The Good Samaritan School, Haiti

2010-07-16T08:02:00.000-04:00

creedible.com Remembers Haiti 6 Months On

Tracy Simmons, editor of creedible.com, is tireless in her pursuit of stories that show how theology translates into real life. Her blog should be a daily read for its breadth and depth.

Today, her lead story is Haiti and specifically the relief and rebuilding efforts on behalf of École le Bon Samaritain. She understands that we all need to keep Haiti front and center. As heroic as the relief efforts were, what lies ahead in the rebuilding phase calls for some really heavy lifting. Old St. Andrew's Church will continue to lead and we invite you to work with us. Thanks Tracy for your support.

REMEMBER THE PICNIC ON JULY 31st

2010-07-14T20:47:00.004-04:00

This is sad ... from CNN

Most countries fail to deliver on Haiti aid pledges

The road to Carrefour

2010-07-13T10:42:00.002-04:00

New York Times & CNN Remember Haiti

The New York Times and CNN seem to be remembering Haiti ... at least for now. How easy it is for the world community to forget what happened on January 12th as the weeks and months slip by. Below are some links worth examining.

The New York Times
   Finishing Haiti’s Unfinished Work
   In Haiti, the Displaced Are Left Clinging to the Edge
   Haiti’s Eternal Weight
CNN
   Bill Clinton to return to Haiti
   Dr. Gupta lends a hand
   Haiti six months later: How much has changed since earthquake?
   Anderson Cooper returns to Haiti

2010-07-12T14:46:00.003-04:00

July 12, 2010 - Six Months Out

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET
ÉCOLE LE BON SAMARITAIN & HAITI

École le Bon Samaritain before

École le Bon Samaritain demolition

École le Bon Samaritain recovered

The energy continues. There is much to do. Your on-going support and care about the rebuilding effort is vital. In the short run, please come to the Big Picnic on July 31st from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Old St. Andrew's Church. Click for directions.

2010-07-06T12:13:00.003-04:00

BIG PICNIC ~ COME ONE, COME ALL ~ BRING FRIENDS

JULY 31st ~ DETAILS BELOW

2010-06-24T08:28:00.000-04:00

Pictures from C.S. 211 loading the Container

Rick Feldman wrote this morning with pictures of the container being loaded at Church of the Mediator in the Bronx last month. Students from Ms K. Newton's Class 702 helped out. Thanks everybody!

2010-06-23T11:14:00.004-04:00

The Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund Blog Is Back

After five weeks of recovery from my knee replacement surgery, it's time to reactivate the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund Blog. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Rather than making numerous entries, below is a recapitulation of the major things that have happened in the past month.

# Jean-Elie Millien and I had a long conversation recently. Perhaps the most exciting news is that we now have 131 students enrolled. They are in classrooms under a tent and in alley-ways covered by tarps. In addition, Centre d'apui Pédagogique has brought food for lunches.

# Jean-Elie also confirmed that the old School building has been demolished. Tearing it down was a hard and sad decision, but necessary to moving forward with a completely new, safe building. The Rebuilding Fund which so many of you have so generously supported has paid $8,000 for the demolition.

# The Vestry at Old St. Andrew's, which is overseeing the management of the Rebuilding Fund, voted to send $20,000, plus $1,800 for legal fees, to purchase the land on which the School resides. In the past, École le Bon Samaritain has leased the property for $50 a year. Now, the property is owned by the School.

# This brings up another important item. A concern many have had is that of succession. Who takes over after Jean-Elie and Mona retire? The School now has a Board of Directors to oversee administration and management in the future.

# In addition, a not-for-profit (501.c.3) corporation--École le Bon Samaritain - Haiti--is being formed in the U.S. In the future, this organization will raise money in support of École le Bon Samaritain and the education of Haitian children.

Contributions continue to be received.

   We just received $5,000 from Round Hill Community Church in Greenwich.
   A grant of $7,500 to be used for teachers' salaries and the lunch program is being made to the Rebuilding Fund by the Diocese of Connecticut's Millennium Fund.
   St. John's, Bristol has decided to adopt École le Bon Samaritain for their outreach in the coming year.
   The Global Ideas Festival at the Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield sent in a check for $2,375.69, in addition to a contribution over $1,200 earlier in the year.
   Trinity Church, Newtown's youth have raise $1,240 for the Rebuilding Fund
   Common Cents (we met them at C.S. 211 this spring) has sent $8,000.

# The Greenwich Citizen had an excellent article about Jean-Elie and École le Bon Samaritain on Friday, May 28th. Click the link to read the whole article.

# The Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund purchased two 20' X 30' pole tents with sides. Unfortunately, there was a snafu is getting the tents to the shipping container in the Bronx last month and so only the sides were shipped to Haiti. We are now making arrangements to ship the tents and poles directly to a warehouse in Port-au-Prince for pick-up by Jean-Elie. These large tents should serve the students, teachers and staff well until a new school building is built.

What's Next? We are now actively seeking an architect to design the new building according to the needs outlined by Jean-Elie and the Board of Directors. The design and engineering of the new School must take into consideration the new building codes of Haiti's government. Our great hope and expectation is to find an architect who will work pro bono. If you are an architect or know of somebody who might take on this project, please contact me immediately (puckpurnell@mac.com).

Fund Raising... Once our architect presents his/her design, we will spec the cost of construction. With good renderings of the new School building in hand and a clear idea of the costs, our fund raising will swing into high gear. We will not build until we have all of the necessary funds.

Many of you have already been extremely generous in supporting the emergency relief effort and helping École le Bon Samaritain survive and recover since January. Please know how important you have already been. Thank you! But also, remember that your continued financial and moral support will be needed to rebuild the School.

Big Picnic for Haiti - Saturday, July 31st , 4 - 7 p.m.

Old St. Andrew's will host a big picnic for all who participated in any way or anybody interested in helping to rebuild École le bon Samaritain. Please save the date and make plans to join others who have been involved.

OSA will provide hamburgers & hot dogs, chips, and lemonade. We ask you to bring a side dish or salad and your beer or wine. We will set up under the large maple where the playscape is. COME ONE, COME ALL RSVP to: osa@OldStAndrews.net.

2010-05-15T13:03:00.000-04:00

Out of commission for a while, but I'll be back

On Monday, May 17th, I go to UConn Medical Center for a left knee replacement. Don't expect much on the blog until I'm back home and in recovery mode, probably a week or so.

2010-05-15T13:00:00.001-04:00

Metropolitan Learning Center ROCKS for Haiti

The students at the Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield have pulled out all the stops in support of rebuilding Haiti. They've held a concert with bands and choirs and put together an awesome art show. Check out some of their pieces below or go to the Festival Website to get the whole picture.

2010-05-11T10:55:00.000-04:00

Team 5 Rendezvous in Stamford

Joanne Kimball, Public Information Coordinator, and many members of the mighty Team Five met for a reunion dinner in Stamford, CT on May 9. Present were nurses Theresa Norris, Gertrude Plaza, Geraldine Baptiste-Anderson, Laura Maycock, Stephanie Tillman and Marleine Salomon. The Pharmacy was represented by Eric Heininger and Joanne.

