On March 18, 2011, we made it home safely in the US without problems. The ex exhiled president was returning. Our ride to the airport was very scary. There were riots, traffic, fires, street closures, and pure chaos. But... we made it. First stop in the Miami restaurant - a restaurant to get a cheeseburger, a beer, and a phone call to my family.
I really hope you enjoyed reading a little about my experience. It continues to be something I reflect on, miss, and a reminder to step back from my life, breathe, and apply the "Haitian faith". I hope if anything, this journal may have inspired you to consider a mission trip -- even if it's not medical or religious based. It opens your eyes to the world -- forces you to "look down from your roof", if you may.
I want to thank those that donated or offered their support. I love, love my family and friends. I truly am blessed.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
3/17/2011 9:00 pm LAST CLINIC DAY
FIRST OFF: HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! Happy birthday my little Ty-Ty -- turning 2 years old!
Total Patients today: 287!!!!
Total Patients seen this week: 944
Today was the last day. It's sort of sad. Today I felt more confident as a clinician. It almost made me believe I am ready to do this on my own... almost haha.
Saw another patient with a blood sugar of 390 and a BP of 190/100. Put her on metformin 500 mg twice a day and hydrochlorithiazide. HCTZ is very effective in lower BP of African American patients. SAw a female who was 27 and was needing a pregnancy test because she thought she might be pregnant. We ran the test in our make shift lab and it came back positive. She was pregnant and so happy! Her and her husband had been trying.
A lot of the tent city children we saw where there. Those poor families. Most of them were there just to be seen. We had sent over tap-taps to pick them up. Apparently families were just tossing their kids in just so their kids could come and be seen. Even though they were from the tent city they were still dressed in their "sunday best". They were so grateful for evetything. I feel like I can't even take in all I saw. I feel accomplished but a little defeated at the same time. I wish I could just help them even more. I just want them to have the same basic resources - or just clean water at the very least. There was a 2 year old boy with extensive 3rd degree burns to his little finger that won't get proper treatment. There was a girl I saw who was 8 with a serious eye infection taht wasn't pink eye. She needs to see a specialist. Being in tent community, she has no phone or way to communicate with anyone. We couldn't even get in touch with her if we needed to. I wish her the best...
I have to say, I was sad to leave my translator. He was an extremely nice (and PATIENT!) young man...even if he does like kobe bryant! I'm sure if he was in America, we would have been good friends. It was funny because by the second day, he knew the order of questions I was going to ask and would try to ask them before I finished. Sometimes I'd say, and does she have problems with acid or does she have a burning pain in her chest after she eats, and he'd talk to her in creole then say "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!" as if I just solved a medical mystery.... not just describe heartburn. :) Our last day, he gave me a Haitian coin that is 1 gourde or 1/5 of an american dollar. I was shocked and so touched. That is a lot of money for him. He lives in the community. It will forever be my lucky charm and a reminder of where I've been, what I've seen, and all I've accomplished.
I have to say, I'm a little nervous about going home and practiving medicine. I know I'll see Americans in 1000x better situations feeling like they are owed everything, complaining, irritated if they wait 15 min, ungrateful if you don't prescribe vicodin or xanax. It goes the other way too.... those that can't get the treatment they need because it's either getting a lab test or paying the water bill.... healthcare in the US can make you cynical.... something I want to avoid -- at least when i'm starting! It will be difficult to step back from that and not think about my Haitian patients. I'm so ready to go home but part of me will miss the generosity, the respect and how much the Haitians and their culture has inspired me. I don't think it's common to miss a 3rd world country but part of me wishes I could have the best of both worlds. I really hope this mission trip continues. This will be something I know I will continue to do in the future.
So excited to be home tomorrow. I need a hug from my family.
Brittany
Total Patients today: 287!!!!
Total Patients seen this week: 944
Today was the last day. It's sort of sad. Today I felt more confident as a clinician. It almost made me believe I am ready to do this on my own... almost haha.
Saw another patient with a blood sugar of 390 and a BP of 190/100. Put her on metformin 500 mg twice a day and hydrochlorithiazide. HCTZ is very effective in lower BP of African American patients. SAw a female who was 27 and was needing a pregnancy test because she thought she might be pregnant. We ran the test in our make shift lab and it came back positive. She was pregnant and so happy! Her and her husband had been trying.
A lot of the tent city children we saw where there. Those poor families. Most of them were there just to be seen. We had sent over tap-taps to pick them up. Apparently families were just tossing their kids in just so their kids could come and be seen. Even though they were from the tent city they were still dressed in their "sunday best". They were so grateful for evetything. I feel like I can't even take in all I saw. I feel accomplished but a little defeated at the same time. I wish I could just help them even more. I just want them to have the same basic resources - or just clean water at the very least. There was a 2 year old boy with extensive 3rd degree burns to his little finger that won't get proper treatment. There was a girl I saw who was 8 with a serious eye infection taht wasn't pink eye. She needs to see a specialist. Being in tent community, she has no phone or way to communicate with anyone. We couldn't even get in touch with her if we needed to. I wish her the best...
I have to say, I was sad to leave my translator. He was an extremely nice (and PATIENT!) young man...even if he does like kobe bryant! I'm sure if he was in America, we would have been good friends. It was funny because by the second day, he knew the order of questions I was going to ask and would try to ask them before I finished. Sometimes I'd say, and does she have problems with acid or does she have a burning pain in her chest after she eats, and he'd talk to her in creole then say "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!" as if I just solved a medical mystery.... not just describe heartburn. :) Our last day, he gave me a Haitian coin that is 1 gourde or 1/5 of an american dollar. I was shocked and so touched. That is a lot of money for him. He lives in the community. It will forever be my lucky charm and a reminder of where I've been, what I've seen, and all I've accomplished.
I have to say, I'm a little nervous about going home and practiving medicine. I know I'll see Americans in 1000x better situations feeling like they are owed everything, complaining, irritated if they wait 15 min, ungrateful if you don't prescribe vicodin or xanax. It goes the other way too.... those that can't get the treatment they need because it's either getting a lab test or paying the water bill.... healthcare in the US can make you cynical.... something I want to avoid -- at least when i'm starting! It will be difficult to step back from that and not think about my Haitian patients. I'm so ready to go home but part of me will miss the generosity, the respect and how much the Haitians and their culture has inspired me. I don't think it's common to miss a 3rd world country but part of me wishes I could have the best of both worlds. I really hope this mission trip continues. This will be something I know I will continue to do in the future.
So excited to be home tomorrow. I need a hug from my family.
Brittany
3/16/2011 830 pm CLINIC DAY THREE
Patients: 215
Total in 3 days: 657
Today I spent the first hour in pharmacy then went to the floor to start seeing patients. Wow, I was way more nervous than I thought it would be. I felt very unsure, especially since my rotations to date did not include family med, pediatrics, ER, urgent care. At least I had some internal medicine background. I was praying most of my patients were ortho...or ob/gyn. It didn't help that my first couple of patients were more complicated.
My first patient had a BP of 210/109...not good. Not only that but her blood sugar was 410. Diabetic and hypertensive.... You don't see many diabetes patients like you do in America---they are all not overweight and eating processed foods...
