Cabaret is a smaller town outside of Port au Prince. It takes about 45 minutes to get there. The clinic is small and actually only open 3 –4 days a week. While I was there I went almost every day it was open. Upon arriving I would say hello to the director and the nurse in the lab and observe all the people waiting. Sometimes the waiting room was full and the line would go out the door. There was only 1 doctor each day and their hours varied. Most were younger physicians who were volunteering much of their time. All of the physicians were Haitian and trained in Haiti. I worked with 4 different physicians. The specialties were different each day. There was a day for ob/gyn, pediatrics, and then general consultations. Although the clinic is large enough to house patients, there isn’t enough staff or finances to have true inpatient services. The onsite lab runs all the tests (there is very little equipment, much worse than a high school lab here). Tests include malaria, pregnancy, parasite and bacterial tests, and anemia tests.
Once the physician arrived I would introduce myself briefly, then they would start seeing patients. There wasn’t much that I could really do to physically help and even if I was certified to do work, there wasn’t the equipment. It was similar to shadowing a physician in the states. Most of the physicians attempted to speak some English to explain the procedures and diagnoses, but their language skills were limited. Because of my French background, I was able to extrapolate a lot of what was going on with the patient just by watching and listening. I also took a journal to take notes on the patients and at times make crude drawings of the skin disorders or malnourished children. Frequently I listened to the patients breathing or the doctor helped me palpitate. It was difficult because I wanted to really help, but I couldn’t do very much. I helped a little in the pharmacy. The biggest effect I had was probably bringing the supplies. They are grateful for any donations.
I stayed at the clinic from about 9 to 2pm, and then returned to the foundation headquarters in Cabaret. At the foundation I helped with some computer issues and did some translating. A lot of time was spent simply talking with some of the foundation volunteers and really understanding what it was like to live there. The other function I served, which I didn’t realize until the end of my trip, was that I was an ambassador of sorts. Most of the views of Americans come from television or movies, and it is often a shock to them when they meet your average American who just wants to help and isn’t really cocky and self absorbed. I had several conversations about the fact that not all Americans are extremely wealthy. I realized very quickly how skewed their perceptions of Americans were. In Cabaret I did various things. I was always doing whatever Mr. Leger was doing. I would ride with him to co-op meetings, meetings with the mayor, a local festival and public service campaign, two weddings, to the internet café, numerous meals at with friends and family, and what ever came up.
The most difficult part is that there is not always something to do. You will spend a lot of time hanging out and waiting for things to happen. The foundation is very young and not always organized, so you have to be prepared to just go along with what is happening. Several times I just played with kids or talked with the locals – but in a way, that’s what this trip is about. My best advice is to go without expectations and just do what you can. They are happy you came, if just to see what it is like there. Get the most from the experience by participating in everything you can and don’t get discouraged.
General thoughts:
It is difficult to return from a trip to Haiti and be able to clearly describe the experiences. There were so many events, both positive and negative, that contributed to the adventure. I left the United States confident that I would be fine on my own, in a foreign country where English is not the primary language. After all, I had done many things on my own through out my life. However, nothing I knew or had experienced prepared me for Haiti.
I knew that Haiti was one of the most populated countries based on people per square mile. I also knew that it is considered one of the poorest countries in the world and that the illness is overwhelming. These were just facts in my head. Flying over the tin roof towns and seeing the armed police swarm around the plane were things I had not expected. People leaving the plane were rude and pushy. I quickly realized how alone I was. If you have never truly been a minority – this is a fast way to experience it.
In Haiti, I stayed in port au prince with Mr. Leger, the director of the Global Child Health Foundation. Anyone staying there will be comfortable. You never have to worry about eating. Although the schedule is a little different – early medium breakfast (not food you will be used to), enormous lunch around 2 – 3pm, then a smaller supper later around 9. The food is interesting and if you are worried about what you will be eating, there is no need to worry because you don’t have a choice. It is all very good, but I don’t recommend the boiled bananas. However, you should try everything at least once.
If you aren’t staying in Cabaret you will likely drive out there nearly every day. It is about a 45-minute drive. The clinic is small and they have very few supplies. The doctors do what they can, but it is difficult considering the circumstances. Mr. Leger and the clinic director are working towards building a new hospital in Cabaret. It will be great once completed – and I guarantee the Mr. Leger will eventually complete it.
The foundation headquarters are also in Cabaret. Mr. Leger’s father’s house has been converted into an office and meeting space. Everyone involved with the clinic are very nice and helpful. You will never lack in food or laughter. If you get the chance, I recommend having Mr. Leger take you up into the mountains. It is a beautiful area and where the wealthy of Haiti live. The temperature drops about 10 degrees and the views are magnificent.
In regards to the language, I recommend anyone going to have at least some French or Creole background. Although the Leger family speaks some English, very few others do and any French or Creole will come in very handy. I think this is very important. I had a French background and it helped me tremendously. Had I not, I am not sure how I would have made it through the experience. I also went completely alone. It was very difficult and at times overwhelming, but I think it made my experience that much more rewarding. If you can make it in Haiti, …
I find it difficult to really describe all of my experiences. I realize I may sound a slightly negative, but that is far from my feelings. My experience in Haiti was overwhelming. I saw and did things I never imagined. The people are extremely friendly and have a very intense and dedicated faith (mostly Catholicism). It is not easy though and you must be willing to react with any changes that occur. There are rarely defined schedules and what happens each day is often unknown until immediately before. I had a great time. Haiti is so interesting. The people are so poor and in need, yet they remain happy with immense hope. I recommend any one who has the opportunity make the trip.
