tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34612061473749691092024-03-13T14:29:26.633-05:00WTN Haiti PartnershipThis blog was created to allow members of the West Tennessee Haiti Partnership (WTHP) to add their own stories and pictures of their experiences, as well as allow friends to view what we have been up to and add their own thoughts. We also provide updates on the rebuilding of St Vincent's school for Handicapped Children, since the disastrous earthquake of 1/12/10.WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139933208283675604noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-88631097261048196632016-10-13T19:39:00.004-05:002016-10-13T21:34:03.088-05:00Simple Joys<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today is my last working day in Haiti. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1882249014" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tomorrow</span></span> I fly home to Memphis. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sipping
delicious Haitian coffee this morning and feeling the cool breezes.
Anyone who has travelled to Haiti knows these simple joys. Amid the
experiences of disappointment and frustration there are smiles and hugs
from old friends. A child's grin. The lilting "Bon Jou" from every
passing stranger. Fresh mango for breakfast. Brilliant pink flowers
bursting from the rocky hillsides. And that fantastic coffee. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday was full and running over. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jennifer
(Director of Development for Governing Board St Vincents) and I went
with Pere FanFan to meet Bishop Duracin and Vundla, COO (Episcopal
Diocese of Haiti) Full support voiced for our new Governing Board and
continuing our work at St Vincents.</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0C0IbMHxw8/WAA-75H1NcI/AAAAAAAAEOY/Dleq84eD4YI3J2pTztNtzstw20jqbzwnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0C0IbMHxw8/WAA-75H1NcI/AAAAAAAAEOY/Dleq84eD4YI3J2pTztNtzstw20jqbzwnwCLcB/s400/IMG_3808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spent the rest of the day at the school. An unexpected treat because our schedule originally was to be elsewhere<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> b</span>ut in true Haitian fashion, plans changed. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just a few tidbits from our day:</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An adult teacher who is deaf asks if she could start sleeping at the school. She teaches at St Vincents from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1882249015" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00 am until 3:00 pm</span></span> every day. Then goes to school in the evening from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1882249016" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7-9 pm</span></span>. Her home is 2 hours away by tap-tap. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rather than travel late at night and arrive home at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1882249017" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">midnight</span></span>, could she sleep in one of the dorms? Aurelie(new school administrator) had to come up with an answer. What would you do?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">School
secretary and school nurse inventories all the supplies our team
brought. Ibuprofen. Aspirin. Tylenol. Diapers. Bed liners.
Hydrocortisone cream. Kerlix gauze and ACE wraps. Bandaids. Alcohol
wipes. Washcloths. And so on.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QvGL7GO5eI/WAAnDNey_9I/AAAAAAAAEOA/_pn8NUySWkoD4_fWQoqjWHmZzKS84yB1ACLcB/s1600/Image-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QvGL7GO5eI/WAAnDNey_9I/AAAAAAAAEOA/_pn8NUySWkoD4_fWQoqjWHmZzKS84yB1ACLcB/s400/Image-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rMkmqBax7U/WAAnJ1co0KI/AAAAAAAAEOE/pi-5EDgJh6ITHmWvy2sUtM5fRroQzkoJACEw/s1600/Image%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rMkmqBax7U/WAAnJ1co0KI/AAAAAAAAEOE/pi-5EDgJh6ITHmWvy2sUtM5fRroQzkoJACEw/s400/Image%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aurelie received 7 barrels of shipped goods from Friends of St
Vincent in Connecticut. Before she distributes them she wants to make a
full inventory and label everything. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of
the dorm residents has an eye infection and needs a prescription. Dr.
Groce from SCO writes the prescription, after consulting with Dr Marius
the local Haitian eye doctor. Dr Groce then gives the written rx to
child's caregiver. She later gives it to the head caregiver. She in
turn gives it to Mr Noel, one of the administrators, who sends a driver
to pick it up </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(this process took 3 days)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A
family comes to see Pere FanFan with their handicapped daughter asking
for prayer; she is two years old but has not learned to walk and can't
hold her head up. Pere FanFan invites me to meet them, sets out chairs
for all of us, then leaves the room. They speak no English of course.
I realize suddenly I am expected to give a medical consultation<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mom and dad and godmother are here with beautiful child dressed in pink lace and perfect black patent leather shoes.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>Jennifer
quickly offers to get Aurelie to help translate. Child was born
prematurely at 7 months because of preeclampsia in the mother. Has
never been ill but can't walk or stand. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>hey have sought many doctors
including voodoo priests to find answers. Is their child under a curse?</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They
obviously adore this child and she is well cared for. Next 30 minutes
spent reassuring parents they are being excellent parents No she is
not under a curse. She was born two months early and her development is
delayed. She says a few words which is a good sign. Her muscles are
well developed which means her nutrition is good (like all parents of
two year olds they worry their child doesn't eat enough)</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep
her in physical therapy, she may learn to walk with a walker. She is
only two so there is hope she will learn more and get stronger. No
there is no medicine or surgery that can fix this. And so on. By the
end of this encounter my Kreyol was in full swing and Pere FanFan came
back. We all prayed for the child. Powerful experience. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After
all that as Jennifer and I are dragging ourselves to the car , the
senator arrives. Representative of the local region of the Haitian
government who is a good friend and advocate for St Vincents. Printemps
Belizaire. It is now <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1882249027" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:00</span></span>
but there is no choice but to return to Pere FanFan's office for a
meeting. "5 minutes " became the catchword for our day yesterday. 5
Haitian minutes, that is.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smiles and handshakes, gratitude expressed, stories exchange<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d</span>. As we rose to leave (30 minutes later)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>Jennifer asked Msr Belizaire what he would tell Americans about Haiti.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Haiti is a country with much hospitality, he said. Come and join us and stand together with us in solidarity. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W58W14T-PcQ/WAAoW6l8nbI/AAAAAAAAEOI/CRKdAkj2E94UCJUWzmnl0MZfn5D8j0bewCLcB/s1600/Image%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W58W14T-PcQ/WAAoW6l8nbI/AAAAAAAAEOI/CRKdAkj2E94UCJUWzmnl0MZfn5D8j0bewCLcB/s400/Image%25283%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nou kanpe ansanm</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heading for the car I am greeted by Mackenson. He has graduated
from college but must pay for his diploma. I promised him I would help
him with this if he found out the fee. He has texted me earlier (during
the endless meeting with the senator) the fee was 1500 Haitian gourdes
or $160 US. That can't be right because 1500 gourdes is about $22 US.
So I write a check for $25 to the school so that Pere FanFan can pay for
Mackenson's diploma. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New text from Mackenson says he's sorry
but the fee is 1500 Haitian dollars ($300US) or 7500 gourdes. ($113 US)
Neither of these numbers make sense either. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkXyKo9a3jc/WAA_Fu_BalI/AAAAAAAAEOc/8sLAlbaIhO48NGCeYoTNQ-PpukOEfZySgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkXyKo9a3jc/WAA_Fu_BalI/AAAAAAAAEOc/8sLAlbaIhO48NGCeYoTNQ-PpukOEfZySgCLcB/s400/IMG_3767.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mackenson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So as I'm
climbing into Pere FanFan's truck I ask someone for a pen so I can write a
check for $135. Maybe that's close to the correct amount?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Numbers in Haiti, like time, seem fluid. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My
departure, saying goodbye to Mackenson and Victoria and the few
children who were hanging around in the courtyard, waving goodbye to
Marie Carmelle, felt like tearing something away. It always feels like
that when I leave St Vincents on the last day. Leaving my family. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU">
<div class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":p4" role="button" tabindex="0">
</div>
<div class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":p4" role="button" tabindex="0">
</div>
<div class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":p4" role="button" tabindex="0">
</div>
<div class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":p4" role="button" tabindex="0">
<img class="ajT" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="m_-1856877376291150853acompli_signature">
</div>
<div class="m_-1856877376291150853acompli_signature">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Susan Nelson</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-59596731831436194842016-10-10T21:33:00.003-05:002016-10-12T13:45:56.048-05:00Another Day at St Vincents<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More fun today as the eye doctors gave out most of the rest of the eyeglasses they brought. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQqFaGP727M/V_6Ey1CqeXI/AAAAAAAAH_0/vfgPU_vR26A2vUwnbKzIWb1WNweL4lK5wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQqFaGP727M/V_6Ey1CqeXI/AAAAAAAAH_0/vfgPU_vR26A2vUwnbKzIWb1WNweL4lK5wCLcB/s320/IMG_3726.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One
girl with a very strong prescription came back today, wearing her
glasses which made us happy. Many of the children take their new glasses
and put them in their pocket! But she bounced up to us and recognized
Kelly, one of the eye doctors. This is a girl who was using touch to
identify people. Now she saw her from a distance and ran up to her,
smiling! Locson, our interpreter, asked her what color my shoes were.
"Vert!" (Green) she said. Then she turned and RAN UP THE STAIRS. The
school administrator, Aurelie, couldn't believe it. "She never did
that before!" was her comment. Miracles. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alicia
insisted that "Drew's kids" come downstairs for the morning, so they
could be outside. So Auguste, Diana, Vundla and Yolene spent the
morning on the stage watching the other children get their glasses.
Then Yolene and Diana got to choose their own sunglasses. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Yolene was very particular and wanted the red ones. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oy-WTLgHAE/V_5ESq4WM4I/AAAAAAAAENk/mxUKm93S3K08hVfuoFt-Dw24fj5k-Qf5wCEw/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oy-WTLgHAE/V_5ESq4WM4I/AAAAAAAAENk/mxUKm93S3K08hVfuoFt-Dw24fj5k-Qf5wCEw/s400/IMG_3735.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Later Clauricienne displayed her art, which today was painted seashells.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7pdCWfIk_k/V_6ELP8wtgI/AAAAAAAAH_s/973bsiE51-gPxZQpJarSTRh8U_tvSLr6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_3720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7pdCWfIk_k/V_6ELP8wtgI/AAAAAAAAH_s/973bsiE51-gPxZQpJarSTRh8U_tvSLr6QCLcB/s320/IMG_3720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I bought a whole table full, of course. She talked with Sherye
about finishing her projects for her diploma in fashion design. The
school has several sewing machines which have been donated but needed
repairs, and we saw them being fixed today by a man named Jean Claude. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1R2RSJa_qzA/V_5ESg7lgZI/AAAAAAAAENs/E1WbiRAaSTMM1A2jgaxv-UKqqTmRNbFzgCEw/s1600/IMG_3764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1R2RSJa_qzA/V_5ESg7lgZI/AAAAAAAAENs/E1WbiRAaSTMM1A2jgaxv-UKqqTmRNbFzgCEw/s400/IMG_3764.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clauricienne does great work and we hope she will be
able to start her own small business with the skills she has learned.
