Return to Ipswich

Well the last two weeks have been interesting to say the least. Starting in Haiti, we continued working on our directors group and construction issues. 

Then to Guatemala to take a look at the parasite study and see the kids for a short time.

 Now this last place, so much to process and so much to decide. I will leave at 4 in the morning and return home to research and study more. I hope to have a decision soon.  I have met so many new people and have collected so many new ideas. It was a great trip. 

Boom Chicka Boom and Friendly Sheep

Today I got a chance to go over and visit the VBS in Desierto. Some of the kids were asking why I hadn't been there all week and I had to explain that I had other work that I need to here in the office. I really do enjoy hanging out with the kids.

While we were waiting for lunch to arrive I sang their favorite song "Boom Chicka Boom!" for a while and then we played some other games to pass the time.

Will this be the next place for PID

Yesterday I drove about 3  hours to have a meeting. At the meeting I talked for  3 1/2 hours to see if PID might be a good match for the area. Tom , the person I meet with was very interested in PID. He wanted to know when I could come back again. My feeling was that development is not a part of the current way of thinking for this area. So it will take a little while for him to process everything that we talked about yesterday.  I drove back and took a different route and viewed many other villages. I saw  the village that I hope PID will start working in if we decide to work here. At night I attended another meeting and heard more about the culture and how people meet their needs.

Today I spent 2 more hours talking to people about needs in the villages. They were very enthusiastic . But I still wasn't finding a contact for the village I want to work in. I was excited because I one person I spoke with had a relative there. Hopefully I will have time to meet with her before I leave.

This is an interesting trip. I forgot what it is like to go to a new place, where you don't know anyone and try to make contact. Last time was in Guatemala in 2005. Last time I had Tali and Marcelin with me , this time I am alone.

McMurry team's final day of work

Today we said good-bye to Gena's daughter Liz. The rest of the team will leave tomorrow. They had a full last day today, some in the clinic, others out at the construction site, and others running the children's program. Many team members also helped out the pharmacy by bagging meds and 450 bags of kids vitamins for the sponsorship kids that will be coming the beginning of the month.

At this evening's final meeting the team reflected on their week together in Haiti. Not only did they have a great time and help a lot of people, but they all bonded as a team and each person grew spiritually through this experience.

Mystery Photo: What do you think this is?

Exploring the new place

Last night I landed in the possible third location that PID might work in. It was a difficult transition after having gone from Haiti then Guatemala and then here. The area has many of the same issues as in Haiti and Guatemala but with its own twist. Tomorrow I will go on a long road trip in search of more information to help me make the decision -is this the next place? 

A busy Monday

On Sunday, Marceline took the team to church, to the beach, then out to eat at Epidor. They had a great relaxing day off.

Today, the team was back at work. The McMurry students are switching off with construction, clinic, and yoga. Gena had her hands full with a lot of sick patients in the clinic today, starting in the ER before she had finished breakfast. The yoga kids all had a great time, making tissue paper flowers and animal masks. The construction crew is making a lot of progress on the foundation.

After a busy day of work, Madame Pavelus joined the team for tonight's evening meeting. She shared some words with the group about the history of Haiti and how PID has helped her. She told the team her story when after the earthquake she was sleeping out in the street because her house fell down, and she was pregnant, and her daughter was very sick. She told everyone about how PID built the house for her and nurse Gena gave life-saving nebulizer treatments to her daughter, as she had no money to go to another hospital. She thanked the team, her PID family, for their hard work this week and for everything they are doing for the poorest of the poor.

Sunday in Antigua

Yesterday the team started out by attending mass at the catholic church in San Antonio. After that we piled into the buses and headed to Antigua. Once we arrived we at PB&J sandwiches for lunch and had some time to buy souvenirs at the local artisan market. In the afternoon we went on the bus tour around Antigua. We ate dinner at Doña Luisa's restaurant and then headed home.

The two Ryans who are in casts are doing well.

Today the VBS team started their program in Desierto.

