The maternity unit finally moved in its entirety to the new rooms which were designated while I was there- it now has a delivery room next door, a maternity room and a separate section for the incubators and beds for moms who stay with their premature, or at- risk babies. Kepsey said the move went smoothly and they are settled in. He is working full time during the day- and will be paid $1000 dollars per month! This is a great source of happiness to me and helps me realize
how important my trip there was. Even if this was the only thing I helped accomplish, it would be helping one wonderful person get ahead in life in Haiti. I still miss him al ot- we try to talk on the phone, but are often cut off by his lack of minutes, or the powers that be.
I still wait for news of our first shipment of tents. Despite having a contact in Florida, and a plan to distribute the tents, there has been no confirmation that they have been received and are being distributed to new mothers. I will keep trying. Please keep supporting this effort everyone- all tents are needed, and even if they don't make it all the way to the maternity unit, so many people in Haiti need them.
I am still adjusting to being back home. It is a blessing in many ways to return- I have my health back, warm water, fresh vegetables, my family, my cozy home, but I long to return to Haiti. I found great meaning and purpose there, a simplicity and the gift of feeling needed and truly appreciated. Work was self evident, there was no middle ground. I simply worked until I couldn't any more. I crave the strength and joy of the people there, their ability to overcome so much and remain positive, loving, and compassionate in the face of such hardship. Their quickness to laugh and trust, the friendships we formed, are deeply missed by me. I learned to get down to the basics
of what is really important. It is still hard to hear people complain here. We have so much.
I wanted folks to know that I will be sharing my experiences in Haiti in a number of different presentations. I hope that friends and acquaintances can attend. I have been asked to be part of a talk on Haiti at GCC this Friday- April 2 from 12:30 til 2 pm. An expert on Haiti, an MD whose name escapes me, will be talking. Apparently he has never been to Haiti, so they would like me to talk after him about my time there. I have also been asked to present at the annual nurse's
week at Franklin Medical Center where I will have an hour or so to show pictures, and really have some time to share and answer questions. This will be at noon on May 7 at FMC. Lastly at Grand
Medical Rounds on May 13th at noon, I will tell my Haiti story- probably similar to the nurses week, complete with pictures and time for sharing. i will be nervous i'm sure, and hopefully not too
emotional. I do hope you will come if you can. I would love your support.
Please keep your eyes and your hearts on Haiti and her people. They will need us for a long time.
With love always, -Ali