First day in Haiti - January 31, 2010

Sunday, January 31


We woke to food and coffee, and first attended church as a group. The children originally followed me, referring to me as “Doctor Blanc” and hoping for a toy or candy I was dishing out. I tried never to disappoint. Before long I was “Doctor Elizabeth”. The smiles on their faces make it worthwhile.

We saw 180 patients today among the 5 doctors and 2 nurses. There was some emergency trauma: we had a patient seize due to meningitis resulting from a wound, and that occupied our attention for a while. However, most care was more chronic and primary care, a sign that things are slowly returning to normal…at least medically. Unfortunately, most people are still living in the streets as the buildings have either been destroyed or are unsafe. One member of our delegation, a structural engineer, has advised against the use of many of the surrounding buildings, although the clinic has been given a clean bill of health.

The Haitian people here continue to amaze me. They have nothing, yet they are bringing us food. It would be rude not to take it, so we do with great hesitancy and appreciation. We will leave everything we have for these people, whose spirit and generosity are unbelievable. Even now they are singing and praying in the streets, a remarkable symphony of hope. I am proud and grateful to be given the chance to be here. I am helping.


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Arriving in Haiti - January 30, 2010

Saturday, January 30


Last night I landed in Santo Domingo at about midnight, with no one there to meet me! I guess this is to be expected given the hectic arrangements and the chaotic situation. I made a couple of calls and soon was able to get to the hotel where my group was staying. A few hours sleep, and this morning it was off for Haiti at 5:30 am.

Fifteen of us rode in one vehicle, and a truck with our supplies followed us. Six hours later we reached the border, and passed through without a hitch. Amazingly, all the supplies made it, including the narcotics in my bags and the toys for children in Haiti.

Two and one-half hours later, we reached Port au Prince and the Blanchard Clinic. The people of the neighborhood were excited to see us, as the clinic had been cleaned up but there had not been anyone to staff it. Now we were there. We spent the rest of the day unloading supplies and organizing for business the next day. Surprisingly, there was food available for us, despite our being told to bring all our own. We had bread and coffee promised for the mornings, and beans in the evening. After sunset, we sat on the roof and watched the stars…moving! It was a steady convoy of supply planes bringing much needed food, water, and medical supplies to Haiti! This was even more uplifting.

As much as I wanted and needed to make this trip, I was filled with apprehension. No more. This is where I need to be. I can help.


Visit facebook.com/meriter to see more photos and updates. Visit meriter.com to learn more about Meriter.