Arrived at OA @ 5:30 to pick up supplies....six bags totaling 300 lbs. Driver was the greatest, Matt Leblanc. After some shuffling to equalize the weight U.S. Airways allowed us to bring all bags for free to support the Haiti endeavor. Flight was smooth from Portland to Charlotte, with one exception.... Linda dropped all of her important documents in the Portland Jetport and only discovered it upon entering the gate to board the plane. Phew! We dodged that one.
Joanne has started a forget list. First being her phone charger. Had to purchase one when we arrived in Charlotte. Matt is traveling light with one pair of pants, but he's able to carry a lot of bags. We are now seeing him in the only "outfit" for the week.
On the way to Charlotte, Linda sat next to a woman from Arthrex, one of the companies who donated pins and fiberwire suture. When Linda explained that we were worried that we were not going to be able to help enough, Betsy replied " If you hold someone's hand it will be enough". So true.
Joanne gave blog information to anyone who would listen. We hope you are reading about our journey.
Matt was approached in the bathroom while doing his business and was asked if he was going to Haiti. Another past patient of OA approached us and asked about our trip too. Somehow people just knew.
Konbit Sante has really treated us well and so far our trip has been flawless.
We are here safe and toasting to all of you from and Turks and Caicos!!
Hi to all of our children, spouses, and even the ex!!! Love you!!
So happy to hear that everything is going as scheduled.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a canvas bag in the basement at work that was maybe forgotten? Lyle said it looked like stuff that Matt had picked up from the hospital. Stethoscope, some ORIF hardware, and a bunch of other stuff. Don't look too hard for it if it, indeed, was supposed to come with you.
Someone is watching over our team! So glad that Linda discovered her documents-that was a long day!
ReplyDeleteSo glad u guys r ok!!!!!!! Love u mom!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear you had a safe trip. You are all doing such a wonderful thing over there. We will be thinking of you. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteBy now you guys are in Haiti, I can't help but think of you and wonder what it's REALLY like, so glad you made it safely and with documents:)
ReplyDeletemaybe minus a bag but sounds like your "loot" should be adequate, esp. since just holding a hand with empathy and sincerity may be all that most of them need...thanks for keeping all your family and friends in touch, we are with you in spirit and love, and I have to keep the tissues handy everytime I read this or write to you! Your soppy friend at home,
Chrissy xoxoxo
Thinking of all of you frequently. Be well on this Adventure. Thanks for keeping us in the loop on your experiences.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thank you OA for your work. This experience will forever change you. Watching a patient family provide care for the sick in Cap is a visual that you will often want to share back at MMC. Not only is there no food service and bed linens provided, there is generally no nurse to care for the patient, the family is the healthcare provider. The Haitians are beautiful people with religion as a strong root and voudou lerking at any moment. Peace and health to you all. Thank YOU.
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