So we did a short education session with some nurses today...we did a case-based discussion. We had prepared some ED/ICU cases to review with the nurses but all the nurses that showed up were from St. Lucs (aka the medical floor). It worked out well. I spoke a little bit of French during the discussion but it was quite frustrating since I cannot translate a lot of medical terms. The nurses also gave us some topics that they would like to discuss in the future. They were very quiet at first but they got more animated by the end and we have a great photo to send them!
I went to mass this morning. Don't worry Mom, I'm not becoming Catholic nor am I planning to adopt a Haitian orphan (although the latter is tempting). But I certainly like to listen to the hymns in creole. Father Rick and Conan (the two head honchos of the pediatric and adult hospitals) bury the dead every Thursday. Apparently they bury about 100 bodies per week, by my math that's 400 people per month. Interestingly, the pediatric hospital delivers about 400 babies per month. I find those statistics interesting. It is not uncommon for people to abandon infants that appear deformed in any way since many people cannot afford to take care of these children. I think that is why the orphanage is so well populated with kids.
There was a deluge of rain this evening. It's interesting that Father Rick and Conan show up with an entourage to make sure that the tarps are not going to cave in. Not many patients showed up during the rainstorm. Of course, when we left this evening, we found out why...the streets were completely flooded. Of course all I could think about was cholera...no wonder it's still a problem. However, our driver Masyal drove us safely through the river of poo.
I think I might have to keep this entry kind of brief. I'm sweaty and stinky, it's time for a shower and bed. It's hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day. We will have a chance to do a bit of shopping on our way to the airport on Saturday.
More to come tomorrow....
Adopt a Haitian Baby!!! Do it Natalie, would be great! :) Maybe on your second (my 1st) trip back ;)... Can't believe there is only one day left. Really flies by doesn't it? Well, enjoy your last day and don't forget to stop and look around at all the people you have met and have helped. They will continue to go on struggling with the daily grievences, and you will go forward with so many incredible images and stories - an entirely different outlook on who you are and how you practice. When I returned from Ghana I often wondered which side had done the helping .... Anyway, sleep well and steer clear of that 'river of poo' will ya?!? :-( xoxo
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