Currently I’m sitting at the Fort Lauderdale airport, my flight schedule has slightly changed, tomorrow morning at 6:00 I will be on a plane to the DR. flight #715 Fort Lauderdale/Miami to Santo Domingo DR.  From there I will take a bus to PAP Haiti.

 

I have a second to sit and relax and time to reflect on some thing that I have seen and done, or at least the opportunity to graze their surface. I feel like I have lived 4 life times in the last 6 months.

 

 Going back to Haiti feels somewhat surreal to me. I already suspect it is going to be worst then I imagine it and it’s hard to explain what that type of devastation feels and looks like. My heartaches for all those affected by this devastation. My heartaches for the pain and suffering these people have had to endure even before the earthquake. I have been asked how do I deal with what I see; the hopelessness of not being able to help all those that ask me for it, the death, the morning, the destruction. I cant even remember everyone who I saw die, there was just to many. I guess for me I don’t focus on the “failed” cases, the deceased, or the people who I had no other choice but to walk by when their need was so great. I focus on the people who I was able to help.  Especially that first week were the death and wounded was incomprehensible, and hard choices had to be made.

 

I started my day today by walking in the arboretum (if your ever in Boston you should go there it is amazing) The sun just coming up, the air chilled with promises of a spring day. One of my favorite types of weather. I wont lie it is hard for me to leave this comfort and beauty, its hard for me to leave my family and friends, but I know I need to go down there now. Many people have expressed concern to me about me going back down after so short a break. And the best reason I can give you is, my heart tells me that’s were I should be. The hardest issues I have had to deal with in my life are situations were I knew I should act but I didn’t for one reason or another. Because of this I have vowed to myself that when I know I am meant to do something for now on I will do it even if the path is difficult. I have been blessed with the opportunity to go down and help, and I feel at peace within because I know it’s the right thing for me to do. I have been blessed with great family and friends.  Thank you everyone for understanding, especially my family who have supported me time and time again and who are always in my thoughts.  

 

I know I have been very busy these last couple months and not always the easiest to reach and not always able to express how thankful I am to everyone in my life, but I do want everyone to know that your love and support have meant so much to me. Mentally knowing that I have such amazing people behind me has been very empowering. Financially, there is no way I could have possibly done this without donations both monitor and of supplies.  Thank you so much!

 

 My deepest gratitude goes out to everyone, especially the great staff on the mobile health van I work on in Boston, HIV innovations/project health moves, were I also learned many of the skills necessary to do the work I do.  The work you guys do and the dedication you have to patients rights and autonomy is empowering, not only to your clients, but to me as well J Your support has allowed me to continue to work else were and I’m so happy that there is such a great team caring for some of the most vulnerable populations here in the states. The staff at New England Baptist Hospital, especially my manager Marybeth for her continued support and flexibility.  The Northeastern University community for not only giving me such a great education but for supporting me now as an alumni.  A special thanks to Jim and Karen as well, you are my mentors, my friends and my family. You guys have helped me time and time again and I am deeply inspired by your positive and caring outlook on life and towards humanity.  

 

Again my family, especially my brother and his fiancé, and my sister, who have supported me relentlessly, letting me stay at your house, watching my cat, receiving my mail, talking to me endlessly about my interests and being involved with my life; attending my art shows, driving me to go windsurfing, attending talks I’ve given, and being involved positively in all aspects of my life. The list of things I am appreciated of could go on forever. I’m not sure if I have properly expressed how appreciative I am of all the things you do for me. You guys are the best! And of course my mom, my inspiration, my hero.  To all the rest of my family as well, for your support and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

Last but not least thank you to all of the great people I worked side by side with in PAP, the first month I was there. You guys are amazing and I don’t know if I would have made it through that first trip with out all of your support. The great nurses and doctors, EMTs, the military, the locals that even in face of such personal tragedy selflessly volunteered to help, and showed me such kindness and strength. All of you, and then some, truly are amazing people doing amazing things.     

 

My plan is to head to PAP tomorrow via bus and work there with global D.I.R.T; the best way to reach me is by facebook or email. I can also be reached at 509 376 36 454, or who ever has that phone should be able to give you an update on me. A lot of what happens in Haiti right now is on a day to day bases so I cant give you a detailed itinerary of my trip, but do know that while my main reason for going down there is to help the people of Haiti. My main concern is still number one, me. So I will take every precaution I can to remain safe, while still delivering care to those who so desperately need it right now. 

Please don’t forget about Haiti, don’t forget about any of the vulnerable people in this world, and try to do what ever you can to help humanity.  

Thank you, and see you when i get back in about a month.

 


Comments

Jim

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:58:50

Well said.

Now may be the toughest time for Haiti. Media coverage is now light or non-existent. Focus has shifted to Chile which is surely suffering as well. If you can updeate us all, it would be a good idea.

 



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