Tuesday, February 16, 2010
First photos from Haiti team
Here's a link to the Soaring Unlimited website showing photos taken by Cyrus Sibert the Haitian board member who worked with us a couple of days...enjoy. Go to Soaring Unlimited Blog
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday: We're back!
Happy to report that the Haiti VIM Team is back in Michigan, safe and sound. A more detailed report will follow. Many thanks to the contingent that met us at the airport in TC, even though our flight was delayed for over 1 hour.
There are so many stories to tell and memories to share as well as photos and video. This was a magnificent team that worked together to meet rather difficult objectives despite the inevitable pitfals that missioners run into such as flat tires, lost luggage, and road conditions that defy description at times.
We were blessed with warm, friendly and loving Haitians in our midst each day and will never forget them...children, adults, earthquake victims, teachers, professionals, Dorothy's staff and shopkeepers.
Staton
There are so many stories to tell and memories to share as well as photos and video. This was a magnificent team that worked together to meet rather difficult objectives despite the inevitable pitfals that missioners run into such as flat tires, lost luggage, and road conditions that defy description at times.
We were blessed with warm, friendly and loving Haitians in our midst each day and will never forget them...children, adults, earthquake victims, teachers, professionals, Dorothy's staff and shopkeepers.
Staton
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, Cap-Haitian Haiti
Tuesday, Cap-Haitian Haiti
Each day we cook our own breakfast and pack sandwiches for lunch. The breakfast topic of choice is "how many critter noises kept you up last night?" Roosters, dogs, cats, rare birds, frogs and the human critters playing music up to a mile away....sounds of a crowded city. Bob and Carla have to have coffee, so they make it, Elena, Laura, Linda and Sybil cut fresh fruit, bake oatmeal or french toast or pancakes. My job is to start the generator to pump water and load the truck.
Big news: no flat today! We're all praying the new tires come in this afternoon from P.A.P. I rode the tap-tap, my first time, with the staff, and videotaped the daily opening ceremony, the doctor's prayer, the hymn, the Lord's prayer and a second hymn. A beautiful thing since patients and staff both participate.
Margaret the nurse has labeled all the medical supplies in creole, Laura and Carla painted new shelves for the ceiling and pharmacy. Yves, the gardener and English teacher, invited me to video his class held under a mango tree while he taught two 5-member teams (men and women) how to create a compost area. He's a brilliant, passionate 24-year-old who wants every Haitian to learn how to grow their own food and speak English. His students maintain a garden and nursery on the clinic property.
The solar system was acting up. We couldn't trace the problem so we called Allen Rainey from Son Light Power, our mentor, and began back-checking our work. No luck. Tiling is progressing. Hard work for everyone, it's heavy. They should make it out of aluminum and put it on countertops only, not floors.
We picked up three hitch-hikers. Their tap-tap broke down. "Not speak English," but Laura, Elena and I had a few laughs, and so did they, riding in the back of the pickup.
Elena did devotions. We expect to sleep well.
Wednesday, Cap-Haitian, Haiti
Clinic is closed. But first we must see if the tires came in. Edrick, Bob and I went to Top's Tires and there they were...praise the Lord. While they mounted them, Joe, the owner who is Haitian born but his parents were Italian, gave me a nice video interview and a good deal too.
The two guards, one mason and 20 children welcomed us this morning at the clinic. Today we must get a ton of work done. We paired off. Two tiling teams, a tile cutting team, a layout team and Sybil ran for everyone, and taught the children some songs like "Itsy, bitsy, spider." The sound of those children singing and playing joyfully was uplifting to us all. Bob and I worked on Solar over the phone, but even thought the changes helped one problem persisted. We returned to our teams. Three hours later the solar problem was found after a call by Allen to Dave Barrett, here last week, revealed he had installed a pair of wires that were redundant. Problem solved.
Everyone is spreading the word that Friday is going to be special. Solar and water well dedication, toys for the children, singing and our farewell to a place and people we've come to love.
Spaghetti, fresh avocado, carrot and cabbage slaw, baked militone squash, fresh green beans and banana pudding awaited us at 6:00pm. We'd all like to think we're losing weight. A bright sunny day, but not too hot. No snow here. Linda is doing her daily bookwork. We all miss Dorothy.