My 2nd patient was an 8 year old boy with typhoid fever.. Not having having pediatrics really didn't make a difference since I'm pretty sure none of my classmates or even PAs for that matter had seen a case. I guess there is a thought around Haiti that if you have TF that they shouldn't drink milk or eat certain foods. This kid was getting dizzy because he was not eating properly. The most we could do was hydrate him and give him an antibiotic.
By the time we started up for lunch, I felt more confident. Working in the pharmacy def helped. I'm sure tomorrow will be even better. A lot of my patients were women with headache, vaginal discharge, and acid reflux/heartburn. My translator kept saying "she has the acid". I did see a couple of arthritis cases.
I have to say, I really just want to be able to make a telephone call, brush my teeth without using my waterbottle, and not wear DEET 40 after I take a shower. Oh yeah, hot water would be nice. Also, flushing after I pee. Also, not hearing a rooster at 3 am. Also, not eating powerbars so I don't pass out. Also, being able to drink water from a facet. Also, not having to wear sandals in the shower. Also being able to blow dry my hair and straighten it. Also to not wear a fannie pack 24/7.... WOW GUESS YOU CAN'T TAKE THE AMERICA OUT OF THE AMERICAN.
Courtney made an interesting comment when we were showering. She said that she would feel guilty about going out for a friends birthday party in Chicago and spending $8 on a drink, especially when most people here are lukcy to make that in a day. Our translators were getting $20 a day and that was alot. That really made me think -- especially since I do enjoy going out to dinner and spending money on a glass of wine or beers. Def makes me want to be a lot more frugal.
Someone from the church group that is also staying here made a comment about how there is a signma in the US about Americans feeling entitled. Entitled for everything... SO TRUE.
I noticed that the Haitians are so well dressed when they come to clinic. Ironed shirts, women in dresses with blazers or sweaters (it's 95 degrees out). The children are in bows and dresses. Some are even wearing like princess halloween costumes. They are so unbelievably grateful that you are able to sit with them, hear their problems, and try to help them out. THIS IS WHY I WANTED TO BE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AND WORK IN HEALTHCARE.
Sitting here now, it looks like I could be on a tropical vacation. The mountains are all lit up, the stars are twinkling and the palm trees sway. The weather is beautiful. From the roof, everything is heavenly. Just a few feet below, the people are sleeping in tents amongst goats, bathing in man made holes of dirty water. Isn't that sometimes we live our life? Keep our head up and look through our rose colored glasses. US may not be a 3rd world country but PLENTY of our citizens are struggling -- without access to the things they need to be healthy and survive in this world -- our world. It just doesn't all sink in yet. I take a benadryl at night just so my thoughts don't race and I can get some sleep.
One thing the Haitians have that I feel like I lack in my life is faith. It's incredible that I have so much in my life but I'm not near as happy as the Haitians are. I feel happy, accomplished, satisfied... I'm not sure the right word... but I know I still want more....I still think things could always be a little better. Maybe I'm a little world of settling or of accepting mediocracy... however... there is a line. Appreciating, smiling, really being happy is something I need to accept from how I feel on the inside. Not judge it on what's happening on the outside. I have my family, school and my career, friends, Jon, Ty-Ty, my independence, my freedom, my apartment, all the places I've been so fortunate to travel to, memories of college and high school, my health, my families health, tons of clothes, shoes, cable, food, a car, SO MUCH. This past year was very, very, very difficult for me. Last summer I had my heart broken TERRIBLY. I was lied to and deceived. I was depressed. I stopped eating. I allowed someone to make me feel like I did something wrong. That I was selfish for going to school and studying and working hard and wanting to have a great career and make money. I allowed someone to tell me lies and make me feel less of person. I allowed myself to be blinded by all the things I was so FORTUNATE to have and focus on this one loss. Sitting here now, I'm so lucky that it happened. It also made me do a lot of soul searching, especially since that person made a lot of comments about my personal character and the fact that I couldn't keep relationships with females. It really hurt me and made me examine who I was as a person, who I was with him, and who I wanted to be. You know, thinking back now, it doesn't need to take a huge moment to happen before you start working on yourself as a person. I can look back now and there are friendships I wish I still had, maybe choices that I wish I would/wouldn't have made.... but i have no regrets. Those are only "what ifs". I'm so, so happy now. There will always be "what ifs". I can only continue to work on me and be proud of who I am.
Much love to family,
Brittany
Total in 3 days: 657
Today I spent the first hour in pharmacy then went to the floor to start seeing patients. Wow, I was way more nervous than I thought it would be. I felt very unsure, especially since my rotations to date did not include family med, pediatrics, ER, urgent care. At least I had some internal medicine background. I was praying most of my patients were ortho...or ob/gyn. It didn't help that my first couple of patients were more complicated.
My first patient had a BP of 210/109...not good. Not only that but her blood sugar was 410. Diabetic and hypertensive.... You don't see many diabetes patients like you do in America---they are all not overweight and eating processed foods...
My 2nd patient was an 8 year old boy with typhoid fever.. Not having having pediatrics really didn't make a difference since I'm pretty sure none of my classmates or even PAs for that matter had seen a case. I guess there is a thought around Haiti that if you have TF that they shouldn't drink milk or eat certain foods. This kid was getting dizzy because he was not eating properly. The most we could do was hydrate him and give him an antibiotic.
By the time we started up for lunch, I felt more confident. Working in the pharmacy def helped. I'm sure tomorrow will be even better. A lot of my patients were women with headache, vaginal discharge, and acid reflux/heartburn. My translator kept saying "she has the acid". I did see a couple of arthritis cases.
I have to say, I really just want to be able to make a telephone call, brush my teeth without using my waterbottle, and not wear DEET 40 after I take a shower. Oh yeah, hot water would be nice. Also, flushing after I pee. Also, not hearing a rooster at 3 am. Also, not eating powerbars so I don't pass out. Also, being able to drink water from a facet. Also, not having to wear sandals in the shower. Also being able to blow dry my hair and straighten it. Also to not wear a fannie pack 24/7.... WOW GUESS YOU CAN'T TAKE THE AMERICA OUT OF THE AMERICAN.
Courtney made an interesting comment when we were showering. She said that she would feel guilty about going out for a friends birthday party in Chicago and spending $8 on a drink, especially when most people here are lukcy to make that in a day. Our translators were getting $20 a day and that was alot. That really made me think -- especially since I do enjoy going out to dinner and spending money on a glass of wine or beers. Def makes me want to be a lot more frugal.
Someone from the church group that is also staying here made a comment about how there is a signma in the US about Americans feeling entitled. Entitled for everything... SO TRUE.
I noticed that the Haitians are so well dressed when they come to clinic. Ironed shirts, women in dresses with blazers or sweaters (it's 95 degrees out). The children are in bows and dresses. Some are even wearing like princess halloween costumes. They are so unbelievably grateful that you are able to sit with them, hear their problems, and try to help them out. THIS IS WHY I WANTED TO BE A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AND WORK IN HEALTHCARE.