Rough day with a great ending

This morning had a very rough start. It started with a young boy from the village trying to cross the highway with his much older brother, only to get hit by a motocycle. He was rushed to the hospital and Abby and I drove the mother. We moved him out of the general hospital once we found out the level of care they provided. He was stablized at the new place and the Cscan revealed no brain damage. He only had a fractured rib and a few cuts and abrasions. But soon as we left we received a call from the team that one of the members had fallen and broken his wrist. Abby dropped me off back at the clinic and returned to the hospital. Only to return to pick up another person from the team who had torn a ligament. We now have two team members in a cast, but back at the hotel and doing well.

When I finally got to the school, there was a giant surprise party for me. There was dancing, presents and presentations and a delicious lunch. While the kids from Concepcion and Desieto did many dances one dance stuck out. Manuela( in her 60's) and Isabel ( in her 80'S) did an original Mayan dance. It was very impressive.

There seemed to be a lot of planning that went into the party. Later I asked Abby were the money came from and she said the women of the village sold food in front of the clinic every week and saved all the money to plan the party. I cried my way through the party. The party ended with a pinata , made to look like me. I think the pinata looked like an improved version of me. It was such a kind gesture from the village.

The best present that I received was the news that Tomas( the young boy hit by the motocycle) was okay.

I went to the airport to pick up Tim who arrived tonight to join the team. I stayed in Guatemala City. I  will fly out early in the morning to visit the possible site of the third country.

Staff education Saturday

The construction crew from McMurry University worked for the morning out in Canaan. The foundation is coming along great. Some team members helped out my mom and Marlis with the yoga program. In the morning, the Blanchard kids came, but in the afternoon, we invited a local orphanage to participate with us for the first time. None of these kids had ever done yoga before, but they caught on quick. They enjoyed the excersizes, the crafts, and the meal and were very well behaved.

This morning Gena held a class for the clinic staff about different kinds of emergencies we receive in the clinic, how to tell when it's an emergency, and how to deal with it. Liz and John helped her out with the class and did some demonstrations with the staff. For some of the staff, this was a great review, and for others it was lots of new information. It's great to have Gena back to share her experience and knowledge with our staff who are always so eager to learn.

Day 2 for the McMurry team

Today the construction team continued work out in Canaan. They are working hard carrying rocks and buckets of cement for the foundation of the house. They already have it built up to ground level and it's looking great. The final touches are being made on the first Canaan duplex and it should be finished tomorrow.
Back at PID, Gena, Liz, and the students working in the clinic had a busy day and saw a lot of kids. Everyone worked hard and learned a lot. My mom, Marlis, and a few students worked with the kids program today. The students were very helpful! Each kid was able to make and take home a beaded bracelet and necklace, which they were all very proud of.

Team's first day of work and a frustrating day at the hospital

This morning the team got a clinic tour and met all the staff before everyone split up and went to work. Many McMurry students headed out to Canaan to work on the foundation of the second Canaan duplex. Others stayed in the clinic and worked hard in triage, with Dr. Paul, and with Gena and Liz on pregnancy day. My mom and Marlis helped out in the pharmacy in the morning and ran their first day of the children's program in the afternoon. The kids all made t-shirts with fabric paint and had a great time.

Jimmy and I took one very sick little girl in our program who needs surgery to the hospital today. The last hospital we took her to with Dr. Rick had referred us here because they cannot do the surgery. At our last visit to this other hospital, they had given us hope that their Haitian surgeon would be able to perform the operation, and had given us an appointment at 2:00 today to meet with the surgeon. When we arrived at 2:00, they told us the doctor doesn't come in until 4:00. We waited. At about 4:20, the doctor strolls in and starts seeing all the other patients first. When they finally called us, he gave us about 5 minutes of his time, long enough to tell us that he is not a pediatric surgeon, that we should try the General Hospital or St. Damien instead. Although discouraged, we will not give up. We will try calling St Damien's tomorrow.