It's a bustling place. Horns honking, it seems there couldn't possibly be anyone inside a building as they all appear to be on the street. Everyone seems to be kind and friendly. The only thing we have to be careful of is not to take a photo unless they agree. It's very offensive to some of them. So we always ask. But the kids love it, especially video. The go nuts over that.
We've been too busy to get out for any shopping or souvenirs yet. We all have something we'd like to bring home, we just have to get time to do it. It would be nice to go up to the hotel, get a Coke and show everyone who hasn't been here before.
Speaking of Coke, there's plenty of Coke-a-cola around, but you never see beer. I've only seen two people smoking a cigarette. They can't afford it. They sell bales of clothing, t-shirts and such, that came from the U.S. It was part of a program President Kennedy started. Everyone takes good care of themselves, are well groomed and very proud. We look filthy by the end of the day, on the other hand.
Each day we cook our own breakfast and pack sandwiches for lunch. The breakfast topic of choice is "how many critter noises kept you up last night?" Roosters, dogs, cats, rare birds, frogs and the human critters playing music up to a mile away....sounds of a crowded city. Bob and Carla have to have coffee, so they make it, Elena, Laura, Linda and Sybil cut fresh fruit, bake oatmeal or french toast or pancakes. My job is to start the generator to pump water and load the truck.
Big news: no flat today! We're all praying the new tires come in this afternoon from P.A.P. I rode the tap-tap, my first time, with the staff, and videotaped the daily opening ceremony, the doctor's prayer, the hymn, the Lord's prayer and a second hymn. A beautiful thing since patients and staff both participate.
Margaret the nurse has labeled all the medical supplies in creole, Laura and Carla painted new shelves for the ceiling and pharmacy. Yves, the gardener and English teacher, invited me to video his class held under a mango tree while he taught two 5-member teams (men and women) how to create a compost area. He's a brilliant, passionate 24-year-old who wants every Haitian to learn how to grow their own food and speak English. His students maintain a garden and nursery on the clinic property.
The solar system was acting up. We couldn't trace the problem so we called Allen Rainey from Son Light Power, our mentor, and began back-checking our work. No luck. Tiling is progressing. Hard work for everyone, it's heavy. They should make it out of aluminum and put it on countertops only, not floors.
We picked up three hitch-hikers. Their tap-tap broke down. "Not speak English," but Laura, Elena and I had a few laughs, and so did they, riding in the back of the pickup.
Elena did devotions. We expect to sleep well.
Wednesday, Cap-Haitian, Haiti
Clinic is closed. But first we must see if the tires came in. Edrick, Bob and I went to Top's Tires and there they were...praise the Lord. While they mounted them, Joe, the owner who is Haitian born but his parents were Italian, gave me a nice video interview and a good deal too.
The two guards, one mason and 20 children welcomed us this morning at the clinic. Today we must get a ton of work done. We paired off. Two tiling teams, a tile cutting team, a layout team and Sybil ran for everyone, and taught the children some songs like "Itsy, bitsy, spider." The sound of those children singing and playing joyfully was uplifting to us all. Bob and I worked on Solar over the phone, but even thought the changes helped one problem persisted. We returned to our teams. Three hours later the solar problem was found after a call by Allen to Dave Barrett, here last week, revealed he had installed a pair of wires that were redundant. Problem solved.
Everyone is spreading the word that Friday is going to be special. Solar and water well dedication, toys for the children, singing and our farewell to a place and people we've come to love.
Spaghetti, fresh avocado, carrot and cabbage slaw, baked militone squash, fresh green beans and banana pudding awaited us at 6:00pm. We'd all like to think we're losing weight. A bright sunny day, but not too hot. No snow here. Linda is doing her daily bookwork. We all miss Dorothy.
It's a bustling place. Horns honking, it seems there couldn't possibly be anyone inside a building as they all appear to be on the street. Everyone seems to be kind and friendly. The only thing we have to be careful of is not to take a photo unless they agree. It's very offensive to some of them. So we always ask. But the kids love it, especially video. The go nuts over that.
We've been too busy to get out for any shopping or souvenirs yet. We all have something we'd like to bring home, we just have to get time to do it. It would be nice to go up to the hotel, get a Coke and show everyone who hasn't been here before.
