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.


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