Picture of in the city. You can buy a movie or a tire...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
blog 2
Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck write them on the tablet of you heart.
Psalms 3:3
When I came to Haiti I did not know what to expect. The photos show a very grim desperate picture, and even thinking about how to present rehab to this picture was mind bogling. But after being here for a month I am beginning to see a different picture of Haiti. Please do not misunderstand this, there are some very grim desperate places and moments here. The average American would be appauled to live the life of an average Haitian. It involves no to minimal luxuries, using ones body as a mechanism for hard labor, and a very fragile unstable government and economey.
But what an amazing life that could also be. The Hatians place a huge emphasis on family. The 7 inpatient's demonstrate this us everyday. During rehab in the morning, at any given time a variety of family members are present during therapy, children, nieces, wives or a variety of relatives. The outpatient's demonstrate this through the lengths the family will go to, to get their loved one to therapy. Which is equally amazing is the length one will go to to get to therapy!!
Example: A young man who was continuing to have a decline in function from being able to walk Independently to having to be carried by family members arrived on the back of a moto (mo-ped) sandwich between his brother and nephew!!! (are you kidding me) Not only that, but this man and his family have traveled to the clinic 3 x to receive treatment and supplies. This is huge !! This man can not walk and has difficulty moving his arms, but his family has supported his care by carrying him (literally), assisting him with dressing, eating, toileting, will sit in the sun all day to wait to be seen by a clinican. When I asked the patient's brother who he was, he proudly stated, " I am his brother." Amazing.
So headed to the Beach last weekend. Amazing! We (the people at the compound) finally escaped the compound!! Loaded up on the Tap-Tap and headed for the beach. Scoop on the compound is that beyond the compound I can not go. Which for me is a bit difficult. Erin (the PT) and I are able to go less then 1/4 mile away from the compound during a run. A run which feels more like a parade. Trying to be discreet when you are a "Blan" and a girl is not quite possible here in Haiti. Going to the beach this weekend, there were local Haitians there swimming, and playing with their families. Two young sisters played with a boat, a whole entire family sun bathed, splashed, and washed clothes. It was a beautiful picture to watch them enjoy themselves like typical families. Nothing desperate or needy about the situation. Just good family oriented fun.
Miss you,
Jz
Psalms 3:3
When I came to Haiti I did not know what to expect. The photos show a very grim desperate picture, and even thinking about how to present rehab to this picture was mind bogling. But after being here for a month I am beginning to see a different picture of Haiti. Please do not misunderstand this, there are some very grim desperate places and moments here. The average American would be appauled to live the life of an average Haitian. It involves no to minimal luxuries, using ones body as a mechanism for hard labor, and a very fragile unstable government and economey.
But what an amazing life that could also be. The Hatians place a huge emphasis on family. The 7 inpatient's demonstrate this us everyday. During rehab in the morning, at any given time a variety of family members are present during therapy, children, nieces, wives or a variety of relatives. The outpatient's demonstrate this through the lengths the family will go to, to get their loved one to therapy. Which is equally amazing is the length one will go to to get to therapy!!
Example: A young man who was continuing to have a decline in function from being able to walk Independently to having to be carried by family members arrived on the back of a moto (mo-ped) sandwich between his brother and nephew!!! (are you kidding me) Not only that, but this man and his family have traveled to the clinic 3 x to receive treatment and supplies. This is huge !! This man can not walk and has difficulty moving his arms, but his family has supported his care by carrying him (literally), assisting him with dressing, eating, toileting, will sit in the sun all day to wait to be seen by a clinican. When I asked the patient's brother who he was, he proudly stated, " I am his brother." Amazing.
So headed to the Beach last weekend. Amazing! We (the people at the compound) finally escaped the compound!! Loaded up on the Tap-Tap and headed for the beach. Scoop on the compound is that beyond the compound I can not go. Which for me is a bit difficult. Erin (the PT) and I are able to go less then 1/4 mile away from the compound during a run. A run which feels more like a parade. Trying to be discreet when you are a "Blan" and a girl is not quite possible here in Haiti. Going to the beach this weekend, there were local Haitians there swimming, and playing with their families. Two young sisters played with a boat, a whole entire family sun bathed, splashed, and washed clothes. It was a beautiful picture to watch them enjoy themselves like typical families. Nothing desperate or needy about the situation. Just good family oriented fun.
Miss you,
Jz
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Week 1.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.