Joanne reports, "It was wonderful to be with friends we feel we've known forever (though Stephanie kept remarking in awe, "Everyone looks so clean!") and share stories of our amazing time in Haiti (though ALL concurred that the roosters had to go). We all expressed our desire and commitment to go back and continue to work with the people we came to love in our little neighborhood of Waney in Carrefour.

"A highlight of the evening was when Geraldine and Gertrude graciously presented each of us with a lovingly prepared photo album that showcased the clinic and a field trip taken to Petion Ville. You twins rock!

Joanne Kimball reported to the group that "plans are every much underway to rebuild École le Bon Samaritain, including a healthcare clinic. And while it will take some time to complete the initial plans and raise funds, there is no doubt that we will accomplish our goal. So keep checking our blog for updates as we move forward!"

2010-05-07T16:48:00.002-04:00

Jamie!!!!!!!

Let me tell you what this Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund is all about. In a single word, JAMIE.

Jamie is a student at the Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield. Today and next week they are hosting the 3rd annual Global Ideas Festival Haiti. Already this 7-12 school has donated thousands of dollars to the rebuilding effort not to mention packaging over 800 bags of pedialyte for the Clinic in Carrefour.

Today, Joanne Kimball and I had the pleasure of visiting the school and being the keynote speakers at the first session of the Global Ideas Festival Haiti. We began by thanking the students and faculty for all they had done to help with the Clinic. Then, we showed the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund video and told some stories about our time in Haiti in February and March.

When everybody had left to go to their classrooms, a single girl, Jamie, came down the aisle and asked me, "Are you collecting money today?" I said, "Sure. We can always use any gift that's offered." At which point Jamie gave me $3 in rolled up dollar bills and said, "Here. Thanks for everything you're doing."

From one American student to a whole school of children in Carrefour, Haiti, $3. It's what Jamie had ... and she gave it from the depth of her heart. Thank you Jamie. THANK YOU!!!

2010-05-07T10:28:00.001-04:00

Two 20' X 30' Tents Ordered for École le Bon Samaritain

Two tents have been ordered at a 45% discount for École le Bon Samaritain in Carrefour. They will be shipped to the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in the Bronx where The Rev'd Diego Dalgando-Miller is Rector. Fr. Delgado-Miller is acquiring a 40' container to fill with medical supplies for Haiti and our tents will be added to the shipment along with a donated dental suite for the clinic in Gros Morne.

These are frame tents which can be taken down reasonably easily when a hurricane approaches. They are very stable and shed water nicely. We've also purchased sides for both tents. Each tent will have two opaque sides and two with windows. We expect that most of the time, the sides will be rolled up. The best news is that the two tents are large enough to accommodate two classes each.

Special thanks to Celina Tents of Celina, Ohio and Dennis Desrochers, treasurer at Old St. Andrew's, who has shepherded this project.

Meanwhile, we continue to discuss land issues. We cannot move forward with plans to demolish the old school or to design the new building until these questions are satisfactorily answered. Both Jean-Elie and Mona Millien are doing the best they can to clarify the issues. Stay tuned.

2010-05-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

May 16 - Remembering Haiti

A Day Of Solidarity And Prayer For Haiti’s Lost Sons And Daughters will be held on May 16, 2010 in New York. The New York memorial begins with prayers at the Grand Army Plaza Archway at noon. At 1 p.m., those gathered will march across the Brooklyn Bridge to Foley Square Park. At 4.53 p.m. there will be a moment of silence in memory of the thousands of Haitians who died in the January 12th earthquake.

For more information click here or on the link above.

2010-05-03T11:36:00.000-04:00

Martine Volcimus receives treatment at Stamford Hospital
As you may recall, Martine Volcimus lost her leg during the earthquake saving her sister, Minouche's adopted daughter, Angelina who is now safely in the U.S. Stamford Hospital has sponsored her rehabilitation and arranged for her to have a prosthetic leg.

She is doing very well and I am told that the entire Rehab unit is reveling in helping her out. It's an awesome way to contribute to disaster relief one-to-one. Thanks again to Congressman Himes.

2010-05-03T10:21:00.000-04:00

Trinity Church, Newtown's Extraordinary Generosity

The children of Trinity Episcopal Church hosted a Call of Hope for Haiti on Friday at the Blue Z Coffee House, 127 S. Main St. in Newtown, and then held an hour-long forum on Sunday to learn more about Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund efforts. Joanne Kimball, the Public Information Coordinator for the project, visited Trinity, spoke and answered questions.

In a nutshell, this week we plan to order two large tents. Discussions continue about the most appropriate locale to rebuild École le Bon Samaritain. Jean-Elie Millien is still here in the States meeting with supporters and working on details. As you might imagine the task is formidable. Meanwhile, about 35 children are re-enrolled and taking classes, some in the Stamford Police Department tent and others in spaces made available to us.

Contributions continue to come in. One of the best parts of Joanne's visit to Trinity was that the children gave her a check for $1,240.60, the money raised at the Blue Z Coffee House. Even more money was raised on Sunday morning. WoW! Thank you children of Trinity and thanks to all the others who have made this awesome gift possible.

By the way, the Trinity children named their project "Haiti's Octopi" because the octopus has many arms, each doing a lot of work together. How cool is that? Again, THANK YOU KIDS.

2010-04-28T17:16:00.000-04:00

Metropolitan Learning Center Global Ideas Festival

The 3rd annual MLC Global Ideas Festival is coming May 7-14th. The events will take place throughout the school--in the hallways, classrooms, the library (when no AP exams are scheduled), in the cafeteria and the auditorium. There will be student artwork, photography from those who have recently been to Haiti, a poetry slam, musical performances (the Show Choir and a battle of the bands), speakers, workshops, films and exhibits.

Please check the website at http://mlcglobalideasfestival.shutterfly.com and the poster below for details. Plan to participate. All funds will go to the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund.

2010-04-28T09:24:00.002-04:00

Trinity, Newtown--Benefit Concert for Haiti

Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown will hold a Benefit Concert for Haiti featuring the CCSU University Singers Sunday, May 2nd at 4 p.m.

The University Singers of Central Connecticut State University, will be in concert at Trinity Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown, CT on Sunday, May 2nd at 4:00 p.m. to raise money for Haiti relief.

The University Singers, an auditioned chamber ensemble, is a healthy mix of music majors and other majors from throughout the university. The repertoire is purposefully varied to include chamber music from all periods of music history, as well as traditional folk music and vocal jazz. The group has given concert tours in Germany, Puerto Rico, Hungary and France, and in March, 2009 they gave a concert tour in China.

The concert repertoire will include madrigals and motets by Weelkes, Schütz, and di Lasso and will sing J.S. Bach’s BWV 229, Motet #5, Komm, Jesu, Komm. In addition, the ensemble will perform works by American composers including Reincarnations by Samuel Barber. On a lighter side, there will be vocal jazz arrangements of music by Gershwin, Lennon and McCartney, and other spirituals and novelty songs.

