Technically it is spring in New England and while the temperature does not seem to agree, it does mean it is time to do the spring burning. For those people that don't live in an area of the country that allows burning, this is when you take all the broken limbs, twigs, etc. that you have collected since fall and burn them in your yard.
I started a bit late this year and did my first burning yesterday. I have quite a large pile of material and started burning at 10AM, as that is when the permit says you may start. I fed the fire all day and around 3 in the afternoon I decide it was about time to start shutting it down. According to the permit all fires must be out by 4PM.
With a hose and shovel I alternated between soaking the ash pile and then stirring it up. The purpose being to make sure all the ash and coals are cool enough so that the fire does not reignite and perhaps cause damage.
After going through this cycle 2 or 3 times the wind shifted direction and I was hit with the smell of stall water mixed with charcoal ash and I was instantly transported to the back of an open truck riding through Port-au-Prince. It took me by surprise and brought back so many images. Shortly after the wind shifted again and I lost the smell.
The real strange part is that I then found myself attempting to find the smell, however horrible, again. It was not to be. After that instant the mixture would not recreate the smell, but the images stayed with me.
They say that smell is the most powerful memory inducing sense. As a visual person I would not have believed that. But after yesterday I don't think I will doubt that sense again.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
One Month Later
It has been about a month since I was in Haiti and it is still constantly on my mind. I think I have adjusted back to "normal" life better this year. I don't seem to be suffering from as much guilt as I did this time last year. I don't know if this is because I am hardened or because I am taking a broader view. Don't get me wrong, I can still be easily driven to be a mess when recalling Haiti, but in normal conversation I am better able to control the situation.
It is strange sometimes to have Haiti so near to my thoughts all the time. Try to imaging being in a detailed conversation dealing with your job, a conversation where you are completely engaged and that takes your full concentration. Then imagine that in the middle of that conversation an image of the 5 year old orphan that you built a necklace with takes over your entire thought. And then you have to find a way back to your work conversation. Now apply that to every aspect of your life. Working. Eating. Driving. Talking. Worshipping. This is my life.
Depending on the situation it is easier or harder to fight your way back to the present. The hardest times are when there is nothing else to occupy your thoughts; doing automatic tasks: driving, waiting, the quiet of the morning, as you fade to sleep.
You think it would be easier if it would stop, but you also know that you don't want it to because you would lose part of yourself. I honestly think it helps me make better decisions in the long run as it gives a good perspective on value. The good news it is not debilitating. Clearly, I am able function effectively, but it is the new normal.
It is strange sometimes to have Haiti so near to my thoughts all the time. Try to imaging being in a detailed conversation dealing with your job, a conversation where you are completely engaged and that takes your full concentration. Then imagine that in the middle of that conversation an image of the 5 year old orphan that you built a necklace with takes over your entire thought. And then you have to find a way back to your work conversation. Now apply that to every aspect of your life. Working. Eating. Driving. Talking. Worshipping. This is my life.
Depending on the situation it is easier or harder to fight your way back to the present. The hardest times are when there is nothing else to occupy your thoughts; doing automatic tasks: driving, waiting, the quiet of the morning, as you fade to sleep.
You think it would be easier if it would stop, but you also know that you don't want it to because you would lose part of yourself. I honestly think it helps me make better decisions in the long run as it gives a good perspective on value. The good news it is not debilitating. Clearly, I am able function effectively, but it is the new normal.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Thanks and Pictures/Video
I am on my third day back home and my mind still swims in the memories of Haiti and the Dominican Republic as I start to think about planning for another trip as soon as I can make it back. Mission team members are already starting to flood Facebook with pictures from the trip and I thought I would share those with everyone as a way to say thank you for the support that was provided.
If you have questions or would like to talk about the mission trip please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to discuss it at any depth you would like.
Video Snapshots @ YouTube
Photo Snapshots @ Facebook
You can also find additional photos from others on the trip at
If you have questions or would like to talk about the mission trip please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to discuss it at any depth you would like.
Video Snapshots @ YouTube
Photo Snapshots @ Facebook
You can also find additional photos from others on the trip at
- Haiti
- La Romana March 15, 2011
- Friday in Haiti
- Leaving Haiti, DR Monday
- La Republica Dominicana Numero cuatro!
- La Republica Dominicana Numero cuatro 2!
- La Romana: Spring 2011
- La Romana: Spring 2011 Part 2
- Dangly Fever 2011: Gozo, Paz, y Alegria en La Romana
- La Romana Mission Trip 2011
- La Romana 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Leaving Hispanola
In case you are not aware, Hispaniola is the name of the island that is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Today is the day that I leave the island after spending a week in Haiti and a week in the Dominican Republic. As expected I have mixed feelings about leaving. I miss my family greatly and can't think my wife enough for her support, but I also feel that so much has been left undone, especially in Haiti.
The plane is in the air now and I can see the mountains to the west. Over those mountains is Haiti. The peacefulness of the world at 10,000 feet hides the trouble at ground level. How long will it be until Haiti heals?
When I think or Haiti I think of all the things c that could be done to support the Haitian people and help the country to regain it's glory as the "Pearl or the Caribean" as it was one called by France. But much has to change both in the international community and in Haiti for Haiti to rebuild.
The constant donations to Haiti have help to cripple their economy. The local businesses have to be support and aid money need to flow through them as opposed to foreign contractors. At the same time the quality and performance of those local businesses needs improve to the standards that can be achieved by foreign contractors.