Not bad for a girl with no hands except for one finger You have to
watch her to believe it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was so much
more happening today but honestly I barely have the energy to write
about it. Our eye doctors met Dr Marius, the Haitian eye doctor who
works at St Vincents medical clinic every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1475243880" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>.
I believe they have established a connection which will help all
concerned, as SCO plans to bring a team of optometry faculty and
students every year.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNJLqjG5R08/V_6EWdMM15I/AAAAAAAAH_w/H9zMtTCFUbsxeq6a8XMmubLWqbmoeBn_ACLcB/s1600/imagejpeg_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNJLqjG5R08/V_6EWdMM15I/AAAAAAAAH_w/H9zMtTCFUbsxeq6a8XMmubLWqbmoeBn_ACLcB/s320/imagejpeg_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tom
Landry came to the school on the afternoon , always a rock star to the
kids when he arrives. Brittany, our pharmacist, now lives in Haiti and
she came to visit as well. Funny to meet old friends from the US at our
home away from home in Haiti</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all had dinner (and a few adult beverages!) at the Hotel Montana </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1475243881" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tomorrow</span></span>
our group splits up to various destinations; two visiting another
school for the deaf, two going to visit a sponsored child in another
part of Port au Prince and two (including me) going to meet with Bishop
Duracin (Bishop of Haiti). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sherye is already asleep at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1475243882" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:00</span></span>
and I'm almost there. Good night to our faithful supporters. Know
that St Vincents is in its usual state of mildly controlled chaos, with
miracles happening every day. Same as always. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Susan</span></div>
David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-20713694549499677962016-10-10T21:33:00.001-05:002016-10-12T14:02:21.089-05:00EYE CLINIC AT ST VINCENT'S<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Group of 4 arrived safely in Port au Prince last night and were met
at the airport by Pere Fan Fan, Jennifer Wickham, and a couple of
friendly faces from St Vincents. Port au Prince looked pretty dry to us
as we drove to the hotel, there was a nice breeze and I was happy to be in
Haiti. Jennifer and Alicia rode in the back of the truck with all the
suitcases and we arrived tired but happy at the Hotel Montana.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This
morning it was great and reassuring to walk through the school gates
and see the familiar faces. Marie Carmelle. Jonas. Adrien. Locson.
Jean Robert. Lots of hugs and smiles. The school seems unchanged,
unaffected by the hurricane. Worried stories, however, from staff with
families in Les Cayes and Jeremie. School was closed all last week, but
today everyone was supposed to return. Yet there are missing folks..
Frenel and Jean Marc are still in Jeremie. Blanda is not in school. No
one knows exactly if they are OK or not because word is still difficult
to get from the villages and towns that were cut off by Hurricane
Matthew. Many staff told me their family home was damaged or destroyed
in these villages. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life at St Vincent's,
however, seems to go on, so we set up eye clinic on the stage in the
courtyard. Dr Groce. and Dr. Varney have brought 80 pairs of eyeglasses,
specially made by Southern College of Optometry over the summer based on
prescriptions written by the eye team that was here in May 2016.
Several of the children received very strong prescription glasses, which
means they will be able to see in a completely new way. Imagine what
that does to your brain, to suddenly have images to process which it has
never seen before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Tinos; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP--iWNukgk/V_xOnpqMLeI/AAAAAAAAEM8/PH5n8INGgo0Aa5fR8KL04uXr3qW8PF9tQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP--iWNukgk/V_xOnpqMLeI/AAAAAAAAEM8/PH5n8INGgo0Aa5fR8KL04uXr3qW8PF9tQCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Fitting glasses</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arianna received tinted glasses which won't help her
see any better, since she is almost completely blind. She only sees
light and dark. But with the glasses, she won't have to squint
constantly to block out the sun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYD8s-UwXBY/V_xOxgLyiHI/AAAAAAAAENA/T_ocrKNWMA4Avi2XaQeaIq3Ilf1gluY1wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYD8s-UwXBY/V_xOxgLyiHI/AAAAAAAAENA/T_ocrKNWMA4Avi2XaQeaIq3Ilf1gluY1wCLcB/s400/IMG_3676.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Ariana and Sherye<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marie Carmelle and Jean
Robert have new bifocals; and are learning to use them. The gift of
sight to the caregivers who take such good care of the children year in
and year out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYy9ajgS0Fw/V_5BiJXhz8I/AAAAAAAAENY/-T-w6HaJW9EQdtPNWwYKcZ46FMj0fRjHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYy9ajgS0Fw/V_5BiJXhz8I/AAAAAAAAENY/-T-w6HaJW9EQdtPNWwYKcZ46FMj0fRjHQCLcB/s400/IMG_3690.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Marie Carmelle in her new glasses.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PKvSytDNTM/V_xOfLRttxI/AAAAAAAAEM4/iWZy-mdqQ-kFvbdaQ3Zleor6jF9bwFaLgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PKvSytDNTM/V_xOfLRttxI/AAAAAAAAEM4/iWZy-mdqQ-kFvbdaQ3Zleor6jF9bwFaLgCLcB/s400/IMG_3658.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean Robert tries out his new glasses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank
you to all the donors who handed me wads of cash this past week. It
turns out the water pump system was repaired yesterday and the children
have clean water again. Food is expensive but does not seem to be in
short supply at the moment. Aurelie, the new school administrator, is
working tirelessly to bring order and structure to the school. In
fact, a group of St. Vincent's students helped pack emergency supplies
for people in Les Cayes, so they are reaching out to help others in
greater need than themselves at this time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
library is still operational, with children's books that have had
braille added, or French translations taped in over the English words.
Even a braille copy of Harry Potte<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r.</span> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
day ended with a limb crunching ride of 5 people in the cab of a truck
with one front seat and a jump seat. Every time one of the two people
in the passenger seat shifted positions, she changed the gear of the
car. Those of us in the jump seat (basically big enough for an umbrella
but stuffed with 4 backpacks and two adult humans) lost all the
feeling in our legs during the 90 minute drive stuck in traffic.
Nothing a mango daiquiri on the patio of the Hotel Montana couldn't fix,
however!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1475243778" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tomorrow</span></span> hopefully a repeat of today, to hand out the rest of the eyeglasses. </span></div>
David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-43592963965841100382016-10-10T09:45:00.001-05:002016-10-13T11:08:33.125-05:00Two sides, both needed: Relief AND Development! (by Janet O'Flynn)<br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">From the blog of Janet and Donnel O'Flynn, where they tell the story of the first year of the new Rehabilitation Dept. of the Episcopal University in Haiti. </span><br />
<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.14894em; margin: 27px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="font-family: "pt serif", georgia, times, serif;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto;"><img alt="2016-10-09-09-44-51" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-938" height="400" originalw="646" scale="2" src-orig="https://haitiotptdegrees.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/2016-10-09-09-44-51.jpg?w=646" src="https://haitiotptdegrees.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/2016-10-09-09-44-51.jpg?w=1292" style="box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="299" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today is the first day I left the campus. I walked across our small town to church, about a mile away, in the early morning. I half expected to be making detours to avoid standing water, since the photos I saw from the trip the nursing students took through town on Thursday showed rivers running where the roads should be, just a few blocks from our campus. Instead, I saw dry streets, with piles and piles of branches and leaves, carefully cut into lengths and swept together. A lot of trees went down – and so the sun was a little brighter on my walk.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were fewer people at church than normal, maybe 2/3 of the usual number. The rector is away, on a trip to the US to be with his wife who lives and works in Florida. The visiting priest who celebrated and preached seemed at first very formal and distant, but during the singing of Kréyol hymns (rocking out rhythms!) and during the preaching he lightened up. It was a LONG sermon. It seemed to me with my limited Kréyol to have two points. The first was about how to build faith, live in faith, no matter what – and the “no matter what” was the hurricane. The second point, based on the Scripture texts for the day about the Naaman the Syrian (who did give thanks), and about the ten lepers who were cleansed (but only one gave thanks), was that we need to be sure to be grateful! Maybe we lost property, maybe we had injuries, maybe our family took harm, but we are alive and we are here. The priest said that so often we pray for ten days for deliverance from a problem, and then we pray in thanks for ten minutes when it is resolved!</span></span></div>
</div>
</header><div class="entry-content" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "source sans pro", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin: 27px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;">I think that for Haitians the relief of still being here, after the storm, is almost immediately followed by a sense of alarm about the next thing! Maybe that’s true in every part of the world, but here the calamities seem to roll along at a faster clip. So a practice of stopping to give thanks is a very timely discipline. In fact, it is part of everyday habit to say, when asked “how are you?”, “Fine, thanks to God!”</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;">For me, as an American in a helping profession, this has been an odd day. As I returned to the campus, walking with a nursing student, there were two very large helicopters passing overhead, toward the west. The Marines are here to deliver aid and medical care, and at least two of the US medical teams we have gotten to know here at the guest house have been posting their plans to come to give emergency care. It is an exciting prospect, full of adrenalin and idealism. It would be very appealing to have something particular to offer, to climb onto that helicopter and go straight into the areas of devastation, where human beings are without clean water, food, shelter, and medical care. It is vital rescue work!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;">We in fact do “own” a little part of that, as an FSRL team member (Diana Honorat) has set up a “GoFundMe” page for the families of our small group of rehab students who have had significant losses from the hurricane. The most significant loss was for our second year PT student, Micza. Her family’s home and two businesses, in Port-a-Piment, were completely destroyed. Her family members are still in a public shelter, along with most of the people in that small coastal town. Money given through that page will go directly to that family. Only two “middlemen” will handle it: Diana first, and then me, and then it will be in the hands of these people in dire need.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;">Here is that link: https://www.gofundme.com/2tbja9gc</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;">The fourth year nursing students here have also accepted the challenge of making a contribution to relief, in the following way. They are going to canvass the students and faculty, and with the funds collected will buy dry foods and clean clothing to distribute in Léogâne during the coming week. It is a grass-roots, all-Haitian, effort, and that is a pure joy to see!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;">But even though I am not going into the heart of the catastrophe, I take solace in remembering that Relief is only the first part of the story! Development is the second part, which is what all of us who are supporting FSRL are involved with every day! I am still after all these months and even years of working on this convinced that it is what Paul Farmer calls an “Area of Moral Clarity”. Paul Farmer, the celebrated medical humanitarian who along with Dr. Kim started Partners in Health, makes the very good point that so many things in our lives are ambiguous, morally complex. So, when we find an “Area of Moral Clarity”, we should rejoice and give it our full effort! As far as I can tell, FSRL is in that Area of Moral Clarity. It is a college program that needs to exist, so that Haitian OTs and PTs can go out into the community and, with full professional credentials, make a crucial difference for people with disabilities.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 27px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;">So that’s why we are all working so hard together on this! We all can take heart, and keep on going! I think of the slogan from President Obama’s campaign, years ago: “Si, se puede!” or “Yes, we can!” How about, “Oui, nous pouvons!” or “Wi, No pou fé sa!"</span></div>