2010-04-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

Love + Haiti = Brooklyn Fundraiser

Please come to Love + Haiti on Sunday, May 9th, at 7 p.m. This fundraiser is organized by Team 3 member Vic Tolentino's nieces & nephew. Check out this great website: (http://www.projectoverflow.org/events.php) in support of a youth enrichment camp in Haiti run by United Initiatives for Peace at http://www.unitedinitiatives.org/

The event will be held at the Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main St, DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY. To learn more, go to: http://www.galapagosartspace.com/

Get tickets at ==> http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=PRO50

2010-04-20T15:54:00.000-04:00

Martine Volcimus arrives in Stamford

This just came in an email from Ginny Fox, assistant to Congressman Jim Himes: "Martine Volcimus arrived late Saturday night from Port-au-Prince. Accompanied by her mother and her sister, Minouche, Martine went directly to Stamford Hospital from the airport.

"I did go to see her when she arrived, and she is so thankful to all of you who helped in the process of allowing her to have rehabilitation in Stamford. She is very happy to be in Stamford; she had never been outside of Haiti.

"Will keep you updated. Thank you again for all of your help. Minouche is so happy to have Martine here." Best regards, Ginny

Martine had her leg amputated after the earthquake when she jumped from a building holding her sister Minouche's adopted daughter. Minouche traveled to Haiti with Team 1 and brought her daughter home but Martine could not come. Dr. David Reed and others at Stamford Hospital made it possible for Martine to receive rehab treatment at the hospital and Congressman Jim Himes pressed the State Department to grant Martine a Visa. This is excellent. A huge thanks to Congressman Himes and his staff and to the folks who will be caring for Martine.

2010-04-19T17:45:00.005-04:00

Back to the Blog - Lots of News

Now that the immediate emergency relief effort is over, I find myself working at my day job--Rector at Old St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Bloomfield. That's not to say there isn't plenty going on or that I'm not still deeply involved in the Good Samaritan Rebuilding project. It's just that maintaining the blog is time consuming and challenging. Sometimes it feels like feeding a hungry child. So, here's the overview.

École le Bon Samaritain has reopened with two classes--5th & 6th grades. They are meeting in the large tent provided by the Stamford Police Department. We would very, VERY much like to get two or three more of these tents so we can use them for more classrooms. If you know of any or can help purchase one or two, please let me know.

We have located more space on which to put additional classes. Temporarily, those children will be shaded by lean-tos & tarps. I'm sure you can understand why it would be best to have more of these large tents. I might also add, that the large tents can be taken down when a hurricane approaches and reconstructed after it passes by.

There has been a lot of discussion about what to do with the old school--repair or raze? The decision to demolish the building was finally made yesterday. It was difficult because of the history of the building. Remember, it was Jean-Elie and Mona's home for many years, their children were raised there, and it served as the School for 13 years.

Jean-Elie came back to Connecticut on Friday morning to get some rest, but also to attend the ordination and consecration of Connecticut's new Bishop, Ian Douglas. That celebration occurred on Saturday, April 17th, at Trinity College's hockey arena which had been transformed into a most wonderful and holy space.

Jean-Elie and I gathered with other clergy in a crowded hallway by the locker rooms. As we waited, we realized that we were pretty much at the very tail-end of the procession. I remarked to Elie, "Remember what Jesus said, 'The last will be first and the first will be last.'" We both laughed and waited, waited and waited some more. Then, much to our surprise, the procession began and, you guessed it, it turns out we were at the very front. Our seats weren't any better (in comfort or ability to see) but we did have another good laugh.

The service was magnificent in every respect. And yet, I must say that the opportunity to hear Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa preach is an extraordinary experience. In addition, our new bishop con-celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the two suffragan bishops of Connecticut and when Bishop Douglas spoke it was in Haitian kreyol. Ian is a fluent kreyol speaker and deeply committed to Haiti, where he lived for several years.

On Sunday morning, Jean-Elie preached & celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Old St. Andrew's. He is loved and always well received at OSA. The last time he was with us was the Sunday following the earthquake and right before he lead our Team 1 to Carrefour to set up the clinic. In his sermon Sunday, Jean-Elie stressed that, although only a few people actually traveled to Carrefour, everybody who helped went too. And likewise, he said that the people who were aided by our efforts are a part of our parish family even though they live far away. This spirit of One-ness is at the very heart of what the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund is all about.

An Episcopal Church Women's (ECW) bake sale had been long planned for after last Sunday's service. That Jean-Elie was there was an added surprise and bonus. Almost everything was sold out (including 4 pecan pies made by Russ St. John who traveled with me to Haiti in 2008). The total was $378. ECW chairwoman Shirley Greiman presented the cash to Jean-Elie for him to buy school supplies. Every gift, small or large, matters so much. Thank you OSA ECW!!!

Attending worship at OSA on Sunday was Carolyn Lang and her husband Mike Lally. Carolyn was on Team 3 and she shared Team Coordinator with Lauren Lyons. Besides all Carolyn did while in Haiti, she has been driven since to provide the entire nation of Haiti with condoms...well maybe only the Waney neighborhood of Carrefour. The bounty of her efforts--8,500 condoms--were loaded into my Subaru after church for me to take to St. John's in Stamford for eventual shipment to the clinic. That makes a total of 11,500 condoms sent to Carrefour! Carolyn writes, "God is so good and his love continues to drive me forward to help our school and the Waney neighborhood." Special thanks to Carolyn and her daughter for collecting these.

On Sunday, also, a meeting was held at St. John's in Stamford by The Rev'd Lauren Stanley, missioner to the diocese of Haiti. The meeting was really well attended and filled with good information and questions. Mère Lauren, as she likes to be known, is the point person for Episcopal Relief and Development funds going to Haiti. She's the person who matches parishes with Haitian projects--churches, clinics, music education, schools, etc. It was good to have Mère Lauren explain some of the situation on the ground in Haiti now and especially with regards to what the Episcopal Church is doing.

One more thing. Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown, and their Youth Coordinator, Sue Vogelman, are at it again. This time they have planned a children's variety show at the Blue Z Coffee House, 5 - 6.30 p.m. on Friday, April 30th as a fund raiser. This children helping other children theme strikes the right chord. If you can go to support these kids, please do. Thanks Trinity & thanks Sue.

So, there you have it. A lot is happening. A lot needs to happen moving forward.

More pictures below

Please remember that we need large tents.

2010-04-12T17:20:00.000-04:00

Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund receives $550 from concert

The Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra concert at Yale's Battell Chapel raised about $500 for the benefit of our rebuilding fund. We are very grateful to Dr. Dino Ciaburri, the sponsors of the concert, and all those who attends and gave so generously.

Old St. Andrew's Music Director and soloist, Liz Miller.

Yale's Battell Chapel

with the Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra

Puck Purnell, Liz Miller, Dr. Ciaburri

2010-04-07T10:48:00.003-04:00

Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra Haiti Fund Raiser April 11 at Yale University's Battell Chapel - 3 p.m.

The Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Dino Ciaburri, the concert will include Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring pianist David Hollander. Also scheduled to perform are soprano Lisabeth Miller, tenor Joseph Stango, and the Gateway Choral.

Generous support for this concert has been given by Derek Simpson Goldsmith, Subway International, and Quinnipiac University, enabling all proceeds from the concert to be directed towards Haiti relief.