Corruption in government and business can no longer be tolerated. Those that perpetuate it must be brought to justice.
Education must be prioritized for all Haitians. Through education the next generation can learn about Haiti's history and prepare the country for both local business initiatives and for branches of international companies.
Simple things like perpetuating he habit of throwing trash in receptacles must also be enforced. Bringing security and cleanliness to the county will help bring tourists, which can infuse money and jobs into the economy.
And there is much more that needs to be done. My hope is I can continue to play a small part in the rebirth of Haiti.
... Over the ocean with Hispaniola no longer in view ... God bless and see you soon ...
The plane is in the air now and I can see the mountains to the west. Over those mountains is Haiti. The peacefulness of the world at 10,000 feet hides the trouble at ground level. How long will it be until Haiti heals?
When I think or Haiti I think of all the things c that could be done to support the Haitian people and help the country to regain it's glory as the "Pearl or the Caribean" as it was one called by France. But much has to change both in the international community and in Haiti for Haiti to rebuild.
The constant donations to Haiti have help to cripple their economy. The local businesses have to be support and aid money need to flow through them as opposed to foreign contractors. At the same time the quality and performance of those local businesses needs improve to the standards that can be achieved by foreign contractors.
Corruption in government and business can no longer be tolerated. Those that perpetuate it must be brought to justice.
Education must be prioritized for all Haitians. Through education the next generation can learn about Haiti's history and prepare the country for both local business initiatives and for branches of international companies.
Simple things like perpetuating he habit of throwing trash in receptacles must also be enforced. Bringing security and cleanliness to the county will help bring tourists, which can infuse money and jobs into the economy.
And there is much more that needs to be done. My hope is I can continue to play a small part in the rebirth of Haiti.
... Over the ocean with Hispaniola no longer in view ... God bless and see you soon ...
Friday, March 11, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Electric - Day 2
I spent the day at the hospital today working on the electrical team. Specifically what we are doing is moving air-conditioning condensers from the forth floor to the roof. Why are they on the forth floor as opposed to the roof in the first place you might wonder.
The reason they are on the forth floor is because the hospital is being built floor by floor and at one point what is now the forth floor was the roof. But, now that the forth floor is being walled in all the units have to be moved. This means trapping all the freon in the condenser, disconnecting it from power (with the 220 v wires hot), carrying the unit to the roof, the extending the wiring, copper tubing , etc. to the new location. Then repeat until all units are done.
It is not as physically demanding as the work last week, but it is needed to keep the hospital expanding and the patients comfortable.
Oh, and an update on C who chipped a tooth yesterday. He got it repaired today at the hospital for A grand total of $20US. That isn't the co-pay that is the total cash price with no billing to the insurance company.
The reason they are on the forth floor is because the hospital is being built floor by floor and at one point what is now the forth floor was the roof. But, now that the forth floor is being walled in all the units have to be moved. This means trapping all the freon in the condenser, disconnecting it from power (with the 220 v wires hot), carrying the unit to the roof, the extending the wiring, copper tubing , etc. to the new location. Then repeat until all units are done.
It is not as physically demanding as the work last week, but it is needed to keep the hospital expanding and the patients comfortable.
Oh, and an update on C who chipped a tooth yesterday. He got it repaired today at the hospital for A grand total of $20US. That isn't the co-pay that is the total cash price with no billing to the insurance company.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The New Steve
Yesterday Steve, who was part of the 3 man team doing electrical work at the hospital, decided to severely sprain his ankle and so had to retire from the electrical team to the task of handing out de-worming medicine in the bateys. As a consequence I was promoted to the team. I have to tell you there was a little fear in accepting the position as everyday someone from that team has been injured.
The day went well and we spent it pulling wire for air-conditioning units. The longest part of the day was spent search for a pipe that terminated either on the first or second floor (which are finished, operational floors with patients). After searching, counting columns, looking at plans, and finally using a tape measure; we found the pipe in the ceiling of the ER on the first floor, right in the one curtained area with a patient.
So, in the spirit of the DR, the workaround was to locate the pipe on the second floor in an unoccupied room and cut out a section there and work from the middle.
Oh and as for the team that always comes home with an injury, the curse is not lifted. As the newest member of the team I was sure I was doomed, but Chris, one of the youth on the trip, decided to help out the team a bit making him the newest member.
As Chris was jumping off the bus at the dormitory with a coke in his hand he hit his tooth on the bottle and took a big chunk of his tooth out. He will survive and both his parents on the trip, so he is well cared for.
The day went well and we spent it pulling wire for air-conditioning units. The longest part of the day was spent search for a pipe that terminated either on the first or second floor (which are finished, operational floors with patients). After searching, counting columns, looking at plans, and finally using a tape measure; we found the pipe in the ceiling of the ER on the first floor, right in the one curtained area with a patient.
So, in the spirit of the DR, the workaround was to locate the pipe on the second floor in an unoccupied room and cut out a section there and work from the middle.
Oh and as for the team that always comes home with an injury, the curse is not lifted. As the newest member of the team I was sure I was doomed, but Chris, one of the youth on the trip, decided to help out the team a bit making him the newest member.
As Chris was jumping off the bus at the dormitory with a coke in his hand he hit his tooth on the bottle and took a big chunk of his tooth out. He will survive and both his parents on the trip, so he is well cared for.
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