Congrats Alex, Dallas, Jessica, Jen, Joseph, Rebekkah, and all the other LLU School of med grads!
Highlight of the day: Strawberry Gatorade nutrition shake
Lowlight: pretty much everything else…
Just one of those blahblahblah days
Peace.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Merry Xmas?
Happy Sabbath! Seven weeks have been a blur. Thursday and Friday were pretty abnormal days for me so I’ll give you a little run-down. It’s kind of been like Christmas, maybe that’s a stretch, but they’ve been abnormally [insert positive adjective here].
Thursday morning I woke up earlier than normal, ditched the morning meeting and went to Phil’s house for breakfast. Had toast and eggs and fresh fruit! DELICIOUS! We all so got to talk about a lot of stuff including his opinions/observations on “The Irresistible Revolution”. After breakfast we drove into Petion ville to supply hunt and drop phil off at a meeting. The supply run was successful, but expensive (more that $2 US per 3in. chlorine tab). Upon arrival at the hospital I discovered that Brooke had arrived! Throughout the day we got to catch up little by little. I also got to talk to sit down and talk with Herold and Aimab (the supply guys) about work, life, etc [I did the same with a few of the translators on Wed. good talks, good times!]. At the end of the day I went outside and hung out the kids for a couple hours. We played this game that can be best described as a mix of “hot-potato”, “four square”, and “the roof game”. It was crazy and fun. The night was filled with arguing about who was “out” or not, different displays of physical ability [arm wrestling, “mercy”, etc], making bodily noises, and laughing at people who made the bodily noises. It’s amazing how much people [specifically boys 11-17] are the same no matter where you go. Their circumstances are different of course, but if you stuck a group of ten American 11-17 year olds together without a computer or XBOX and gave them a ball, I’m sure the night would go the same as ours did.
Friday, after getting up at 5:30 to make sure people left for the airport and the normal running around with supply, Richard and I drove out to Water Mission International. I got to meet Julio, learned some new information about the hospital water, and acquired more tabs as well as test strips. We also played every Adventist’s favorite game, “Who do you know that I know?”. He lived in Corona for years so it wasn’t hard [sings: “It’s a small world after all”]. The drive was long because of the rain, but I got to see places I’d never been before. For the 1st time in Haiti I saw land that wasn’t occupied by buildings and people. It was green and nice… [side note, the other day…Tuesday; I think I broke the Haitian land speed record: 45 mph!] As we were driving back we began to get multiple calls from volunteers who were still at the airport waiting to be picked up. Twenty-three people in all. It took a lot out of us, but we got them and all their supplies in bus and the car and made it to the hospital in one piece. When we finally got back I was immediately pulled in 3 different directions, but things got resolved. Everyone got situated, all the supplies are now in the hospital (not in order yet, but c’mon baby steps), my guys finally got better hours and the Sabbath off, and Samuel got the water supplies. Success! I ended a fairly long and tiring day kicking back in the office with Luke. Good end to a crazy couple days. Sabbath is more than welcome.
Enjoy the long weekend for me!
Also: LET’S GO LAKERS (Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap)
Thursday morning I woke up earlier than normal, ditched the morning meeting and went to Phil’s house for breakfast. Had toast and eggs and fresh fruit! DELICIOUS! We all so got to talk about a lot of stuff including his opinions/observations on “The Irresistible Revolution”. After breakfast we drove into Petion ville to supply hunt and drop phil off at a meeting. The supply run was successful, but expensive (more that $2 US per 3in. chlorine tab). Upon arrival at the hospital I discovered that Brooke had arrived! Throughout the day we got to catch up little by little. I also got to talk to sit down and talk with Herold and Aimab (the supply guys) about work, life, etc [I did the same with a few of the translators on Wed. good talks, good times!]. At the end of the day I went outside and hung out the kids for a couple hours. We played this game that can be best described as a mix of “hot-potato”, “four square”, and “the roof game”. It was crazy and fun. The night was filled with arguing about who was “out” or not, different displays of physical ability [arm wrestling, “mercy”, etc], making bodily noises, and laughing at people who made the bodily noises. It’s amazing how much people [specifically boys 11-17] are the same no matter where you go. Their circumstances are different of course, but if you stuck a group of ten American 11-17 year olds together without a computer or XBOX and gave them a ball, I’m sure the night would go the same as ours did.
Friday, after getting up at 5:30 to make sure people left for the airport and the normal running around with supply, Richard and I drove out to Water Mission International. I got to meet Julio, learned some new information about the hospital water, and acquired more tabs as well as test strips. We also played every Adventist’s favorite game, “Who do you know that I know?”. He lived in Corona for years so it wasn’t hard [sings: “It’s a small world after all”]. The drive was long because of the rain, but I got to see places I’d never been before. For the 1st time in Haiti I saw land that wasn’t occupied by buildings and people. It was green and nice… [side note, the other day…Tuesday; I think I broke the Haitian land speed record: 45 mph!] As we were driving back we began to get multiple calls from volunteers who were still at the airport waiting to be picked up. Twenty-three people in all. It took a lot out of us, but we got them and all their supplies in bus and the car and made it to the hospital in one piece. When we finally got back I was immediately pulled in 3 different directions, but things got resolved. Everyone got situated, all the supplies are now in the hospital (not in order yet, but c’mon baby steps), my guys finally got better hours and the Sabbath off, and Samuel got the water supplies. Success! I ended a fairly long and tiring day kicking back in the office with Luke. Good end to a crazy couple days. Sabbath is more than welcome.
