Funny how it truly feels like I've been here for ever - and that's not a bad thing... it just feels that my life in Ottawa seems so far behind me and we've done so many things since we got here!
With all of the preparation for Hurricane Tomas and the alteration to the original schedule - seems like we're finally getting back on track this week!
Yesterday we went to MEH orphanage, where they had lots of great kids - they were well taken care of and seemed very happy. A small 3 person team went, and it was really wonderful to see the team work - the help and interprofessional model of care at it's best. Assessing a client together, talking about their needs and making recommendations. Many things about Haiti are frustrating - but working with a team like Team Canada Healing Hands and our partners is definitely not one of those things.
We learn how to adapt, we learn how to let go of our stuff, we learn to look at things from a totally different perspective than what we are used to doing.
Today, two more team members arrive. We'll be dropping Jeff off at the airport as he is heading back to NB. I must say, that although he said he wasn't here to hold my hand as a first time Team Leader, I'm happy he was here with me to walk me through all the little things that one wouldn't think of! I'm very grateful that he was here! Made my initiation in hard times a little easier. Funny how Team Canada always has things happen when here... the tradition continues!
Off to Jacmel today to work at Pazapa, a community based type rehab center/school for children with disabilities. We are on a bit of a scouting mission and I'm looking forward to seeing what their new location is like! The director told me to pack sunscreen as we would be working in the sun. They are in the process of re-building after having lost their facility in the earthquake!
Long day of airport pick ups and drive through the highest chain of mountains in Haiti... a scenic drive for sure.
I wonder what I will see driving through the downtown core of Port-au-Prince by the Presidential Palace, Carrefour and Leoganne - areas hit hard, both by the earthquake and the hurricane...
Off to start the day!
Bon Bagay!
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