Speaking of Coke, there's plenty of Coke-a-cola around, but you never see beer. I've only seen two people smoking a cigarette. They can't afford it. They sell bales of clothing, t-shirts and such, that came from the U.S. It was part of a program President Kennedy started. Everyone takes good care of themselves, are well groomed and very proud. We look filthy by the end of the day, on the other hand.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Potholes in an otherwise productive day
Sunday
We voted to miss church to work a long day as clinic was closed. Did no shopping, tiling first priority. However, with seven of us and Edrick driving, and within two miles of the clinic, the gradual vibration turned into a massive tire failure. Our third in as many days.
Immediately a pickup truck stopped and offered help for a fee, which we were happy to pay, and took all but Edrick to the clinic. Edrick went with the good Samaritan to buy a used tire...no small feat on Sunday in Haiti.
Meanwhile, after some personal instruction, Linda and Laura were given the lab room to layout and tile. Sybil painted. Elena ran for anything anyone needed. Bob cut tile with a finicky saw, and Carla and myself tackled the hallway. We kept three Haitians busy mixing mud and observing so they can help this week too.
We celebrated Laura's birthday. Hanaia brought a beautiful cake from town. It rained hard. We slept right through it. All were tired.
Monday
It rained all night, maybe four inches. It was amazing. I don't know where it all goes. Linda, Edrick and I ran errands, the others took a tap tap with staff to the clinic. Errands included buying four new tires (hopefully for Wednesday installation) picking up Edrick's drivers license, paying for auto assurance (that's what they call it here, not insurance), buying 2x4s and paneling for a ceiling in the pharmacy, a chisel, 5 gallons of paint, two kinds of nails, a glass cutter and picked up remaining tile...and it only took 5 hours. Maddeningly slow procedures everywhere. Crew at the clinic discovered we had their lunch with us...that's Haiti.
They grouted two rooms and half the hallway which was laid on Sunday, cut off and re-hung the doors...a big job. Our team is getting into a rhythm. We even know where the tools are and who used what last. Only 11 patients today, that helped.
School started in some areas and students are reluctant to enter large buildings. Some schools started, but not many. We can tell by watching to see who's running around town in their uniforms.
A freshman college student in P.A.P. hitched a ride with us yesterday. He's been watching us work. He lived with his 24-year-old sister who was killed in the earthquake. He had left her for just a minute to go out and buy something prior to the event. He was at a total loss. His life turned upside down at age 20. He is staying with a friend in CAP, not with his parents who are too poor. His college was destroyed. He was an economics major and loved math. We asked to take his photo. "No, no, don't want photo on T.V." We thought maybe he believed in Voo Doo, so we asked if he was a Christian. And he said he was. But he had a fear of his picture being on the internet. A fine young man. We discussed English pronunciation, he taught us some creole words. He returned today to see photos of my family. We hoped to show him that photos were nothing to fear, and are important to us.
We have devotions every night. It brings the days experiences of each of us into focus. It's been a blessing that AT&T and other phone companies have made all calls to and from Haiti free until February 28th.
Answers to Your Questions
Aaron asks, "how much electricity will be produced by the new solar cells?" It's a 500 watt system and we're using it ourselves to light the rooms we're working in. It accommodates one light in every room, one or two outlets in each of 8 rooms plus the hallway (but they can't all be on at once.) We operate a microscope, two centrifuges, doctor's instruments, two small fans and a maze of cell phone chargers being used at any one time.
The purpose of the solar cells is to eliminate the need for the generator for those tasks. It eliminates the fuel expense for the generator and the excessive noise; which is particularly difficult when the doctor is trying to talk to the patients.
The people are very excited by the project. They take a lot of pride in ownership of it. On Friday we're planning a dedication ceremony for the solar system and the new water well that the MN team established. It's amazing how much use that gets.
General color
The dust has turned to mud. And still the most lasting impression is the amount of garbage everywhere. The closer you get to the water the worse the trash is. The worst neighborhoods are on the shore. Surprising the smell isn't notable.
The most memorable aspect is how wonderful the people are. The children come up to us and want to talk. They've been watching us work and are curious and friendly at the end of the day. They smile from ear to ear. The men don't pay much attention to the children. They're starved for that type of affection. They're fascinated by blue eyes and blond hair.
It's amazing how some things are more affordable and of similar quality here, and others are outrageous. We can't imagine how people afford to buy them.