Enjoy the long weekend for me!
Also: LET’S GO LAKERS (Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
It's cold
You think I'm joking, but I'm not! It rained earlier, and I'm sitting in my room with the fan on. I'm legitimately cold for the 2nd time.
It’s been a while since I’ve written anything. I generally write everyday even if it doesn’t get posted. It’s not because nothing has happened to the contrary, lots has happened, I’ve tried write, but I hadn’t fully processed everything and kept getting distracted.
I like the new people here a lot. I went out walking to the kids’ houses again with Crystal Kandoll. [(sings)it’s a small SDA world after all]. I’m developing insomnia. Had a couple sleepless (well 3 hours of sleep) nights. On the bright side I got to talk to a lot of people on Skype and Facebook. I gave the devotional at a morning meaning Monday, pretty much read through 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 (everyone knows 13, but a lot of people don’t know the context, it was super appropriate for where we were). People liked it. I got called a motherf****** yesterday. At least I think I did, it was hard to tell through the accent. And in retrospect I deserved it to some extent. I’m not gonna eat the Haitian kitchen food anymore. Imma give mine to someone else, first person who asks every day (yesterday it was an outpatient, today it was the translator who called me a less than polite name.)
Much of this has to do with the care package that arrived last week (again, THANK YOU RAA). Remember when I told you to read “Crazy Love”, if you did you remember Francis Chan mentioning Shane Claiborne and the “Simple Way” community. When I saw this I was immediately reminded of Shane’s book “The Irresistible Revolution”. I conditionally recommend it. It is one of those books that will mess you up. My dear friend Sterling Spence gave it to me about a year ago, I tried to read it and stopped because I really couldn’t take it anymore.
(SHOUT OUT TIME! Sterling and Alex Hirata are currently on the island of Yap teaching at the SDA school there. You can read their blog at http://yap2009.blogspot.com/)
Anyways, I asked my parents to send it in the next care package. When I got it I pretty much tore through it, finishing on Sunday. There are so many lessons to be learned and new perspectives to be gain. It’s also “kick in the face” moments when you straight up disgusted with yourself, it’s really not for people looking for a recreational/comfortable/easy read. You might be offended, you might get defensive, and you just might be inspired. I’m sure it will affect everyone differently; everyone has different backgrounds, values, and circumstances.
From the perspective of a guitar playing, bandana wearing, Christian, Hapa, Socialist, nineteen year old student from SoCal (who ironically detests labels), volunteering and living at a SDA hospital in post-earthquake Haiti, the thing that hit me the hardest was when Shane talked
about Matthew 25: 31-46.
I’m living among the “least of these”. And I really haven't been doing anything to help them on a personal level. I’m very focused on getting supply taken care of and getting volunteers to and from the airport, but the individuals fall through the gaps. Before this week my goal was to be remembered, or not, as a nice hard working kid. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about how hard work (among other things) is meaningless and concludes that we should “…Fear God and keep his commandments…” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). And what are the commandments? Well what would Jesus say? When asked in Matthew 22…
"37Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
It’s been a while since I’ve written anything. I generally write everyday even if it doesn’t get posted. It’s not because nothing has happened to the contrary, lots has happened, I’ve tried write, but I hadn’t fully processed everything and kept getting distracted.
I like the new people here a lot. I went out walking to the kids’ houses again with Crystal Kandoll. [(sings)it’s a small SDA world after all]. I’m developing insomnia. Had a couple sleepless (well 3 hours of sleep) nights. On the bright side I got to talk to a lot of people on Skype and Facebook. I gave the devotional at a morning meaning Monday, pretty much read through 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 (everyone knows 13, but a lot of people don’t know the context, it was super appropriate for where we were). People liked it. I got called a motherf****** yesterday. At least I think I did, it was hard to tell through the accent. And in retrospect I deserved it to some extent. I’m not gonna eat the Haitian kitchen food anymore. Imma give mine to someone else, first person who asks every day (yesterday it was an outpatient, today it was the translator who called me a less than polite name.)
Much of this has to do with the care package that arrived last week (again, THANK YOU RAA). Remember when I told you to read “Crazy Love”, if you did you remember Francis Chan mentioning Shane Claiborne and the “Simple Way” community. When I saw this I was immediately reminded of Shane’s book “The Irresistible Revolution”. I conditionally recommend it. It is one of those books that will mess you up. My dear friend Sterling Spence gave it to me about a year ago, I tried to read it and stopped because I really couldn’t take it anymore.
(SHOUT OUT TIME! Sterling and Alex Hirata are currently on the island of Yap teaching at the SDA school there. You can read their blog at http://yap2009.blogspot.com/)
Anyways, I asked my parents to send it in the next care package. When I got it I pretty much tore through it, finishing on Sunday. There are so many lessons to be learned and new perspectives to be gain. It’s also “kick in the face” moments when you straight up disgusted with yourself, it’s really not for people looking for a recreational/comfortable/easy read. You might be offended, you might get defensive, and you just might be inspired. I’m sure it will affect everyone differently; everyone has different backgrounds, values, and circumstances.
