Bonjou from Terrier Rouge!
I can't believe that over a month has passed since I arrived; the time does fly!
Keeping fairly busy, I feel so blessed to be able to contribute to the efforts here with my work.
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| The very peculiar calabash tree, whose melon-like gourds are used for bowls |
The clinic offers a level of quality and affordability that is hard to come by in the area, so it draws many people from the surrounding towns. It can get pretty hectic, and Thursday is the busiest day due to the once-a-week optical care on top of the dental and medical services, and I am usually helping to check in patients and get really sick patients through quicker. I get caught up in the routine sometimes, but snap back to the reality of the people I am serving when an underfed patient's arm is too thin for the blood pressure gauge. The past two weeks have been especially busy because Richard, the manager of the clinic, has been ill on and off with what seems to a tough case of typhoid, and I have been trying to help him out as much as I can.
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| Dr Lubens using the slit-lamp to examine a patient |
After checking all the patients in, I have also started to learn from the doctors to understand the common afflictions for the area. The optometrist Dr Lubens is very experienced and has worked in a few different countries, but decided to come home to help his people. It's a good thing too, because he never ceases to be busy with patients. The same is true for the ophthalmologist Dr Carmelle, who visits once a month. She is a very skilled doctor, and taught me a whole lot about illnesses of the eye, including how to recognize them and the options for treatment.
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Old-fashioned refraction testing kit
for determining eyeglass prescriptions |
So far I have noticed a large number of advanced cataracts and glaucoma patients, and they often don't seek treatment until their condition is severe. The presence of an affordable health clinic really seems to be essential to provide education and preventative care, as well as detecting developing problems earlier. I plan on working more with the medical physician, Dr Gustav, to gain a better understanding of the common health problems so that I can try to formulate a health project to benefit the community.
Speaking of education, I also have been busy at the school with my 7th grade class, who are slowly improving. Kids will be kids, and they try to really take advantage of having a more naive 'blan' teacher such as myself! However I have a better grasp on classroom management with them now, and I think I can really help them learn. Dominique is helping me with the class as well, which has allowed me to work at the clinic more on the busy days. I also have begun teaching English to some of the staff of the school grounds, and hope to be teaching the clinic staff soon as well.
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| View from bike ride |
As my good friend Clai told me, teaching a language is always a two way deal and the classes are also helping me to improve my Creole. It is slowly becoming easier to actually visit with the people of the town. In hopes to have more exposure to the people of Terrier Rouge, I also have been able to take some bicycle rides, thanks to Andy English's bike! It's also a great way to fresh air and exercise, while enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside.
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| Plots of picked pepper piles |
I recently took my bike over to the North Coast Development Company's farm right outside of town. From honey and peppers, to loofah sponged and sewing machines, they have an array of projects and crops aimed at getting Haitians jobs and skills. I visited my friend Lanaud who was working that day, extracting seeds from the peppers, which gave off a palpable heat when cut.
On a spookier note, Halloween recently passed in the states, but in Haiti the celebrations are a little different. All Saints Day, which is on November 1st, is celebrated by many in the Catholic sense, by regarding the saints, and paying respects for loved ones who have passed. People arrange to have graves cleaned and weeded, and often decorate the graves with flowers. The Day of the Dead or All Souls Day on Nov. 2nd which continues similar celebrations, and more focus on the general spirits of the dead. People come to the cemetery to bring the favorite foods of the deceased, or even cook in the graveyard itself. These days are also very big for those who practice Voodoo. Gede spirits are the focus of the celebration, which are a family of Loa or spirits of the dead. During a celebration, some participants will become seemingly possessed, doing special Gede dances and performing strange acts. Unfortunately, I didn't really get to witness celebrations, having felt sick around that time, and having some confusion of when to go.
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| Gotta love that Haitian moon |
Being in such a different place and away from loved ones is definitely a challenge sometimes. However, being able to love and serve others in a place of such need is worth it. I pray that I can make my own contribution through my work.
Na we pita, si Dye vle!
(See you later, God willing!)