Sitting here now, it looks like I could be on a tropical vacation. The mountains are all lit up, the stars are twinkling and the palm trees sway. The weather is beautiful. From the roof, everything is heavenly. Just a few feet below, the people are sleeping in tents amongst goats, bathing in man made holes of dirty water. Isn't that sometimes we live our life? Keep our head up and look through our rose colored glasses. US may not be a 3rd world country but PLENTY of our citizens are struggling -- without access to the things they need to be healthy and survive in this world -- our world. It just doesn't all sink in yet. I take a benadryl at night just so my thoughts don't race and I can get some sleep.
One thing the Haitians have that I feel like I lack in my life is faith. It's incredible that I have so much in my life but I'm not near as happy as the Haitians are. I feel happy, accomplished, satisfied... I'm not sure the right word... but I know I still want more....I still think things could always be a little better. Maybe I'm a little world of settling or of accepting mediocracy... however... there is a line. Appreciating, smiling, really being happy is something I need to accept from how I feel on the inside. Not judge it on what's happening on the outside. I have my family, school and my career, friends, Jon, Ty-Ty, my independence, my freedom, my apartment, all the places I've been so fortunate to travel to, memories of college and high school, my health, my families health, tons of clothes, shoes, cable, food, a car, SO MUCH. This past year was very, very, very difficult for me. Last summer I had my heart broken TERRIBLY. I was lied to and deceived. I was depressed. I stopped eating. I allowed someone to make me feel like I did something wrong. That I was selfish for going to school and studying and working hard and wanting to have a great career and make money. I allowed someone to tell me lies and make me feel less of person. I allowed myself to be blinded by all the things I was so FORTUNATE to have and focus on this one loss. Sitting here now, I'm so lucky that it happened. It also made me do a lot of soul searching, especially since that person made a lot of comments about my personal character and the fact that I couldn't keep relationships with females. It really hurt me and made me examine who I was as a person, who I was with him, and who I wanted to be. You know, thinking back now, it doesn't need to take a huge moment to happen before you start working on yourself as a person. I can look back now and there are friendships I wish I still had, maybe choices that I wish I would/wouldn't have made.... but i have no regrets. Those are only "what ifs". I'm so, so happy now. There will always be "what ifs". I can only continue to work on me and be proud of who I am.
Much love to family,
Brittany
3/15/2011 930 pm CLINIC DAY 2
Patients: 226
Today was a good, long day. Woke up at 530, ate mango and powerbar. Worked the pharmacy all day. Saw a ton of patients in the morning. 2 cases had to be rushed to the ER. A 16yo female came in with acute abdomen, appendicitis. (I def know how she's feeling...) We also had an 80 yo male with chest pain and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). We suspected a heart attack. His blood pressure was through the roof and not controlled with the meds we gave him yesterday. We gave him an aspirin to help if he was having a heart attack. Andrea (the PA and faculty member in charge) said they went to St. Catherine, the Doctors without Borders hospital. THeir ER triage is a tent where they get a label - red, yellow, green based on symptoms and diagnosis. I would have loved to tour a hospital in Haiti. A lot of the MDs are from all over the world and Haiti.
Tomorrow I have to help out with the pharmacy initially to help with the transition, since we are switching positions. I am extremely excited about seeing patients. On certain rotations, I'm allowed to see patients on my own. I then go back and brief the PA or MD. This time, I can make my own clinical judgement and prescribe meds...without someone double checking every single time. It makes me nervous but I am not afraid to ask for a second opinion or help.
Had rice and beans for dinner. That's by far my favorite Haitian meal. We played catchphrase a lot tongiht which was fun. I have to say, I'm ready to go home. Time hasn't gone by as fast as I wanted it to. I think being cut off from communication has been liberating, yet at the same time, I miss Jon and my family. Sometimes, all you need is to hear their voice.
Oh, saw a woman with elephantitis of her foot and a baby with a horrible rash. I'm sooooooo excited to see patients tomorrow! Ahhh :)
Love to my family,
Britt
Today was a good, long day. Woke up at 530, ate mango and powerbar. Worked the pharmacy all day. Saw a ton of patients in the morning. 2 cases had to be rushed to the ER. A 16yo female came in with acute abdomen, appendicitis. (I def know how she's feeling...) We also had an 80 yo male with chest pain and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). We suspected a heart attack. His blood pressure was through the roof and not controlled with the meds we gave him yesterday. We gave him an aspirin to help if he was having a heart attack. Andrea (the PA and faculty member in charge) said they went to St. Catherine, the Doctors without Borders hospital. THeir ER triage is a tent where they get a label - red, yellow, green based on symptoms and diagnosis. I would have loved to tour a hospital in Haiti. A lot of the MDs are from all over the world and Haiti.
Tomorrow I have to help out with the pharmacy initially to help with the transition, since we are switching positions. I am extremely excited about seeing patients. On certain rotations, I'm allowed to see patients on my own. I then go back and brief the PA or MD. This time, I can make my own clinical judgement and prescribe meds...without someone double checking every single time. It makes me nervous but I am not afraid to ask for a second opinion or help.
Had rice and beans for dinner. That's by far my favorite Haitian meal. We played catchphrase a lot tongiht which was fun. I have to say, I'm ready to go home. Time hasn't gone by as fast as I wanted it to. I think being cut off from communication has been liberating, yet at the same time, I miss Jon and my family. Sometimes, all you need is to hear their voice.
Oh, saw a woman with elephantitis of her foot and a baby with a horrible rash. I'm sooooooo excited to see patients tomorrow! Ahhh :)
Love to my family,
Britt
3/14/11 730pm FIRST CLINIC DAY
Patients: 215
Today we got up at 5 to get started at the clinic. Breakfast was fresh pineapple and coffee. It was so beautiful to get up when the sun was coming up...granted we go to bed at 8. You could already hear the Haitian music and the start to their day.
Running pharmacy was fun. Sarah was the patient education girl with the translator. Larissa ran back and forth between her and I. My job was to get the order ready -- whether that was hand the pre-made baggies or count pills. Up front we had a triage area that took vitals and stuff, typical to what nursing does when you get to the ER. Then we had 6 providers (3 certified, 3 students) seeing patients. In the pharmacy, I found myself wanting to be in control asll the time, which I know I can be bossy at times. Something I already thought about trying to work on. I'm really going to try hard to relax and seem like I'm having more fun. Fun, though for me, is being efficient and quick. Looks like I'm my mother's daughter. I really didn't get to see any patient interactions. I'm very glad I've gotten to become more familiar with the drugs though. I think that will make me more comfortable as a provider. It's hard for me to have confidence, so I think I need to just take a deep breath and do the best I can do.
We saw a lot of patients with GI problems - esp GERD (heartburn) (tums and omeprazole) and pain relief (ibuprofen, tylenol). Also gave a lot of allergey meds (benadryl and claritin). Saw some ringworm or fungal infections (mostly on scalp) and some scabies. I think one person commented how the Haitians kept saying how grateful they were for our help.