From the perspective of a guitar playing, bandana wearing, Christian, Hapa, Socialist, nineteen year old student from SoCal (who ironically detests labels), volunteering and living at a SDA hospital in post-earthquake Haiti, the thing that hit me the hardest was when Shane talked
about Matthew 25: 31-46.
31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
I’m living among the “least of these”. And I really haven't been doing anything to help them on a personal level. I’m very focused on getting supply taken care of and getting volunteers to and from the airport, but the individuals fall through the gaps. Before this week my goal was to be remembered, or not, as a nice hard working kid. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about how hard work (among other things) is meaningless and concludes that we should “…Fear God and keep his commandments…” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). And what are the commandments? Well what would Jesus say? When asked in Matthew 22…
"37Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
When I hustle past that “mentally challenged” patient who tries to grab me every time I walk by, when I blow off the translators/patients/other people when they are incessantly ask me for food, money, my time, etc. (or worse??? fulfill the request reluctantly and grudgingly), when I look at the ex-pat volunteer with disgust after their display American arrogance/ignorance/insensitivity/self-righteousness, when I ignore the orphan who calls my phone 13 times a day…that's not loving. I’m doing that to Jesus. How’s that for a kick in the face?
That's where I am. Where has it left you? Who’s Jesus in your life? Think about it?
Thought about it? Good. Now do something about it.
In other news:
As far as “work” goes, I’ve accepted the fact that things run differently and I need to stop worrying about things I can’t control or change. I haven’t become apathetic, my focus is just different. I’m still gonna work hard of course, but “hakuna matata”.
Brooke comes back tomorrow.
3 people deleted me as friends on Facebook! Normally I wouldn't care, but I was 3 away from 777. Back to 771 (sighs). Don't laugh, it's not funny. Whoever you are add me back!
I still suck at reading the Bible. I’m a little more enthusiastic for the time being, but I lack focus and direction. Highlights of my recent reading: the first half of Proverbs 8 and 1 Corinthians 12-13.
“Don’t Trust Republicans! Amen!” Take it at face value, because only two people understand the deeper meaning. Let’s see how it goes.
Finally, Genesis 31:49. Look it up.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Today was a good day
Even though I woke up at 1am and couldn’t sleep for hours; I got to watch some of my good friends take my title of LSU Talent Show winner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnnB4gXjc9w [congrats Alix, Aubrey, Cindy, and Fern, that was fan-freakin-awesome], was inspired to watch OK GO videos, saw pictures of myself from 15 years ago, and talked to some friends who were up late too.
And even though I spent majority of the morning being frustrated at cultural differences, trying to find tech support for HP scanners in Haiti, while the internet was down, and contemplating the value of my work here; we received four brand new donated wound vacs [it was like Christmas], I discovered that popping bubble wrap is an international phenomenon, and received a care package with hand written encouraging notes from many of the staff at Redlands Adventist Academy.
*reason #53 to send your kid to RAA: The faculty and staff are Godly people who genuinely care about the students and continue to care after graduation.
And even though I spent a good chunk of my afternoon standing out in the sun watching an inefficient distribution of personal hygine products [just don’t ask], I got to meet cool new people, was reminded to appreciate the differences in the way things are done, and not to sweat the small stuff.
And even though its pouring rain and the thunder is deafening…well I’m not complaining about that, cuz that’s just cool [unless someone gets hit by lightning, the rain causes houses to collapse, etc.]; it’s Sabbath, I made it through another week in Haiti (six down), my friends and family at home are safe and have made me smile and laugh multiple times in the last 18 hours, the internet is still working, I'm about to go play my guitar, I got to eat today, I’m healthy….[I’m too incredibly blessed to keep going].
Happy Sabbath!
[I also uploaded pics to Facebook. You're welcome]
And even though I spent majority of the morning being frustrated at cultural differences, trying to find tech support for HP scanners in Haiti, while the internet was down, and contemplating the value of my work here; we received four brand new donated wound vacs [it was like Christmas], I discovered that popping bubble wrap is an international phenomenon, and received a care package with hand written encouraging notes from many of the staff at Redlands Adventist Academy.
*reason #53 to send your kid to RAA: The faculty and staff are Godly people who genuinely care about the students and continue to care after graduation.
And even though I spent a good chunk of my afternoon standing out in the sun watching an inefficient distribution of personal hygine products [just don’t ask], I got to meet cool new people, was reminded to appreciate the differences in the way things are done, and not to sweat the small stuff.
And even though its pouring rain and the thunder is deafening…well I’m not complaining about that, cuz that’s just cool [unless someone gets hit by lightning, the rain causes houses to collapse, etc.]; it’s Sabbath, I made it through another week in Haiti (six down), my friends and family at home are safe and have made me smile and laugh multiple times in the last 18 hours, the internet is still working, I'm about to go play my guitar, I got to eat today, I’m healthy….[I’m too incredibly blessed to keep going].
Happy Sabbath!
[I also uploaded pics to Facebook. You're welcome]
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Herro!
So ends another day at Hopital Adventiste d’Haiti. It was beyond busy, I’m pretty sure I didn’t stop from 0545-1300, the afternoon wasn’t as busy but I can’t wait till Sabbath.
Tomorrow I will complete my 6th week here. I’ve eaten a couple dozen MRE’s, seen at least 200 foreigners come and go, served a couple thousand meals…but enough numbers. It’s time for another “stop reading this blog and do something else that’s a better use of your time” moment.
