On the other side of the wall from the clinic people live in a place that until recently I would have thought was unlivable. It is 22 months and counting since the earthquake and rubble is still scattered through the yards. The streets are much cleaner and some of the buildings are starting to be refurbished to be used as businesses. There has been progress at every turn. When people stop to ask me about Haiti I never know just how much to share. To say that this place can get in your head, your heart and be something you can't help but become very passionate about is pretty accurate. It is difficult to explain why it affects me so strongly. It is not the conditions that they live in. It is the spirit in which they live there. The proud yet gracious way people thank me for the little things. Even when I have nothing to offer or no treatment is needed they thank me for my time and medical knowledge. Haiti is a funny place. People that appear to have less than me always give me something in return. Gratitude and respect are not easily given by most people but here there is an abundance. When I go to the grocery store for weeks after a trip I look at all that is available to me and want to spread my good fortune around. Here is a list of what $100.00 can buy in Haiti.
$100.00 equals treatment for 17 people with Cholera.
$100.00 equals vitamins for 88 kids for 3 months
$100.00 equals 42 treatments for pneumonia
$100.00 buys 92 pairs of glasses to help people see to thread a needle or read.
$100.00 buys almost 100 pairs of flip flops from the dollar store here to bring with us for kids and adults
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