Funds will be donated to the Catholic Relief Fund and to Old St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Bloomfield's Good Samaritain Rebuilding Fund. Old St Andrew's Episcopal Church has a long-standing commitment to Haiti through its relationship with École le Bon Samaritain in Carrefour. The suggested donation at the door is $10 and your extended generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Help Re-Build Haiti Concert

3 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2010

Battell Chapel

Yale University

300 College Street

New Haven, CT

The Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra is the Orchestra in Residence at Gateway Community College and, with the Gateway Chorale, regularly performs free concerts for the college and surrounding Greater New Haven community. The NSPO operates under non-profit Four Haven Music society, with goals to provide opportunities for musicians from all walks of life and ages to enjoy the experience of making music together, and to provide fundraising services for various worthy causes. Past fundraising efforts by the orchestra has included giving concerts to raise money for victims of 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina.

2010-04-07T10:35:00.001-04:00

École le Bon Samaritain Reopens in Tent

Jean-Elie Millien called last evening and he told me the school has reopened in the tent provided by the Stamford Police Department in the courtyard behind the damaged school building. Classes are being held only for 5th & 6th graders right now.

Another piece of property has been made available to EBS as well. Arrangements are being made to clear the rubble from the site with the expectation that we will set up several more tents to be used as classrooms there. Once that site is ready, 3rd & 4th graders will be welcomed back.

Save the Children has been extremely helpful lately and EBS is now a school associate with that organization. They have made two generous donations of milk for the students.

The clinic continues to serve a limited number of people--69 yesterday--using local medical staff. Jean-Elie is still in Haiti, although he plans to return to the States on April 15 and to attend the consecration of Connecticut's 15th Bishop, The Rev'd Dr. Ian Douglas, on April 17th. I have invited Jean-Elie to celebrate and preach at Old St. Andrew's on Sunday, April 18th. All are welcome to attend (10 o'clock).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My apologies: I have been sick as a dog for the past eight days, and I'm still not at full speed. I didn't even have the juice to post a Happy Easter message. Sorry. I plan to take the rest of the week off with the hope I'll come back strong on Sunday. Thanks for your understanding.
~ Puck

2010-04-02T08:33:00.000-04:00

New York Times article explains plans to rebuild Haiti

An article on Tuesday, March 30, in the New York Times by Nicolai Ouroussoff gives an excellent account of the inner workings of a Haitian planning group and their concept of how to rebuild Haiti. It also gives good background information about Haiti.

2010-04-02T08:18:00.001-04:00

Fairfield Sun - Front Page Article

Marc Andre is an architect from Fairfield and connected to our friends the United Haitian-American Society. He and his colleagues on the architecture and engineering committee of UHAS for rebuilding Haiti, sent engineer Eric Heininger with Team 5 to assess the damage to Sainte Croix (Holy Cross) Hôpitale in Léogâne. Two weeks ago, I represented the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund at a meeting to discuss how best to move forward with rebuilding plans at the hospital and at École le Bon Samaritain. The Fairfield Sun article gives an in depth report of Marc's work and the impact of the quake. Please follow the above link to read the article.

2010-04-01T10:38:00.001-04:00

Donated Dentist Equipment

Several weeks ago, we learned from Jens Haerter (Dr. Patty Jorquera's husband) of a retired dentist who still had all of his equipment. Gus Schlegel was interested because the Good Samaritan clinic in L'Acul, 17 kilometers north of Gros Morne could use it. Gus writes to Jens,
View Larger Map

"We have a building, two doctors, a nurse, and an administrator who run the clinic once weekly. When we were there, we noted that many of the local inhabitants were lacking dental care. It has been our wish to bring a dentist there once weekly."

Gus and the others associated with their clinic now have a dentist lined up who is willing to travel to L'Acul once a week to offer dental care to the community. Gus has even worked out the transportation for the dentist. This is the kind of on-the-ground coordination that our effort has had all along.

So, Jens responded to Gus' recent inquiry about the equipment. The equipment, from 2 full dentals suites (that he had adjoined to his house for 40 years), "includes chair set ups/drill/light/sink combos, each with an x-ray machine. It is not the most modern equipment in the world, but this dentist tells me that it is old school tough, more rugged and longer lasting than the new stuff, and it comes with spare parts to last for the next several predicted end of the world events. There are also cartloads of dental instruments and supplies."

It seems that Jens plan is to send one suite to L'Acul and hold the other for the clinic in Carrefour. Thank you Jens & Gus and a huge thanks to the generous dentist who has made this gift possible.

2010-04-01T09:35:00.000-04:00

Ribert Pierre & Jackson emails

Ribert Pierre, a friend of Amy Arutt, has been in touch via email. Although his circumstances haven't changed since leaving his translators' job at our clinic, he is coping. He writes,

"Merci pour vos prieres parce qu'on notre pays(Haiti) en a besoin." (Thank you for your prayers because our country needs it.)

I also received a nice email from Michel Yves Jackson last week. "i miss you a lot , some time i felt you near by me. May God be and still with you and your family."

The friends we all made during our time in Carrefour at the clinic will be remembered forever. I continue to hold each and every child and teacher, translator and nurse, volunteer and donor in a heart filled with thanksgiving.

2010-04-01T09:18:00.001-04:00

Congressman Himes secures rehab for Martine Volcius

Ginny Fox, who works for Congressman Jim Himes, sent terrific news the other day. Thank you Congreessman Himes.

Perhaps you remember that Minouche Gilles traveled to Haiti with Team 1 to bring her newly adopted daughter back to Connecticut. With Congressman Himes' help, Minouche and Angela got expedited treatment and returned home. However, Minouche's sister, Martine Volcius, who had jumped from a balcony while holding little Angela after the quake, had severely broken her leg. The leg was later amputated. Congressman Himes' assistance now permits Martine to receive rehabilitation at Stamford Hospital. The partnership between so many people and groups continues to speak to the awesome response of our friends in Connecticut and elsewhere.

This from Ginny Fox: "Minouche Gilles sister, Martine Volcius was approved today by the Department of Homeland Security to travel to Stamford, CT for rehabilitation.

"I wanted to let all of you know the good news. Minouche and her mother will be traveling to Port-au-Prince on Friday to take her sister to the American Embassy to receive her humanitarian medical visa.

"Also, I would personally like to thank all of you for your advice, direction and medical letters written in support of Martine Volcius petition to receive medical care at Stamford Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Edwin F. Richter, III. "I will keep you informed as to her arrival date, I think it will be in less than one week.

"Again, many thanks. Each of you played an important role in making this happen so quickly. Minouche is speechless. Meanwhile, her little adopted daughter, Angela (saved by her sister, Martine), is thriving in her new environment."

Best regards,

Ginny Fox

Constituent Service Representative

Congressman Jim Himes, CT-04

888 Washington Blvd, 10th Floor

Stamford, CT 06901-2902

2010-03-29T12:30:00.001-04:00

Haiti Earthquake Special on PBS - Tuesday, March 30

Here's a link to PBS' Frontline.

2010-03-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

President Clinton Continues To Push For Aid To Haiti

OMEGA MILITARY CONSULTANT

Miami Herald: Haiti Reconstruction Plan Highlights

The beat goes on but we need to continue to listen.

2010-03-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

Stamford Hospital's weekly Newsline features Elourde Joseph

Elourde Joseph, an Xray technician from Stamford Hospital, traveled to Carrefour, Haiti three weeks ago to train Haitian technicians at Adventist Hospital in the use of the new Xray machine donated by Fijifilm and Stamford Hospital. The article explained to Stamford staff just what her role had been and the incredible value of that Xray machine to the people of Carrefour.