Last time I instructed you to read the book “Crazy Love”. If you haven’t done that, shame on you and get on that. Today I challenge you to stop and pray, “God, in this moment, what do You want from me?” (Inspired by a letter written by Brother Lawrence from the book “Practicing His Presence”) Try to do it multiple times a day. Crazy huh? I tried it and it was depressing. But then I remembered you can’t disappoint God, even when you fail He still loves you. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give Him your all. So the time has come, blog over. Stop reading, start praying.
Peace
Tomorrow I will complete my 6th week here. I’ve eaten a couple dozen MRE’s, seen at least 200 foreigners come and go, served a couple thousand meals…but enough numbers. It’s time for another “stop reading this blog and do something else that’s a better use of your time” moment.
Last time I instructed you to read the book “Crazy Love”. If you haven’t done that, shame on you and get on that. Today I challenge you to stop and pray, “God, in this moment, what do You want from me?” (Inspired by a letter written by Brother Lawrence from the book “Practicing His Presence”) Try to do it multiple times a day. Crazy huh? I tried it and it was depressing. But then I remembered you can’t disappoint God, even when you fail He still loves you. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give Him your all. So the time has come, blog over. Stop reading, start praying.
Peace
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Food cont.
I just realized I didn't really say what I've been eating.
Breakfast: oatmeal, some kind of bar, and/or a mango
Lunch: rice and beans with some attempt at veggie meat and some salad type thing as provided by the Hatian kitchen
Dinner: An MRE (Meal Ready to Eat), ramen noodles, some microwave or freeze dried meal, PB&J, and/or the occasional hotel pizza.
I drink around a gallon of fluid (4 nalgene bottles) a day, mostly powdered drinks in water.
Snacks include candy, mangos (recently I'm averaging 2 a day), bars, jerky, trail mix, etc. that I've acquired or people have left on the community table.
Favorite local item= King Cola (fruit champange and banana flavored soda)
Peace!
Breakfast: oatmeal, some kind of bar, and/or a mango
Lunch: rice and beans with some attempt at veggie meat and some salad type thing as provided by the Hatian kitchen
Dinner: An MRE (Meal Ready to Eat), ramen noodles, some microwave or freeze dried meal, PB&J, and/or the occasional hotel pizza.
I drink around a gallon of fluid (4 nalgene bottles) a day, mostly powdered drinks in water.
Snacks include candy, mangos (recently I'm averaging 2 a day), bars, jerky, trail mix, etc. that I've acquired or people have left on the community table.
Favorite local item= King Cola (fruit champange and banana flavored soda)
Peace!
Finally food
[due to short attention span, fatigue, and a little laziness this blog was started Monday and finished Tuesday]
“Sak pase!” faithful readers. Three things today:
1. I am officially the longest tenured ex-pat volunteer at HAH. Dr. Nelson went home for a while so he doesn’t count.
1a. [added Tuesday] Happy Haitian Flag Day
2. Someone from the World Health Organization [WHO] called MY PHONE today[Monday]. Did they want to talk to me? No, but that’s not the point.
3. A while ago I said I’d blog about food, so here it is. There are so many things to write about, so let’s start at the beginning (some things mentioned have been previously noted). I was told that I would be receiving two meals a day, so I should bring snack to supplement that. So when I first arrived at HAH without my check-in bags I was a little worried about eating, but those fears were quickly relieved when I realized how much food others had brought and how the volunteers left stuff for me when they left. So even when the Supreme Masters of Ching Hai (the humanitarian aid mediation cult) left, I was still eating well enough. (I’ve been down to 165lbs, I’m hovering around 170. I left home at just under 180.)
Since the Supreme Master’s (who produced 3000+ meals a day) left, the Haitian kitchen took over feeding people. Originally they were only going to feed the ex-pats 2 meals a day (which is short for ex-patriots, which pretty much means foreigners), but we would have none of that. We decided to feed the patients and translators too. So there were about 100 meals to feed everyone. Not exactly enough to feed everyone. Multiple volunteers stepped up and helped distribute food, but when they left and no one stepped up, [name withheld] decided that it would be a good idea that I take over food distribution. From day one the experience was eye-opening. In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about feeding the hungry, now I know what that’s like. It was the only meal for most everyone who received food. Most of them showed appreciation, giving me the “warm-fuzzy” feeling inside. But even after “re-directing” food from volunteer break room to some patients and translators there were still people who were going hungry. It was also kind of gut-wrenching to have to say no to people who asked for food. I say kind of because after explaining my job/the process of distribution to people multiple times and yet daily hearing sob stories (which are probably true) about how families haven’t eaten in days, someone’s friend or mother is starving, and I’ve become jaded and kind of annoyed. I won’t lie, I like to think of myself as a pacifist, but over the past few weeks the urge to punch someone in the face has never been so strong [I know "don't sweat the small stuff..."]. In the past week the situation has become much better. We have an exact count of patients, translators, and ex-pats and the kitchen is able to produce more than 200 meals. People are still going hungry, but the hospital can’t double as a handout center. People will find other means.
My experience with food distribution was stressful, taxing, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve realized how protective people are of food. Don’t mess with people’s food (or food they think belongs to them). I’ve seen the ugly/dramatic/prideful/selfish side of a lot of people. Last but not least, I’ve learned to appreciate what I have. Its cliché, deal with it, it’s real.
How could a blog about food be complete without mentioning all the wonderful things I’m gonna eat when I get back home.