You can't imagine how bad the potholes are here. It's like jumping down stair steps. You might only be traveling one mile per hour. It's almost like someone dropped bombs all over the road, leaving craters 15' wide and 8' deep.
Linda's been working really hard. She has to keep track of all the finances for the clinic, and for us, she manages the staff and she's very good at it. She's been here 5 times, and this time for a 4-week stretch - 2 weeks before we arrived, and she'll leave when we do.
And Bob, he's been a God-send. I don't know what we'd have done without such a skilled electrician.
It's raining again. Time to call it a night.
-Staton (via phone)
We voted to miss church to work a long day as clinic was closed. Did no shopping, tiling first priority. However, with seven of us and Edrick driving, and within two miles of the clinic, the gradual vibration turned into a massive tire failure. Our third in as many days.
Immediately a pickup truck stopped and offered help for a fee, which we were happy to pay, and took all but Edrick to the clinic. Edrick went with the good Samaritan to buy a used tire...no small feat on Sunday in Haiti.
Meanwhile, after some personal instruction, Linda and Laura were given the lab room to layout and tile. Sybil painted. Elena ran for anything anyone needed. Bob cut tile with a finicky saw, and Carla and myself tackled the hallway. We kept three Haitians busy mixing mud and observing so they can help this week too.
We celebrated Laura's birthday. Hanaia brought a beautiful cake from town. It rained hard. We slept right through it. All were tired.
Monday
It rained all night, maybe four inches. It was amazing. I don't know where it all goes. Linda, Edrick and I ran errands, the others took a tap tap with staff to the clinic. Errands included buying four new tires (hopefully for Wednesday installation) picking up Edrick's drivers license, paying for auto assurance (that's what they call it here, not insurance), buying 2x4s and paneling for a ceiling in the pharmacy, a chisel, 5 gallons of paint, two kinds of nails, a glass cutter and picked up remaining tile...and it only took 5 hours. Maddeningly slow procedures everywhere. Crew at the clinic discovered we had their lunch with us...that's Haiti.
They grouted two rooms and half the hallway which was laid on Sunday, cut off and re-hung the doors...a big job. Our team is getting into a rhythm. We even know where the tools are and who used what last. Only 11 patients today, that helped.
School started in some areas and students are reluctant to enter large buildings. Some schools started, but not many. We can tell by watching to see who's running around town in their uniforms.
A freshman college student in P.A.P. hitched a ride with us yesterday. He's been watching us work. He lived with his 24-year-old sister who was killed in the earthquake. He had left her for just a minute to go out and buy something prior to the event. He was at a total loss. His life turned upside down at age 20. He is staying with a friend in CAP, not with his parents who are too poor. His college was destroyed. He was an economics major and loved math. We asked to take his photo. "No, no, don't want photo on T.V." We thought maybe he believed in Voo Doo, so we asked if he was a Christian. And he said he was. But he had a fear of his picture being on the internet. A fine young man. We discussed English pronunciation, he taught us some creole words. He returned today to see photos of my family. We hoped to show him that photos were nothing to fear, and are important to us.
We have devotions every night. It brings the days experiences of each of us into focus. It's been a blessing that AT&T and other phone companies have made all calls to and from Haiti free until February 28th.
Answers to Your Questions
Aaron asks, "how much electricity will be produced by the new solar cells?" It's a 500 watt system and we're using it ourselves to light the rooms we're working in. It accommodates one light in every room, one or two outlets in each of 8 rooms plus the hallway (but they can't all be on at once.) We operate a microscope, two centrifuges, doctor's instruments, two small fans and a maze of cell phone chargers being used at any one time.
The purpose of the solar cells is to eliminate the need for the generator for those tasks. It eliminates the fuel expense for the generator and the excessive noise; which is particularly difficult when the doctor is trying to talk to the patients.
The people are very excited by the project. They take a lot of pride in ownership of it. On Friday we're planning a dedication ceremony for the solar system and the new water well that the MN team established. It's amazing how much use that gets.
General color
The dust has turned to mud. And still the most lasting impression is the amount of garbage everywhere. The closer you get to the water the worse the trash is. The worst neighborhoods are on the shore. Surprising the smell isn't notable.