One thing that bothers me is that we come in and give meds enough to last a month, week, or less. But that's it. AFter that they are on their own to figure out their problems. I saw one woman hobbling in on a cane and I just imaginged what her xray looked like. it's hard to know that most of what they need are just over the counter meds we have in our medicine cabinet at home. we can just go to the store at anytime and pick some up. WE carry around tums in our purse while Haitians wait in line all day for a mission group before they get theirs. The last mission group before us had been awhile. I mean tums. Tums. It's sad because we had to mark tsp and mix the childrens suspensions with our own clean water because they may not have clean water. Plus, you're suppose to refrigerate the antibiotics... It's not like they can go home and make the suspension like we can. Its those things we take for granted. Clean water. Fresh air. I can't see any patient in the US wait around for hours and then be so grateful and pleasant when they leave. It always comes back to gratitude.
Our laundry was odne last night. The women handwash our clothes in buckets while we did the clinic. Pretty amazing. They smell good too.
Our translator for pharmacy was very nice. His name is "Junior". He's going to school to be a nutritional scientist and wants to be a businessman. He wants to get a masters and go to school in the US or London. He is obviously from a well off family. Funny, when we were talking to him, he asked us "where do you see yourself in 5 years". Between Larissa, myself and Junior - we all wanted the same thing - healthy family, marriage, children, successful career, financial stability. So different - yet we are all 25 with the same goals in life. It's pretty amazing how values can be so similar in diverse countries. US or Haiti - as citizens of humankind, we want family and purpose in life. Both of which may be the key to happiness.
Missing my family,
Brittany
Today we got up at 5 to get started at the clinic. Breakfast was fresh pineapple and coffee. It was so beautiful to get up when the sun was coming up...granted we go to bed at 8. You could already hear the Haitian music and the start to their day.
Running pharmacy was fun. Sarah was the patient education girl with the translator. Larissa ran back and forth between her and I. My job was to get the order ready -- whether that was hand the pre-made baggies or count pills. Up front we had a triage area that took vitals and stuff, typical to what nursing does when you get to the ER. Then we had 6 providers (3 certified, 3 students) seeing patients. In the pharmacy, I found myself wanting to be in control asll the time, which I know I can be bossy at times. Something I already thought about trying to work on. I'm really going to try hard to relax and seem like I'm having more fun. Fun, though for me, is being efficient and quick. Looks like I'm my mother's daughter. I really didn't get to see any patient interactions. I'm very glad I've gotten to become more familiar with the drugs though. I think that will make me more comfortable as a provider. It's hard for me to have confidence, so I think I need to just take a deep breath and do the best I can do.
We saw a lot of patients with GI problems - esp GERD (heartburn) (tums and omeprazole) and pain relief (ibuprofen, tylenol). Also gave a lot of allergey meds (benadryl and claritin). Saw some ringworm or fungal infections (mostly on scalp) and some scabies. I think one person commented how the Haitians kept saying how grateful they were for our help.
One thing that bothers me is that we come in and give meds enough to last a month, week, or less. But that's it. AFter that they are on their own to figure out their problems. I saw one woman hobbling in on a cane and I just imaginged what her xray looked like. it's hard to know that most of what they need are just over the counter meds we have in our medicine cabinet at home. we can just go to the store at anytime and pick some up. WE carry around tums in our purse while Haitians wait in line all day for a mission group before they get theirs. The last mission group before us had been awhile. I mean tums. Tums. It's sad because we had to mark tsp and mix the childrens suspensions with our own clean water because they may not have clean water. Plus, you're suppose to refrigerate the antibiotics... It's not like they can go home and make the suspension like we can. Its those things we take for granted. Clean water. Fresh air. I can't see any patient in the US wait around for hours and then be so grateful and pleasant when they leave. It always comes back to gratitude.
Our laundry was odne last night. The women handwash our clothes in buckets while we did the clinic. Pretty amazing. They smell good too.
Our translator for pharmacy was very nice. His name is "Junior". He's going to school to be a nutritional scientist and wants to be a businessman. He wants to get a masters and go to school in the US or London. He is obviously from a well off family. Funny, when we were talking to him, he asked us "where do you see yourself in 5 years". Between Larissa, myself and Junior - we all wanted the same thing - healthy family, marriage, children, successful career, financial stability. So different - yet we are all 25 with the same goals in life. It's pretty amazing how values can be so similar in diverse countries. US or Haiti - as citizens of humankind, we want family and purpose in life. Both of which may be the key to happiness.
Missing my family,
Brittany
3/13/11 1030 pm
Just getting into bed. I hate putting on Deet then going to bed. Emailing Jon has been a saving grace. There is a computer here they we can all share. You don't always realize how much you rely on someone until you don't have them. I wish he could experience this as well. I don't know how I'll be able to go back and describe what I saw, or smelled, or heard, or felt even. It's unimaginable until you are here. I can't wait to hear his voice and listen to him ask me a million questions!
Dinner tonight is....rice and beans!!! They serve chicken here, but not sure I can try it. I said i would be open and so far I have, but not sure I can do the chicken. So far no GI problems (stomach issues) and I want to keep it that way!
After dinner, we set up the clinic. We have the pharmacy organized by drug class. It will be interesting how everything will run. I'm so anxious and excited. THIS IS WHAT WE CAME TO DO!
Missing my family and JC a lot today.
Brittany
Dinner tonight is....rice and beans!!! They serve chicken here, but not sure I can try it. I said i would be open and so far I have, but not sure I can do the chicken. So far no GI problems (stomach issues) and I want to keep it that way!
After dinner, we set up the clinic. We have the pharmacy organized by drug class. It will be interesting how everything will run. I'm so anxious and excited. THIS IS WHAT WE CAME TO DO!
Missing my family and JC a lot today.
Brittany
Reflection
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have"
Frederick King
"Material-based happiness is transient at best"
Frederick King
"Material-based happiness is transient at best"
3/13/11 3:13 pm
After breakfast we went to City Soleil. This is the original headquarters for HOM. When we got off the tap-tap, we were swarmed by children of the community. Sadly, they were looking for water from us. Scott has his granola bar stolen and they yelled "chocolat! chocolat". They wanted hugs and to hold hands. I knew little of what they said, which was a little heart breaking. We got a tour of the church and the grounds. There was a kid drinking water from the ground. A few minutes later, he just pulled out his manhood and started peeing right next to us.
As we got back in the tap-tap, we asked the interpretor if he wanted some water. He is well dressed and looks good. He hesitated and said if he drank water, he couldn't eat lunch. Meaning that the water would fill him up and he wouldn't be able to eat as much lunch. (we were providing a lunch for him). At that point, I had finished my whole water bottle and was starving for lunch. I've never had to choose between water and food. He was smiling the whole time - as if it was no big deal.
Next we went to the tent cities. It was scary pulling up and realizing we were getting off there. These are the lowest of low in terms of housing. The children there were naked or 1/2 dressed, dirty. One male boy about 5 was just in a shirt. They children had orange tint to their hair and distended bellies - all signs of malnutirition. The tents are so small. I can't imagine living there. No running water or electricity. What did they do when the sun went down? I can't imagine being woman there. They were all sitting outside under shade. The children followed us around - holding our hands or asking to be picked up. The description of what I saw, I can't process. It's like something traumatic happneded and you don't want to talk about it after or think about it. I felt almost like I did when my grandmother passed away in November and I just got through it by trying to forget it was real or detaching that from my thoughts. It's hard to be unemotional here though.