</div>
WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139933208283675604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-78344797569659425842016-10-08T09:56:00.000-05:002016-10-08T09:56:03.088-05:00Small Medical Team going to St Vincent's Oct 9This was not SUPPOSED to be a medical team visit. This trip was intended to have a small group visit the school, see our friends, have a Governing Board meeting, and fly home. Then came Hurricane Matthew.<br />
Of course, nature has her own ideas and now we are flying into Port au Prince 5 days after the massive storm. Winds of up to 230 mph they say. How is that even possible? <br />
I have read, as many of you have done, every news clip I could get to, trying to get accurate information. The news reports seem to photograph every disastrous scene, with people walking in water up to their necks. <br />
News this AM from Jeremie, further west along the southern coast of Haiti, looks very bad. 80% of the town was damaged, they say. Mango groves decimated. Homes washed away in the mud.<br />
Yet, our friends at St Vincents tell us they are safe and unharmed. Port au Prince had high winds and heavy rains, but none of the children or staff at the school were injured in the initial storm. Their main problem now is getting food and clean water. The water pump system at the school is damaged and not functioning properly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsvBqnuKssY/V_kIdE-ZHdI/AAAAAAAABJc/7ZkFiYCjJ1wuXCTb-Yfy8snShshOWnMagCLcB/s1600/st%2Bvincents%2Bafter%2Bhurricane%2Bmatthew.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsvBqnuKssY/V_kIdE-ZHdI/AAAAAAAABJc/7ZkFiYCjJ1wuXCTb-Yfy8snShshOWnMagCLcB/s320/st%2Bvincents%2Bafter%2Bhurricane%2Bmatthew.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Yesterday John Mutin tried in vain to get medical supplies from our usual source; we typically order these SIX WEEKS IN ADVANCE for our medical trips. Hoping to get a last minute supply of first aid items. Let's say they politely declined (laughed at) us. Before our readers rush to send me boxes of bandaids, let me say I found another source and now have a suitcase full of ace wraps, bandaids, gauze rolls and diapers. (Diapers?) Think about the school with rooms full of handicapped children who are incontinent.<br />
As is common, people are quick to be kind and offer support. Two people handed me wads of cash yesterday, "use however you need it". One gave me a (big) check to buy a suitcase full of granola bars and peanut butter crackers to take to the children. Such generosity.<br />
<br />
Our team is Sherye Fairbanks who will interpret for the deaf children, Alicia Groce and Kelly Varney, both optometrists from Southern College of Optometry (SCO), and myself. We will be joined by Jennifer Wickham, new Director of Development for St Vincent's Governing Board. All except Kelly have been to Haiti before; all have met or emailed this week to share anxieties, worries about the children, what to bring in our suitcases, fears from our families and our own insistence that nothing could keep us from going to Haiti tomorrow. Drs. Groce and Varney are bringing 75 pairs of eye glasses. Why eye glasses after a hurricane? Back to the original plans for the trip which were made months ago. A team from SCO went to St Vincent's in May, and over the summer SCO has made all these prescription eyeglasses for the children they saw. Some of them, Dr Groce tells me, will no longer be "blind" when they get their eyeglasses. Each pair has the name of the child and a photograph, all carefully prepared when the team was at St Vincent's in May. Each pair potentially life changing for a handicapped child. <br />
<br />
<i>May/June 2016:</i> 15 people plan to make a medical service trip in Oct. to St Vincent's, flights booked<br />
<i>July/Aug 2016: </i> plans to open the school are in question, residents will be temporarily housed elsewhere while new construction is underway, there will be "no school in the fall"** and no students to see, so medical team/flight plans are cancelled.<br />
<i>Aug 2016:</i> Susan and Sherye decide to go as a pair, Governing Board plans to meet at Hotel Montana Dr Groce is invited to come along to distribute the eyeglasses that have been made.<br />
<i>Sept 20, 2016</i>: **School opens<br />
<i>Oct 4, 2016: </i>Hurricane Matthew. Board meeting cancelled, team prepares for disaster relief instead<br />
<br />
Such is the typical litany of working in Haiti. Plans made, changed, changed again. <br />
<br />I sincerely appreciate the support sent to me through text and emails this last week, and apologize for not answering all of them. It has been a whirlwind. I take all of your love and prayers with me to the children and staff of St Vincent's. They know they are not forgotten. <br />
<br />
<i>Susan Nelson </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-35604145010954151502016-05-31T16:15:00.000-05:002016-05-31T16:15:04.161-05:00Eye team last day in Haiti May 12, 2016<i>Blogger's note: I apologize that this is being posted as a late entry. The story of what this incredible team did for the children and staff of St Vincent's is amazing to believe. The photo of the team is especially poignant because JoJo, who helped them translate for their clinic, died two days after they finished clinic. None of us knows what the next day will bring! It is so important to treasure the moments with people we care about. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5NgftXO6Y0/V03-bZ3cC2I/AAAAAAAAA_o/4C-EJ__CxbgGfyFiJ-y6yHHkNn3-yUjnACLcB/s1600/image1%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5NgftXO6Y0/V03-bZ3cC2I/AAAAAAAAA_o/4C-EJ__CxbgGfyFiJ-y6yHHkNn3-yUjnACLcB/s320/image1%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Day 4 (Thursday May 12, 2016)<br />
<br />
We made our final journey to the school for the last day of clinic this week. I have to admit that the remaining number of individuals in need of an exam that day was a daunting one, as we didn't want to leave without meeting our intended goal of seeing every student at St. Vincent's.<br />
<br />
We quickly got to work after arriving as we had done the days before and started examining the six remaining classes of students. Our efficiency noticeably improved as we were able to conduct the exams with better ease. Working through the obvious difference in language (whether French, Haitian Creole or sign language) was less of an obstacle as we picked up key phrases or gestures with help from the students and our interpreters.<br />
<br />
Knowing this was our last day, we made time to interact with the students and distribute some of the gifts we brought with us. The bandanas were definitely a huge hit with the students, with many of them lining up and requesting one by gesturing the act of wiping their face. We had plenty of stickers, bubbles, and lollipops to go around and were able to put lots of smiles on the students faces! This was probably my personal highlight of the week, just being able to really meet face to face with the individuals we have the pleasure of serving during the week.<br />
<br />
Today was definitely the busiest day of the week, with us working through part of our usual lunch break. I can say with great pleasure that we were able to examine each student that was present during the week as well as many of the administrators, teachers and staff. We saw a total of 197 students and staff today! A complete breakdown of our patient encounters for the entire week is below:<br />
<br />
409 patients seen (students and staff)<br />
154 pairs of prescription glasses ordered/dispensed<br />
137 pairs of sunglasses dispensed<br />
5 low vision devices dispensed/ordered<br />
38 ophthalmology referrals<br />
89 patients with identified ocular pathology<br />
<br />
Knowing that our team was able to provide a much needed service to many individuals was very rewarding, but what is even more rewarding are the relationships that we have been able to form during the past few days. Many hearts and minds were changed as a result, leaving none of us the same as when we first arrived. For that, we are so thankful to St. Vincent's for allowing us the opportunity to share our gifts through service and very grateful to each individual, who through much preparation, made this trip possible. The experience has been mutually impactful and we hope to meet again. Until next time...au revoir!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Feyi Aworunse</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-60250991240348909582016-05-28T15:40:00.000-05:002016-05-28T15:40:38.113-05:00JoJo's Wake<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Haiti, as in the US sometimes, folks have a wake to remember their loved one, tell stories, celebrate their life with us. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1591507808" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>
night we gathered in the courtyard of St Vincent's with all of the
residents, many of the staff, as well as many in the deaf community from
outside St Vincent's. Sonya had given me a collection of photos of
JoJo, including a CD. This CD became the slide show backdrop for the
celebration. Children and adults alike kept looking at these photos as
they read prayers from the Prayer Book, some tearing up as they spoke
about their lives with JoJo.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pere Fan Fan asked
me to say a few words on behalf of the Friends of St Vincents and
others, and I include my brief comments below. Clauricianne helped me
translate my words into Kreyol so I could speak first in Kreyol and then
in English, with Sherye signing for the many deaf in the audience. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">PIcture
a darkening concrete courtyard, under a canvas covering, with JoJo's
photos projected on the concrete wall to one side of the audience. Men
working on connecting a light bulb to the canvas covering, throughout
the celebration, as the evening got darker and darker. No light ever
came on, but they continued to work diligently . At one point the power
went out and even the light from the projector went out. I'm not sure
the deaf could actually SEE Sherye interpreting for them, but no matter.
It was very touching to be part of this remembrance for "Msr Joseph
Jean Paul".</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sherye and I are very happy to be
here with all of you today. We bring the hearts of our friends in the
US and Canada who could not be here today. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hope with Friends of St Vincent's</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pere Drew with West Tennessee Haiti Partnership</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sonya who sent the photos of JoJo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sam with 100 Gardens</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tom with Jacob's Color Link</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Karen with Healing Hands Canada</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All
of us remember JoJo, and he was a friend to everyone who came to St
VIncent's. He taught me many things about this school, about the
children, about Haiti. I have 3 of his paintings in my house. Sherye
also has 2 paintings in her house. He showed all of us how to live.