Mi tortilla (pollo salad $10), Kogi (Tacos, sliders, & a burrito $15), Del taco (Chicken works, tacos, fries, drink $10), In-n-out (Double double x2, fries, vanilla shake $10), Guppy’s (Boba, shaved ice, other food that someone decides to order $15), CPK (hawaiian BBQ chicken pizza and italian soda $20) and Chipotle (chicken fajita burrito, chips $10).
So, if you’ve got $$ and wanna drive around and eat, there’s the list (in no particular order, prices are approximate and may vary).
And if you don’t wanna drive around, come over to my house where my mom will be makng: chicken strips, brown rice, broiled green beans, grilled cheese sandwiches, and SALAD, SALAD, SALAD! (did you catch that mom?)
And if you’re not into cooked food and wanna chill: Ice cream, fresh fruit of any kind, and Lucky charms!
Hit me up when I get back!
*Side note for the day*
Call me a cynic, call me a product of my environment, call me whatever you want, but as I was looking LSU banquet pics [insert comment about girls dresses and how beautiful they all looked here] and I was totally disgusted. Such frivolousness [can you believe that’s actually a word], such waste, while people all around me are living in poverty: starving, homeless, sick, etc. people at home, my friends, spent a good chunk of $$ to dress up and eat.
Before you say anything I’m aware that I’m kinda being a hater because of my socialist tendencies and the fact that I’m not a fan of anything formal. I know La Sierra has donated a lot of money to many different causes already, there’s only so much you can ask people to do, you have to take care of your own and have fun sometimes, and there really is nothing wrong with banquets. Also giving the money to people here wouldn’t really solve problems, it might help a little short term, but Haiti’s problems are bigger than poverty. That being said, my point is still valid.
Shout-out to my brother and the rest of the RAA class of 2012. Solid job with class challenge Friday and have fun and be safe on Bio trip!
“Sak pase!” faithful readers. Three things today:
1. I am officially the longest tenured ex-pat volunteer at HAH. Dr. Nelson went home for a while so he doesn’t count.
1a. [added Tuesday] Happy Haitian Flag Day
2. Someone from the World Health Organization [WHO] called MY PHONE today[Monday]. Did they want to talk to me? No, but that’s not the point.
3. A while ago I said I’d blog about food, so here it is. There are so many things to write about, so let’s start at the beginning (some things mentioned have been previously noted). I was told that I would be receiving two meals a day, so I should bring snack to supplement that. So when I first arrived at HAH without my check-in bags I was a little worried about eating, but those fears were quickly relieved when I realized how much food others had brought and how the volunteers left stuff for me when they left. So even when the Supreme Masters of Ching Hai (the humanitarian aid mediation cult) left, I was still eating well enough. (I’ve been down to 165lbs, I’m hovering around 170. I left home at just under 180.)
Since the Supreme Master’s (who produced 3000+ meals a day) left, the Haitian kitchen took over feeding people. Originally they were only going to feed the ex-pats 2 meals a day (which is short for ex-patriots, which pretty much means foreigners), but we would have none of that. We decided to feed the patients and translators too. So there were about 100 meals to feed everyone. Not exactly enough to feed everyone. Multiple volunteers stepped up and helped distribute food, but when they left and no one stepped up, [name withheld] decided that it would be a good idea that I take over food distribution. From day one the experience was eye-opening. In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about feeding the hungry, now I know what that’s like. It was the only meal for most everyone who received food. Most of them showed appreciation, giving me the “warm-fuzzy” feeling inside. But even after “re-directing” food from volunteer break room to some patients and translators there were still people who were going hungry. It was also kind of gut-wrenching to have to say no to people who asked for food. I say kind of because after explaining my job/the process of distribution to people multiple times and yet daily hearing sob stories (which are probably true) about how families haven’t eaten in days, someone’s friend or mother is starving, and I’ve become jaded and kind of annoyed. I won’t lie, I like to think of myself as a pacifist, but over the past few weeks the urge to punch someone in the face has never been so strong [I know "don't sweat the small stuff..."]. In the past week the situation has become much better. We have an exact count of patients, translators, and ex-pats and the kitchen is able to produce more than 200 meals. People are still going hungry, but the hospital can’t double as a handout center. People will find other means.
My experience with food distribution was stressful, taxing, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve realized how protective people are of food. Don’t mess with people’s food (or food they think belongs to them). I’ve seen the ugly/dramatic/prideful/selfish side of a lot of people. Last but not least, I’ve learned to appreciate what I have. Its cliché, deal with it, it’s real.
How could a blog about food be complete without mentioning all the wonderful things I’m gonna eat when I get back home.
Mi tortilla (pollo salad $10), Kogi (Tacos, sliders, & a burrito $15), Del taco (Chicken works, tacos, fries, drink $10), In-n-out (Double double x2, fries, vanilla shake $10), Guppy’s (Boba, shaved ice, other food that someone decides to order $15), CPK (hawaiian BBQ chicken pizza and italian soda $20) and Chipotle (chicken fajita burrito, chips $10).
So, if you’ve got $$ and wanna drive around and eat, there’s the list (in no particular order, prices are approximate and may vary).
And if you don’t wanna drive around, come over to my house where my mom will be makng: chicken strips, brown rice, broiled green beans, grilled cheese sandwiches, and SALAD, SALAD, SALAD! (did you catch that mom?)