The most memorable aspect is how wonderful the people are. The children come up to us and want to talk. They've been watching us work and are curious and friendly at the end of the day. They smile from ear to ear. The men don't pay much attention to the children. They're starved for that type of affection. They're fascinated by blue eyes and blond hair.
It's amazing how some things are more affordable and of similar quality here, and others are outrageous. We can't imagine how people afford to buy them.
You can't imagine how bad the potholes are here. It's like jumping down stair steps. You might only be traveling one mile per hour. It's almost like someone dropped bombs all over the road, leaving craters 15' wide and 8' deep.
Linda's been working really hard. She has to keep track of all the finances for the clinic, and for us, she manages the staff and she's very good at it. She's been here 5 times, and this time for a 4-week stretch - 2 weeks before we arrived, and she'll leave when we do.
And Bob, he's been a God-send. I don't know what we'd have done without such a skilled electrician.
It's raining again. Time to call it a night.
-Staton (via phone)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Any questions for the Haiti team?
When I spoke to dad he said the team would be happy to answer any questions CUMC members may have about their projects, life in Haiti, and the experience there. If there's something you'd like to ask please respond by posting it as a comment. I'll relay any questions the next time we speak on the phone, and report back via the blog.
-Brandy
-Brandy
Haiti Adventure Continues - 2010
Friday
While shopping for parts Edrick, our driver, was given a ticket while parked. But the ticket said, "for speeding". There was a U.N. Convoy of buses trying to get through and called the police. So Edrick lost his license. Very upsetting.
We took the Minnesota team to the airport and looped back into town to try and get the license back. Meanwhile, the nurses had taken a tap tap (taxi) to the clinic. Elena, Sybil and Amanda helped teach English with Yzes; the gardener and english teacher. Then they finished painting the food storage building.
Dave and Bob finished the solar panel and about 40 people worked to erect the panels on the tower, pour 4' of concrete in the hole and secured it with guidewires. Goal #1 accomplished. Dave and Amanda had their last day in Haiti. Amanda wanted to stay longer.
We all met Hanaia's husband and 2 month old baby daughter. Nine friends and relatives from P.A.P. are living with them.
Saturday
Hanaia braided Amanda's hair in cornrow braids. She has long hair and it looks beautiful. But she complained that it was pretty tight. Then she took them souvenier shopping before going to the airport.
Carla and Laura arrived on time with their luggage. Amazing. We went shopping for more tile and cement and gardening tools with money donated by Haitian people from Ft. Lauderdale and a MN team member. We bought a wheelbarrow, rake and a watering can. We're teaching people how to garden. They're learning quite rapidly. It will help make a better life for them here in Haiti.
Carla missed a connection, barely made it to FL, arrived with one hour of sleep. But we put them both to work immediately. Clinic is closed on Saturday and Sunday, so everyone worked on preparation for tiling. I laid tile, completed the doctor's office and one quarter of the hallway. The children began to learn the song, "Jesus loves me." We were hearing music all night in town. They played it to help the people form P.A.P. feel more relaxed.
Mid afternoon we got word that Dave and Amanda were bumped from their flight, so they're staying another day. Bob tested the solar system, fixed a generator and everyone else worked on the tiling project. One way or another. We have to get the tile project done when the clinic is closed. There's just too many people in the clinic. Haitians are working side by side with us on the tile. They're hard workers.
Sunday is Laura's birthday. We're planning to buy a special cake for her. Carla did devotions from the new CUMC lenten book. Another good day.
-Staton (via phone)
While shopping for parts Edrick, our driver, was given a ticket while parked. But the ticket said, "for speeding". There was a U.N. Convoy of buses trying to get through and called the police. So Edrick lost his license. Very upsetting.
We took the Minnesota team to the airport and looped back into town to try and get the license back. Meanwhile, the nurses had taken a tap tap (taxi) to the clinic. Elena, Sybil and Amanda helped teach English with Yzes; the gardener and english teacher. Then they finished painting the food storage building.
Dave and Bob finished the solar panel and about 40 people worked to erect the panels on the tower, pour 4' of concrete in the hole and secured it with guidewires. Goal #1 accomplished. Dave and Amanda had their last day in Haiti. Amanda wanted to stay longer.
We all met Hanaia's husband and 2 month old baby daughter. Nine friends and relatives from P.A.P. are living with them.