How to be strong. How to have many friends. How to welcome the
stranger. JoJo's friendship stays with us after he is gone. We will
never forget JoJo.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Zanmi m'wen Sherye e mwen nou kontan icit la paske nou we tout moun jodi-a. Nou pote ke zanmi yo ki pa vini ici jodi-a.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hope ak Friends of St Vincent's </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pere Drew ak West Tennessee Haiti Partnership</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sonya ki te voye fotos JoJo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sam ak 100 Gardens</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tom ak Jacob's Color Link</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Karen ak Healing Hands Canada</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tout
moun sonje JoJo. Li te zanmi chak moun ki visite San Vinsan. Epi chak
elev l'ecole. Li te pale'm anpil de San Vinsan, anpil bagay de timoun
yo ici, anpil bagay de Ayiti, peyi sa ke m'renmen. M'genyen 3 tablo de
Jojo nan kay m'wen. Sherye genyen 2 nan kay li. Li te montre tout moun
kijan pou viv! Kijan pou gen fos. Kijan pou genyen anpil zanmi.
Kijan pou di bienveni a etranje. Zanmitay Jojo rete ici ak nou apre li
te ale. Nou pa janm bliye JoJo. </span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-15278081654119742702016-05-28T15:37:00.000-05:002016-05-28T15:37:00.282-05:00Joy and Sadness<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sherye and I are in the Hotel Montana, having just enjoyed
breakfast and tea on the patio and now in the airconditioned room taking
a rest before going to St Vincent's to see the kids. It doesn't feel
like I'm in Haiti somehow, where uniformed staff bring bottled water to
my room and we have television and air conditioning. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arrived
last night in a heavy rainstorm. Driving through Port au Prince at
night is a different experience than our usual treks in the daytime. We
rode with the windows open, feeling the lovely breeze and the rain mist
on our faces. We chatted briefly with our driver in a mix of Kreyol
and English, passing the usual Salon Beaute and FanFan Tire Shop and
Loto stalls, with motorcycles driving towards us, in our lane, only to
swerve out of the way at the last minute back into their own lane of
traffic. Headlights are the only lights on the street at night, now
reflecting from the rain drenched streets. Potholes are to be driven
AROUND, not through, as they contain rivers of water. At one point our
driver joked that his car was also a boat, as we drove/floated across
one deep gully that crossed the entire road. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We
were shocked to pay $80 for the airport transfer to our hotel, and
realized we should have negotiated that price BEFORE we left rather than
after . Another lesson learned. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am excited
to see the kids today. This is an unexpected trip for me to Haiti, of
course for the very sad reason that we have come for the funeral of
JoJo. But it is a treat nonetheless to be able to see the children. We
plan to spend the day at the school, and Pere Fan Fan has planned an
evening event at the school <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1591507796" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tonight</span></span>
for story telling and sharing about JoJo. That will be a sad and yet
joyful time, celebrating the life of this amazing man who was a friend
to all the children, staff and visitors of St Vincent's and an example of
what the human spirit can be. Pere Fan Fan has asked me to say "a few
words" on behalf of the Friends of St Vincent's, the West Tennessee
Haiti Partnership, Jacob's Color Link and 100 Gardens. All partners in
helping the school. We will join in our shared grief at the sudden loss
of this incredible man, who only two weeks ago was helping the
optometry team from Memphis.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sherye and I have
filled our water bottles and have our phone/cameras ready. I have
brought prints of JoJo, sent to me by Sonya, to hand out as mementos for
the children. They have all grown up knowing JoJo their entire lives.
I am grateful to those who made it possible for us to come on this
trip, especially Bishop Johnson who generously paid for our plane
tickets. Other folks like Diane Reddoch have donated to help defray our
travel expenses, (like the $80 cab ride, YIKES) and I am grateful to
you all. We bring all of you with us.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9TiOjtOGFQ/V0hliCv4feI/AAAAAAAAECw/kmS8a8j0-ykAWvCvB9KY-HZx2hZmLE9sACLcB/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9TiOjtOGFQ/V0hliCv4feI/AAAAAAAAECw/kmS8a8j0-ykAWvCvB9KY-HZx2hZmLE9sACLcB/s400/IMG_2854.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan and Sherye at the Atlanta airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Susan Nelson </span></div>
David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-18757489838229754102016-05-17T19:02:00.000-05:002016-05-17T19:02:09.284-05:00Joseph Jean Paul - memorial fund<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Several of you have expressed a desire to help cover medical costs and funeral arrangement for JoJo</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> I have asked Hope Lennartz to receive any donations and to forward them to Pere Fan Fan, via the Diocese of Haiti. I encourage all of us to participate in this special fund. Please mail your donation to:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Hope Lennartz</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
105 Federal St</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
W Hartford, CT 06110</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Please mark it clearly "For JoJo memorial fund"<br /><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We are grateful to Dr. Dianne Jean-Francois and Regine Polynice for their assistance in seeking professional counseling for the children as they begin to live their lives in the absence of Jojo. These children have known JoJo all their lives and are saddened and shocked by his sudden death. </span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We are all united in our thoughts and prayers for Jojo, the children, the teachers, and all who knew and loved him.</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">May God continue to bless them,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Susan Nelson</span></div>
WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-40455631487356011822016-05-16T09:11:00.002-05:002016-05-16T09:11:18.566-05:00Remembrance<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am stunned by the news that my friend, Jo Jo has died. Truly he was
one of the most unforgettable characters I will ever meet. This kindly
man took me into his heart and taught me what it means to be Haitian. He
survived the earthquake which took so many Haitian lives but by chance
and The Hand of God lived to tell his story. He was one of the first
children Sister Joan rescued from the street and always had the welfare
of the children and St. Vincent's foremost in his heart. May his soul
and the souls of all the faithful rest in peace. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drew</span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-42530500098192890462016-05-15T14:00:00.002-05:002016-05-15T14:00:55.875-05:00Remembrance
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Menlo Regular";
panose-1:2 11 6 9 3 8 4 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-436198657 -771687941 33554472 0 479 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Plain Text Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.5pt;
font-family:Courier;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
span.PlainTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Plain Text Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Plain Text";
mso-ansi-font-size:10.5pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.5pt;
font-family:Courier;
mso-ascii-font-family:Courier;
mso-hansi-font-family:Courier;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"To say I'm devastated is an understatement. I just found out that my friend, </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">JoJo, passed yesterday. He was an amazing man who loved his family at </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ecole St Vincent Haiti unconditionally. He welcomed me into his community </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and made me feel like part of the family. JoJo always greeted me and hugged </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">me as only he could. We drew together, painted together, laughed together </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and he kicked my BUTT in checkers every single time we played - we even </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">dined and swam together on occasion. He was a huge advocate and unofficial </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">spokesperson for inclusion of people with disabilities in Haiti and a sweet </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(albeit sometimes ornery!) man. I am so thankful to have known him for all </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">this time. JoJo, you will be sorely missed but I know you are dancing around </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heaven right now, getting ready to paint with 2 hands!!! </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">#withlovefromHaiti"</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sonya Yencer</span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HD3iBizZ4y0/VzjFv5Ak4XI/AAAAAAAAEBo/1WqBMw7xgXIOdzyya1HDM-iZeHci04DMQCKgB/s1600/IMG_6449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HD3iBizZ4y0/VzjFv5Ak4XI/AAAAAAAAEBo/1WqBMw7xgXIOdzyya1HDM-iZeHci04DMQCKgB/s400/IMG_6449.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRyHFg0qu1s/VzjFv3Trx-I/AAAAAAAAEBg/wiSq8dn-ePsWaBW0iFpOmE7Qh-p26jPDgCKgB/s1600/IMG_6450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRyHFg0qu1s/VzjFv3Trx-I/AAAAAAAAEBg/wiSq8dn-ePsWaBW0iFpOmE7Qh-p26jPDgCKgB/s400/IMG_6450.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSWLFB6Ltkg/VzjFv44orlI/AAAAAAAAEBk/xD-k6U2cnjoU7msIIE2oEdWjNHDimK5lwCKgB/s1600/IMG_6451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSWLFB6Ltkg/VzjFv44orlI/AAAAAAAAEBk/xD-k6U2cnjoU7msIIE2oEdWjNHDimK5lwCKgB/s400/IMG_6451.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6MNXPwlQfU/VzjGiqGGM0I/AAAAAAAAECA/kg06-NEVHIgoCZmHCk7_eCxddp8OQ3PoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6454%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6MNXPwlQfU/VzjGiqGGM0I/AAAAAAAAECA/kg06-NEVHIgoCZmHCk7_eCxddp8OQ3PoQCLcB/s400/IMG_6454%25281%2529.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncGUoxjsTMI/VzjFwECrmuI/AAAAAAAAEBs/yF1n5ZScTTIzwbrf3HlZOKURBV4PP4JxACKgB/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncGUoxjsTMI/VzjFwECrmuI/AAAAAAAAEBs/yF1n5ZScTTIzwbrf3HlZOKURBV4PP4JxACKgB/s400/IMG_6453.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2upbBRI2Y8/VzjFwSqKEOI/AAAAAAAAEBw/MfPsJNbeL2Es5bOwUkcOp5BHuhoPjrY_wCKgB/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2upbBRI2Y8/VzjFwSqKEOI/AAAAAAAAEBw/MfPsJNbeL2Es5bOwUkcOp5BHuhoPjrY_wCKgB/s400/IMG_6456.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDCgx5PKrnk/VzjFwov0OhI/AAAAAAAAEB4/3INszYffMVgKoihRpKSUTpdVY4PhNVagQCKgB/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDCgx5PKrnk/VzjFwov0OhI/AAAAAAAAEB4/3INszYffMVgKoihRpKSUTpdVY4PhNVagQCKgB/s400/IMG_6457.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eK5dOT2WC0/VzjFwoFx5uI/AAAAAAAAEB0/0Jyya_ABtLsnNap9sgUJ6Eg2Jk2HMBoNACKgB/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eK5dOT2WC0/VzjFwoFx5uI/AAAAAAAAEB0/0Jyya_ABtLsnNap9sgUJ6Eg2Jk2HMBoNACKgB/s640/IMG_6458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<pre><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></pre>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-51577479575368794852016-05-12T07:46:00.002-05:002016-05-12T07:46:14.027-05:00Southern College of Optometry - Day 3 in Haiti<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Day 3 (Wednesday, May 11, 2016)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
This morning we took a more "scenic" route, to St. Vincent's, with beautiful views of the mountains and a quick peek of the ocean if you looked far enough.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
We got to the school just after the start of the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1819591721" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> morning church service for all of the children and students at St. Vincent's. Filled with vibrant songs and prayers, it was obvious that this was the favorite part of the week for many of the children. Our team was welcomed and invited to take part in Communion before the conclusion of the service. Soon after, we greeted many of the students before they were hurried off to class. It was time to get to work..for both us and them!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
