Friday in Haiti

Friday in Haiti February 11, 2001:

Today was the day we planned to go to port a prince. We went there but got off to a late start. When we were all getting around this morning Dr. Fogarty was told a baby was just brought in, so they needed her to check it out. This baby was found on the side of the road. She was found with her umbilical cord still attached, in a paper sack, with a rock on her head, the father and daughter who found her brought her here to be checked on. The baby had a large bruise on her back, a bruise on the side of her face, and her head was misshaped possibly with a head fracture. The family who brought her in wanted to keep her but the doctor said she could not guarantee the baby would make it. She asked them to stay at least until the baby was keeping down formula. The baby was then taken to the midwives and we were on our way to Port-a-prince.

When you first entered Port-a-Prince you could smell trash, and stuff burning. There were people lined up all over the streets trying to sell stuff to anyone. Some were selling t-shirts, some crafts, paintings, pants, bottle soda, food, or whatever they had to sell. We drove several hours to a Baptist bakery in the mountains. The bakery had American food, which was nice, and it was good. So, we were there, bought a couple things, and then headed back down the mountain. On the way home we made another stop to sight see at this spot where you could see all of Port-a-Prince. There were several people who were selling stuff also. I bought one little thing when no one was looking but it did not stop us from being crowded at our van from people trying to sell stuff.

After that stop, we made another one at a store. It was a home supply store, and looked just like our home depot. It even had the prices in “American dollars.” It was interesting to see. The only difference was there was a security guard outside the store with a sawed off shot gun…..

So, then we headed back to the mission to pick up some stuff for the orphanage. After grabbing stuff from the mission we went up the road to an orphanage. It was more like a home. There was one mother, one father, and eight children. Two of the children were biological and the others were adopted. The girls shared one room and the boys the others, then the parents had one they shared with the smallest little boy. There is also a baby here at the mission that is about 6 weeks old who is getting ready to go to this house. Today Mrs. Betty bought a crib and we delivered it tonight.  The family was amazing and each child gave us a kiss on the cheek when we got there and one when we left. They were all so sweet and loved each little thing we brought them!!!!

Now, it is time for dinner…rice and beans…the bed…then off to the airport to go home tomorrow. Haiti Christian Mission has become my home away from home. I love it here and I can’t wait to come back when I can!!!!