Yarn Sheep with the Little Munchkins

Today the VBS team told the story of The Good Shepard. As a craft the little kids made yarn sheep. There were some very unusual colored sheep happening, but the kids had fun.

We just sent Aura, Keily and Marta downtown to buy some flip-flops that we will be giving to all the children who are participating in the VBS program.

The filter crew just drove away with a few filters in the trailer to install in Saqui. I sure hope the rain holds off today.

Wednesday in Haiti

My mom, Marlis, and the McMurry team arrived safely in Haiti this afternoon as scheduled. We had an intro meeting and are looking forward to a great week together. It's great to have my mom here. Everyone is so excited to meet her.

Gena and Liz had a great first day in the clinic. Tomorrow they will be joined by several students for pregnancy day.

Another Successful Day

Today the VBS crew ran their first day of activities for the children. They had 20 little munchkins (ages 3-5) in the morning and 50 kids (ages 5-12) in the afternoon. Everything went really well and I think they team members enjoyed themselves. Although they did get a little wet at the end of the day.

The filter team continued sifting and washing sand. Some also got the opportunity to go out into village homes and install the water filters.

Arrived safely late last night and was greeted warmly here at the clinic. She got the chance to go over a few things with me and with Julie and Rachael regarding the parasite study. We explained the study to all the PID staff and everyone got to view some samples of parasites in the microscopes.

Our newest cleft lip baby also stopped by the clinic to visit and get weighed. He is getting bigger each week! I also gave the family more formula. 

Arrivals in Haiti

Yesterday Gena and her daughter Liz arrived in Haiti. Everyone was so happy to see Gena again and to meet her daughter. Now they are working hard in the clinic.

My mom, Linda, and her friend Marlis, along with the team from McMurry University are scheduled to come later on today.

Raining in the morning and raining in the evening...

The team woke up this morning to a cloudy day. It rained a little during breakfast, but they all put on their ponchos, boarded the chicken bus and came to the village for their first full day of work.

The water filter crew worked all day sifting and washing sand. The VBS team prepared crafts and taught the leaders group various games and songs that they will be doing this week.

The sun did come out around mid-morning and it was hot and sunny most of the day. After lunch I took them on a tour of the village and showed them some houses that PID has built and some homes where sponsored children live.

In the afternoon it started to rain a little again which was a welcome relief after working in the hot sun. They put their ponchos back on and walked up to the highway to catch the bus back to the hotel. And I think they got back just in time because it is now pouring!

Gale arrives tonight and the whole village and excited to see her. Many people came today asking for her. She is well loved here in Concepcion Ixtacapa.

Julie and Rachael continue their work on the parasite study. Today was their first day looking at samples and they were surprised when they didn't find many people infected, but those that were infected were highly infected!

New Team Arrives

The team from GPC arrived this afternoon. They had a little time to rest before dinner and a meeting afterwards. After our meeting some of the kids decided to have a little pool party.

The team will be working on water filters and doing a VBS program for kids in the village.

Great Day for PID Haiti

Today we received notice that we have received our public clinic license in Haiti. This is an long awaited day. We will now be able to do vaccinations ! 

Tomorrow I leave for Guatemala. 

Lizzy with 8 month old emergency child

Sunday in Haiti

Today started out with a wonderful

Surprise . Pouchon showed up with Wegenson, the first little boy in our feeding program. Pouchon said he saw him playing by the road and he looked up and said to Pouchon, "where is Mrs Gale." Pouchon brought him to see me. I was amazed that he still remembers me, since I don't see him very much anymore. But I was very glad he did! 

Later in the day Lizzy and I had an hour long narration by Alexandra on zombies and mermaids.  It was very imaginative

and full of details. 

In the afternoon we took a trip to Canaan with Patrick. The new duplex is beautiful and almost finished. 

We finished the night with tacos and a meeting with Patrick, Lizzy and I . 

Going forward

This morning I am on the way to Haiti. I am thankful for the wonderful support and work of so many people to have everything continue as smoothly as possible during the difficult and untimely death of John, one of our haitian directors. Now we begin the hard work of moving forward. The construction in Canaan will bring the biggest challenges 

But I think PID is ready for the challenge. 

