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Around Port-au-Prince

Posted on February 20, 2010

I didn’t write yesterday, because I was so exhausted after staying up 24 hours to view the city, taking a 2 hour nap, and then working another 12 hours (my 4th shift).

I went with Pastor Christian (an American) and 2 Haitian pastors to church. It was so beautiful to just hear vocals without music being lifted up to praise God. It was awesome when Pastor Christian & I recognized the tune and could sing a long in English. It’s great to worship with the Haitians, even if we don’t speak the same language, because Heaven will be filled with people of every tribe & tongue. We had to leave right after, so we didn’t get the chance to interact with our brothers & sisters in Christ.

Then, the driver, a 27 year old man going to seminary school LynnByers-DriverAndFriendand whose name I can’t remember, took us to his house. It had what appeared to be only minor structural damage. His parents died in the earthquake, & his grandma had a cast on her leg. He had to take over his dad’s orphanage of 18 children. We drove by one of us his neighbor’s house that was completely destroyed.

We had a couple people ask us for food and money when we got out of the car because the tire popped, but I never felt scared or threatened. I am glad we were with Haitians though since we can’t speak the language. The only time I felt scarred was driving because they drive a bit risky. We stopped in front of the palace to change the tire. We went to some police headquarters so I could use the bathroom. I noticed you can get in almost anywhere with our Medishare badge.

We visited a small hospital set up by the Dominican Republic. I guess the Medishare hospital is the best & most advanced hospital they have in Haiti right now. I didn’t get the chance to tour the general hospital or any other hospitals. But it’s good to have all the hospitals they can. I saw 2 vans that looked in ambulance, but I think most people get to the hospital by family.

LynnByers-BldgWeNeedHelpI had such mixed feelings touring the city. I think I put up an emotional wall, so as not to cry. I wanted pictures to remember it and to show others so they can see how real this devastation is, but I also wanted to be sensitive/respectful to the Haitian people. There are still dead bodies under the rubble. They are living in not the best conditions – rows & rows of tents without running water. People are doing their best to go back to daily life – find work, laundry, cooking, etc but they are still in great need. The food trucks deliver food, but people are still hungry. I think these people are strong & resilient for dealing with the life they have been dealt.

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