Saturday
Hanaia braided Amanda's hair in cornrow braids. She has long hair and it looks beautiful. But she complained that it was pretty tight. Then she took them souvenier shopping before going to the airport.
Carla and Laura arrived on time with their luggage. Amazing. We went shopping for more tile and cement and gardening tools with money donated by Haitian people from Ft. Lauderdale and a MN team member. We bought a wheelbarrow, rake and a watering can. We're teaching people how to garden. They're learning quite rapidly. It will help make a better life for them here in Haiti.
Carla missed a connection, barely made it to FL, arrived with one hour of sleep. But we put them both to work immediately. Clinic is closed on Saturday and Sunday, so everyone worked on preparation for tiling. I laid tile, completed the doctor's office and one quarter of the hallway. The children began to learn the song, "Jesus loves me." We were hearing music all night in town. They played it to help the people form P.A.P. feel more relaxed.
Mid afternoon we got word that Dave and Amanda were bumped from their flight, so they're staying another day. Bob tested the solar system, fixed a generator and everyone else worked on the tiling project. One way or another. We have to get the tile project done when the clinic is closed. There's just too many people in the clinic. Haitians are working side by side with us on the tile. They're hard workers.
Sunday is Laura's birthday. We're planning to buy a special cake for her. Carla did devotions from the new CUMC lenten book. Another good day.
-Staton (via phone)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
First Report from Haiti
Sunday
We flew in to the Bahamas to get gas because there's no airplane fuel in Cap-Haitien. We made it safe and sound, but our luggage did not arrive. Big disappointment.
Monday
11 people for breakfast. Seven from Michigan, four from Minnesota. Still no luggage. Bummer. Clinic busy. 44 patients from 9 different villages. Cap-Haitien is bustling, people are friendly. We had a flat tire halfway to the clinic, which took 3 hours to fix. Long story. We started the wiring on the clinic but had to work around the patients. A little hectic.
Tuesday
Luggage arrived, except Elena's. All solar parts accounted for. No customs (no security check before we took off either). Minnesota team: one nurse, 3 professionals who are drilling and rebuilding water wells. Drilling wells for 18 years in Haiti. 22 patients only at the clinic today. Meals are excellent and plentiful.
Wednesday
Clinic closed. Market day. Full steam ahead on solar. Installed most lights and wall plugs and control panel. Began tile project in doctor's exam room. Rained really hard overnight. Linda, Elena, Sybil (Lansing) and Irene (MN) assist in the clinic each day. Anemia, malnutrition, pain and parasites are the main maladies. Thankfully Elena's luggage arrived today.
Today
44 patients. Lots of children came to visit and play games with Amanda. Dave completed the solar frame. We completed the wiring indoors and the outdoor underground wiring. Very long, but productive day. Drillers fixed three wells. Hand pump wells just wear out. Tonight, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, fried tomatoes and cake for dessert. The ladies issued rice rations to patients also. Two and a half small bowls of rice apiece.
Tomorrow the plan is to mount the solar array. It's 53" x 99", bigger than a sheet of plywood. And it has to be raised on a 20' steel pole, with 4' buried in the ground. It's going to be a huge job. Hopefully there will be no wind.
General update
The team is working well together. Calls out of Haiti are free, thanks to AT&T. Several phone companies are doing the same, so it pays to check. But there's no internet.
Not too many people speak English. Half the group is traveling to the wells and the other half to the clinic, so it's been more difficult traveling separately. The people are very proud and clean, despite the fact that dust is everywhere. You get used to the feel of dirt on your hands. So far the folks we've met have no family or direct connections with the people in Port au Prince. You couldn't tell there was a tragedy here. Except for the traffic. Anything with wheels on it has people hanging off it like a Christmas tree. And we've noticed a lot of cement being moved around.
Temperature has been tolerable, typically in the 80s. Today was 100. But generally pleasant. My roommate is Bob. We've had electricity every night from 6pm to Midnight. It really helps a lot. Last trip we only had it for one hour each week. What a difference.
Haitians can go over to the Dominican Republic on Mondays and Fridays without a passport. So they travel 50 miles to cross the border and buy food and supplies to consume or sell.
