Healing in Haiti Day 5: Voices From the Field

Ve’ahavta sent two volunteers, Drs. Lee Ann and Tsvi Gallant, on a mission to Haiti run by the Jewish Renaissance Medical Corps. The following is an excerpt from a trip diary by Dr. Alona Yacobovsky, physical therapist and YAD Social Co-Chair, who flew with the medical team to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Another day at Help Hospital, and it’s wonderful to see that we’re even more organized than the last time. We’re turning into a well-oiled machine! A few more members returned home this morning, so we have less pairs of hands to help. Our team now consists of 10 people including two nurses, three family practice doctors, two pediatricians, an optometrist, his son and myself. I, personally, am helping out the optometrist today, as there are an overwhelming number of patients who need eye examinations.

I am so frustrated by my lack of French and Creole knowledge!!! The nursing students are very helpful, and there are a few interpreters that are there to assist us, but it’s still frustrating to not be able to communicate, and, unfortunately, my limited Spanish is getting me nowhere! We again worked all day in the 100 degree weather and by the end of the day we are exhausted. I can honestly say I have never in my life sweat as much as I have on this trip. We are all losing electrolytes at an alarming rate!

Posted by Vanessa |