I spent most of the day doing patient intake with the assistance of Dieumene Clorisin. Now, Dieumene is an amazing young woman. I'll tell you why. The majority of the students we saw today were hard of hearing or completely deaf, relying on communication through sign language. Dieumene was able to communicate effortlessly with the students through sign language using her feet...yes her feet! Dieumene was born was without her upper limbs and relies on the use of her feet or toes. She was once a student at St. Vincent's and now studies English and assists with many of the activities at St. Vincent's.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
During our lunch break, Joesph Jean-Paul (who I spoke of earlier this week) took time to show our team some of his artwork. Know if you don't remember, Joseph was born without any limbs but paints with a brush either in his mouth or strapped to his upper arm. His artwork is nothing short of amazing and many of our team members purchased some beautiful paintings.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Today was a busy patient care day, with us seeing over 80 students and staff. A final breakdown will provided <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1819591722" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span>, since our clinic will conclude then. Each day has been filled with something new or things that are seemingly old hat but you're forced to look at it a different way. That's the beauty of working with these amazing individuals this week. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1819591723" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tomorrow</span></span>is our last day, in which we will probably work our hardest to ensure every student at St. Vincent's is seen. We are pretty close to achieving that goal and I can't wait to see all those beautiful smiles as a result. Until then! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Feyi</div>
WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-71298729560592472902016-05-11T09:52:00.001-05:002016-05-11T09:59:49.899-05:00Eye team at St Vincents Day 2<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Day 2 (Tuesday, May 10, 2016)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Today got off to an earlier start but not without <span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-regular"; font-size: 16pt;">experiencing morning rush hour in Port au Prince. We really got a feel for the morning hustle and bustle that takes place within the city! Just before pulling into the gates of St. Vincent, we could hear the children singing and chanting. We were quickly greeted with smiles and waves from the children, eagerly awaiting the chance to have their eyes checked. We quickly set up our equipment and began our work. While yesterday's group</span> <span style="font-family: ".sfuitext-regular"; font-size: 16pt;">appeared to have many students with visual disabilities, today's group of students were mostly physically handicapped or mentally handicapped. Both circumstances presented their own challenges but we continued to be awed by the students and their courage and independence despite their unique situations. Simply amazing!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuiiGTCZrqA/VzNIyYiBCzI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/KZ0mU-N7KA85ZcIJBXopWi5Kf4pNRTVVwCLcB/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuiiGTCZrqA/VzNIyYiBCzI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/KZ0mU-N7KA85ZcIJBXopWi5Kf4pNRTVVwCLcB/s320/image1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Today we exceeded our goal (of 80 exams) and saw close to 100 patients! The breakdown of our patient encounters are below.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
96 patients seen (students and staff) </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
43 pairs of prescription glasses ordered/dispensed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
52 pairs of sunglasses dispensed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
7 ophthalmology referrals</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
13 patients with identified ocular pathology</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The children and staff of St. Vincent continue to impact us, seemingly more than we think we are impacting them. I know with each passing day, it will become harder to accept that our time here is limited and we will soon have to say goodbye. But, that time has yet to come! We will have to take it day by day. With that said, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_842666027" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span> awaits!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Feyi</div>
WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-65025784273336430022016-05-10T07:50:00.000-05:002016-05-10T07:50:16.501-05:00Eye doctor team visits St Vincent's<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<i>We have a team from Southern College of Optometry - SVOSH Eye Care team- working at St Vincent's this week. Feyi is a lead team member and is sending me daily updates about their trip.</i><br />
<br />
Day 1 (Monday, May 9, 2016)<br />
<br />
The day got off to a great start beginning with a tour of St. Vincent. We made our way to each of classrooms, with Jean Robert letting the students know that we are here to provide eye exams throughout the week. The students were very excited to see us and we too looked forward to working with them as well. We were given a brief history of St. Vincent Centre and its founder, Sister Joan Margaret. Soon after, we were introduced to Joseph Jean-Paul, who was once a student at Centre and is now on staff, playing an integral role in the centre's day to day functions.<br />
<br />
The first group we examined ranged in age from 6 years to 67 years old. The breakdown of patient encounters are below:<br />
<br />
47 patients seen (students and staff)<br />
15 pairs of prescription glasses ordered/dispensed<br />
29 pairs of sunglasses dispensed<br />
2 low vision devices were dispensed (magnifiers)<br />
10 ophthalmology referrals<br />
30 patients with identified ocular pathology<br />
<br />
Despite a delayed start, we came close to our goal number (50 patients) for the day. We are very excited for the rest of the week and look forward to a great start <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_297017737" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span> morning!<br />
<br />
05/09/16</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br />
Feyi</div>
WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-2814584251120000652016-04-14T08:05:00.004-05:002016-04-14T08:05:42.421-05:00Another Day in Paradise<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Good morning all,</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm on the veranda enjoying a little breeze now. Mountains and bougainvilleas are everywhere. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yt-SJvrHG0w/Vw-VKq4pvsI/AAAAAAAAEAE/7eEGQv0lZPUHJPAlIjEMHSk0BUSuIBocgCKgB/s1600/image%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yt-SJvrHG0w/Vw-VKq4pvsI/AAAAAAAAEAE/7eEGQv0lZPUHJPAlIjEMHSk0BUSuIBocgCKgB/s320/image%25285%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yesterday
our ride was late--a confusion with the language. We have a Haitian
phone now so we were able to call. We gathered the kids and sang the song
for a while. Everyone is excited about the USAID group coming <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_782727046" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Friday</span></span>.
As we had hoped would happen, the teachers had wonderful ideas and
have completely taken over the process. We have become the assistants.
They Are very capably in charge.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obelz3C_E5I/Vw-VKartvWI/AAAAAAAAD_8/CsY1CDpIYkE0XNcePoTAJp4wtcNX8LnWACKgB/s1600/image%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obelz3C_E5I/Vw-VKartvWI/AAAAAAAAD_8/CsY1CDpIYkE0XNcePoTAJp4wtcNX8LnWACKgB/s400/image%25284%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today we will be making paper
fish as one of the crafts related to the Aquaponic garden, more bubbles
(too much fun) and we might have enough time to plant the seeds. Taking
things one at a time and hoping our driver arrives on time!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yesterday we had so much fun with the pipe cleaners. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUKZ3qoSrE/Vw-VFVWWH6I/AAAAAAAAD_0/nLrlJcOSomI4QvdrdIUbxQpKpMdilP74QCLcB/s1600/image%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUKZ3qoSrE/Vw-VFVWWH6I/AAAAAAAAD_0/nLrlJcOSomI4QvdrdIUbxQpKpMdilP74QCLcB/s400/image%25281%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My
best experience--one of the kids I have loved for a long time sought me
out and we were able to sit and sign for a while. She has graduated for
St. V. and attends a school outside the campus, but she still lives
there. Today I will attempt to get some video of the older students
signing. We'll see what happens with that. And we are bringing musical
instruments for the kids to play with.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_T1vkXVpMM/Vw-VKZ0mmHI/AAAAAAAAEAA/79s094d5qSMXNe3ojAelRNFxBEwsZgphQCKgB/s1600/image%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_T1vkXVpMM/Vw-VKZ0mmHI/AAAAAAAAEAA/79s094d5qSMXNe3ojAelRNFxBEwsZgphQCKgB/s400/image%25283%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hilary and Alison are
doing well. We've all fallen in love again with this funny place and the
kids. There is a gecko in our room that makes kissing noises every
night! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope everyone is doing well. It's odd not to be able to pick up the phone and just contact someone. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8VYvIUkzsk/Vw-VKUOw1xI/AAAAAAAAD_4/zhI7fDKnnh84xoR_WkcaZIea0kcxGDD-ACKgB/s1600/image%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8VYvIUkzsk/Vw-VKUOw1xI/AAAAAAAAD_4/zhI7fDKnnh84xoR_WkcaZIea0kcxGDD-ACKgB/s400/image%25282%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">More <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_782727047" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> if I'm not too tired!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Men anpil chay pa lou -- many hands make the load lighter,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sherye. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtTqBrPk_7k/Vw-U4ET_HZI/AAAAAAAAD_w/SFpRY6KfO741jKXJJOSAGuKSp9W0X-56gCLcB/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtTqBrPk_7k/Vw-U4ET_HZI/AAAAAAAAD_w/SFpRY6KfO741jKXJJOSAGuKSp9W0X-56gCLcB/s400/image.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-24723469703898204592016-04-11T09:24:00.003-05:002016-04-11T09:24:56.903-05:00Anne's reflection<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">St. Vincent’s</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In a broken city</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">in a broken country</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">in a broken world</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A boy with no arms plays futbol </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and discovers a fun noodle</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A girl with no arms paints a friend’s fingernails </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">with her toes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A boy struggles to pray out loud and keeps saying “Alleluia” </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A precious girl, who can only smile, laughs when we sing “Frer-e-Jaques-- Margarette”</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A doctor “happens” to meet a cardiologist from Ohio</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">in a hallway at a hospital</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Physical therapists find a stroller and walker for a bed-bound child</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A deacon wrestles with ten lively little ones at once</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">in a hot upstairs room</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A med student is everywhere--saying what we can’t </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">in words or signs</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A man with no arms or legs paints works of art</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A blind girl plays classic violin; a blind man, the accordion</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Superman does the impossible all day</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">everywhere</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A priest celebrates Eucharist</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Children sing “How Great Thou Art” in French</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A neuro-psychologist manages a pharmacy</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Helpers soothe a crying child, escort patients, deliver prescriptions, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">feed little ones</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nurses and medical assistants play catch, paint fingernails, stick fingers</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An American deacon assists at Eucharist (in French) at the rebuilt cathedral</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A shepherd takes care of his sheep and plays hymns on his violin </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A man maneuvers a bus through impossible traffic on impassable streets</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and delivers the team to and from a Holy Place</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this broken city</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that overflows with color </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and tap taps named for Jesus </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and God’s children</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this broken country </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that keeps on keeping on</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">despite earthquake, fire, and flood</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this broken world </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Where Love lives</span></div>