We went to another HOM community. This is where they are building a new church to replace the one that fell, a new school, and a medical clinic.
When we got back, we had lunch. Forest, one of the HOM people, told us that not much has changed since the earthquake. That really shocked me because I coudln't imagine the earthquake not producing this type of living condition. If anything, he said that the trash and living conditions are better. Wow.
We played catchphrase when we got back and walked around Terre de Noire neighborhood. It's amazing what's around us. The houses are better, yet still just pieces of scrap metal put together. We walked around a market with raw meat and veggies just sitting there, with huge swarms of flies. Everyone we say said "bon soir" or "salut" and greated us with a smile. I keep telling myself not to think that they just think we are snobby Americans, gawking at their life. Nadesh, a woman who lives on the compound, told us that we need to think they thye feel so honored. We took time away from our jobs, our family, our life to come here and help serve. Selfless service. I don't know if I feel exactly selfless -- I mean I wanted to come for medical knowledge as well. The more I think about it though, the more I realize that most of my knowledge will be a reflection of myself and my life, rather than on pediatric doeses or diagnosing ear infections.
We asked our interpretor if he had children. He said his wife had miscarried. He said "God has a plan. " I think that's just my interpretation of "everything happens for a reason". It's faith that everything will work out for the best.
One thing that keeps popping up "Are we living the lives that we're expected of us, rather than the lives that make us feel whole".
One thing I'm glad about is that I didn't come looking for personal character change from Haiti. I wanted to come for the experience and to help by practicing medicine. Now that I'm here, I can already see that Haiti's changed me. I didn't have an epiphany and then go to Haiti. I didn't say "I need to be more grateful so I'll go to a 3rd world country". I had my epiphany when I was here.
The water truck drives around blasting music and sounds like an ice-cream truck. They continue to play Celine Dion "my heart will go on" and Christmas music. Makes me smile everytime.
Much love,
Britt
As we got back in the tap-tap, we asked the interpretor if he wanted some water. He is well dressed and looks good. He hesitated and said if he drank water, he couldn't eat lunch. Meaning that the water would fill him up and he wouldn't be able to eat as much lunch. (we were providing a lunch for him). At that point, I had finished my whole water bottle and was starving for lunch. I've never had to choose between water and food. He was smiling the whole time - as if it was no big deal.
Next we went to the tent cities. It was scary pulling up and realizing we were getting off there. These are the lowest of low in terms of housing. The children there were naked or 1/2 dressed, dirty. One male boy about 5 was just in a shirt. They children had orange tint to their hair and distended bellies - all signs of malnutirition. The tents are so small. I can't imagine living there. No running water or electricity. What did they do when the sun went down? I can't imagine being woman there. They were all sitting outside under shade. The children followed us around - holding our hands or asking to be picked up. The description of what I saw, I can't process. It's like something traumatic happneded and you don't want to talk about it after or think about it. I felt almost like I did when my grandmother passed away in November and I just got through it by trying to forget it was real or detaching that from my thoughts. It's hard to be unemotional here though.
We went to another HOM community. This is where they are building a new church to replace the one that fell, a new school, and a medical clinic.
When we got back, we had lunch. Forest, one of the HOM people, told us that not much has changed since the earthquake. That really shocked me because I coudln't imagine the earthquake not producing this type of living condition. If anything, he said that the trash and living conditions are better. Wow.
We played catchphrase when we got back and walked around Terre de Noire neighborhood. It's amazing what's around us. The houses are better, yet still just pieces of scrap metal put together. We walked around a market with raw meat and veggies just sitting there, with huge swarms of flies. Everyone we say said "bon soir" or "salut" and greated us with a smile. I keep telling myself not to think that they just think we are snobby Americans, gawking at their life. Nadesh, a woman who lives on the compound, told us that we need to think they thye feel so honored. We took time away from our jobs, our family, our life to come here and help serve. Selfless service. I don't know if I feel exactly selfless -- I mean I wanted to come for medical knowledge as well. The more I think about it though, the more I realize that most of my knowledge will be a reflection of myself and my life, rather than on pediatric doeses or diagnosing ear infections.
We asked our interpretor if he had children. He said his wife had miscarried. He said "God has a plan. " I think that's just my interpretation of "everything happens for a reason". It's faith that everything will work out for the best.
One thing that keeps popping up "Are we living the lives that we're expected of us, rather than the lives that make us feel whole".
One thing I'm glad about is that I didn't come looking for personal character change from Haiti. I wanted to come for the experience and to help by practicing medicine. Now that I'm here, I can already see that Haiti's changed me. I didn't have an epiphany and then go to Haiti. I didn't say "I need to be more grateful so I'll go to a 3rd world country". I had my epiphany when I was here.
The water truck drives around blasting music and sounds like an ice-cream truck. They continue to play Celine Dion "my heart will go on" and Christmas music. Makes me smile everytime.
Much love,
Britt
3/13/11 9:20 am
Got up at 5:30 for church services. Had some breakfast. Church was interesting. All the Haitians were dressed so nice. Men in ties, full suits, all pressed. The women in heels and nice outfits. Their hair all up and with beautiful clips. Since these people come from the community, I wonder how they can have so little in so unsanitary ocnditions, but look so nice. One thing they don't lack is faith and love in God. They are all their raising their hands up and praising God. Makes me really think about faith and how we all find a way to connect to a higher power. One thing he said in English was "we are a church of the world. we will all meet in heaven - different races, languages, beliefs. we are all praising the same thing". Really made me wonder or question what I believe in and if I know what I believe in. How do I show my faith? Do I really need to show my faith to have faith?
One thing I read last night was about sacfricing true happiness to succeed to accomplish a goal. That's hard to think about because somethings, reaching my goals makes me happy...even though the journey may not always bring me happiness. Then again, isn't life mostly a journey? If that's a case, shouldn't the journey bring you happiness?
It also said, if you don't have it, you don't know what you're missing. Someone in our group asked how the haitians could live like this. But, if they don't know any different, they probably don't think they have it bad. They are alive, they have family, they have enough food, they have a shelter (no matter what it's constructed out of)...they have all the essentials - they are happy. It's good to be alive. Maybe our problem as Americans is we have too many choices. Choices lead to unhappiness or disappointment?
Love to my family,
Brit
One thing I read last night was about sacfricing true happiness to succeed to accomplish a goal. That's hard to think about because somethings, reaching my goals makes me happy...even though the journey may not always bring me happiness. Then again, isn't life mostly a journey? If that's a case, shouldn't the journey bring you happiness?
It also said, if you don't have it, you don't know what you're missing. Someone in our group asked how the haitians could live like this. But, if they don't know any different, they probably don't think they have it bad. They are alive, they have family, they have enough food, they have a shelter (no matter what it's constructed out of)...they have all the essentials - they are happy. It's good to be alive. Maybe our problem as Americans is we have too many choices. Choices lead to unhappiness or disappointment?