And if you’re not into cooked food and wanna chill: Ice cream, fresh fruit of any kind, and Lucky charms!
Hit me up when I get back!
*Side note for the day*
Call me a cynic, call me a product of my environment, call me whatever you want, but as I was looking LSU banquet pics [insert comment about girls dresses and how beautiful they all looked here] and I was totally disgusted. Such frivolousness [can you believe that’s actually a word], such waste, while people all around me are living in poverty: starving, homeless, sick, etc. people at home, my friends, spent a good chunk of $$ to dress up and eat.
Before you say anything I’m aware that I’m kinda being a hater because of my socialist tendencies and the fact that I’m not a fan of anything formal. I know La Sierra has donated a lot of money to many different causes already, there’s only so much you can ask people to do, you have to take care of your own and have fun sometimes, and there really is nothing wrong with banquets. Also giving the money to people here wouldn’t really solve problems, it might help a little short term, but Haiti’s problems are bigger than poverty. That being said, my point is still valid.
Shout-out to my brother and the rest of the RAA class of 2012. Solid job with class challenge Friday and have fun and be safe on Bio trip!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
A ditty
Haitian Hospital Rooftop
(melody/chord progression influenced by "Gives You Hell" and "Getting into You")
I’m on Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
So far away from home
I left all that I know behind
Im working for the benefit of humankind
Four thousand miles is far my loved ones mind and now I’m here on a
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
And all around I see trees, lights, hills, and the bay
The people walking and the children as they play
Its cooling off, the sun goes down, so ends the day
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
It’s my escape
From all the people and the stress
I get so fed up and frustrated I confess
My days are busy so it’s nice to get a rest on a
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(I can sing and play on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
Where I praise my god for the things he’s done for me
I sing his praises, play guitar in the key of E
And I am thankful for this opportunity to be on a
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop...
(melody/chord progression influenced by "Gives You Hell" and "Getting into You")
I’m on Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
So far away from home
I left all that I know behind
Im working for the benefit of humankind
Four thousand miles is far my loved ones mind and now I’m here on a
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
And all around I see trees, lights, hills, and the bay
The people walking and the children as they play
Its cooling off, the sun goes down, so ends the day
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
It’s my escape
From all the people and the stress
I get so fed up and frustrated I confess
My days are busy so it’s nice to get a rest on a
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(I can sing and play on) a Haitian hospital rooftop
Where I praise my god for the things he’s done for me
I sing his praises, play guitar in the key of E
And I am thankful for this opportunity to be on a
Haitian hospital rooftop
A Haitian hospital rooftop
(sitting, singing on) a Haitian hospital rooftop...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
...it's all small stuff
Today I came to the realization that my childhood is officially over. I'm not exactly sure when it happened and I'm not saying that I've stopped growing and totally understand the world. To the contrary, now an adult I realize how much I don't know. Today was full of moments that reinforced life lessons.
1. No one is perfect, everyone has an ugly side, and racism still exists.
2."Knowledge is power. With power comes responsibility. Therefore you are responsible for what you know... Ignorance is bliss."~ David Ryan B. Harris
(I'm sure someone has said something like this before, but I'm claiming this for myself)
3. You can rationalize anything if you try hard enough. Doesn't mean that it's right.
4. People think about themselves waaaaaaay too much. Story time...maybe not, I don't wanna offend anyone so I'll skip to the wrap up. An old man got to see a city, a younger man got to spend the evening with his family, because of this the youngest man failed to complete the task he set out to do. No one died, life moved on. (it makes sense in my head)
Which leads us to our final lesson for the night...
5. Don't sweat the small stuff...it's all small stuff
1. No one is perfect, everyone has an ugly side, and racism still exists.
2."Knowledge is power. With power comes responsibility. Therefore you are responsible for what you know... Ignorance is bliss."~ David Ryan B. Harris
(I'm sure someone has said something like this before, but I'm claiming this for myself)
3. You can rationalize anything if you try hard enough. Doesn't mean that it's right.
4. People think about themselves waaaaaaay too much. Story time...maybe not, I don't wanna offend anyone so I'll skip to the wrap up. An old man got to see a city, a younger man got to spend the evening with his family, because of this the youngest man failed to complete the task he set out to do. No one died, life moved on. (it makes sense in my head)
Which leads us to our final lesson for the night...
5. Don't sweat the small stuff...it's all small stuff
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Brooke Beck All-stars
If you're a good reader, you'll recall that Brooke Beck was responsible for taking my phone and forcing me to sleep when I was burned out. For that alone, my body, brain, and mom are grateful. But Brooke has done so much more. She’s an ER nurse from Oregon who came to HAH in February. She started out just doing patient care. But as time went on and people left she started to do so much more. She has oriented volunteers, coordinated shifts, helped keep the situation with the Haitian volunteer staff from getting TOO messy, dealt with Haitian administration, acquired phone minutes, worked to get people fed, cleaned the kitchen, break room, sleeping areas, organized transportation, and became the default go-to person for everyone and everything. She is admired by all for her seemingly endless energy, boldness for riding moto’s around the city, undying care for the Haitian people, and all-around awesomeness. In her free time (what free time?!) she enjoys sleeping, traveling around the island (both Haitian and Dominican sides), eating lobster, not getting yelled at, and playing with NICU babies.
