January 12th


This week I have had a chance to learn some stories about what happened the day of the earthquake. We are finding that the Haitians do not use the word "earthquake" (in creole) when speaking about it. They often refer to it as January 12th or "the event." The affects of that day will certainly last a life time. People are scared to return to their homes and or return to any home because of what happened. I met a Haitian teacher at the catholic seminary who's sister and brother in-law both died in "the event," leaving his niece an orphan. She now lives with his father and mother. His mother had a very severe stroke 2 years ago and is dependent for all her mobility and self care. They brought her into our rehab clinic today for therapy. In Haiti, the culture is similar in Latin countries where the family takes care of any sick or elderly people- there is no nursing homes or in home help. But there are so many people with similar stories because they have family who was severely injured from the earthquake and also dealing with death and devastation. It's all so unreal to me.
On a more positive note, we continue getting more and more patients at the rehab clinic. I'm learning a lot from the other OT and PT I'm working with, along with our translator/rehab aide/ driver, Jean Claude. I feel like I'm starting to build relationships with the patients while learning creole, French, and more Spanish! We laugh a lot here. Lots of laughter stems from confusion with communication, or from nuns carrying around bottles of tilex to kill bugs, or from the power going out 3-4 x/day, and sweating profusely from simply sitting due to the intense humidity.
Oh we are so spoiled in the U.S.!
Pase Bon Nuit (have a good night)! In creole

Comments

Yes, It is Me! said…
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad you are there helping the people of Haiti.
July 9, 2010 at 4:50 PM
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