Well, this is the last of our blog entries. We are all home in the land of creature comforts. What a blessing they are, indeed. However, what we miss already is the reality check of Haiti, the awareness of the things that really matter. Yes, there were diesel fumes in the air as we navigated the crowded streets of Port-au-Prince, but there were kind people who returned our gentle smiles and words of “Bonjou.” Yes, there was struggle in their eyes, but there was also strength we could in no way comprehend except to enter a village, play with children, shake a hand that had worked the land, and that invited us to work together for health improvements. 

And I have begun a list of sorts of things to remember on the next trip.

Repeat many of the same enrichment activities we did with the children at Grace Children’s Hospital. The kids loved them and their teacher affirmed they were needed for their emotional and instructional development.

Bring plenty of insect repellent and use it.

Ask for a needs list and bring an extra suitcase filled with those items.

Bring a medical person on the trip who can respond to on-the-spot needs.

Bring folks who like to hold babies.

Bring a fix-it person for hospital repairs.

Maintain an openness for the people and try as best we can to suppress our own need to assume solutions to their problems.

Respect, respect, respect.

See God in each person; yes, alive and resurrected.

Be ready to perspire.

Drink lots of water.

Bring a musical instrument and/or willingness to sing instantaneously.

Be ready for Plan B.

Practice wonder.

Bring Scrabble, Bingo, and other games to play with the boys at St. Joseph’s Home for Boys.

Read up on Haiti/Dominican Republic in the Lonely Planet book.

Now, we think and reflect upon what next steps we might take. The next trip and its focus. Raising funds to staff the rural clinic in northern Haiti. Prayer for guidance. Thanks for reading this blog, and may it continue a cry from the brave people of Haiti, a cry just for you.

Lynne Austin