Love to my family,
Brit
3/12/11 830 pm
Just showered, laying in bed. Tonight for dinner, we had plantanes, rice and beans, and onions in a spicy red sauce. The plantanes were awesome as well as the rice. I could eat that most nights.
Our reflection mostly just talked about what we saw. We started to get ready for clinic. We separated the medicaitons by category. Larissa, Sarah and I are running the pharmacy the first 2 days then whiching to see patients. We had to rotate between either triage or pharmacy and then patient care. I will like doing pharmacy. I have to remember to go with the flow and be a little more open minded, instead of controlling. I feel a lot of the time, I know what I want to do, what makes sense to me, and I set my mind to that. Need to calm down the control and make sure everyone has the opportunity to put in their input. My way isn't always the best way and I know I forget that sometimes.
I've been thinking about the Haitians. They have so little except faith in God and each other. I kept seeign these people walking or waiting and I kept wondering where they were going or what they were doing. Who was buying their produce? I still can't process all I saw. A woman here said that Americans give so much money but instead of it going to organizations like HOM who have clinics and are constantly rebuilding, it goes to the Haitian gov't. I guess the Haitian gov't does whatever they want. It was nice to see the Haitians rebuilding. I often wonder where they get their resources or with what money. I saw a man rebuilding a wall with rocks. He was so patient. Patience is something I need more of and you can never not have enough. I'm so impatient - for school to end, to get a job, to move back to Chicago, to see Jon... I need to enjoy each day and be thankful for it.
I wonder how this will affect me in the future. I honestly hope that some of the things I've seen here change me for the better. Just to be a more grateful person in ALL aspects of life.
It rained a lot here tonight. It felt nice. Sometimes I focus so much on goals or countdowns. I want to try to put things in persepective. I think that's a reasonable goal.
Love to my family,
Britt
Our reflection mostly just talked about what we saw. We started to get ready for clinic. We separated the medicaitons by category. Larissa, Sarah and I are running the pharmacy the first 2 days then whiching to see patients. We had to rotate between either triage or pharmacy and then patient care. I will like doing pharmacy. I have to remember to go with the flow and be a little more open minded, instead of controlling. I feel a lot of the time, I know what I want to do, what makes sense to me, and I set my mind to that. Need to calm down the control and make sure everyone has the opportunity to put in their input. My way isn't always the best way and I know I forget that sometimes.
I've been thinking about the Haitians. They have so little except faith in God and each other. I kept seeign these people walking or waiting and I kept wondering where they were going or what they were doing. Who was buying their produce? I still can't process all I saw. A woman here said that Americans give so much money but instead of it going to organizations like HOM who have clinics and are constantly rebuilding, it goes to the Haitian gov't. I guess the Haitian gov't does whatever they want. It was nice to see the Haitians rebuilding. I often wonder where they get their resources or with what money. I saw a man rebuilding a wall with rocks. He was so patient. Patience is something I need more of and you can never not have enough. I'm so impatient - for school to end, to get a job, to move back to Chicago, to see Jon... I need to enjoy each day and be thankful for it.
I wonder how this will affect me in the future. I honestly hope that some of the things I've seen here change me for the better. Just to be a more grateful person in ALL aspects of life.
It rained a lot here tonight. It felt nice. Sometimes I focus so much on goals or countdowns. I want to try to put things in persepective. I think that's a reasonable goal.
Love to my family,
Britt
Reflection
"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world"
John Milton
John Milton
3/12/11 4:00 pm
Just returned from "sightseeing". Before we left, we decorated the classrooms with alphabet lettters for the first graders. We left in tap-taps to first see the fallen Cathedral in the heart of Haiti. Along the way, we passed through our neighborhood, Terre de Noire. Trash is piled everywhere. Goats running wild. The tents are everywhere. The roads are so bumpy, it's hard to hang on.
When we get to the Cathedral, there isn't much. Some pillars stand. Other pillars hanging there. There is still some stained glass in the wondows. Other pieces just lay in the rubble. Several people are digging through. Most ask us for money or food. One man is with his 2 children and asking for medical advice.
We head over and see the white house. You can still tell it was once a beautiful building even as it's half collapsed. Across the street there are the tent communities. Naked children on the street.
We then start up the mountain on these very steep hilly roads. Almost makes me think of when I had to go up the auto road when I worked on top of mt washington. These were by far, much worse. We constantly swear to avoid potholes or other oncoming cars. There are no speed limits, no dotted yellow lines. No rules at all. We did drive through a "nice" community. AFter a long drive, we reached the top. You can see all of Haiti and the coast. You can see the tents and houses built into the mountains. From teh top you can see Blanchard (our compound), City Soleil, the Cathedral, and the White House. Bought some souveniers for Brianna and Breally. Then we went to a lunch at a "safe" Haitian restaurant, Mission Valley Baptist. I had cheese pizza and Coca Cola. How American can I get? There was a group "Wings of Hope" who help mentally challenged kids. We sat next to 2 boys, Tony and Sam, both handicapped who love to smile and eat french frieds. They were adorable.
After lunch, we couldn't go to the orphanage so we went to stop to get Haitian ice cream. As we traveled home, you could see down power lines and frayed ends. Haitian ice cream (vanilla) tastes like cinnamin and is delicious. The women carry everything on their head - giant tubs full of pots and pans - even saw one man with a basket of chicken. When we got back, we took a tour of our compound. We saw the church where we are having our clinic. We have church tomorrow at 6am for 2 1/2 hours. They have people here who sew and make garments. They have a small gift shop. Tyring to still process my thoughts.
Much love to my family,
Brit
When we get to the Cathedral, there isn't much. Some pillars stand. Other pillars hanging there. There is still some stained glass in the wondows. Other pieces just lay in the rubble. Several people are digging through. Most ask us for money or food. One man is with his 2 children and asking for medical advice.
We head over and see the white house. You can still tell it was once a beautiful building even as it's half collapsed. Across the street there are the tent communities. Naked children on the street.
We then start up the mountain on these very steep hilly roads. Almost makes me think of when I had to go up the auto road when I worked on top of mt washington. These were by far, much worse. We constantly swear to avoid potholes or other oncoming cars. There are no speed limits, no dotted yellow lines. No rules at all. We did drive through a "nice" community. AFter a long drive, we reached the top. You can see all of Haiti and the coast. You can see the tents and houses built into the mountains. From teh top you can see Blanchard (our compound), City Soleil, the Cathedral, and the White House. Bought some souveniers for Brianna and Breally. Then we went to a lunch at a "safe" Haitian restaurant, Mission Valley Baptist. I had cheese pizza and Coca Cola. How American can I get? There was a group "Wings of Hope" who help mentally challenged kids. We sat next to 2 boys, Tony and Sam, both handicapped who love to smile and eat french frieds. They were adorable.
