Haiti Project-Post 6

 
Haiti Blog Post 6- January 7, 2012
In three short days, I have settled in to Haitian life.  My body is covered with mesquite bites, I am enjoying the slower pace, and I am just plain dirty!
Today, Kellaura and I went to the temporary Lespwa Timoun clinic.  It is a well-run medical office with a triage space, a lab, and a pharmacy.  There were so many people there waiting patiently to be seen by the nurses and doctors.  Most of them are there with their children or have heartburn, malaria, typhoid, stomach problems, or an infection of some kind.   The clinic is packed in to a very small but nice space.  As we were touring the space, Carmel looked at me and said you understand now why we need the permanent space for Lespwa Timoun.  It is much bigger and they will be able to help so many more people.
Kellaura and I were given the job of separating pills and we were more than happy to do it!   Our hostesses are so kind to us in every way, that it feels good to be able to help them.  We sat for several hours and put together small bags of Tylenol, prenatal vitamins, and antibiotics of various kinds.  The whole time I was upset with myself thinking why didn’t I try to bring some of these basic supplies with me?  I guess with learning of the grant in late November, exams, and Christmas holidays, I just didn’t get to think through some of the supplies we could have brought from the states.
Maybe my seminary community would be willing to help us gather some supplies and mail them to Carmel.  I counted 55 bags of Tylenol.  Think about it, 55 people that will be relieved from their pain from two $11 bottles of Tylenol.   It makes me understand and once again remember how we take such little things like taking Tylenol for granted.
Thank you God for helping me see that all the bug bites in the world are worth spending this time with the glorious people of Haiti.
Mary Balfour