Earthquake Relief
Upon learning of the recent earthquakes in Haiti, my fiancé,
David, and I wanted to get involved in the mission relief efforts.
On Wednesday, January 20th, 2010, we received word of an opportunity
to go down to a hospital in Jimani, Dominican Republic, with a group
called the
Foundation for Peace. The trip was scheduled for Sunday, January
31st through Saturday, February 6th, 2010. It did not take much
thought – we knew that we needed to go help the Haitian refugees.
After arranging the logistics, Dave and I jumped on the plane,
unsure of what to expect in the coming week but certain that we
would never be the same.
We departed from Newark, New Jersey at 7:45 a.m. and landed in
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic around midday. After pizza at the
airport, we piled into a school bus and headed to the mission house
for Foundation for Peace, about forty minutes from the airport. Our
group, totaling about twenty volunteers, spent the evening getting
to know one another. The next morning, we gathered our luggage and
traveled to Jimani, Domincan Republic, about six hours away from the
mission house. Once there, we set up in the guesthouse, where we
would sleep and eat for the next week. It was a beautiful home with
spectacular views of the mountains, but no running water.
Once we were settled at the guesthouse, we were given our
assignments for the week. Some of our group members worked in Haiti,
at Love a Child Orphanage, doing various construction jobs and
providing medical care. The orphanage has been turned into a refugee
camp. Others remained in the Dominican Republic, serving the
hospital in Jimani.
With David’s education in medicine and my training in education and
psychology, we were put to work in the hospital in Jimani, Dominican
Republic, caring for refugees of all ages, most of whom suffered
severe fractures, and many required amputations to survive. The
hospital was serving about 150 patients. The emergency room, located
outdoors, consisted merely of a concrete floor and ceiling and had
intermittent electricity. Cots were set up for patients, and family
members slept on very thin mattresses, often on the ground beside
their loved ones. The patients not in the emergency room were
scattered throughout the hospital grounds. Some stayed in rooms,
some on the patio just outside the hospital, while others made
makeshift tents with cardboard boxes and plastic bags, setting up
their “rooms” on the lawn in front of the hospital, too afraid to
stay in the building in the event of additional earthquakes. As Dave
handled the nursing care, I was tending to the emotional needs of
the patients, helping them remain calm and still during painful
medical procedures.
Working the night shift without electricity created quite a
predicament for the medical staff, as it was impossible for them to
see what they were doing. Since many medical procedures required two
hands (e.g., inserting IVs), I was often the official flashlight
holder. It sounds like a mundane job, but without it, the healthcare
workers would have put the patients and themselves at risk.
My favorite memories were the opportunities I had to get to know
each patient, sitting with them, and, when possible, talking with
them. Although Creole is the national language of Haiti, many
Haitians were fluent in English. During our times together, we had
many great discussions and took time to laugh with one another,
providing a brief escape from the harsh realities that have
drastically and forever changed their lives. I also received several
Creole lessons from the patients.
None of the children in the pediatric ward spoke English, so when
a translator was not available, I relied on other forms of
communication to relate to the children. I often found that
something as simple as holding the hand of a frightened child was
the greatest gift I could give. I had the joy of giving a little
girl a manicure and pedicure; together, we marveled at the nail
polish color, commenting that it was “belle,” which I came to learn
is the Creole word for “beautiful.” To distract a little boy who was
in pain, he and I made his stuffed animals come to life. I also
enjoyed coloring with several children; we decorated the hospital
walls with bright and vibrant coloring pages. A great sight to see
was a young boy taking some of his first steps in weeks. With some
trepidation and pain, he began taking steps on his own. The pride
and excitement in his face lit up the room and provided inspiration
to us all.
I was taken aback by the outpouring of love and support from
around the globe. The hospital grounds were full of donations of
food, medical supplies, water, and clothing, and they have been a
great blessing for the Haitians. Containers of donations had been
flown into the Dominican Republic from all around the world.
Doctors, nurses, teachers, stay-at-home moms and dads, surgeons,
secretaries, carpenters, students, and attorneys from a host of
countries came together with open hearts to serve those in need. It
was an amazing sight!
What was perhaps the most incredible sight to witness, though,
was the faith of the Haitians in spite of such devastation. The hurt
and needs of the people are great; many have seemingly lost
everything -- their family, friends, homes, and businesses. However,
their will to live, to bring joy to others, and to give thanks for
each day was undeniable and awe-inspiring. I felt as though I was
being served every bit as much, if not more, than I served.
After finishing the week in Jimani, the group piled, once again,
into the school bus for the six-hour drive back to Santo Domingo,
each of us exhausted but full of joy and having a whole new
appreciation for life.
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