Final Thoughts

As we sit in the Turks and Caicos airport, it is difficult to articulate our experiences from the past week. We learned so many things on so many levels while trying to bridge gaps that were at times very hard to overcome. We were able to assimilate into a culture that we were not familiar with and learned what may be possible; the mind and heart must be open and you must not come to Haiti imposing personal expectations or making any assumptions about the culture.

Working with a people doing its best with what they have (which is not much) was a gift to us. When water and food are limiting factors, delivering health care seemed virtually impossible. Despite these challenges, everyone on our team gave all they had to the patients, family members and our Haitian healthcare counterparts.

We were fortunate to have a great team who grew closer each day and often thanked one another ….just for being together each day…..shoulder to shoulder like the Konbit Sante name. The longterm goal of building a partnership with the Haitian people will continue to be a challenging process. The Konbit Sante staff should not give up their hope for change.

One thing is for certain, we will not take what most consider the little things for granted: toilets that flush, clean water to drink, a place to sleep where you don’t have to worry about cockroaches or rats, a roof over our heads that doesn’t leak (well that part may be a stretch at OA).

In closing, it was a privilege and honor to spend the week with our new friends. Although our hearts were breaking at every turn there were so many moments of happiness and laughter. The smiles from the children were priceless.

And to whoever returns, remember Linda’s words, “underwear is overrated”. There were converters! Immodium is priceless. Remember the 3 oz rule.

Au revoir

OA Haiti Team