I am sorry that I was not able to post yesterday. The last 2 days have been a whirlwind of emotions and travel. We had all felt that things had slowed down considerably and with the guy from Atlanta and the new Mexican team, there were not that many cases to do. Everyone felt it was time to head home. We were not sure we could get out until Friday because we had to wIt for space on the relief flights. We were able to get in touch with Abraham at the Bahamas Methodist Habitat, the had a plane that could take 3 of us to Nassau on wednesday. Karmen, Cynthia and I were ok with staying for another day or two, I felt that there was still some followup care we could/should do. I felt so torn. There is still so much to do there even if it isn't surgical. I also miss my kids and am looking forward to seeing them soon. Not to mention how badly I feel about all of my patients that have been so understanding about being away.
The plan was to take all of our gear to the airport and at least get our bags to Nassau. Then Mona, Ron, and Hector would head out on the second plane coming into Les Cayes.
We spent the morning packing up, visiting with the kids and buying some gifts, all that the kids had made and sell in a little shop at the orphanage. We decided to all head to the airport to see everyone off, the remaining three of us were going to go to the beach for the afternoon. At the airport we unloaded our gear and waited for the plane to arrive. The first plane was bringing supplies in, it had no seats but we were able to get all of our bags on. Ron was able to ride with the pilot in the jump seat. That opened up one seat on the second plane. The plane was able to take 4 passengers, there was supposed to be another doctor heading back to Nassau, but he never showed up. That meant that we were all able to get on the plane to nassau. Cynthia decided to stay for a few more days and continue to work at the Orphanage and help out with the sisters of mercy.
Had a great flight to Nassau, our pilot was a great guy, he buzzed the beach on the way into Great Inauga island and then again on the way into Nassau. I was in the jump seat and it was a lot of fun. Karmen decided she wants a plane now.
We got rooms at the Wyndam hotel. It felt so strange to be staying in such a fancy hotel. I must admit it felt great to take a hot shower! We all had a great dinner at a steak restaurant. Some of us went to the Casino to unwind before heading to bed. I think we all slept well with out the roosters and dogs keeping us awake all night.
We got up early and got to the airport, got our bags checked and then to customs. The customs guys were very interested in our trip and we showed them some of the photos, I forgot that not everyone likes seeing the gory photos and one of the customs guys almost passed out.
The flight to orlando was quick, we had a 4 hour layover there. Karmen got to see her parents who were flying down to spend a few weeks in florida. The flight back to Maine was uneventful as well. It is cold here! Was strange to say good bye to the team at the airport, but I think everyone was happy to get back to their families. I got to see my kids, was good to hug them! Makes me realize how fortunate we all are!
I will try upload a bunch of photos in the next post. Sorry I couldn't post more of them during the trip, we had limited data transfer ability while in Haiti.
Thanks for everyones comments and well wishes, I hope that my blog was informative, wish I was a better writer.
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Steve if you are writing this at 0348, then you aren't sleeping well... hope you get a flight soon & get home safely. thanks for posting this blog for those of us at home so we can get a slight inkling of what you have been through. Bring some of that good rum home! Take care & travel safely! Sue G.
ReplyDeleteSteve et al, you are expressing feelings that most have on the day of return from Haiti and you will host these feelings for many days to come. You have so much to offer, there are ways to continue to make a difference. Work in Haiti in not a one time thing, you can hook up with Maine organizations to continue to support these efforts and go again and again. I suspect the group you are working with has some permanent ties as well, outside of the orphanage. Konbit Sante has planned a steady flow of health care providers into Cap for many months to come. Today the Chief of Surgery from MMC arrived in Cap along with 3 other health care professions. IT is clear that we will need to continue a steady flow into Haiti of health care professionals. YOU have done so much! I suspect this trip will be life alterning for you on many levels. Have you read any work by Paul Farmer? I choose to believe there was good from the Earthquake, awareness of the poorest country in the western hemispere, accessable in a days travel. Peace be with you! Let me know if you find the Haitian Rum in Maine...... kiss to Karmen....has she showed you all how she can twirl a baton???
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have done everything possible given the situation. Though in your mind you might feel that it was never enough, you might think on what might have been had you not been there at all. You and every other medical professionals are real superstars. Have a safe journey home and say Hi to your kids from your Kansas kinfolk.
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteBrilliant stuff!
God Bless you and your team for your valiant efforts in PoP.
We have enjoyed following your journey and can't wait to hear about it first hand.
-Jimmy & Suzi Claire