Leon very happy for her to have it). Two students asked for help and we did a brief workup for them, as well as for the accountant for the school.
 
My team mates and I did our best to be as helpful as possible. We were happy to return to The Plaza Hotel at the end of our long days. It is a bright, refreshing oasis and an unexpected luxury.
 
Again, thank you for including me on this team. My hope is to return to Haiti in whatever capacity would be most useful.
 
 Mary Salica
 
PS. Joe, I did receive the T shirts. They worked out very well, lightweight, very comfy. Thank you.