In her honor I’ve decided to start the “Brooke Beck All-Stars”. The recipients of this honor are non-surgeons [cuz let’s face it, surgeons get all the glory for re-attaching hands (good work Hasan) and cool stuff like that] people of my choosing who work harder than they should; demonstrate excellence in patient care, organization, interpersonal skills, and/or other intangibles. It’s very prestigious. The reward is pre-paid trip home.
Every week I’ve been observing how different people and teams work and I’ve been mentally keeping track of “Player(s) of the Week” (yes, the NBA still has a grip on my brain).
Week one: Dr. Jack Hoehn (I didn’t observe/interact with too many people. I was too busy trying to get oriented)
Week two: Alexandros Coutsoumpos & Jessica Claridge (They’re graduating from LLU School of Medicine on May 30. Congratulations to you guys, Dallas, Jen, Joseph, Rebecca, and the rest of the class of 2010)
Week three: Sylvia Kohler & the French duo: Scott & Ester
Week four: Jordan Owens & Sabine Strong
Week five: (in progress)
All of these people (and many others) are worthy of laudation, but just like LeBron James was the overwhelming pick for NBA MVP none of them come close to touching Brooke Beck. She’s currently stateside taking a WELL-DESERVED break from the grind; she’ll be back in two weeks. I miss her already.
In her honor I’ve decided to start the “Brooke Beck All-Stars”. The recipients of this honor are non-surgeons [cuz let’s face it, surgeons get all the glory for re-attaching hands (good work Hasan) and cool stuff like that] people of my choosing who work harder than they should; demonstrate excellence in patient care, organization, interpersonal skills, and/or other intangibles. It’s very prestigious. The reward is pre-paid trip home.
Every week I’ve been observing how different people and teams work and I’ve been mentally keeping track of “Player(s) of the Week” (yes, the NBA still has a grip on my brain).
Week one: Dr. Jack Hoehn (I didn’t observe/interact with too many people. I was too busy trying to get oriented)
Week two: Alexandros Coutsoumpos & Jessica Claridge (They’re graduating from LLU School of Medicine on May 30. Congratulations to you guys, Dallas, Jen, Joseph, Rebecca, and the rest of the class of 2010)
Week three: Sylvia Kohler & the French duo: Scott & Ester
Week four: Jordan Owens & Sabine Strong
Week five: (in progress)
All of these people (and many others) are worthy of laudation, but just like LeBron James was the overwhelming pick for NBA MVP none of them come close to touching Brooke Beck. She’s currently stateside taking a WELL-DESERVED break from the grind; she’ll be back in two weeks. I miss her already.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Happy Month-a-versary!
Can you believe that it’s been a month since I arrived in Haiti? I miss most of you a lot! To celebrate I give you my longest post to date! In some ways it feels like the time has just flown by, but I’ve learned so much, a lot has happened, a lot of people have come and gone, I’ve adjusted quite a bit, so in that regard, it seems like I’ve been here forever.
It would be a bold-faced lie if I said that everything was peachy, but you weren’t expecting that were you? This week has brought a lot of changes to the hospital so there’s a lot of tension and uneasiness all around. God’s in control, only he knows how this is going to play out. For my sanity hopefully this week will bring some clarity and a sense of direction.
[I apologize for the “vagueness” of the last paragraph. That’s all I’m comfortable sharing publically. Please continue to pray about the situation here at the hospital and for the people of Haiti.]
I’m still getting settled in my new responsibilities with supply and transportation. Friday I went to the airport to pick up a larger group (the first of 5 team Ukiah’s). As I held the “TEAM UKIAH” sign and stood outside the gates I reviewed last week’s airport escapades and tried to come up with a better method. I developed a game called “Get to the bus with as little trouble as possible” GTTBWALTAP for short! The goal? Get to the bus with as little trouble as possible. Avoiding trouble means: losing luggage, getting mobbed by porters, losing people in the crowd, and of course not getting to the bus. There are three rules. 1. Follow David to the bus. 2. Don’t let go of your stuff. 3. Don’t give anyone money. David will take care of it (and collect from you later). Team Ukiah followed rules 1 and 3 perfectly, rule 2 was bent a little, but in the end everyone made it to the bus safely without too much trouble. Porters were paid and we enjoyed a “scenic” ride to the hospital. FTW!
\(^o^)/
If you were a good blog reader you followed the link to my Facebook “Ayiti” album and saw the picture of me and the six kids that help me with lunch, (No, not the little ones outside that made everyone go “awww”). It’s reeeeeeeeeeeediculous how quickly they get attached to me and a lot of the foreign volunteers. They want me to follow me everywhere and want me to hang out with them every spare moment I have. I made the mistake of giving them my phone number so I get calls every day. It’s endearing, but sometimes bothersome. It’s okay, we’re all brothers in Jesus.
You might be wondering, “Why are they hanging out at the hospital all the time? Don’t their parents send them to school?” Those two seemingly simple questions have fairly complex answers. A lot of schools have started, others haven’t. Lack of teachers and a school building/tent have been major obstacles. School also requires $$$. To attend each student must have their own books and uniforms. Coming up with that money has been difficult. I haven’t got the full story on each of them, but of the six kids pictured only one of them has two living parents.
For the longest time they’ve been insisting that I come to their “houses”, I keep telling them soon. Today may be the day.