2010-03-27T12:11:00.002-04:00

Ann Giuli raises money for tents at Stamford Hospital

Nurse Ann Giuli, who was on Team 1 with Dr. David Reed, has been raising money for tents to be sent to Haiti at the Stamford Hospital cafeteria. She set up a very graphic display--a modern camping tent in juxtaposition to a few poles with a thin cotton cloth on it.

This, in conjunction with some of Ann's excellent photos from her time in Haiti, draws lots of attention. A bake sale table gives folks a chance to make donations. Some people buy baked goods and others just make their contribution. So far, Ann has raised about $2,500 for tents.

2 shelters in juxtaposition

Deb Fereli & Pam Koprowski

at the bake sale table

(L-R) David Reed, Pam Koprowski,

Puck Purnell, Joanne Kimball, Ann Giuli

2010-03-27T11:29:00.001-04:00

C.S. 211 in the Bronx - What a terrific School!

On Friday, Pam Koprowski, Danelie Millien, Joanne Kimball and I traveled to the Bronx to meet with Rick Feldman's Library students. What we got was a huge dose of a fabulous school.

School Principal Betty Gonzalez-Soto has created an energetic atmosphere of learning and growing. Every single child was well mannered and attentive. Rick had gathered volunteers to read aloud to various classes and the morning started with a large group in the Library. They then dispersed to classrooms for the reading time. One volunteer came back later and told Rick that ten kids said they wanted to check out the book she had started reading.

After the reading period, children and teachers gathered back in the Library to watch out video and to make their presentations to the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund. The pictures below tell the story. Special thanks to Maria Maldonado whose children put together big poster with lovely personalized art work.

Among the things we received were three large rolling duffle bags filled with school supplies that Rick will bring up to Stamford sometime soon. There was also a hand decorated box of notebooks and pens that was given to the children in Haiti. The biggest surprise of all, however, was a box filled with donations. When we got home and counted the dollars and coins, the total was $670.55. On behalf of the children of Carrefour who go to École le bon Samaritain, Thank You C.S. 211!

A box of notebooks & pens

Danelie Millien & Maria Maldonado

Close-up on the Haiti Poster

Principal Betty Gonzalez-Soto with Joanne Kimball,

Danelie Millien & Pam Koprowski

Puck Purnell & Rick Feldman

2010-03-27T10:56:00.000-04:00

Mazon Seder at Capitol on Wednesday focuses on hunger

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs sponsored this special Seder to bring attention to issues of hunger in Connecticut, nationally and around the world. Several bills are before the legislature dealing with children's hunger and this was an opportunity to highlight the needs using the ancient Jewish tradition.

Mazon was founded in 1985 as a Jewish response to hunger with the core belief that in a world of plenty, hunger and malnutrition should not exist.

I was invited by Rabbi Stephen Landau of Congregation Tikvoh Chadoshoh in Bloomfield to share in the leadership of the Seder. Because of the work of the Good Samaritain Rebuilding Fund, I was also given the opportunity to explain what we have done in response to the earthquake in Haiti, especially with regards to caring for and feeding for children. I showed some slides and spoke about the plight of Haitians during these post-earthquake days.

2010-03-26T07:33:00.000-04:00

Yale School of Nursing reports on Vic Tolentino's Haiti mission

Vic Tolentino, a nurse at Yale-New Haven Hospital, traveled to Haiti with Team 3. Yale School of Nursing' News & Events chronicles Vic's work at our clinic. Here is one comment Vic made in the article. Click above to read the whole article.

"We worked in Carrefour, west of Port-au-Prince, in a makeshift clinic set up in a nightclub. We saw close to 200 patients every day, whose complaints ranged from crush injuries and wounds, to respiratory illnesses following exposure to environmental irritants from collapsed buildings. Many patients showed signs of psychological trauma. Others presented with infectious diseases due to overcrowding and poor hygiene. Many patients suffered from untreated chronic conditions from a general lack of access to primary care."

2010-03-26T07:25:00.000-04:00

Yale University - Health & Medicine International Bulletin features Dr. David Walker

A detailed article by LuAnn Bishop appears in the March 26th edition of Health & Medicine. In the piece, Dr. David Walker's role at our Good Samaritan clinic is nicely portrayed. The account is well worth a full read. Here's an excerpt.

"During its week-long stay, the team saw 200 to 250 patients a day, helping them with "what medicine and technology we had," says Walker, who admits he keenly felt the lack of much of the basic equipment available back home. "It was just me and my stethoscope and a language barrier," he notes. "We counted on the locals who served as our translators to help be our eyes and ears."

"Walker and the other caregivers offered what treatments they could, given the supplies at hand. "But sometimes," he says, "all we could do was to listen and hand out food or diapers." Of particular concern were patients with chronic ailments, such as high blood pressure, that required special medicines unavailable at the clinic, and those who, prior to the disaster, had been awaiting surgery at hospitals now overcrowded with earthquake victims. When possible, the team members referred these individuals to one of the other medical care facilities that were beginning to be established in the area."

2010-03-25T21:29:00.001-04:00

N. Website

Our volunteer friend Dawn has put up an incredible website. Please, check it out. All about Haiti and her time there plus much more. It's called Smiles & Hope.

2010-03-25T16:43:00.000-04:00

United Haitian American Society & Touch a Truck

Bridgeport, Connecticut – (March 25, 2010). Preschoolers are sponsoring a fundraising event to benefit needy schoolchildren in Haiti. St. Andrew’s Pre-K class, taught by Ms. Erin Amaral will hold its Annual ‘Touch a Truck’ event at St. Andrew School, 395 Anton Street, Bridgeport, CT on May 15, 2010 from 9:00 am to 12 noon on school grounds. Children of all ages will be able to sit, touch and see various service vehicles and big trucks during this event. There will be arts and crafts for the little ones, door prizes and refreshments sold.

In light of the devastating earthquake that hit the island nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010 many children were left homeless and orphaned. Many school buildings were also devastated. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the United Haitian American Society of Norwalk, (UHAS) a nonprofit 501c3 organization who is partnered with the École le Bon Samaritain in Carrefour Haiti to help the children survivors of this earthquake.

To support this event, please send your donation to St. Andrew School, Pre-K ‘Touch a Truck’ Fundraiser. If you wish to donate your time or company vehicle (truck) to this event, you may contact Principal Maria O’Neill or Ms. Erin Amaral at (203) 373-1552 or email us at standrew@cathedralcluster.org.

How nice is this? Thanks UHAS & thank you Ms Erin Amaral and your class.

2010-03-24T11:34:00.001-04:00

Riley's School of Dance, Enfield sends donation

Katie DaSilva, who runs Riley's School of Dance in Enfield, CT, has sent a very generous $1,000 check for the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund. Wow! She writes, "Please use this to help the kids in Haiti."

Katie, that's exactly what we'll do. Thank you.

2010-03-24T10:13:00.002-04:00

Victoria College Belfast, Northern Ireland

Never a day a day goes by without a surprise. Today's is very pleasant. Sheelagh Schlegel, our supplies & logistics coordinator Gus Schlegel's wife, has a cousin who teaches at Victoria College Belfast, a school for 870 girls, in Northern Ireland. Janis McKnight had heard about the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund and that Sheelagh was involved.