After lunch, we couldn't go to the orphanage so we went to stop to get Haitian ice cream. As we traveled home, you could see down power lines and frayed ends. Haitian ice cream (vanilla) tastes like cinnamin and is delicious. The women carry everything on their head - giant tubs full of pots and pans - even saw one man with a basket of chicken. When we got back, we took a tour of our compound. We saw the church where we are having our clinic. We have church tomorrow at 6am for 2 1/2 hours. They have people here who sew and make garments. They have a small gift shop. Tyring to still process my thoughts.
Much love to my family,
Brit
3/12/11 7:06 am
Woke up at 6 am. Didn't get much sleep. All night heard the church group singing -- how do they sing all night? At one point, I heard "Hallileuigh" and I thought it was time to wake up. Instead it was 3 am. When do they sleep? Don't get me started on the roosters. I know THEY don't sleep.
Showering was odd. The water was freezing cold but at least we have running water. For breakfast we had mangos and bananas. I've never tasted a mango like that - or had to actually cut it. Jessica had to show us how to properly cut a mango.
Looking over the edge of our wall (we eat on the roof) it's amazing to see how privledged we still are - meaning that even in Haiti, we have more than most. It's a hard thing to swallow. All the tings we take for granted or think we are ENTITLED to. These people know nothing else. Do they know how different life is for us? How easy we have it? Just one day here (it hasn't even been 24 hours) has been a life changing experience. I haven't even practiced medicine! My brain can't even comprehend all the emotions -- it's too much to process.
Love to my family,
Britt
Showering was odd. The water was freezing cold but at least we have running water. For breakfast we had mangos and bananas. I've never tasted a mango like that - or had to actually cut it. Jessica had to show us how to properly cut a mango.
Looking over the edge of our wall (we eat on the roof) it's amazing to see how privledged we still are - meaning that even in Haiti, we have more than most. It's a hard thing to swallow. All the tings we take for granted or think we are ENTITLED to. These people know nothing else. Do they know how different life is for us? How easy we have it? Just one day here (it hasn't even been 24 hours) has been a life changing experience. I haven't even practiced medicine! My brain can't even comprehend all the emotions -- it's too much to process.
Love to my family,
Britt
3/11/2011 9:00 pm
I'm sitting here at the compound Blanchard in Port au Prince, Haiti. A few of us are writing in journals under one light and the stars on the roof. Others are teaching how to play the game, Euchre. The sound from the compound walls is a group of Haitians singing hymns. I'm looking out on the roof to the mountains on both sides. Lights twinkling. With the palm trees, from the roof, it looks like paradise.
Arriving in Haiti, I was very anxious and nervous. With recent reports of unsafe travel and the inability to communicate with my family, made it difficult. The customs at Haiti airport was a jumbled mess of chaos. We were traveling with 9 students and 6 practioners. We had 27 bags and 500 lbs of donated medicine. AS we flew over, you could see the devestation ahead of time. Crammed along the coasts, tons of tents, fallen buildings. When we landed and got our bags, it was confusing because we had so many tubs and everyone just grabbed whatever they could. Several men harrassed us for money to help. When we finally got outside, it was muggy - about 86 degrees. Before our senses could even register, we were rushed to 3 tap-taps - their mode of transportation. Basically, it's like sitting on benches on the sides of a truck.
The streets were rough - mostly all unpaved with large pot holes. The air was thick. The smell overwhelms you and makes it difficult to breathe. It was thick, smelled like sewage, overcrowdedness (if that's a word or a smell) and pollution. It felt like there was a plastic bag over my face and I couldn't get clean, fresh air. Or even as if you stand in front of an exhaust of a car and just let it blow the smoke directly in your face over and over again.
It took 25 min to arrive at the compound. The ride there was something I'll never forget. Tents were lined up. A naked woman standing there just washing her body. People everwhere. Motocycles whizzing past. Children barefoot and waving. You could see the destruction. Houses empty - just the foundation stood - if that. Small huts with people looking on an open flame. Stray dogs, goats, chickens with piles of trash everywhere. Women carrying baskets or even suitcases filled with a variety of different things on their head. A little girl, younger than Breally, carrying a bucket of water on her head down the street.
We get to the compound. Dinner is pumpkin soup. Haitians eat this Jan 1st for Independence from slavery. Masters used to be the only ones that could have pumpkin soup - so that's why the Haitians eat it. It was very spicy. After we met the volunteers that run HOM and "unpacked". The women and men have separate bunk quarters. My bed is an air mattress (to prevent bed bugs). I'm on the low bunk. I have to sleep in a mosquito net.
I already can't believe how much of a humbling experience this is. Its 1030 and the church group is still singing. Right next to our compound, when we look down from the roof, are tents that people live in. I can't believe how priveledged I am. These people have themselves and God - and they're greatful for that. That's incredible to me -- certainly different from the American philosophy. Lights are out.
Love to my family,
Britt
Arriving in Haiti, I was very anxious and nervous. With recent reports of unsafe travel and the inability to communicate with my family, made it difficult. The customs at Haiti airport was a jumbled mess of chaos. We were traveling with 9 students and 6 practioners. We had 27 bags and 500 lbs of donated medicine. AS we flew over, you could see the devestation ahead of time. Crammed along the coasts, tons of tents, fallen buildings. When we landed and got our bags, it was confusing because we had so many tubs and everyone just grabbed whatever they could. Several men harrassed us for money to help. When we finally got outside, it was muggy - about 86 degrees. Before our senses could even register, we were rushed to 3 tap-taps - their mode of transportation. Basically, it's like sitting on benches on the sides of a truck.
The streets were rough - mostly all unpaved with large pot holes. The air was thick. The smell overwhelms you and makes it difficult to breathe. It was thick, smelled like sewage, overcrowdedness (if that's a word or a smell) and pollution. It felt like there was a plastic bag over my face and I couldn't get clean, fresh air. Or even as if you stand in front of an exhaust of a car and just let it blow the smoke directly in your face over and over again.
It took 25 min to arrive at the compound. The ride there was something I'll never forget. Tents were lined up. A naked woman standing there just washing her body. People everwhere. Motocycles whizzing past. Children barefoot and waving. You could see the destruction. Houses empty - just the foundation stood - if that. Small huts with people looking on an open flame. Stray dogs, goats, chickens with piles of trash everywhere. Women carrying baskets or even suitcases filled with a variety of different things on their head. A little girl, younger than Breally, carrying a bucket of water on her head down the street.
We get to the compound. Dinner is pumpkin soup. Haitians eat this Jan 1st for Independence from slavery. Masters used to be the only ones that could have pumpkin soup - so that's why the Haitians eat it. It was very spicy. After we met the volunteers that run HOM and "unpacked". The women and men have separate bunk quarters. My bed is an air mattress (to prevent bed bugs). I'm on the low bunk. I have to sleep in a mosquito net.
I already can't believe how much of a humbling experience this is. Its 1030 and the church group is still singing. Right next to our compound, when we look down from the roof, are tents that people live in. I can't believe how priveledged I am. These people have themselves and God - and they're greatful for that. That's incredible to me -- certainly different from the American philosophy. Lights are out.
