Dennis, I couldn't believe it myself. He was born and raised in NY, yet the dude was wearing a Red Sox cap. Weird. Brendan is a super nice guy from Fla. At home he has a wife and 4 kids under the age of 7. He is currently pursuing his masters in biblical theology. His mother-in-law is aware that at some point, Brendan will be moving his family out of the country, to go do extended relief and mission work...somewhere. She's not happy bout that.
We also met up with Janet, Vern's wife. She is out to visit Vern during our rotation. She is a APRN-OB/Gyn. She is hoping to do some education for the nurses and mid-wives at the hospital.
Day started @ 4:20am. Getting up for an early flight. Long, but uneventful.
Vern met us at the end of a huge long fence. A dude with one arm came to help with our bags. By the time we reached the van, a DUDE WITH ONE ARM was carrying 2 of our bags. 100yds or more, 75lbs, easy.
Words cannot accurately describe the condition of the city of Port au Prince, but here's a try. The poverty. The crowdeness. The road conditions. The building conditions. The dust. The thickness of the hot humid air. The people, so kind, so polite, but still begging for money. Add to this an earthquake and see the added destruction.
The ride from Port au Prince to Des Chapelles took a couple hours at least. It was hard to tell, cause mostly I was open mouthed and wide eyed just taking it all in.
The cars run from 0 up to 80 mph down crowded windy streets. Haitians littering the streets, mopeds, motorcycles, Tap taps(more later), and people walking, some solo, with babies, stuff on their heads....big heavy stuff on their heads. The van we are in misses some of these people and vehicles by mere inches...all from 0 to 80mph
Outside Port au Prince, the country side took us up and over several lush, green mountains, passing spotted villages and houses all over. Going up an extremely steep hill, we saw a man get out of a huge dump truck. The truck was going down, the steep hill. He was hanging off one side sticking his leg out...as if he was trying to stop the full truck, Fred Flinstone-style. Amputee waiting to happen.
The Hopital Albert Schweizer, is a hospital, but it is also a compound, a former plantation that serves as homes for many of the workers at the hospital. Our house here is fairly decent. Bonnie knows my standards are not high, but yes, I could live here.
Vern gave us the tour of the facilities, which as you've heard are quite impressive. There's a few pieces of equipment that I wish I had in Vernon.
I could thumb forever about so much more, but I need to stop somewhere.
Todd, you'll be glad to know that Van Goat, both ears intact is alive an well. (See pic). Though, I am planning a tasty Creole casserole for later in the week....we'll see.
Oh...it is quite hot here ;)
Chucky, chucky,
PDA
Your desciption of the ride in the van reminds me of Eygpt a bit and the shock I had watching 30 kids, some very little, piled in and on the bed of a truck, going +60 down a street where few traffic rules were followed. A whole different world. be well, my heart smiles feeling your good work. love your cuz
ReplyDelete