David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-59309878140900321382016-03-14T20:37:00.000-05:002016-03-14T20:42:49.074-05:00Re-entry<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After swiftly downing half a cup of that fabulous Haitian coffee,
we left the guest house at six am today. A smiling Jean Robert helped us
load our suitcases and accompanied us to the airport. Moving through
the Haitian airport is an exercise in multiple security checks. Present
passport. Check bags. Walk to next line. Present passport. Walk to
next line. Take off shoes belt hat purse. Empty pockets. Collect
things. Walk upstairs to next line. Present passport. Take off shoes
belt hat purse. Watch agent hand search your carry-on bag. Collect
things. Walk to jetway. Wait in line. Board plane. Switch seats w
Drew so he can sit next to Maureen (we all did this at some point on the
trip)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arriving in Atlanta is the same process
in reverse. By the time we went through customs, collected our bags, got
our next boarding passes and re checked our bags it was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_470199344" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">noon</span></span> and we were all feeling a bit "peckish". No longer satisfied with the trail mix and granola</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">bars
we had eaten all week, we found a food court and had pizza, pita wraps,
Mediterranean salad, hamburgers and a Strawberry mango smoothie
(Alison)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've been here 9 hours at this point,
waiting on our final connection to Memphis. A few have managed to get
on standby for earlier flights. But the rest of the faithful have spent
the time calling loved ones, checking email, reading books and trying
to ignore the constant chatter about DONALD TRUMP on the airport TV
screens. Is there anything else in the world's news worth talking
about?</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have texted my friends back in Haiti to thank them for the
wonderful week they made possible for us. Their replies are full of
love and gratitude. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_C-uaY9AWo/VudmwNqI4bI/AAAAAAAAD94/ZpGcZJJXx-cGelD6mZWm4n5f9km2NHb1w/s1600/Image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_C-uaY9AWo/VudmwNqI4bI/AAAAAAAAD94/ZpGcZJJXx-cGelD6mZWm4n5f9km2NHb1w/s400/Image.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Susan and Alison (selfie)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their
friendship reminds me that there really is more in the world worth
caring about than self centered political candidates who have never
missed a meal, never known poverty or threats to their home, never felt
want of any kind.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7InBXjuFw6I/Vudn21w88bI/AAAAAAAAD-A/BXygqVv3HYclaHX4b0HEwfkCO2V0pJ0EA/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7InBXjuFw6I/Vudn21w88bI/AAAAAAAAD-A/BXygqVv3HYclaHX4b0HEwfkCO2V0pJ0EA/s400/IMG_2588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODF637-SWqY/VudobPTrnVI/AAAAAAAAD-I/-ucBpFQYSnk4-Th_aEnSKuavk90VlJjdg/s1600/20160311_150208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODF637-SWqY/VudobPTrnVI/AAAAAAAAD-I/-ucBpFQYSnk4-Th_aEnSKuavk90VlJjdg/s400/20160311_150208.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drew in his element</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Susan Nelson </span></div>
</div>
David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-41013543145909849132016-03-13T22:46:00.000-05:002016-03-14T08:19:07.816-05:00<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last 48 hours have been incredibly busy, including climbing waterfalls</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewEtzA2S4GM/VuYzAALlcpI/AAAAAAAAD9E/vJP7Wp4IFGcfACvxsNMFmmUnflW34pHOw/s1600/IMG_2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewEtzA2S4GM/VuYzAALlcpI/AAAAAAAAD9E/vJP7Wp4IFGcfACvxsNMFmmUnflW34pHOw/s400/IMG_2498.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="hP" id=":p1" tabindex="-1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alricka Hannah and Ruth at Saut D'Eau</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lunch
at Hotel Woze with a wonderful swim in the pool, shopping for metal art
work in Village Noailles and then a THREE HOUR BUS RIDE through Port au
Prince. An inside view of Port au Prince night life, complete with
RaRa band and the most incredible traffic you've ever seen. Cars making
5 lanes out of two. Cars driving on the sidewalk against traffic.
There's nothing quite like looking out the RIGHT side of the bus and
seeing a car driving on the sidewalk next to you in the opposite
direction. Taps (brightly colored/painted trucks used as taxis) which
are lit up at night like floats in a Mardi Gras parade, sliding past
each other with inches to spare. Sometimes not even that much space.
Motorcycles with goats tied on either side. MACK trucks stopped dead in
the road, or piled 15 feet high with sacks of who knows what, and often
people perched on top of that. Our Haitian guide and driver said they
had never seen the traffic so congested. The Kreyol word for traffic
is blokiss, ("block-ees"), an apt term. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is much to say but it is <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_470199313" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:00 PM</span></span> and we must leave the guest house <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_470199314" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_470199315" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6 AM</span></span> to catch our plane to Atlanta. I hope to use the long layover to post some more stories. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until
then may I say this has been one of the best weeks at St Vincent's.
The children are happy and healthy, they love Pere Fan Fan and they are
being fed 3 meals a day. They have clean water and clean dorms and
bathrooms. They have a new library stocked with books, donated by
Brian and Susan Donnelly, by way of their friends in French Canada. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ap_aUkX6BCc/VuYzb9OCmzI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/uG4q_SVDhf8FsZekqA0d-8pz5_g0GyXLg/s1600/IMG_2574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ap_aUkX6BCc/VuYzb9OCmzI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/uG4q_SVDhf8FsZekqA0d-8pz5_g0GyXLg/s400/IMG_2574.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lYJhkuhmJk/VuYzbSx91HI/AAAAAAAAD9M/v5EqDgiCfk4bCGs7uf5byphaCQRbJTouw/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lYJhkuhmJk/VuYzbSx91HI/AAAAAAAAD9M/v5EqDgiCfk4bCGs7uf5byphaCQRbJTouw/s400/IMG_2575.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0g-ZAoN98Y/VuYzbBzgqaI/AAAAAAAAD9I/GVP2xGV6R4wbCy1UEBs3heKPnOZ2YAEHg/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0g-ZAoN98Y/VuYzbBzgqaI/AAAAAAAAD9I/GVP2xGV6R4wbCy1UEBs3heKPnOZ2YAEHg/s400/IMG_2573.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note the Canadian stamp</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I
have a bunch of new friends on What's App, so I teased Pere Fan Fan he
cannot let anything slip by because the children will tell me. He
laughed and agreed that the children, especially Dieumene, tell him what
to do and give him a list every day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So happy
to see them doing so well. It was hard to leave today, but as I have
learned to say in Kreyol, "A la pwochen!". Until next time.</span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JD-2jh9fEg/Vua6KJK14DI/AAAAAAAAD9k/GDkiRzRjDzk69XWRYxVZDswVRaYP0G50g/s1600/IMG_2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JD-2jh9fEg/Vua6KJK14DI/AAAAAAAAD9k/GDkiRzRjDzk69XWRYxVZDswVRaYP0G50g/s400/IMG_2437.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hand prints on the wall with children's name<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </span></div>
David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-13381223127048593402016-03-11T21:21:00.003-06:002016-03-12T16:29:51.701-06:00THINGS DONE AND LEFT UNDONE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcvZ_fJlzEM/VuQ19Rov_-I/AAAAAAAAD78/LeRPRLmpE8U_h7IVcSqvFcB7XWeRPu0Zg/s1600/IMG_2446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcvZ_fJlzEM/VuQ19Rov_-I/AAAAAAAAD78/LeRPRLmpE8U_h7IVcSqvFcB7XWeRPu0Zg/s400/IMG_2446.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every time we pray the confession we say these
words, asking forgiveness for things done and left undone. Last day at
St Vincent's is always full of regrets and hopes.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The daily office reading this morning was from I Corinthians 13. <i>
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am
as a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I give away all my
possessions and give my body to be burned, but have not love, I have
gained nothing. </i> This passage was read by Zara this morning, our OT
from Fayetteville Arkansas, by way of England. All of us listening,
with the St Vincent's children on our hearts this morning, thinking of
the one thousand things we wanted to do for them before we leave Haiti.
Knowing deep down that this is not possible.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bergens
is a boy with scoliosis who has one digit attached where his right arm
should be. He has no left arm He is a beautiful and intelligent child
who has won the heart of many a team member, including John Mutin and
Sue Trzynka. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Our therapists Ruth and Zara were concerned
enough about this child that last night I sent an email to Dr Beauvoir,
who is a Haitian orthopedist who works at St VIncent's once a week.
Dr Beauvoir dropped by today....that is the first amazing bit of story,
that Dr Beauvoir, a successful orthopedic surgeon in Haiti,<i> dropped by </i>today
in response to my email to examine this child. He agrees that the boy
needs major surgery and will see him in clinic next week, make xrays
and send them to me. Then we will begin the hard task of determining
where this major surgery can be done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Later this afternoon,
Ruth and Zara were working with Bergens, trying to figure out how to
design a prosthesis to help him use the small (and only) digit he has
for an arm. They have brought foam noodles (the kind you play with in
swimming pools) and used them for all manner of purposes, including
cushioning bars on wheelchairs, making supports for kids with poor trunk
stability, and the like. Ruth told me she heard this BANG BANG BANG
across the room, and looking up she saw Bergens banging this 6 inch
piece of foam noodle for all it was worth. He had shoved his single
digit into the central opening of the foam noodle and was banging it
against the chair. Ruth realized with a shock that he had designed his
own prosthesis. She placed a spoon into the other end of the noodle and
VOILA he could now feed himself! She put a paint brush in it and now
he could paint. Magnficent! For $1.99, Bergens has a working
prosthesis.<br /><br />At day's end we sat on the steps of St
Vincent's and listened to Mackenson, Geraldo, Konbit and Reginald sing
for us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z_dhgdRpw0/VuQ3sJrjBsI/AAAAAAAAD8U/Ue2IMswIAKEURCvxyYV90KDCxmbewHQpw/s1600/IMG_2465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z_dhgdRpw0/VuQ3sJrjBsI/AAAAAAAAD8U/Ue2IMswIAKEURCvxyYV90KDCxmbewHQpw/s400/IMG_2465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="hP" id=":1rv" tabindex="-1">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mackenson, Reginald and Geraldo</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All the boys except Mackenson are blind; Geraldo and Mackenson
played guitar. Geraldo has a beautiful falsetto voice. The boys are
about 20 years old, handsome and tall, singing in four part harmony.
