This week we followed the same schedule as we had the first week. We went out with both medical and dental teams to the bateyes were Dr. Garcia works, and where I helped out all fall. It was fun seeing some of the people I've gotten to know over the past 6 months.
Monday we were in a new location but the same batey. In efforts to keep the schools in session we went to the club area to have the clinic instead. The farm used to be owned by the United Fruit Company and they had big chalet houses and a clubhouse for the American big wigs. Now the club is used probably for dancing but it had a swimming pool that is drained and is a nice area that has been run down. This place was called La Cruz. We saw about 130 people that day.
Tuesday we headed to Maguaca where we served 3 different bateyes. There are quite a few children in this area, some pesty but all very cute. We saw about 140 people that day.
Wednesday was challenging. It is a predominately Haitian batey so the people are poorer and they speak Creole. It always causes us to be slower because you have to translate Creole to Spanish, then Spanish to English and back and forth. I have never seen what I saw on Wednesday. When we arrived around 9am, I saw a few people waiting outside the community center building and thought well thats a good start. I then walked into the community center and turned around and screamed inside to myself. There were well over 200 people waiting inside! It was insane! Knowing that we would be slower than normal, I knew right away we wouldn't be able to see even 1/2 of the people there! I felt awful!
We got them all outside a gate and 4 people had to hold the gate closed and try to let in 5 people at a time. Each time 5 new people got let in, other would push and try to shove themselves in thru the gate. Luckily Dr. Garcia worked the gate and they listened a little more to him. We gave out all the morning bands quickly and then went down the line and gave out 50 more afternoon bands to all the young children and pregnant women. He thought it was more important to see them than the healthy adults, which I agree!
We had 4 awesome translators, one was 12 years old but he was smart and great! That made a big difference, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to see hardly anyone. One translator had a 6 week old son who I borrowed and carried around for an hour or so! His name is Kenny I found out today! :) She told the doctor she was working with that her husband left her and she hadn't eaten for 2 days because she had no money! We fed her lunch while she worked, and at the end of the day I hooked up the translators with soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and some baby wipes!
Today was my favorite day by far. I love the people in Jaramillo and that is who we served today. They as well are mostly Haitian and have tons of children! 3 weeks ago when we were out there I taught a little girl the pound it, lock it, put it in your pocket, tickle game. When I saw her this morning I repeated it with her and she started giggling before I even said "break the pickle". She remembered! Well that broke the ice and for the rest of the day until she left around 4pm she was my shadow. Her Mom had some dental work done so that entire time I was carrying her around wherever I went. Then, later in the afternoon I'd put her down with her Mom, walk to see how things were going and 10 seconds later she'd be running up beside me wanting to be picked up. I just love her and her smile!
I also stole the translators baby again for a while. He didn't have a diaper on today because his Mom ran out and so I made a makeshift one with abdominal pads (big gauze pads) and tape. The first one was too loose and as I handed him over to make a new one he peed on one of the volunteers! Oops! But good timing on my part! :)
At the end of the day, I was sitting in the pharmacy playing with Daska my friend for the day and as her Mom got their meds, I was sad that she was going to be leaving. I found out today that Dr. Garcia doesn't go back to Jaramillo until April 19th! That means I won't get to see these people again until next year and Daska's Mom said she is probably going back to Haiti so that Daska can go to school because there is no opportunity in her batey for school. The schools closed because they were mainly Haitian students and the Dominican teachers didn't want to teach them. True act of racism and very sad! So as I hugged Daska goodbye (even though her Mom offered for me to take her home with me, which I would in a heartbeat) I got a little choked up. I barely know this girl. I've seen her 3 or 4 other times for a brief couple of hours and just from that little interaction she clung to me today, me not understanding her Creole and she not understanding my English but it didn't matter. I don't know how I'm going to leave in less than a month. How can you not love these smiles and happy faces, and they have nothing but the clothes on their bodies and LOVE!?
These kids here that I've spent months with, playing with, getting to know and loving so much. If it broke my heart that much to say goodbye to an adorable girl that I've interacted so little with, how can I saw goodbye to these kids here. Wow, it is going to be tough! But I know I'll be back to visit so that will make it easier and Olivia will be here (or on her way soon thereafter) so that will make it a tiny bit easier! Here are my pictures from the past several weeks! Enjoy!
http://picasaweb.google.com/Geedz913/HealthWeeks?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/Geedz913/Week4MedicalClinics?feat=directlink
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI would want to take these children home with me in a heartbeat. Whoever said that you cannot love someone who does not look like you is so wrong.
See you soon. Love, Evie