Romans 15:13
A small sliver of my possible purpose in Haiti was seen yesterday. Friday is a relaxed day for the therapists, we had a slow morning seeing our inpatient's. No outpatient's came in the afternoon that usually keeps us moving and shaking to around 2 in the afternoon. Since Erin (the PT ) and I are mostly in charge (ha, funny thought) we decided Friday would be "casual" (aka wearing shorts vs scrubs) and would be "game day" for the 7 inpatients.
Our first real game was a huge success. Slow to start we divided the inpatient's consisting of a severe femur fracture, 3 strokes, 2 spinal cord injuries, a hip injury into 2 teams to play a game of soccer/basketball. The patient's LOVED it and are extremely competitive. The game continued on for ~45 mins with the patient's completely engrossed, seeing themselves and each other without disabilities. For a brief moment these people appeared to regain a since of what was prior to an injury that has left them dependent on others for care and given to a life of being outcast from their own society. As Erin and I facilitated an improvement in the quality of life for these people, else where in the clinic was a sharp contrast.
During that afternoon while we were enjoying the game, our coworkers were attempting to save a women's life while going to battle against Haiti's lack of resources and general decreased concern for the urgency of human life. The women was pregnant, but was bleeding. While at the clinic she stopped breathing, after rescue breath were given, the next logical step was to get her to a hospital, but Haiti or the grim reaper is a strong opposition. After FINALLY finding a vehicle that would take her, the vehicle breaks, she stops breathing again and is revived, is placed in a Tap-tap (a caravan taxi type vehicle), stand still traffic, very bumpy roads, and she finally makes it past the armed guard to get into the hospital. Then she has to be carried up a flight of stairs where she was placed in a bed. The outcome of this patient is not known.
So take home point is that what is life without quality of life. Hopefully in our time here we can find a way to provide that.
Update to my status:
I have transitioned nicely to living in Haiti. 1 week down with 51 left to go. Yes, I am staying for a year. I actually love it. Life it simple and chaotic . The food is wonderful or not edible at all. The runs are beautiful, but short. I am very safe, but very walled.
I was asked if I have fell in love with a Haitian yet. Which my friends and family seemed to think would happen.... The answer is yes. How could you not. The people are beautiful and full of charisma. They have beautiful features, and though are very poor take great pride in there appearance. They are very strong, and have tight taunt muscles. Dark serious eyes, but will laugh and joke with you. They are wonderful teachers, though their patient's for my attempts at Creole wains. They love to dance, joke, and love. So Yes, I am in love.
Love you and miss you,
JZ
Romans 15:13
A small sliver of my possible purpose in Haiti was seen yesterday. Friday is a relaxed day for the therapists, we had a slow morning seeing our inpatient's. No outpatient's came in the afternoon that usually keeps us moving and shaking to around 2 in the afternoon. Since Erin (the PT ) and I are mostly in charge (ha, funny thought) we decided Friday would be "casual" (aka wearing shorts vs scrubs) and would be "game day" for the 7 inpatients.
Our first real game was a huge success. Slow to start we divided the inpatient's consisting of a severe femur fracture, 3 strokes, 2 spinal cord injuries, a hip injury into 2 teams to play a game of soccer/basketball. The patient's LOVED it and are extremely competitive. The game continued on for ~45 mins with the patient's completely engrossed, seeing themselves and each other without disabilities. For a brief moment these people appeared to regain a since of what was prior to an injury that has left them dependent on others for care and given to a life of being outcast from their own society. As Erin and I facilitated an improvement in the quality of life for these people, else where in the clinic was a sharp contrast.
During that afternoon while we were enjoying the game, our coworkers were attempting to save a women's life while going to battle against Haiti's lack of resources and general decreased concern for the urgency of human life. The women was pregnant, but was bleeding. While at the clinic she stopped breathing, after rescue breath were given, the next logical step was to get her to a hospital, but Haiti or the grim reaper is a strong opposition. After FINALLY finding a vehicle that would take her, the vehicle breaks, she stops breathing again and is revived, is placed in a Tap-tap (a caravan taxi type vehicle), stand still traffic, very bumpy roads, and she finally makes it past the armed guard to get into the hospital. Then she has to be carried up a flight of stairs where she was placed in a bed. The outcome of this patient is not known.
So take home point is that what is life without quality of life. Hopefully in our time here we can find a way to provide that.
Update to my status:
I have transitioned nicely to living in Haiti. 1 week down with 51 left to go. Yes, I am staying for a year. I actually love it. Life it simple and chaotic . The food is wonderful or not edible at all. The runs are beautiful, but short. I am very safe, but very walled.