The team sat on the steps, surrounded (and covered) by children of all
sizes. The deaf children sat with us; I don't know how much they can
hear but they enjoyed the music with everyone else. Jan sat with a
series of children, taking turns on her lap. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sBodcRCuxBA/VuSYP5XNl6I/AAAAAAAAD8w/JibLbB1w2YAVuZBa6GTH6_kMtXwYj7b9Q/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sBodcRCuxBA/VuSYP5XNl6I/AAAAAAAAD8w/JibLbB1w2YAVuZBa6GTH6_kMtXwYj7b9Q/s400/IMG_2456.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edie rested her head
against Anne Boykin and I sat next to Marie Carmelle, my favorite place
at St Vincent's. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIsgfXfwpdQ/VuQ2UGSSgtI/AAAAAAAAD8A/UADxWtLqJDow5yPd3zPZIyQWJPq5xSVCw/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIsgfXfwpdQ/VuQ2UGSSgtI/AAAAAAAAD8A/UADxWtLqJDow5yPd3zPZIyQWJPq5xSVCw/s400/IMG_2444.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Susan and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marie Carmelle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyQXQVsrDaw/VuQ22sgct-I/AAAAAAAAD8E/nkaIdroFceoOBGS0W7_FLmATG1u4Zbg-g/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyQXQVsrDaw/VuQ22sgct-I/AAAAAAAAD8E/nkaIdroFceoOBGS0W7_FLmATG1u4Zbg-g/s400/IMG_2472.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anne and Edie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOyHoE8khQU/VuQ3EdOQxlI/AAAAAAAAD8M/P4opd1xfvgwCv1ro5xbdf1HWn9OxWq_pg/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOyHoE8khQU/VuQ3EdOQxlI/AAAAAAAAD8M/P4opd1xfvgwCv1ro5xbdf1HWn9OxWq_pg/s400/IMG_2473.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I looked at the faces of the people I had seen in
clinic during the week, I thought for the thousandth time that I bring
such a little offering to these wonderful people, and yet they welcome
me and my friends and team members with love and music and kindness. <br /><br /><i>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. <sup> </sup>It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. <sup> </sup>Love does not delight in evil but rejoices </i><i>with the truth. <sup> </sup>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.<span class="HOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><br /></span></span></i></span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-74864696434540016902016-03-10T22:46:00.001-06:002016-03-10T22:51:03.428-06:00So why are all the team members grinning?<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Working for a week at a school for
handicapped children in a poverty laden country like Haiti may not sound
like a vacation to most people. So why are all the team members
grinning and laughing and telling stories about the fun they had all
day? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gUmr6ousrM/VuJMq3azM1I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/DX8bN_4MxTc7aVrMNX1WiZrse0FEJmRDQ/s1600/IMG_2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gUmr6ousrM/VuJMq3azM1I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/DX8bN_4MxTc7aVrMNX1WiZrse0FEJmRDQ/s400/IMG_2411.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anne standing next to St V students, all in uniform</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_180753295" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span>
morning began with a church service at the school as soon as we
arrived. Drew read the gospel of Mark and preached, with on the spot
translation into Kreyol by Pere Wiclen. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDq48PeUWG0/VuJM5Zl_-lI/AAAAAAAAD7c/MSLFQZrH6x0fANZ7nYKgZj6B3Ggmguylw/s1600/IMG_2410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDq48PeUWG0/VuJM5Zl_-lI/AAAAAAAAD7c/MSLFQZrH6x0fANZ7nYKgZj6B3Ggmguylw/s400/IMG_2410.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drew and Pere Wiclen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One
of the older blind boys gave an impassioned prayer of praise, while
Jean Robert and Professor Simeon (who is also blind) played the violin
softly and Jimmy played the accordion. How Great Thou Art, as beautiful
in French as in English. Followed by Seek Ye First, a song which I have
heard too many times before, but sounded fresh and beautiful when sung
by Haitian children. Alleluia!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gic6eIJ9br0/VuJNUi2P4FI/AAAAAAAAD7k/nINy8CTjo9kF_pjXOOUgiO15_V79y9P8A/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gic6eIJ9br0/VuJNUi2P4FI/AAAAAAAAD7k/nINy8CTjo9kF_pjXOOUgiO15_V79y9P8A/s400/IMG_2405.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JEAN ROBERT PLAYING VIOLIN IN THE MIDST OF STUDENTS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
have learned over the years that it is as important for the team to
play with the children as it is to run a medical clinic. So we bring
jump ropes, rubber balls, nail polish, bubbles, beads, and all manner of
entertainment.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wv8gfgshi1k/VuJL5Dvq3jI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/h021gRzTlNQiU3ylk2u-3bgwRKqUkFqyg/s1600/20160309_155610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wv8gfgshi1k/VuJL5Dvq3jI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/h021gRzTlNQiU3ylk2u-3bgwRKqUkFqyg/s400/20160309_155610.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anne Boykin skipping rope.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, that's our St Mary's Cathedral DOK president skipping rope in the courtyard with the girls. </span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dieumene
painted toenails on some of her friends (mind you, Dieumene has no
arms) and the boys played soccer and dodgeball. Alison described
herself as impromptu goalie, when a soccer ball suddenly bounced into
the pharmacy, knocking over a few bottles of vitamins in the process.
Edie told me the highlight of her day was watching Dieumene paint
someone else's toenails, using her feet. Oh, and the privilege granted
of feeding Dieumene some peanut butter crackers. Dieumene has more
dignity than most people I have met, and she grants her subjects rare
privileges if we behave properly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Under the shade tree in
the courtyard, I cherish the moments I can stand and feel the breeze
(YES THERE WAS A COOL BREEZE TODAY) and watch the children playing.
There is something addicting about coming to St Vincent's over and over
again, learning to know the children by name and seeing them grow up.
My friend Rochelle came to see me today and played her violin for us.
Rochelle is blind and I have known her for 8 years. She completed
school at St Vincent's and is now graduated from Port au Prince
University with a communications degree. Today she gave me a thank you
card, in which she wrote a message and signed her name. How she does
that with no sight, I do not know. But I watched her do it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_180753296" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tomorrow</span></span> will be hard because it is our last day at the school; <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_180753297" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
we will take a small day trip outside of Port au Prince to see some of
the beautiful countryside. I have already warned my team that they will
leave St Vincent's feeling overwhelmed at all the things they wish they
could have finished or done better. That is the humbling part of our
work here; there is no way we can accomplish all the tasks we think up
in our heads. I have come to learn that<i> that</i> is God's way. If we could do everything we set our mind to do, why would we need God? Why would we need each other? </span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-27178362433959370172016-03-10T07:53:00.006-06:002016-03-10T07:53:41.381-06:00Ti Pa Ti Pa<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Kreyol
the saying goes. Little step Little step. Today we made another little
step in the care of Sadrak, our patient with the congenital heart
condition. Dr Judy's worst fears were confirmed at St Damien's hospital
today, and yet a series of miracles may lead to saving this child's
life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />After a typical 90 minute Haitian ride with 4 people in a
truck cab designed for two (oh and did I mention the dozen or so kids
who caught a ride in the back of the truck along the way), including a
SHORTCUT over barely passable mud/gravel/pond filled "roads", we arrived
at St Damien's Pediatric hospital. We were greeted by the lovely and
gracious Dr Pascale Yola, who ushered us to the emergency room where we
waited for another 90 minutes, not sure if or when the doctor would see
Sadrak. Hannah was with me and noticed a team of medical personnel
walking by with scrubs that said AKRON MEDICAL CENTER. We started
talking and when we told them our story, of the boy from St Vincent's
school with the heart condition, they asked us if we would like their
cardiologist to see him. He was scheduled to leave on a plane in less
than an hour, but he had his portable ultrasound machine and could
examine Sadrak. Now that's a God thing if I ever saw one. There were
no available beds in the emergency room, so we plopped Sadrak onto a
counter and the ultrasound was done. Searching for a piece of paper,
the cardiologist wrote down his findings, gave me his email address and
left to catch his plane.<br /><br />Dr Judy was right, the patient has
tetralogy of fallot. This is a common birth condition which causes a
major malformation of the heart, and is only correctable by surgery.