Janis spoke about École le Bon Samaritain in Carrefour, the emergency medical effort, and our on-going work to rebuild the school. Dr D Barr, Deputy Head, writes, "Some of our older students made an appeal in Assembly after hearing about your situation and, as a result, we are able to donate £1170.50 to your school funds." Their extremely generous cheque was enclosed. Considering the current exchange rate, their donation totals $1,750.02.

Thank you Janis McKnight and the young women of Victoria College Belfast from the children and teachers of École le Bon Samaritain, Carrefour, Haiti.

2010-03-24T07:54:00.003-04:00

N. is at it again

Dawn is planning another Pedialyte Party. See below for details.

_________________________________________________________

Here’s the reminder for Saturday’s Pedialyte Party, 1pm - 4 pm in Bristol, CT.

1. Please REPLY to this email and confirm if you WILL attend. No need to reply if you will not attend - I just need a count to coordinate supplies for the day.

2. Please DO NOT “Reply All” unless you really want everyone to read your message.

3. Please forward this email to anyone that might have interest so they can contact me too!!

I’ve also included a link for directions to the house – look for the map below.

Thanks everyone!! Email any questions!!

See some of you on Saturday!! WooHoo!! Pedialyte Parrrr-tttyyy!!

Always, Dawn email: haiti@dawnsmiles.com web: www.dawnsmiles.com

2010-03-24T07:47:00.001-04:00

C.S. 211 prepares for our visit on Friday

Rick Feldman and his students in the Bronx are collecting school supplies to give to École le Bon Samaritain. On Friday, several volunteers who have been working on the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund will travel to the Bronx to meet with Rick and some of his students. There, we will show the 9 minute video we've just producesd and chat with the students about Haiti, damage to the school in Carrefour, and how they can continue to help.

Thanks Rick. See you Friday. Here's what Rick sent to his 188 email address this morning.

Read a Loud this Friday. Guests will be available for classes during the second period.Please ask students to bring in one school supply that they would like to donate to our school friends at Ecole Le Bon Samaritain. This could be pencils, paper, markers, erasers, glue, folders, pens, notebooks,etc. Thank you.

Join our partners at Common Cents! Bring in school supplies to send to Ecole Le Bon Samaritain. Thank You

2010-03-22T15:03:00.001-04:00

Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund - THE VIDEO

We now have a nice 9 minute video showing what the Good Samaritan Rebuilding project has been all about. The clip was inspired by Sue Vogelman, Youth Director at Trinity, Newtown, when she put together an outstanding short PowerPoint presentation. She took pictures and quotes from the Blog and website and crafted a nice piece.

When I talked with a few people about using Sue's work, I was advised to do a voice-over instead of having the viewers read words and look at photos. The impact, I came to understand, of the pictures is most important and the spoken word can augment those images.

Joanne Kimball used Sue's start and wrote an excellent script. I did the voice-over yesterday afternoon and the home sound studio of our friend musician Cory Gabel. Old St. Andrew's parishioner, Chris Fisher, served, as usual, as media advisor. And so, the video is on the website and here. I'm trying to get it added to the template of the Blog so it's always on top.

This week alone, I'll be presenting it in three different venues: on Tuesday evening with a united Haitian American Society group of architects and engineers, at a Seder with my friend Rabbi Stephen Landau at the Capitol in Hartford on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m., and with the children at C.S. 211 in the Bronx on Friday.

Anybody who wants a copy can download it from my MobileMe Gallery: http://gallery.me.com/puckpurnell#100247

Please use this Video to tell our story to all your friends. Remember, we're just beginning. This will be a long haul. With your support, École le Bon Samaritain in Carrefour will be rebuilt.

2010-03-22T14:29:00.001-04:00

Final Team 5 Pictures Arrive

Stephanie Tillman sent the pics this morning. The entire collection is terrific. Unfortunately there's not enough room here for 280 photos. This is a representative batch with captions. Enjoy. Thanks Stephanie.

The clinic door just before 9 a.m.

He is why we are there.

Stephanie & Ribert Pierre, a translator &

the person our friend Amy Arutt saved.

Marleine Solomon & Eric Heininger

making pedialyte using our purified water system.

L'Hopital Sainte Croix in Léogâne

was badly damaged.

A destroyed house in Léogâne.

Total destruction of another house

in Léogâne.

Léogâne refugee camp.

View of Port-au-Prince with the

Hospital Ship Comfort in the background.

Volunteers Stephanie Tillman & Eric Heininger.

(Go Michigan!)

2010-03-19T10:23:00.001-04:00

C.S. 211's participates in Penny Harvest

Our friends at C.S. 211 in the Bronx, led by Library teacher Rick Feldman, are participating in Penny Harvest, a Program of Common Cents. The premise of the program is that adults are not the only ones who can serve, students can, too. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Common Cents created Global Relief Fund: Haiti Recover and Rebuild. Rick sent The Action Guide for Student Leaders which is well worth your time.

École le Bon Samaritain is one of the four recipients of the fund raising. The others are Konbit Pou Edikasyon, Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, & Clean Water for Haiti. What an incredible honor to be selected by Common Cents and to share this opportunity to teach American children about Haiti, the Haitian people and the challenges facing Haiti.

Next Friday, March 26th, some of the Good Samaritan coordinators and volunteers plan to attend the Power Library and Reading Aloud Project at the school. It will give us a chance to meet and thank the students and teachers of C.S. 211.

Here are some folks from Rick Feldman's school.

2010-03-17T19:37:00.000-04:00

Old St. Andrew's Behind-the-Scenes Support

None of what has happened in the past 2 months could have been accomplished without the incredible support of the hometown staff. I'm speaking specifically of the parish administrator at OSA, Karen Antonucci, bookkeeper Brian Spooner, and Treasurer, Dennis Desrochers.

All of the accounting for contributions has passed through this office and the OSA bookkeeping system on PowerChurch. A separate accounting track was set up to manage the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund and all gifts have been recorded in it.

We have tried to acknowledge donations in a timely manner. That said, please know that we have a parish to manage on a day-to-day basis, too. I apologize for some tardiness in acknowledging gifts. If you have not heard from us, I promise you will. Please be patient.

2010-03-17T15:40:00.002-04:00

Clinic Planning Group Meets In Stamford

Last night, 11 Good Samaritan Rebuilding volunteers gathered in Stamford to discuss how best to consider establishing a permanent health & wellness clinic in Carrefour. The conversation was wide ranging.

Jens Haerter, the husband of Dr. Patty Jorquera, began the evening by explaining the good, the bad, and the ugly when opening a medical facility in a third world country. He and Patty started a clinic in rural Ecuador about 10 years ago. In that time, they have learned what to do and what not to do. Jens' careful explanations were incredibly helpful. He had also put together several handouts for us summarizing his thoughts.

Dr. David Reed emphasized that a permanent clinic needs to provide basic medical care--immunizations, physical exams, pre-natal care, etc.--plus health education, especially for women. The clinic would refer serious cases to the hospital or other local medical facilities.

Dr. Patty, Jens, and Dr. Reed all emphasized the importance of local ownership, staffing, and operation of the clinic. American doctors and nurses could augment and train Haitians in certain procedures and come to Haiti to deal with conditions needing advanced intervention. In addition, it was universally agreed that a small fee would be charged. Payment for service gives value to the care, supports the dignity of the patient, and contributes to the cost of running the clinic.