One duplex is done and a new one beginning. It is ironic that in weakness we have found strength and in the sadness have found courage to go forward. 

Thanks to all of you who have helped during this tragic time. 

Haiti, Guatemala and then where?

I have been home for about a week and was happy to work with our two new full time interns, Lily and Greg. Sela was in the office for the first time in over a month and that was a great clebration.

It was great to have a birthday breakfast with my Mom today who turned 85.

But I will not be here for long.

 On Saturday, I leave for Haiti to continue working on reorganizing
the directors and continuing with a construction plan.

On Tuesday, I will go to Guatemala for to join a team there and to work with the summer interns on the parasite study.

On Sunday, I will go on an exploratory trip to a third country to continue looking into whether it will be the third country for PID. Watch for blog updates on the new country.

Today the University of Scranton team left. They spent the morning helping out in the pharmacy and the depot. Mr. Genois talked to the group before they left, thanking them for dedicating a week of their lives to help those in need.

In the clinic, Dr. Andy, Jodi, and Christine continued their hard work in the clinic, seeing again over 100 patients with the help of some of the students in the morning.

Monday in Haiti

Today Dr. Andy, Jodi, Christine, and the nursing students had a busy day in the clinic. They saw over 100 patients. The students are learning a lot and getting great experience.

One of the team members had the opportunity to meet her new sponsored child. She spent some quality time with him and enjoyed these special moments. The little boy was shy at first and eventually warmed up to her and talked to her and played with her. He asked her when he'll see her again, she said she'll try to come back next year. He didn't want to wait that long, so he told her he's coming back to see her again tomorrow.

The construction crew continues working hard out in the heat in Canaan. The first duplex is almost finished and they are working on the foundation of the second duplex. They are doing a great job.

Sunday in Haiti

Today, Christine, an RN, arrived safely in Haiti. She will start working in the clinic tomorrow.

The Scranton team went to the beach, downtown, and out to eat today. They enjoyed a nice day off before getting back to work tomorrow. Christine was able to join the team for the downtown trip.

A family moves in (continued)

Here is a picture of some team members with the family as we presented the house to them.

A family moves in

Today was an exciting day. Some of the team went out to Canaan for the morning, while the nursing and pre-med students stayed back at the PID clinic with Dr. Andy and Jodi doing well child checkups for over 100 sponsored kids.

In the afternoon, I took them for a tour of the PID houses in Blanchard. The tour ended with the group, along with the help of some of the neighborhood kids, cleaning out and preparing one of the Blanchard houses for a family to move in today. It's always an exciting time when we are able to give a family a house. This family is from a very dangerous area of Cite Soleil. We bought some rice, beans, oil, and other food items for them as a housewarming gift and to set off any of their moving costs. We helped them move all their stuff in and Genois led a prayer with the family. Tonight they will sleep in a beautiful PID concrete house in a safe area. The family couldn't stop thanking us, PID, and everyone who has worked with PID to make this possible. They are so grateful. They asked that God bless PID and God bless everyone who has worked on this house, other PID houses, and on future PID houses.

Friday in Haiti

The team continued work in Canaan today. They spent most of the day pickaxing and digging. When Celine, one of the leaders of Canaan, saw them pickaxing she decided to jump in and show them how it's done, skirt and flip flops and all.

This evening Dr. Andy and Jodi arrived. They brought lots of great medicine and medical supplies.

EMERGENCY CHILD - Cleft Lip/Palate baby boy

DOB: June 5, 2013

Hometown: Desierto, Guatemala

Number: 107

Name: (unnamed)

 

 This little boy was born two days ago in his home in Desierto. His mother is seventeen years old. She has one older daughter who is two years old and she had another child that passed away a year ago. The father recently abandoned his wife and children. His grandmother and a neighbor brought him into the clinic. They have been giving him boiled water in an eye dropper because they can’t afford to buy formula. Family members told the mother to give him away because he isn’t going to live past four days. We have started him on formula as an emergency child. This baby is in need of two sponsors to help buy him formula and get surgery in the future to fix his lip and palate. 