Love to my family,
Britt
Medical Mission Trip Haiti March 2011
Hello family and friends,
This is a journal of my time spent in Haiti on a medical mission trip. The following paragraphs below is a letter our class president wrote about our journey to be published in the PA Professional magazine. It's extremely well written and gives a background on our trip. These next couple of posts won't be as well written!! They are actual journal articles I wrote when I was there, reflecting on our day, myself, and the Haitian people. I really wanted to post this so the people who supported me, either through donations or their kind words, can understand a little about how much this trip impacted my life.
My physician assistant class of 2011 at the University of Saint Francis fundraised and participated in a medical mission trip through Haiti Outreach Ministries. Haiti Outreach Ministries (HOM) is a Christian organization with multiple established churches, health clinics, and schools in Haiti. After several fundraising activties, our group was able to raise nearly $15,000, as well as several donated medications and supplies.
On March 11,2011, 9 USF PA students, 2 USF PA alumni and faculty, 2 USF PA alumni, a USF nurse practitioner, and our program's physician medical director loaded a plane en route to Port Au Prince, Haiti. The immediate culture shock was astonishing, heartbreaking, overwhelming, and yet, inspiring. Despite the immense destitution throughout Haiti, the overcrowded conditions, the tents for homes, the shortage and extreme need of clean water, the deep faith of the Haitians was immediately evident. Haitians were singing joyous praises in the church as we pulled into the Haiti Outreach Ministries compound. Our first lesson from these beautiful Haitians would be that faith, hope, and love are paramount to happiness.
We set up clinic in the church at Haiti Outreach Ministries. We had an intake area for triage, eight areas for providers, and a pharmacy that was fully stocked with the evidence of our hard work in preparation for this trip. We had multivitamins, antacids, deworming medications, antibiotics, ointments, antihypertensives, diabetic medications, and more. We had stethoscopes, otoscopes, gloves, gauze, and a wonderful team of translators ready to help us bridge the language gap between Creole and English. We had everything we would need to try to help in some way. We were ready and excited to open our clinic.
On Monday, March 13th, we opened clinic at 7:30am. By this time, there were nearly 50 Haitians waiting in line. On our first day of clinic we saw nearly 230 patients. The most common complaints included heartburn, headache, and vaginal discharge. These simple ailments are all self-treated in the U.S by simply going down the street to the local pharmacy. However, the Haitians have no access to clean water, let alone a pharmacy and the ability to buy Tylenol, Tums, and Monistat. That was where we would come in. Many people waited hours in line, in the heat, and were still happy and excited to see an American medical team. A second lesson learned: Patience really is a virtue.
We also saw a lot of patients with serious medical conditions, including severe dehydration, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac emergencies, and severe burns. When an emergent situation arose, we were able to send the patient to a Doctors Without Borders hospital nearby. Each patient was so thankful to be seen by a practitioner. We had to speak through translators, but the joy and gratitude was evident in the patients’ smiles and warm handshakes. Our third life lesson from the Haitians would be that it is important to be thankful for all of life’s blessings, both large and small.
In our 4 days of clinic we were able to see 947 patients. To say the experience was life-changing would certainly be an understatement. We went to Haiti to provide medical care, to educate the Haitians on healthier lifestyles and preventive medicine, and to help to change the fate of some medical disasters. However, while in Haiti we were the ones who were blessed to be taught such valuable life lessons from the wonderfully meek Haitians. It’s back to the basics: faith, hope, love, patience, and thankfulness. These words meant something to us before our trip, but they now hold a stronger meaning and are coupled with the beautiful Haitians who will be forever in our hearts. We may have gone to have to Haiti to try to make a difference, but we were the ones who were blessed to be changed.
Thank you and enjoy!
Love,
Britt
This is a journal of my time spent in Haiti on a medical mission trip. The following paragraphs below is a letter our class president wrote about our journey to be published in the PA Professional magazine. It's extremely well written and gives a background on our trip. These next couple of posts won't be as well written!! They are actual journal articles I wrote when I was there, reflecting on our day, myself, and the Haitian people. I really wanted to post this so the people who supported me, either through donations or their kind words, can understand a little about how much this trip impacted my life.
My physician assistant class of 2011 at the University of Saint Francis fundraised and participated in a medical mission trip through Haiti Outreach Ministries. Haiti Outreach Ministries (HOM) is a Christian organization with multiple established churches, health clinics, and schools in Haiti. After several fundraising activties, our group was able to raise nearly $15,000, as well as several donated medications and supplies.
On March 11,2011, 9 USF PA students, 2 USF PA alumni and faculty, 2 USF PA alumni, a USF nurse practitioner, and our program's physician medical director loaded a plane en route to Port Au Prince, Haiti. The immediate culture shock was astonishing, heartbreaking, overwhelming, and yet, inspiring. Despite the immense destitution throughout Haiti, the overcrowded conditions, the tents for homes, the shortage and extreme need of clean water, the deep faith of the Haitians was immediately evident. Haitians were singing joyous praises in the church as we pulled into the Haiti Outreach Ministries compound. Our first lesson from these beautiful Haitians would be that faith, hope, and love are paramount to happiness.
We set up clinic in the church at Haiti Outreach Ministries. We had an intake area for triage, eight areas for providers, and a pharmacy that was fully stocked with the evidence of our hard work in preparation for this trip. We had multivitamins, antacids, deworming medications, antibiotics, ointments, antihypertensives, diabetic medications, and more. We had stethoscopes, otoscopes, gloves, gauze, and a wonderful team of translators ready to help us bridge the language gap between Creole and English. We had everything we would need to try to help in some way. We were ready and excited to open our clinic.
On Monday, March 13th, we opened clinic at 7:30am. By this time, there were nearly 50 Haitians waiting in line. On our first day of clinic we saw nearly 230 patients. The most common complaints included heartburn, headache, and vaginal discharge. These simple ailments are all self-treated in the U.S by simply going down the street to the local pharmacy. However, the Haitians have no access to clean water, let alone a pharmacy and the ability to buy Tylenol, Tums, and Monistat. That was where we would come in. Many people waited hours in line, in the heat, and were still happy and excited to see an American medical team. A second lesson learned: Patience really is a virtue.
We also saw a lot of patients with serious medical conditions, including severe dehydration, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac emergencies, and severe burns. When an emergent situation arose, we were able to send the patient to a Doctors Without Borders hospital nearby. Each patient was so thankful to be seen by a practitioner. We had to speak through translators, but the joy and gratitude was evident in the patients’ smiles and warm handshakes. Our third life lesson from the Haitians would be that it is important to be thankful for all of life’s blessings, both large and small.
In our 4 days of clinic we were able to see 947 patients. To say the experience was life-changing would certainly be an understatement. We went to Haiti to provide medical care, to educate the Haitians on healthier lifestyles and preventive medicine, and to help to change the fate of some medical disasters. However, while in Haiti we were the ones who were blessed to be taught such valuable life lessons from the wonderfully meek Haitians. It’s back to the basics: faith, hope, love, patience, and thankfulness. These words meant something to us before our trip, but they now hold a stronger meaning and are coupled with the beautiful Haitians who will be forever in our hearts. We may have gone to have to Haiti to try to make a difference, but we were the ones who were blessed to be changed.
Thank you and enjoy!
Love,
Britt
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