There is much to be done. Quoting Jens, "I can promise you right now, that it will be twice as long, and twice as hard to do a lot of things, involving the community this way. But, from everything that we have seen and heard, this is the only approach that will work over the long term."

The group will continue to meet and work on details of opening a permanet clinic in the Waney neighborhood of Carrefour. Thanks for their leadership.

In time, École le bon Samaritain will be rebuilt and, hopefully, space for the clinic will be included. At that time the two initiatives will come together to serve the community in education, healthcare, and community wellness.

Puck Purnell, Gus Schlegel & Pam Koprowski

Ann Giuli, Joanne Kimball & Sheelagh Murphy-Jones

Dr. Patty, Danelie Millien, Dr. Reed & Pam Koprowski

2010-03-15T22:21:00.000-04:00

All volunteers are home

After 8 weeks of sending volunteers to Carrefour, all are now back home. The last of Team 5, plus Luc Louisgene, who arrived with Team 1, arrived at JFK early this morning.

Mona and Jean-Elie Millien continue to operate the clinic with Haitian nurses. The await word from the Education Minister about when Haitian schools will re-open. Please hold them in your hearts and prayers. Who they are and what they have done is extraordinary.

2010-03-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

President Obama & President Préval in White House Rose Garden

Barack Obama and Rene Préval met in Washington for private talks on March 10. Here is both the transcript of their public statements and a video of the same.

We pray that the international community not only continues to keep the plight of the Haitian people in sight but works tirelessly in the coming months and years to build a Haiti that is self-sustaining in education, food, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, housing and transportation.

It is not enough to talk about the needs of Haiti. Only concerted effort, time, money, and vision will make the difference. The Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund is pledged to do all we can in our small neighborhood of Waney in Carrefour.

2010-03-14T09:47:00.002-04:00

Good Samaritain Rebuilding Fund Interim Report

Over the weekend, I wrote an Interim Report which attempts to summarize what has happened and what we have done since the January 12th earthquake in Haiti. While I could have sung the praises of countless people, I decided to keep to the facts.

That said, the team of coordinators has been fantastic. I just want to remind everybody who they are:

Gia Card - Travel

Coulette Lioce - Volunteers

Dave Desmarais - Building

Danelie Millien - Ambassador-at-Large

Joanne Kimball - Public Information

Pam Koprowski - Medical

Gus Schlegel - Supplies & Logistics

Luc Louisgene - Carrefour

They, of course, could not have accomplished as much as they have without YOU--our volunteer team members, people who helped collect, organize, and pack supplies, scores of donors, and others. You know who you are. I hope each person who contributed understands how very important she or he has been to this relief effort.

As I say in the Interim Report, the easy part is over. Now is the hard part--rebuilding the school and setting up a permanent clinic. Please stay with us. Stay in touch and consider making an on-going financial commitment to the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund. Thanks.

2010-03-14T09:20:00.000-04:00

Team 5 on the way home

Although I haven't gotten a phone call yet, Team 5 should be in or on their way to Santa Domingo. unfortunately, the weather in the northeast has been terrible, closing both JFK & LaGuardia last night. There could be quite a back-up today. I just hope everybody makes it back by tonight.

2010-03-12T14:15:00.002-05:00

Clinic / School ; School / Clinic

Jean-Elie & Mona have decided that they will keep the clinic operating at a reduced capacity with Haitian nurses as long as school is not open. The Haitian Minister of Education is supposed to set a date for the re-opening of school but nothing has been announced yet.

Once the clinic is closed, the meds, other supplies, the water purification system and electrical system will be moved into the shed.

By 10:30 this morning, 2 Haitian nurses at the clinic had already seen 30 paitients, including a pregnant woman who is having contractions. She has gone to the hospital.

Jean-Elie is looking for two large tents like the one donated and set up by the Stamford Police Department volunteers on Team 4. Jean-Elie has a friend who has given him space in his yard to use the tents for classrooms.

Is there anybody who can help make these tents appear? Please let me know.

Isaac Jean-Pierre & George Momplaisir

from the Stamford Police Department

Photos compliments of

Rebecca Newman, creedible.com

2010-03-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Progress on the new shed

Dave Desmarais and Luc Louisgene have both reported that the new shed is coming along. There was one problem with a footing too close to the outside wall, but that was remedied and work goes on. Here are a few pictures of what's been done so far just in case concrete block construction is your thing.

Can't wait to see the finished shed.

2010-03-11T12:55:00.000-05:00

Fund Raiser in Stamford at St. John's on Saturday

Quick Reminder!

Spectacular Children's Event to Benefit the Rebuilding Fund for Ecole le Bon Samaritain

in Carrefour Haiti

Kids Dance 4 a Change!

Fundraising Ball for Haiti

Sponsored by: The Haitian Women Association of Connecticut, Sosyete Koukouy CT, Organisation Communautaire de Beraud, Eglise de l’Epiphanie, Connecticut Haitian Voice- Newspaper, Haitian-American Professional Association of CT, and the United Haitian American Society of Norwalk, CT

Saturday, March 13, 2010

5:30pm - 8:00pm

St. John’s Episcopal Church

(Parish Hall)

628 Main Street

Stamford, CT 06901

Kids ages up to 13 years old

Dress to Impress for Evening Ball

Your Night to Shine!

Dinner, Music, Dance Contest,

Prizes, and more!

Suggested Donation: $10 per person

Please make checks payable to:

Ecole Le Bon Samaritain

Parents and volunteers Are Welcome!!!

Proceeds will go to

Good Samaritan School
Carrefour, Haiti

Donation Box will be available to collect school materials for Haiti.

More Sponsors Needed

For information contact:

Marike Louis: 203-919-2190 203-919-2190

marikejalouis@hotmail.com

Pascale Millien-Faustin: 203-520-6763 203-520-6763pascalemillien@yahoo.com

Reine C. Boyer: 203-667-6530 203-332-5900

boyerlaw@yahoo.com

2010-03-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

One day follows the next in Carrefour

Yesterday, Haitian nurse, Katiana, served 81 patients with Stephanie Tillman as support. Eric Heininger & Pete Desmarais worked the pharmacy.

A young boy arrived early in the day with a cut that needed stitches. Stephanie cleaned his wound, applied a dressing, and sent him to the hospital for stitches. Later another boy, who had an infected bite on his shin and ankle came in. His foot was numb. He was also sent to the hospital with assistance from Luc and Mona.

Most of the other patients were treated for skin infections, stomach pain and acid reflux. Marleine Salomon did double duty as triage and translator. Greg Wentworth has taken on filling clean water bottles for our own use using water from our purification system. Since we ran out of bottled water, the volunteers have been making our own drinking this water for more than a week with no ill effects from anyone. We have also distributed over 155 bottles of our home-made pedialyte to the patients.

Dave Desmarais says that construction on the new shed at the school continues. The stone footings are nearly complete. Laying of the cement blocks should begin today. A window and door salvaged from the school building will be used for the new building.

Team 5 has been terrific. Thanks so much to them and all of our on-site volunteers for taking the time to travel to Haiti. They, of course, have been backed up by hundreds here in the States who have given supplies, time, and money.