Three weeks post-op

At the beginning of this week both Carlos and Paula came in for child sponsorship distribution to receive their milk for the month. Both are looking great 3 weeks after their cleft lip surgeries.

In other news the interns are all doing well. Julie and Rachael are currently at the school giving a talk to the parents and getting them to sign permission slips for their children to participate in the parasite study. Emily is starting to organize her lists of interviews and Patrick is off with Miguel checking water filters in Desierto.

Team's first day of work

Today the University of Scranton team started work in Canaan. The first duplex is getting close to finished as the second foundation is beginning to be dug. The team is working on sifting sand for the final smooth coat of cement for the inside walls and digging out the new foundation. The team is energetic and working hard.

University of Scranton arrives

This morning we said good-bye to the North Shore Community College team, Gale, Allie, and Dr. Rick. A few hours later, the University of Scranton team arrived. We are looking forward to a great week with the new team.

Last night together

The team had their last day at work. We had a meeting with all of the child sponsor/ business people from Canaan. Tonight we had the final meeting with Mr Genois speaking about the child sponsorship program. 

This has been a great team ! They worked hard and accomplished a lot. 

A New Wave

A new wave just hit PID Guatemala - a new wave of interns!! Four interns arrived this evening and are all settled in their home for the next two months.

Rachael and Julie (who were here last summer) will be doing another parasite study on children in the schools of the village. This will be a more formal study than they did last year and they hope to publish the results.

Patrick is staying with Miguel and his family. He will be working with Miguel on our water filter program.

Emily is staying with Meli and will be helping out with the parasite study, continuing after school tutoring and interviewing families in our child sponsorship program.

It's going to be a great summer.

Reflexions of Tali in Haiti

It is the first time Tali has been in Haiti since the earthquake. People are flocking to the clinic to talk to her .

Here are her thoughts, "I have seen so many positive changes since my last visit to Blanchard. Last time I was here I was in a tent . The bunkhouse is a great addition and the beds are confortable. The director's little house is adorable. The education building looks beautiful. It was great to see many of my old friends from Haiti and talk about our memories. I loved to see the Peanut Butter Nutrition Program and all the kids it helps. The cooks
were so proud to show off the kids that came in so mal norished that are healthy and strong now. I was able to teach the cooks how to make cinnamon rolls, unfortunately Pouchon told me we could only use baking soda instead of Baking powder , so they came out a little salty. I am sad to be leaving tomorrow. "

A few of the team members were feeling a little sick from to much heat at the beach, but they still worked hard. They dug the septic sytem, upgraded some of the electricity and worked on the new duplex with a couple people seeing people in the clinic.

Many of the team members met the kids they sponsored today.

Sunday

Today the team went to the beach and then downtown to see the palace and to eat at Epidor.

Tali visited people in the neighborhood 

And had a great time catching up on old memories. 

I worked on financial reports . Later I met with John's family to talk about a memorial to John. They accepted the idea to name the clinic after John. 

Even though the funeral is over it still 

Seems like a bad dream . Tomorrow the directors meet to make a new management plan. 

A kind and thoughtful team

Today was John's funeral. It was a very sad day for all of us in Haiti. When the team heard the family was having a hard time with funeral costs they took up a collection. 

We had to leave early so Patrick led the team in cooking breakfast and cleaning. They worked on the septic tank for the new building and then quickly cleaned up 

And organized everything for a reception for after the funeral. Then they cleaned up afterwards. 

It was a very exhausting day for Tali, Jack, Nate, Patrick , Allie and I so Patrick volunteered to lead the meeting. 

The team washed all the dishes so the cooks didn't have to work tonight. 

Our hearts broke as we shared in this sad day with staff, friends, family and Johns new wife. 

Tomorrow I will meet with the family 

To discuss a memorial  for John. 

We will miss you John.