Utah Haiti volunteer blog: Final days in Haiti [LDS Caucus]

Mormon Times ^ | Feb. 11, 2010 | Curtis C. Newman

[TheDon]

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The day started with a drive through Port-au-Prince at 6:30 a.m. in the back of a military transport truck. The air was still cool, the streets still shaded as the sun began to rise. The traffic was light, and many people were already awake, smiling and waving at our convoy.

I'm comfortable here, now. I'm used to the smells, sights and people that were so foreign to me two weeks ago. I have seen and done amazing things, and I know why I have come to Haiti. It is deeply personal and sacred, but gratitude fills my heart knowing why I have come here.

For the past two days, we have been assigned to the Blackhawk Company of the 82nd Airborne. They are a different company than our transport and protection company back at camp. They are assigned to secure the tent city (in Petionville) Sean Penn's group is trying to help.

Penn's group has asked us to accompany a few of his nurses from his group to a section of town called Fazon. While it is a little unnerving to be so deep in the neighborhoods, with streets that come to dead ends, the 82nd is staying with us.

In fact, both days they have stayed with us, securing a small, gated courtyard, which has ten families living in a 50 foot-by-50 foot area. Food is prepared over an open fire, while half-dressed children play nearby. We probably saw 100+ patients per day, leaving many standing in line at the end of the day.  A camera crew follows Penn around as we do our work.

I was shown how to anesthetize and drain abscesses today — a first for me. I spoke with several pregnant mothers, advising the on proper prenatal care and giving them children's vitamins in place of prenatal vitamins. Chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, are difficult, because there is no follow-up. Normal advice like having a low-sodium diet and exercise doesn't apply here.

Pierre, a 35-year-old father, spoke with me about the earthquake. His house is next door, and completely collapsed. Several children, a brother, and a mother are entombed inside.

Like many Haitians, he speaks with regret, but without tears. The only explanation to these phenomena that I can think of is that life and death are such a part of everyday life that the emotional impact is not as visible. I still believe it's there, just deeper, and perhaps expressed in private.

Construction crews were able to fix up Bishop Mardy's orphanage this week. A new kitchen was put in with picnic tables and a sink with running water. They built an improvised playground with equipment. They put fencing in, new latrines, fixed the roof.  All of this will make life more comfortable for them. Everyone on our team contributed in some way.

At the end of the day, we have done some good here. Two weeks ago, 150+ people secured the only Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) landing slot at Port-au-Prince Airport. All other NGOs were forced to fly to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and then drive the 6-8 hours to get to Port-au-Prince.

We came not knowing where we would stay, how we would get around, and where we would eat, sleep, and work. We were also unsure about our safety and security. We were prepared the way and granted a prime spot with the 82nd Airborne. They were grateful to have us, to be our protectors.

The company commander, Capt. Reyes, thanked us for our work and said he was amazed at our dedication, our volunteerism, and our work ethic and the difference we had made. He was especially grateful to our Creole-speaking former Mormon missionaries who have taught his men the true nature of the Haitian people — a loving and kind people.

Most of his men have had tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, and are naturally distrustful of the native people. But unlike those places, they, too, enjoy and trust the Haitians, thanks to the former Mormon missionaries who have taught them about Haiti.

Word of our success with the military is spreading around Port-au-Prince. Our Utah Hospitals Task Force shirts and hats are well recognized and respected around here.

It is our last day here, and I have learned something profound: I have learned to love the Haitian people in the two weeks I have been here as much as I learned to love the Finnish people in the two years I spent as a Mormon missionary in Finland. Those who know me know the significance of that statement, because I truly DO love the Finnish people.

Final words are hard to say. My heart is full, but there is pain and heaviness in my soul for the sorrow here. But with hope melting the heaviness, let the words of a familiar hymn sum up my experience, and may all who read this abide by its' counsel to all who require a shoulder to lean on or a helping hand:

Because I have been given much, I too, must give
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live
I shall divide my gifts from Thee with every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me
(Hymns, #219)

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Curtis C. Newman is a registered nurse, health-care administrator and attorney volunteering in the Utah Hospitals Task Force. A native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, he currently resides in South Jordan, Utah. He is the father of Mormon Times staff writer Nick Newman.

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E-mail: curtis.newman61@gmail.com

[TheDon]

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LDS Ping!

“Construction crews were able to fix up Bishop Mardy’s orphanage this week. A new kitchen was put in with picnic tables and a sink with running water. They built an improvised playground with equipment. They put fencing in, new latrines, fixed the roof. All of this will make life more comfortable for them. Everyone on our team contributed in some way.”