It is 95 degrees and unbearably humid. I am sweating straight through
my scrubs. Sweat is beading on all of our foreheads, and Matt and I are
halfway through an inguinal hernia repair when the power goes out.
Good thing the surgeon chose to operate in a room with a window. The
surgery is a difficult one, and it's taking longer than we originally
expected. I've never had the opportunity to assist in surgery, but
they've been shorthanded at L'Hospital de Sainte Croix for a while now,
and they're happy for the extra hands. It's all part of the experience.
Our days here start and end with an hour long english class, which is
probably one of the most fulfilling experiences. Some of us teach
beginning classes, others intermediate and advanced. I'm not sure which
of us really knew what we were down when we first got down here, but
after a week it seems like we have all hit our stride. Some of the most
hilarious answers have been "it is CAT o'clock" and "good alligator"
instead of "good evening." It seems like every Haitian wants to be your
friend. After class I am always swarmed by them, wanting to practice
English.
Coming down to Haiti has already changed the way I view
the world. I was talking with other volunteers today, trying to decide
how this experience has changed us, or is continuing to change us, and
we can all agree that, for one thing, we'll all complain a whole lot
less. We are lucky in America, we have a lot. Although there are times
when we want to go home to something air conditioned and clean, most of
the time we are happy here. The people need us. They need
encouragement, and they need just a little knowledge to help them get
back up on their feet. I chose to come visit Haiti with Sustain Haiti
because, out of over 10,000 NGOs, Sustain Haiti focuses on what I think
matters most - giving education and constructive ideas to the people,
allowing them to maintain their dignity, sever any reliance on handouts,
and begin to rebuild their own lives by taking control. There is honor
in our work here
