Day 2: First Clinic and Orphanage Visit (Part One)

Yesterday marked our first day of clinics and visits to the orphanages. We split up into two teams, half of us went to the Orphanage, while the others set up our first clinic.

Orphanage:Missionaries of the Poor

Description: Orphanage for children and young adults with congenital birth defects, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, HIV, epilepsy, and malnutrition. These children were abandoned with no where to go after the earthquake. This is when Missionaries of the Poor was established. 

Team 1

• Lindsey 
• Patrick
• Jordan
• Jake
• Cassie
• Cheryl

Reflection: We spent the day visiting an orphanage that consisted of over 80 abandoned children. These children were not only abandoned by their parents but also disenfranchised from society due to their severely debilitating physical status's.  I think it's safe to say it was a day full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Seeing so many children in such need was both heart wrenching and inconceivable. There were beds and cribs filled with children and young adults that couldn't move on their own, yet they'd smile so big when you played with them. They loved to be held and touched. The caregivers are incredible. None of the children had bedsores, however the residents extensive needs can hardly be met due to staffing insufficiency. The quality time and love the children crave may not always be received. 

The caregivers bathe the orphans three times a day to keep them, and their environment clean. The bathing process is thorough and time consuming! We had the opportunity to help feed, bathe, love and play with the orphans. It was fun to see their faces light up as we gave the candy, toys, and cars that so many graciously donated! The children played with them for hours. Those bed ridden with limited mobility were able to play with their new toys, in bed, continuously with a smile.

Later our health practitioners assessed those children with acute health concerns. Overall they were pleasantly surprised by the number of children who demonstrated great health condition, in spite of their limited staff and regional recourses. Their exemplar physical status's were the result of preventative measures in regards to skin breakdown and sanitation. The part that made it the highest of highs was feeling the grace and love for and from the individual caregivers. We laughed and cried with the sweet residence and their caregivers both! We arrived with the intent to bless these kids, and they blessed us in return. We saw so many smiles from people that have been bed ridden for years! It really gave us a different perspective with a lasting impression. 

Here are some images from our day spent with these amazing individuals!

Supplies, supplies, supplies!

After church we spent our Sunday organizing supplies, sorting out various medications, and preparing for our busy week ahead. Here is a look at all the supplies that were donated!

Day One: Take Me To Church

    Sunday we were given the opportunity to attend a church service. We were all eager to see what a church service would be like in Haiti. Some of us headed off to Catholic Mass, while others went to an LDS service. The churches were beautiful and the Haitian people were very kind to us.

Traveling Day --> Destination Haiti

   After a very long night of traveling, we finally arrived in Port Au Prince around 2 pm Saturday. We made it with no major catastrophes and all of our bags made it safely to Haiti. We spent the remainder of our evening settling into our bunkhouse and going through our supplies. The bunkhouse definitely exceeded any of our expectations we might have had. All of you at home, we are residing in one of the safest places in Haiti, so rest assured. We also have a wonderful staff looking after us. We are equipped with 7 interpreters, 24/7 guards, personal drivers, and a wonderful support staff. The bunkhouse even has multiple showers, mosquito screens, clean water, and mattresses for us to sleep on. We all feel very fortunate to be staying in this house. 

Idaho--> Haiti 2015

 We are a group of individuals representing Idaho for Humanitize Expeditions. We come from various backgrounds and are coming together with the purpose of a medical mission in Haiti. We have spent the last few months collecting donations and various supplies to take with us.These supplies will allow us to be able to provide care for a number of outreach clinics and orphanages. We invite you to follow us as we take this incredible journey!

Meet the Team!

• Katie- Team Lead
• Aislinn- Team Lead
• Cheryl, NP
• Aaron, NP
• Tyler, Pharmacist
• Whitney, Pharmacist
• Jake, RN
• Jess, RN
• Melanie, RN
• Lindsay, RN
• Patrick, Support
• Cassie- Photographer/Support
• Laura- Support
• Lindsey-Support