The Medical Mission to Haiti

Back in January I went on a  medical mission to Haiti.  Our group joined with Medical Missions Work, to establish a free-standing medical clinic in the remote mountain village of Fond Jean-Noel and provide healthcare to the children and staff of three orphanages in the city of Leogane.

The mission consisted of three distinct parts: our arrival to Leogane and visits to the orphanages, the medical clinic in Fond Jean Noel, and the return to a Leogane orphanage then on to a Port au Prince school, then home to the USA. 
Haiti is very mountainous. The people get around on motorbikes, 4-wheel drive trucks, tap-tap buses, and on foot. The people carry just about everything on their heads. I tried to get pictures but I was usually too awed to get the shots. 

While at the medical clinic over 350 people received care and medications. The people walked 3-4 hours to attend the clinic and were very appreciative of our efforts. The most common problems were headaches, neck and back pain (carrying all that stuff on their heads), high blood pressure (the yummy food), stomach problems (the spicy, yummy food), and stuffy noses (lots of lush, green woods in the country, auto exhaust in the city). We ran out of stomach meds quick. 
In the mountains I didn't see any obese people probably because of all the walking they do. No smokers, either.  I didn't see too many old people either, though. Most of the people in the mountains died before they got old, however I did have a 90 year old patient. Her complaint was her knees hurt when she walked up the mountains. She was grateful for ibuprofen and blessed me countless times. 

The experience was humbling; the memories of which I will hold close and keep in my heart forever. I am forever grateful for the love of family and friends who helped make the mission a success. 

Here's a few of the pictures I took while there. 

Lots  of motorcycles in Haiti. The whole family will get on one bike. I saw as many as five on one bike at the same time. Most of the motorbikes are small by American standards, under 200 cc's. 

Our group consisted of hospital workers from Portland, Maine and two nurses from Gainesville, Florida. I'm in the front, third from the right.

Security at the Residence in Leogane. 

Dinner at the Residence 

The surrounding area from the orphanage. Very lush and green

One of the girls from the first orphanage

One of the older girls at the orphanage taking care of one of the little ones. 

New dresses are special

Handmade dresses for the girls donated by a local church. 

The second orphanage on our agenda.

Denise with one of the children at the orphanage. 

A day off and we still go to the hospital. 

Surgery at the Leogane Hosptial. The hospital is well known for its treatment of filariasis (elephantitis). Here the surgeons take time from their practices in the US to treat the patients. The nurse in the picture is a member of the hospital staff.

We heard about this orphanage in town. They were out of food and had beds for 6 of the 30+ children there. 

We brought groceries,  lots of beans, rice, oil, and other supplies to help them out. The next day some of our people went back to build beds and deliver mattresses. 

The Tap-Tap buses intrigued me. Each one was brightly painted. You tap the side when you want to get on or off.  Unfortunately, they are not known keeping a strict schedule.

Another tap-tap bus.

We had to cross the river to get to Fond Jean Noel

Going through a market town on the way to Fond Jean Noel

Vegetables for sale at the market

A shop owner's son. His smile is infectious

Emily instructing women at the clinic in the use of the Days for Girls bags. 

Haitian Alarm Clock

The day we arrived back in Port au Prince the locals were upset about the upcoming elections. Yes, that is a very serious weapon the officer is holding. 

A group of students at the school. Our interpreters run the school. The men grew up in an orphanage and finished high school whenever they could. One of the gents finished at 29 years old, not because he didn't have the smarts but because he didn't have the money, and never gave up. He is a remarkable guy, very knowledgeable in history and writes the curriculum for the school. 

Denise and one of the students. The students learn to paint and raise money for the school through their artwork.

I learned several things on the mission. Here's a few things:

1) People respond to a gentle touch and voice regardless of the language.

2) Children laugh at jokes and silly stuff. I am known as “Grann Feu” or Crazy Grandma. I hope to learn magic tricks before I go back....and bring my clown wig and nose.

3) Education is a treasure and should never be taken for granted. Finish when you can and never stop learning. 

4) You can carry a lot of stuff on your head if it is positioned well...and you have a cushion for your head.

Post by Eileen who took a few days from GoofingOff Sewing to do nursing care in Haiti.