I was asked if I have fell in love with a Haitian yet. Which my friends and family seemed to think would happen.... The answer is yes. How could you not. The people are beautiful and full of charisma. They have beautiful features, and though are very poor take great pride in there appearance. They are very strong, and have tight taunt muscles. Dark serious eyes, but will laugh and joke with you. They are wonderful teachers, though their patient's for my attempts at Creole wains. They love to dance, joke, and love. So Yes, I am in love.
Love you and miss you,
JZ
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Blessed
No words can describe, that is why blogging is so hard. How do I explain the feeling of support from family and friends. Thank you does not seem like enough, but thank you to everyone. Yesterday was amazing to see all the faces, smiles, and well wishes. Old friends and new friends. Some highlights of the 8 hour marathon party would be 1. the fabulous food at my families house 2. When my mom was trying to get me to speak Creole, and came up with the word "poo tang." She stated when I get off the plane in Haiti to yell the "poo tang is here." I almost peed on myself I was laughing so hard. 3. Brookhaven 4. The LB girls 5 My soccer ball 6. The slow dance with Josie to Micheal Jackson's Man in the Mirror. What an incredible night, because the list goes on.
My only fear, (besides being kidnapped), is that I dissapoint you. Those are the what if's that I think about. What if I fail, what if I come back to soon, what if I cant handle it, what if I dont do any good at all.
Thank you again for all the love and support. I am so blessed.
JZ
My only fear, (besides being kidnapped), is that I dissapoint you. Those are the what if's that I think about. What if I fail, what if I come back to soon, what if I cant handle it, what if I dont do any good at all.
Thank you again for all the love and support. I am so blessed.
JZ
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
"This is going to be so good for you."
"This is going to be so good for you."
This seems to be the resounding theme for this trip and the most feedback I have been getting. I am not sure what it means? Maybe I need that much help that only a 3rd world country could help a girl out... Fine by me. :)
On another even more positive note!!! The total of raised money is now in the $4,000's!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippie!!! Thank you so much !!!! All the money will be placed in a savings account, then I will be allotted $500 a month from a checking account. All money NOT used will be given to the Haiti Medical Mission. So no matter what everyone wins. Especially me, because "This is going to be so good for me."
Love yall
JZ
This seems to be the resounding theme for this trip and the most feedback I have been getting. I am not sure what it means? Maybe I need that much help that only a 3rd world country could help a girl out... Fine by me. :)
On another even more positive note!!! The total of raised money is now in the $4,000's!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippie!!! Thank you so much !!!! All the money will be placed in a savings account, then I will be allotted $500 a month from a checking account. All money NOT used will be given to the Haiti Medical Mission. So no matter what everyone wins. Especially me, because "This is going to be so good for me."
Love yall
JZ
Thursday, December 2, 2010
"I decided to live my life on my terms. I wasn't going to live it by default, by the permission of others, or according to someone else's idea of what my life should look like. To do so would have made my life a prison, trapped in the cell of someone else's image of what my life should be. Living by your leave."
- Tony Ludlow
Since I have last posted things have continued to move in an amazing straight line, moving me closer to Haiti!!
The Run the Trails Run made an amazing $3,000!!! People really want to get rid of me... So I will continue to plan and prepare. Please continue to pray for me and my family.
Thanks
JZ
- Tony Ludlow
Since I have last posted things have continued to move in an amazing straight line, moving me closer to Haiti!!
The Run the Trails Run made an amazing $3,000!!! People really want to get rid of me... So I will continue to plan and prepare. Please continue to pray for me and my family.
Thanks
JZ
Saturday, November 20, 2010
the details...
For a big picture girl these details are hard to do...
But with the help of wonderful family and great friends we are checking them off the list. Well we are checking them off the 2nd list, because I lost the first one :)
Thursday was the best!! Breakaway, runners, drinkers, non drinkers, and non runners all came to out to support! The effort raised close to $600 !! Off of one keg and a cookie cake. I follow a great God.
Stay tuned as we continue to hammer out these details.
Also Big run coming up. Here are those details:
But with the help of wonderful family and great friends we are checking them off the list. Well we are checking them off the 2nd list, because I lost the first one :)
Thursday was the best!! Breakaway, runners, drinkers, non drinkers, and non runners all came to out to support! The effort raised close to $600 !! Off of one keg and a cookie cake. I follow a great God.
Stay tuned as we continue to hammer out these details.
Also Big run coming up. Here are those details:
Race Date: Sunday, November 28, 2010
Start Time: 8am
Start Location: Germantown Parkway Trail head
Race Distances: 4 mile and 8 mile option
Route: out and back on the blue trail
Free to everyone invited. Will receive a Run the Trails - Memphis shirt with a donation of $20 or more. Proceeds go to helping me get to Haiti.
Here is the donation page link.
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