Bananas in Haiti take year to grow. In Dominican they produce them in 4 months using fertilizers. But Haitian bananas are much sweeter and are treasured. Gasoline right now is readily available. Diesel is $3.00/gallon and gas is $4.00. It's coming from Dominican Republic now. Last year, when we were here the costs were $8.00 and $10.00 respectively. So that's an improvement.
Everyone at home is on our minds. We've had so much support and are glad to be able to give you all some feedback. So far, as they say in Haiti, 'No problems'. Except, can't locate a rim for our spare tire. (Thus the long story with regards to the flat tire).
-Staton (transcribed by Brandy via phone conversation with Staton)
Editors note: The internet service they had was provided by a tower in Port au Prince. So while calls can come in and out, email and blogging won't be possible. I'll post info when I hear from Staton by phone.
We flew in to the Bahamas to get gas because there's no airplane fuel in Cap-Haitien. We made it safe and sound, but our luggage did not arrive. Big disappointment.
Monday
11 people for breakfast. Seven from Michigan, four from Minnesota. Still no luggage. Bummer. Clinic busy. 44 patients from 9 different villages. Cap-Haitien is bustling, people are friendly. We had a flat tire halfway to the clinic, which took 3 hours to fix. Long story. We started the wiring on the clinic but had to work around the patients. A little hectic.
Tuesday
Luggage arrived, except Elena's. All solar parts accounted for. No customs (no security check before we took off either). Minnesota team: one nurse, 3 professionals who are drilling and rebuilding water wells. Drilling wells for 18 years in Haiti. 22 patients only at the clinic today. Meals are excellent and plentiful.
Wednesday
Clinic closed. Market day. Full steam ahead on solar. Installed most lights and wall plugs and control panel. Began tile project in doctor's exam room. Rained really hard overnight. Linda, Elena, Sybil (Lansing) and Irene (MN) assist in the clinic each day. Anemia, malnutrition, pain and parasites are the main maladies. Thankfully Elena's luggage arrived today.
Today
44 patients. Lots of children came to visit and play games with Amanda. Dave completed the solar frame. We completed the wiring indoors and the outdoor underground wiring. Very long, but productive day. Drillers fixed three wells. Hand pump wells just wear out. Tonight, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, fried tomatoes and cake for dessert. The ladies issued rice rations to patients also. Two and a half small bowls of rice apiece.
Tomorrow the plan is to mount the solar array. It's 53" x 99", bigger than a sheet of plywood. And it has to be raised on a 20' steel pole, with 4' buried in the ground. It's going to be a huge job. Hopefully there will be no wind.
General update
The team is working well together. Calls out of Haiti are free, thanks to AT&T. Several phone companies are doing the same, so it pays to check. But there's no internet.
Not too many people speak English. Half the group is traveling to the wells and the other half to the clinic, so it's been more difficult traveling separately. The people are very proud and clean, despite the fact that dust is everywhere. You get used to the feel of dirt on your hands. So far the folks we've met have no family or direct connections with the people in Port au Prince. You couldn't tell there was a tragedy here. Except for the traffic. Anything with wheels on it has people hanging off it like a Christmas tree. And we've noticed a lot of cement being moved around.
Temperature has been tolerable, typically in the 80s. Today was 100. But generally pleasant. My roommate is Bob. We've had electricity every night from 6pm to Midnight. It really helps a lot. Last trip we only had it for one hour each week. What a difference.
Haitians can go over to the Dominican Republic on Mondays and Fridays without a passport. So they travel 50 miles to cross the border and buy food and supplies to consume or sell.
Bananas in Haiti take year to grow. In Dominican they produce them in 4 months using fertilizers. But Haitian bananas are much sweeter and are treasured. Gasoline right now is readily available. Diesel is $3.00/gallon and gas is $4.00. It's coming from Dominican Republic now. Last year, when we were here the costs were $8.00 and $10.00 respectively. So that's an improvement.
Everyone at home is on our minds. We've had so much support and are glad to be able to give you all some feedback. So far, as they say in Haiti, 'No problems'. Except, can't locate a rim for our spare tire. (Thus the long story with regards to the flat tire).
-Staton (transcribed by Brandy via phone conversation with Staton)
Editors note: The internet service they had was provided by a tower in Port au Prince. So while calls can come in and out, email and blogging won't be possible. I'll post info when I hear from Staton by phone.
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