Changed and the same

Today we spent much time catching up on all the changes at Hospital Albert Schweitzer.  There is much construction going on with enlarged and improved areas for Emergency care and short overnight stays for those who present with problems that can be resolved without formal admission.  New Haitian staff members have joined the team, as well as those who have been here for many years.  The leadership, medical and support staff positions  are increasingly held primarily by Haitians.
As always we have been widely and warmly welcomed; always among the most gratifying of experiences for me.
Always the same--the heat and the dust.  Great billowing clouds of dust that blew through our vehicle last night as we made the trip here sans AC.
The hospital is overflowing with children, almost half the space seems to be taken up by them.  Infants, toddlers, kids seeking care and compassion.  I have always thought that if you can walk by and not be moved by them, you probably need a heart transplant.
Many changes, much the same.

With thanks to my First Unitarian friends

With deep thanks to many generous donors from The First Unitarian Church of Dallas, I am off to Haiti again.  Thanks to you, patients will have their blood pressure measured accurately before seeing the doctor, germs won't stand a chance after surfaces are sprayed with a bottle of clorox solution, pillows will be easily wiped down between each patient in the PT Department.  And my colleague and I from Health Volunteers Overseas will be able to hold a day long off site planning seminar with the entire staff of the PT Department, complete with delicious Haitian food, cold Coca-Cola, and some time to relax and play.  We hope to spark their imagination to set their own goals for the future, not what we might want for them.  Our goal is for the staff to take charge of their own destiny as Hospital Albert Schweitzer moves increasingly toward predominantly Haitian control.  Being able to set up an entire planning day is a much appreciated gift, thanks to all of you.  Enjoy the service this morning.  I'll be in the air but thinking of you as you gather together.