We said all our goodbyes today and it was so difficult for us and for our new friends!!!
We began the morning by hiring a work crew to clear all the old broken medical machinery, debris, standing water and trash from the concrete pad that will be the floor of our clinic. We went on a treasure hunt throughout the hospital and “procured” a desk, file cabinet, folding chairs and a frame we will drape and use as a screen for patients who must disrobe. All the items are broken in several places and covered with rust but still functional. We placed some brightly colored duct tape in star patterns on things and all the children watching declared “tres belle” (very beautiful.) At least it distracts from the rust. We made a temporary sign and took pictures of ourselves and all those watching and helping today. We will make our official sign tonight. This morning I said, “Now we need to make a sign” and turned around to look for a piece of cardboard. Directly behind me was a four foot tall roll of white vinyl. Just what I needed multiplied by 100. Why a roll of vinyl would be sitting in the doctor’s lounge in the hospital I have no idea. We unrolled a piece 20 feet long and will use black duct tape to make a large sign that says “Physio Therapy” that will hang over our entrance. One of the Haitian helpers told us to just draw a pair of crutches on the sign and the people here will get the idea. They have no idea what Physio Therapy is yet, but we are hoping that will change soon!
Alex our translator came in today, on his one day off, without pay. He said it is because he is so excited about the new clinic and keeps telling us, “Thank you for what you are doing for the people of Haiti .” He told us today he went home and began some of the exercises he had learned this week with his grandmother. It turns out she had a stroke and is paralyzed on the left side. We told him he must have the family bring her in so she can be one of our first patients. He also asked today if we had any books at home that we could bring to him so he can learn the names for the bones and muscles. “I want to learn as much as I can so I take full advantage of the opportunity you have given to me.” He said.
We asked Alex to recruit a few of the children hanging around to hold our sign in our official first picture of the clinic. After we were finished, we asked them if they would like a lollipop. Their answer was,“ We are hungry.” We all cried on our way up to where our backpacks were stored and brought them each several protein bars and a lollipop.
At lunch today we sat outdoors and ate the rice and beans the hospital kitchen provides. We were full after eating half a plate and I kept watching a young boy about 5 hanging around just behind us. I suggested we just leave the paper plates on the cement and walk away and maybe if he was hungry he would come and take it. Instead he followed us, tapped me on the arm and asked in his limited English “For me?” while pointing at the plates. Even at only 5 years old and so hungry, he was respectful enough to not take anything without asking. He fully encapsulates the people we have met this week who daily bring us to tears. We have to keep looking at each other and saying “Don’t start crying or we will never stop.” I just take a deep breath and we move on.
We hugged and kissed on each cheek all our new friends and promised we will return. We will begin making fliers next week and all the young men told us they will start passing them out in the community. “Build it and they will come.” keeps running through my head.” It has begun!
Donna
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