Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Haiti... after thoughts

Hi all-

I wanted to share some of my writings from while I was in Haiti and things I have thought about since going.  It was hard to describe my experience to anyone when I first got back.  Coming back to my "first world privileged college" was pretty unsettling, more so than my first feelings as I got off the plane in the hot airport.  All I could express was that it was a life changing experience and everyone seemed satisfied with that response.  But I want to share more of why it was and what was going through my head.  I think I'll slowly share that through this blog.

I recently sent a testimonial to the Pastor of Mercy Village and here is what I said, hopefully it'll allow you to get into my head:


"I came to Haiti, knowing what to expect to a certain extent and I really wanted to make a change in someone else's life and be apart of this amazing organization.  However, what I failed to think about was how much meeting you, Luz, the children and all our patients would help me.  I struggle with ptsd, something I knew so many people in Haiti must also suffer from but when you haven't met someone who shares this diagnosis it is hard to put your own situation in perspective.  Hearing your stories of all the horrible events a lot of the children and people of Haiti have gone through struck home with me, I too have experienced similar events but to a much lesser extent.  This really made me put my own situation in perspective.  The US or I suppose any first world country focuses so much on how horrible these events are where as in a country like Haiti, they are almost the norm.  The way it is presented in the US, I think makes you feel worse than you should about what you've gone through, it makes you dwell on it and labels you as a victim, where as in Haiti, there is no other choice but to carry on and keep going, as horrible as it is. 

Before Haiti, I don't want to say that I was "lost" but I went through periods where I let my emotions control my life.  When I met the children for the first time, after hearing what they went through, I was overwhelmed at their strength, compassion and spirit.  Seeing their ability to experience something so cruel, so much more intense than I have made me feel silly.  Why was I so affected by my experience when what they went through was 100 times worse?  I let an event, that may be categorized under the same name as the events a few of the children have gone through, control my life completely, where as here were these beautiful human beings carrying on with their lives like nothing had happened.  I like to think that meeting and being around the children changed my life.  They gave me perspective that was so needed so badly.  They helped me move out of a self-pity phase where I was consumed by this label to a new found strength and recognition that there is so much worse out there and that anyone can get through it.  Their smiles, hugs and stories instantly filled me with strength and love.  I do believe they are the future of their country, their ability to move on and your families beyond generous role for them has given them all the tools they need.

 I so badly wish I could have spent more time in Haiti, the company and stories were amazing.  It is very hard coming back to my college environment where I am surrounded by selfish peers who could never fathom or try to understand what, for example, Marie's life has been like.  People who are too wrapped up in their "first world problems" to care to make a difference in anyone else's life.  I would love for Marie to be able to come here and share her world with my peers.  I just want to let you and Luz know how grateful I am for the children and this organization.  "
For background, Marie is a 17 year old, extremely intelligent woman who is a former child restivak, or slave.  She was a slave for a Haitian elite family and has experience beyond horrible things.  She now dreams of being a nurse and sharing her story across America.  I only wish she can achieve this goal, which is so hard coming from Haiti.  She is an extremely strong woman with such a sense of leadership.  She is always in my thoughts.  I cannot wait to go back.
-Shannon
Marie and me after she braided my head.



Friday, March 16, 2012

take off!

Heading to Port-Au-Prince tomorrow morning!

Just a last minute thanks to everyone who donated, you all helped me raise $500 that will go directly to prescription meds, immunizations, antibiotics, etc!

I'll be sure to post once I get back in the states with pictures from the trip.


Dawson your present is ready to get broken in!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

deja vu of two years ago?

The clinic posted that they experienced a 4.4 earthquake the other night in Port-Au-Prince... they said there was panic throughout the streets but no one was injured.  I hope that was just a scare and not a sign that something bigger is on its way.  That being said, I made sure to register with the US Embassy a few days ago... just in case.

6 days until I'm on my way... preparing by brushing up on my trauma protocols (unfortunately, the clinic sees a lot of child abuse injuries)

Thank you for the generous donations, they will be put towards buying prescription medications for us to bring!
-Shannon


Monday, February 27, 2012

roadblock passed!

Great news! I got on a new flight for the new dates, only problem is I am still waiting to find out if the airline will waive the change fee.
Also found out that the group is smaller than I thought, looks like it's I'm the only medically trained volunteer besides the Dr's. Looks like I'll be doing a lot more EMT-ing that I thought. :)

Anyways, getting so excited! Port-au-Prince 19 days!

As always thank you so much for donations, the support means so much!

-Shannon

“That's when I feel most alive, he told me once on an airplane, when I'm helping people.”
Tracy Kidder, Mountains Beyond Mountains- quoting Dr. Paul Farmer

Sunday, February 19, 2012

roadblock

It seems I've hit a bit of a roadblock. 

The director spoke with me today about how the dates of the trip have changed due to the Dr in charge needing to make a change.  So this means I have to figure out a way to change my flights and travel insurance dates so that they line up with March 17-22 now.  As of now it looks like that flight change will cost $300, which I am working on convincing Continental to waive, seeing as the need to change is completely out of my control.  If they don't waive the fee I'm not sure what I will do.  Definitely can't afford to dish out another $300... I'm a volunteer, you think they would realize the importance of this.

Oh well...
Guess all I can do is wait now.  Trip stress has reached a new max.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

25 days and counting!

30...29...28...27...26...25...

I can't believe I'll be landing in Port-au-Prince in only 25 days!  I'm all set with shots and prescriptions, all that's left now is to buy scrubs, clothes and of course a lot of bug spray.

I'd like to thank everyone who has donated thus far, every bit will help tremendously! I really appreciate it and understand how tough of a period it is right now.

I spoke with the volunteer organizer today and found out that you can also designate what you would like your donation to go towards.  Some of the money I will be using to buy first aid supplies and over the counter medicines but the rest I will be directly donating.  The money could go towards things like pre-natal vitamins, antibiotics and other prescription medications, supplies for the orphanage, etc.
So if you have an idea for where you'd like your money to go please feel free to let me know!


I've heard there's a line at the clinic everyday before it opens.  The only word that comes to mind is overwhelming. 

 With a courtyard already full of patients.

Thanks for the continued support and encouragement,
Shannon


Thursday, February 2, 2012

My Upcoming Medical Mission Trip



March 11th I will be traveling to Port au Prince Haiti to volunteer my time as an EMT and phlebotomist at Mercy Village Home and Clinic.  The home is an orphanage that provides a safe and loving environment for Haitian children.  The clinic was formed after the earthquake but continues helping Haitians today through the volunteer efforts of a team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. The mission statement of the organization is "To provide quality medical care and preventive health services to the underserved in Haiti" they achieve this through providing primary care and social support.  The clinic is open around 2 weeks every month and sees approximately 1,000 patients per week.  As I'm sure you can imagine they go through supplies very quickly and do not always have the funding they need to purchase everything.  This is where you can help!

I have been sent a list of needs that include many over the counter medicines and first aid supplies.  With these donations I will purchase some of these supplies to take over to the clinic with me, the remaining I will donate directly to the organization.  Please consider donating with the "donate" button to the right of this post.

I am posting a link to the Mercy Village website, please feel free to read through their information.
http://www.mercy-village.com/

I appreciate any level of help! Thank you for supporting the Haitian people, Mercy Village and me as I try to do my part in helping those in need! 

-Shannon