Day 4 at Healing Hands

Day 4 with Healing Hands

Didn’t have great internet access yesterday, but we have done a lot in two days.

We discovered what was in the load of stuff that was dropped off on Tuesday night. It was a pile of stuff (mostly garb age). It was actually kind of heartbreaking and to the people of Haiti a bit insulting. There was a lot of stuff that wasn’t usable here in Haiti (woolen mitten, hats, ski pants, kids books in English). It is difficult because I think people want to give, but don’t realize that more garbage is not what is needed here.

On 1/23 we visited two orphanages (Food for the Poor and Institut Espoir/Rainbow of Love). They loaded all seventeen team members (which included our translators) into one van, along with our supplies and off we went. We felt like we were riding in a Haitian Tap Tap (cab). We were able to deliver two PETs (Personal Energy Transportation devices) to Rainbow of Love. It was great to see the kids growing up at both of the orphanages and they were happy to see us as well. The Fuzzy Bunz (diapers) were a great hit at Rainbow of Love. Great joy is gotten from playing with the kids and just providing them with much needed attention, holding and care.

Richard continues to work on modifying some chairs that we will take to Food for the Poor; and Mercy and Sharing later on in the week. Any type of seating devices are greatly needed and Richard is a genius at finding materials that will work.

Bill and Sara W. were able to enjoy a true Haitian shopping experience. We were in search of toaster for the guest house. Sarah K. spotted a toaster oven at one of the street vendor’s stand as we were driving back to the guest house following our trip to the orphanage. The guy wanted 15.00 for the toaster oven, but he wasn’t sure if it worked, so they didn’t buy it. We then found a strip mall (which is a rare site in Haiti, but this one is across the street from the new American Embassy). They had both a toaster and toaster oven of which they were asking 70.00 and 90.00 US dollars. This pricing was ridiculous, so they said no, but after twenty minutes of negotiating, Bill came out with the toaster for a cost of 20.00. We were delighted as we all enjoyed our toast this morning.

The O & P lab guys are busy little worker bees. They have been casting, molding and fitting a lot of people. They are really doing great things! Bob’s greatest achievement is that he actually won two cribbage games last night. We were playing in teams. His partner in cribbage, just like his partner is O & P was Rick, but we will give Bob some of the credit in helping to win the cribbage games as well.

Today we visited Food for the Poor again. In the last two days we were able to evaluate nearly 35 children. We measured the kids for wheelchairs and hopefully once the wheelchairs are released, 20 of these children will be receiving new chairs in the next month or so. We also delivered a PET to Food for the Poor, which was well received and plan on bringing two more there tomorrow.

A couple events at today’s clinic- Sarah K. taught a class to the technicians in the clinic on manual wheelchairs and seating systems. She had approximately 10 people in her class and they all appeared to be genuinely interested in her presentation. The other cool thing that happened is when Mel performed Piriformis therapy on a woman. She came to the clinic in extreme pain, not even wanting to be touched. Mel provided treatment to the muscle (this is a muscle located in the buttock, and when it is causing problems people might think it is related to back pain or sciatica problems). After he assisted her she was able to walk out of the clinic in much better shape. This is what it’s all about while we are here.

Today Rick and Bob also went out shopping for Haitian peanut butter (which has a hot pepper flavor to it) and supplies to make pizza for the staff tomorrow. Tonight we are heading to hear RAM, a local band. It will be great fun and a late night, but we will be able to carry on our mission for our final day at the clinic tomorrow. Goodnight and more tomorrow.