Basically the heart is "backwards and upside down" and all the
connecting tubes go in the wrong direction. This makes it difficult for
the child's body to get oxygen, which is why he can't run without
getting out of breath. The cardiologist explained that the child needs
surgery as soon as possible in order to survive. In the United States
he would have had surgery at age one year or even less. Sadrak is now 5
years old. He has never seen a cardiologist because his family has no
way to pay for medical care. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sadrak was then examined by a
Haitian doctor and given a prescription for medication and an
appointment in June to see the cardiologist again. By the way, we just
HAPPEN TO HAVE the medication he needs in our
pharmacy. Alison and I counted out the tablets this evening, cutting
the pills in half to make the smaller dose for the child. The medication
will stabilize his heart rhythm and at his next appointment they will
begin making plans for surgery. He will likely need two surgeries to
correct the condition.. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Returning to St
Vincent's, we were thrilled to have this information and to have made a
giant step forward. Sadrak was now "in the system", with a followup
appointment and the promise of Dr Yola that a social worker from St
Damien's hospital would contact the family to make sure they kept their
followup appointment. Yet we wondered how much this surgery would
cost, and the family wanted to know how would they get the child back to
St Damien's without their own car and without money for
transportation. So many barriers.<br /><br />Later that evening, I
spoke with Dr Pascale again. Turns out, the consultation for today's
visit costs only 150 gourdes. That is the equivalent of about 3 US
dollars. Each visit to the hospital will be the same price. "And the
surgery?" I trembled to ask. "Oh, that. The surgery is free." replied
Dr Pascale. "What?" I made her say it three times, because I couldnt
believe her! The team from Akron comes down 6-8 times a year, and they
collaborate with the Haitian doctors to perform these life saving
surgeries. At no cost to the patients. <br /><br />I am still stunned at this news. It really is true, that with God all things are possible. <br /><br />Mr
Noel, our driver today, said something very nice on our way home. He
was complimenting me and my team on the care and time we devote to the
children of St Vincent's. He said the children are the "family Nelson",
meaning that I care for them as my own family. I was very touched at
his kind words. He is a man who has been at the school since before the
earthquake; the kids call him "hero" because he rescued many of them
from the rubble of the fallen building. I am honored to have his
respect. I realize it is the love and care that all of us have brought
to this school, year after year, that has earned the respect of the
Haitians who do the hard work of caring for these children day in and
day out, long after the Americans have left. To all my team members
past and present, thank you for bringing your love and talents to St
Vincent's. The children are as sweet as ever and always ready to
welcome you back into their family. </span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-71830342141026331122016-03-08T20:38:00.000-06:002016-03-10T07:54:55.615-06:00DO NOT STICK MY FINGER!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0cJPo_W3SY/Vt-LIW1XgdI/AAAAAAAAD6g/tgffv9nNUSs/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0cJPo_W3SY/Vt-LIW1XgdI/AAAAAAAAD6g/tgffv9nNUSs/s400/IMG_2386.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Superman and Susan in Haiti</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out
Superman (John Mutin) and Susan ready to start the clinic at St
Vincent's. I named John Superman because he is everywhere all the time
and can do anything in Haiti. Find power connections where there are
none. Obtain clean water for the team all day long. Find sick kids for
me to see when we think we have seen all the kids already. And tear up
if a sick kid smiles at him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdmSqaCgXwM/VuF8lH4YG9I/AAAAAAAAD68/p7zYgI0zKUQ/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdmSqaCgXwM/VuF8lH4YG9I/AAAAAAAAD68/p7zYgI0zKUQ/s400/IMG_2387.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This sign greeted us today when we arrived. <br />As
usual, we set up clinic on the outside stage, which is sheltered from
the sun, mercifully. Maureen checked in kids, Jan did their vital
signs, and John taught Alricka to check hemoglobins on kids. This means
sticking their finger, which surprisingly makes only a few of them
cry. The last little girl clung to Edie Street through the entire
process. No, she did not want to be weighed. No, she did not want her
temperature taken. And especially NO DO NOT STICK MY FINGER WITH THAT
THING. By the time Edie brought her into the library, where Dr Judy and
I did our exams, the girl cried if anyone looked at her. I did my best
pediatrician tricks, playing with the stethoscope and the light to look
in her ears, letting her touch it (NO THANK YOU. SCREAM) and
pretending to look in Edie's ears first. She was not fooled. To
everyone's surprise, however, after sitting in Edie's lap for 20 minutes
while I struggled to listen to her heart and lungs, she stopped
crying. Edie said it made her day to feel the child relax into her
arms. AND I finally got to listen to her lungs, which were clear.
Hooray!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1E7Y2B4rs0/Vt-LrNh2GmI/AAAAAAAAD6k/E-uBWjrOtuM/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1E7Y2B4rs0/Vt-LrNh2GmI/AAAAAAAAD6k/E-uBWjrOtuM/s400/IMG_2397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="hP" id=":284" tabindex="-1">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr Judy examines a patient. Notice Dieumene helping the girl open her mouth. With her foot</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On
a serious note, Dr Judy saw a kid who we think has a serious heart
condition. He was sick last time Dr Judy was here a year ago, and is
even sicker now. Dr Judy has a connection here with St Damien's
hospital, and she performed a miracle by getting the child an
appointment <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_84681317" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">TOMORROW</span></span>
with a cardiologist. So Hannah and I will be taking the child to St
Damien's for an evaluation. Please pray that this child gets the care
he needs, which will likely require surgery. Judy and I agree that if we
get this one child taken care of, it will make the entire trip worth
it. </span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-59709636764749611742016-03-08T08:15:00.003-06:002016-03-08T08:19:54.940-06:00A Passage through customs, then airconditioning<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All arrived safely in Port au Prince airport, all
bags collected, and Pere Fan Fan was there to greet us. He had a police
escort for us! We went through customs, with inspection of about half
of our bags.I think after so many bags the inspectors get tired of
looking at rolls of paper towels, boxes of antacids, and personal
clothing mixed in with all the vitamins! The only casualty was one
bottle of vitamins whose seal was broken. Everything else got through
and we were on our way. I must say it was one of the most peaceful and
uncomplicated entries into Port au Prince that we have had in recent
trips. <br /><br />We are staying at a new guest house, Trinity
Lodge. Sienna and I have our own room, complete with AIRCONDITIONING
and a fan. It is blissfully cool tonight, and we had a quick meal of
spaghetti shortly after our arrival, along with a bottle of our favorite
Haitian beer, Prestige. Janet O Flynn greeted us when we arrived, a
nice surprise! She is an occupational therapist who is working with the
new PT/OT school in Leogane. She came up to meet our team therapist
Ruth Mulvany and her sister in law Zara Harris. When I left them
downstairs they were happily talking therapist shop talk, thinking about
the work they will do <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_84681308" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> at St Vincent's. There is a physical therapy clinic that runs daily; Ruth and Zara hope to spend the week there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgNSQr_xne0/Vt7fShaDyNI/AAAAAAAAD6I/zAVibcp7qHc/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgNSQr_xne0/Vt7fShaDyNI/AAAAAAAAD6I/zAVibcp7qHc/s400/IMG_0046.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan, Ruth and Zara on the bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
have the student's records loaded into a database, thanks to a CBU
nurse alum, Connie Noe. I have been checking it tonight to see the
names of students I particularly want to see <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_84681309" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span>.
Students with heart conditions, severe anemia, and so forth. It is a
big step forward to have medical records to guide us this trip. Even
with spotty wifi and the program kicking me out periodically, it is an
improvement.<br /><br />Looking forward to driving through the gates of St Vincents <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_84681310" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span>, seeing all my friends and getting to work. Thanks to all for prayers to get us safely here. <br /><br />Susan Nelson</span>David Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14750943517264082251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-44155904964959662472016-03-07T11:32:00.001-06:002016-03-07T11:32:22.400-06:00Haiti team on their wayWith the usual early AM flight out of Memphis, our medical team is now waiting in the Atlanta airport for our flight to Port au Prince. All the last minute texts and emails of the last week: DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FOR CIPRO? HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO TAKE? DOES THE GUEST HOUSE HAVE LAUNDRY SERVICES? have all been asked and answered. Mostly my answers consisted of "I dont know" or "Dont worry about it, if you dont have something in your suitcase, another team member will have it". <br />
<br />
My personal last minute Haiti jitters are about things like, "Will the physical therapist be able to meet Dr Beauvoir at the clinic? Will all the medical supplies we ordered in Haiti be there when we arrive? Will Pere Fan Fan meet us at the airport and help us through customs? Will the french books I sent down with Pere Fan Fan be there at the school? <br />
<br />
All the questions, anxieties, and hopes are now like the wind. We can't control it, and we need to just let it be. So many dedicated people travelling with me, hoping to share some of the love they have been given in their lives with the children we will spend a week with. <br />
<br />
Please pray for us to be open to change, to last minute needs we didnt anticipate, to forbear one another in our shortcomings. God has brought us all here and will bless our work in the limited time we have.<br />
<br />
Thank you to all who support us at home and make it possible for us to go on these trips, especially those of us who go again and again. A dedicated donor handed me $100 bucks last night after an evening church service, telling me "Do whatever you need to with this money". He knows that I will find something that needs doing, and I take his love for the children with me, along with all the rest of you.<br />
<br />
Susan NelsonWTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3461206147374969109.post-13154076256317780842016-03-07T11:20:00.001-06:002016-03-07T11:23:13.358-06:00HAITI BENEFIT FEB 19 A SMASHING SUCCESSOver 180 people attended this sold out event! People from 9 different episcopal parishes in Memphis were there to enjoy the fun and support this great cause. Holy Apostles, Calvary, Grace St Luke's, St Mary's Cathedral, Emmanuel Church, St Philips, Holy Communion Church, St Andrews, and St Johns. Bishop Johnson attended and bought a beautiful painting that used to adorn the home of Joe and Marjorie Fitzpatrick. The couple loved Haiti and collected many paintings, sculptures and unique items during their many trips to Haiti. Special thanks to the family for the generous donation of cherished artwork to further the mission of St Vincent's Center for Handicapped children. Mimi Fitzpatrick Baker and Carol Fitzpatrick Winstead were present at the benefit to see the magnificent results of their donation. Also Mark L Fitzpatrick and Joe R Fitzpatrick Jr agreed to donate their parents' treasured items. <br />
<br />
For photos, see #spring2016benefit<br />
Also in attendance were Pere Frantz Cole, priest in charge of St Vincent's. He spoke passionately about the children at the school and the impact our ministry has made in their lives over the years. Rev David Boyd, immediate past Director of Development for the National Episcopal Church, and Vundla Sikhumbuzo, Director of Operations for Diocese of Haiti, were also honored guests. <br />
<br />
Dr Jennifer Holbourn was an amazing and shameless auctioneer, and together with the proceeds from the silent auction as well as ticket sales, we raised $12,115. That's a lot of vitamins!<br />
<br />
Truly, it costs about $2000 for each medical team to purchase medical supplies for our week long trips. The volunteers always pay their own way, so all funds will go directly to support the children.<br />
<br />
Thank you to the planning team: Claire Valine (our musician), Mimi and Tim Baker, Drew Woodruff (the heart and soul of our St Vincent's ministry), John Mutin ( set up all the tables singlehandedly) , Edie Street (in charge of the "young" helpers and runners at the event),Hilarie Dahlhauser (tickets, advance marketing), Jenn Holbourn, Ruthie Lentz (got the wine donated! and ran the sales tables ), Adrian Holbourn (business manager, goodness knows we needed one of those!). <br />
<br />
The event exceeded our wildest expectations. Thank you to all who came and supported us and made it possible.<br />
<br />
<br />
Susan Nelson<br />
<br />
<br />WTN Haiti Partnershiphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06500943837195113429noreply@blogger.com0