Last Work Day

Today was the last work day in the DR. Like yesterday I worked on moving air-conditioners at the hospital. While we didn't complete everything we would have liked we did get a lot done and had an important meeting with the hospital director.

There was a bit of excitement yesterday when we couldn't discover which breaker was governing a circuit to an air-conditioning unit. It was decided that we should short out he 220v power source and see which breaker tripped. A loud bang and sparks later nothing tripped. We eventually found it, but nothing like a short circuit to wake you up.

We also had people start cutting rebar over out head with little warning yesterday. So move sparks followed by hot iron falling. Safety standards are a little more flexible here.

The meeting we had today with the hospital today was important because he has stated that he wants the hospital electrics to be in line with US electrical code for hospitals. Right now they are far bellow. Two guys from out team who know a bit about the code explained to the director and his construction team what needs to be changed and the standards that must be followed going forward. There was a lively discussion covering everything from cost, expediency, tradition, and practicality; but in the end it was agreed that going forward the hospital would be built to code.

Tomorrow is a down day which is used to reflect on the trip and work on readjusting to life in the US. I miss the family a lot and it will be great to seem them all. I do feel as though this will be my last trip to the DR as I would like to focus on Haiti. I would come back if my children or wife want to come down, but not likely solo. Haiti calls me much stronger than the DR.