Molly Blair McCary wrote me a 3 page e-mail!!!!! Normally that’d be worthy of a shout-out but unfortunately for Molly, it’s Mother’s Day! (How many of you thought I was going to forget?) To all you moms out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
I love you Mom!
It would be a bold-faced lie if I said that everything was peachy, but you weren’t expecting that were you? This week has brought a lot of changes to the hospital so there’s a lot of tension and uneasiness all around. God’s in control, only he knows how this is going to play out. For my sanity hopefully this week will bring some clarity and a sense of direction.
[I apologize for the “vagueness” of the last paragraph. That’s all I’m comfortable sharing publically. Please continue to pray about the situation here at the hospital and for the people of Haiti.]
I’m still getting settled in my new responsibilities with supply and transportation. Friday I went to the airport to pick up a larger group (the first of 5 team Ukiah’s). As I held the “TEAM UKIAH” sign and stood outside the gates I reviewed last week’s airport escapades and tried to come up with a better method. I developed a game called “Get to the bus with as little trouble as possible” GTTBWALTAP for short! The goal? Get to the bus with as little trouble as possible. Avoiding trouble means: losing luggage, getting mobbed by porters, losing people in the crowd, and of course not getting to the bus. There are three rules. 1. Follow David to the bus. 2. Don’t let go of your stuff. 3. Don’t give anyone money. David will take care of it (and collect from you later). Team Ukiah followed rules 1 and 3 perfectly, rule 2 was bent a little, but in the end everyone made it to the bus safely without too much trouble. Porters were paid and we enjoyed a “scenic” ride to the hospital. FTW!
\(^o^)/
If you were a good blog reader you followed the link to my Facebook “Ayiti” album and saw the picture of me and the six kids that help me with lunch, (No, not the little ones outside that made everyone go “awww”). It’s reeeeeeeeeeeediculous how quickly they get attached to me and a lot of the foreign volunteers. They want me to follow me everywhere and want me to hang out with them every spare moment I have. I made the mistake of giving them my phone number so I get calls every day. It’s endearing, but sometimes bothersome. It’s okay, we’re all brothers in Jesus.
You might be wondering, “Why are they hanging out at the hospital all the time? Don’t their parents send them to school?” Those two seemingly simple questions have fairly complex answers. A lot of schools have started, others haven’t. Lack of teachers and a school building/tent have been major obstacles. School also requires $$$. To attend each student must have their own books and uniforms. Coming up with that money has been difficult. I haven’t got the full story on each of them, but of the six kids pictured only one of them has two living parents.
For the longest time they’ve been insisting that I come to their “houses”, I keep telling them soon. Today may be the day.
Molly Blair McCary wrote me a 3 page e-mail!!!!! Normally that’d be worthy of a shout-out but unfortunately for Molly, it’s Mother’s Day! (How many of you thought I was going to forget?) To all you moms out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
I love you Mom!
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Burnout
So much has been happening over the past 5 days. I've been working and/or on call for the majority of the past 2.5 weeks. The time I have had off I was hiking a mountain in a tropical storm with small children, so it wasn't exactly relaxing. Finally on Tuesday morning my body gave out. The term tired and uninspired came to mind. Brooke took my phone and ordered me to bed. I’ve been in this room for over a day now only surfacing for food, morning worship, and a few problems that needed to be addressed. As far as I know the universe hasn’t come crashing down without me J.
All this down time and down time and still no pictures? Since I have this time off I uploaded a few pics and I don't like the way it looks here on blogspot so follow the link and see them on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60743&id=1349179360&saved#!/album.php?aid=60743&id=1349179360
Easy enough right?
Until next time!
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Miss me yet?
RABBIT, RABBIT! Happy Sabbath! Can you believe it’s been three weeks?! Miss me? Have you started to read Crazy Love? I finished Wednesday, I’m still contemplating things.
So much has happened in the last week. Almost everyone who came with or before me has left. I've also seen multiple teams come and go. There are only two foreign volunteers who have been here since I have. If you remember, last Thursday’s post gave you a glimpse into what a day in the life had been during my “probation period”. It would be impossible to do that for this week. I’m pretty sure the only thing that happened consistently was getting <>
I really had no idea what kind of work I’d be doing here. So I said I came to Haiti with no expectations. However I didn’t say I’m coming any “unexpectations”. Taking on three major responsibilities last Friday morning was pretty unexpected. You are now reading the blog of the hospital supply, transportation, and food distribution manager. The learning curb is pretty steep. I’m not used to making decisions on this scale and don’t have a really good job description, but things are getting done, and I'm learning a lot. Conversations with Brooke Beck and Phil Hudson have been invaluable!
I’ve hung out with Haitians a lot more this week. I’ve played guitar with people three times in the last week, even wrote a song with a guy. I’m interacting with the guys in supply a little more. Six kids help me out with food distribution. I’m picking up Creole little by little. I have dictionary now.
Other things worth mentioning
I attended vespers last night and played at Haitian church today (yes mom, I wore a button down). Remind me to blog about church sometime. So much to say/ponder.
I moved into my own room!
Thank you Azure Hills Adult Sabbath School!
REVO made over $23,000!!!!!!!
Things probably not worth mentioning, but you’ll read anyways
My toe nail is now disconnected at the cuticle, but still attached to the nail bed.
For those of you that have been worried that I’ll come back married… :P J/K
It probably won't be another week till I post again. Sabbath Peace!
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