2010-03-10T20:39:00.000-05:00

Mystery Solved ~ Sue Volgelman HERO of the YouTube Video

Our friend and supporter Amy Arutt sleuthed the web and discovered that Sue Vogleman, Children's & Youth Education Minister at Trinity, Newtown, created the YouTube video. Thank you again, Sue.

Her PowerPoint video is a masterful representation of what's been happening with Old St. Andrew's, École le Bon Samaritain and the Good Samaritain Rebuilding Fund. She put this piece together a week or so ago (her first ever PowerPoint) to show at the Café Fund Raiser that parish sponsored. They raised $1,500 for the rebuilding effort.

When I spoke with Sue this evening, she said, "I needed to think through what has been done and this was the best way to do it." We plan to re-purpose it and get it out to as many people as we can.

2010-03-10T16:16:00.003-05:00

Must see You-Tube Video on École le Bon Samaritain

Somebody who is a great friend of the Good Samaritan Rebuilding Fund has put together an absolutely fantastic You-Tube video telling the story of the school and our relief effort. I can't wait to find out who did this excellent work.

Whoever you are, THANK YOU!

2010-03-10T16:11:00.000-05:00

The Clinic continues to serve

Jean-Elie & Mona Millien have decided to continue the clinic at a reduced capacity. A Haitian nurse has been hired and she is seeing patients. Stephanie Tillman is helping out. We cannot say how long this arrangement will happen.

A number of people have asked about donations. We really need financial contributions. See the website to make a PayPal contribution or send your check to Old St. Andrew's, 59 Tariffville Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002 with Haiti or EBS on the memo line.

That said, we want to continue to collect medical supplies and tents. We ask that you hold on to these for the near term. As soon as we create a new supply line, we'll alert you through the blog about where to deliver your supplies.

As always, our children in the Waney neighborhood of Carrefour are eternally grateful.

2010-03-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

The Beat Goes On

Jim Doucette, Dave Desmarais, and Bill Grace are all members of the Bristol Choral Society. At last night's session, Bill saw his friends for the first time since returning from Haiti. Donna, Jim's wife, wrote me this note:

"Hi Puck! I was sad about the cancellation of the team, but very happy to read about Dr. Patty. She is a wonderful woman, so caring and kind to the core!

"Bill came to choral society rehearsal so pumped full of stories and so proud of his part in this whole venture. He smiled as he told stories and had such good things to say. So many people do still want to help. He brought a cd with his pictures to share.

"Last Saturday, Jim & I took my van -fully loaded with donations including the 5,000 condoms donated, clothes, medical supplies, toiletries, books, shoes, a walker, a tent. When we got to St John's, Stamford, there was a group of young people meeting and playing-- a youth group of Haitian kids. They helped us bring the items into the collection area of the basement. One very handsome young man was so pleasant. He said to Jim, 'You were in Haiti?' and then he smiled and said, 'Thank you.' He didn't need to say thank you but he did. How nice!"

2010-03-10T09:38:00.000-05:00

Reine Boyer photos

Reine Boyer, of the United Haitian American Society, sent these photos yesterday. She was at the clinic last week.

2010-03-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

Clinic Planning Group

Dr. David Reed is putting together a permanent clinic planning group consisting of Dr. Patty Jorquera (Team 2 pediatrician), Ann Giuli (Stamford Hospital nurse), Reine Boyer (United Haitian American Society), Pam Koprowski (Stamford Hospital), Joanne Kimball (Healthcare communications expert), Gus Schlegel (Supply & Logistics Coordinator), Danelie Millien (Ambassador-at-Large), and myself.

This morning Patty sent a very insightful email to us all explaining her concept. Patty and her husband started a clinic in Ecuador and their experience is invaluable. Consider this excerpt from Patty's email:

"When École le Bon Samaritain is rebuilt, a small clinic, just two rooms, could be included in the design. Most of the time, this clinic could be staffed by a Haitian nurse who, ideally, should also speak English. It would also be ideal to pay for a local pediatrician to go to the clinic for more complicated cases every other week, or once a month even.

"The wellness clinic would provide education to parents and teachers on: birth control, prevention of spread of infections such as diarrhea, sexually transmitted disease, breast feeding benefits, boiling drinking water, and numerous other topics.

"The nurse can also diagnose and treat common conditions (even Jackson was able to diagnose after translating for us for a while) such as intestinal parasites, diarrhea, dehydration, anemia, scabies, infected insect bites, asthma, urinary tract infections, etc.

"As a Pediatrician, I would commit to going to this clinic once or twice a year to perform physical exams, screen for anemia, scoliosis, problems with vision and hearing, treat for parasites, and administer immunizations which will be donated by the CDC and/or AAP. For those children to get a yearly physical and immunizations is much better than what they have now."

So, we're already underway with the next phase. Your continued support and compassion for the children of Carrefour is vital. Please, please don't forget. Stay involved. Consider making regular contributions to our efforts. We will need a significant amount of money to rebuild the school, establish the clinic, and manage both.

2010-03-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

Condoms, Condoms, Condoms

Ann Giuli has collected 1,000 condoms. Thank you Ann. They will be added to the 7,600 condoms collected by Carolyn Lang and her daughter, Barbara Santiago. Which brings up the question, how to we get them to Carrefour and how do we distribute them?

In these days while we plan our new clinic, we are also working to create a new supply line to Carrefour for condoms, tents, and other supplies we have. We need for a location for both the clinic and our distribution center. Stay tuned.

2010-03-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

Team 6 cancellation

This morning, after talking with most of our coordinators, I reluctantly decided to cancel Team 6. Not an easy decision but a necessary one. It was not made lightly but necessary as I considered the wellbeing and safety of the volunteers as well as the efficacy of their presence at the clinic.

Last week, when I was in Carrefour, I saw this coming. When I returned to the States and looked at the make-up of Team 6, my concern was justified. In the past, we have sent teams with 3-4 skilled nurses. On three teams we had doctors. However, our volunteer list has dwindled and Team 6 had a single nurse. We cannot expect that person to care for 150-200 people who come to the clinic each day. It would be irresponsible. We have had some Haitian nurses work with us, but this week we have been able to find only one. The clinic right now has an American nursing student and a Haitian nurse. That's not acceptable.

Moreover, each team has had behind the scenes people—builders, fixers, people who can lift and carry things. Team 6 had none.

Our commitment to Carrefour has not changed. The need for a medical clinic continues to be great. We are working hard right now to reconstitute the clinic, probably not at the Guest House, which has outlived its usefulness. It is too large and too expensive. Dr. David Reed, Dr. Patty Jorquera, and nurse Ann Giuli are as committed to a clinic as we are. We all want to be thoughtful and pragmatic moving forward.

In the coming days, the coordinators will continue talking about exactly what to do next with regards to the clinic, developing a new supply chain, and especially taking real steps toward rebuilding the school.

Dave Desmarais, his son Peter, and Greg Wentworth, who are in Carrefour with Team 5, will relocate our equipment and medical supplies to safe storage in the new shed at the school.

Let me close this entry by saying that all along we have needed to react to realities as they have presented themselves. Initially, it was the devastating earthquake and the immediate need to provide emergency care. Later, we responded by providing food as well. We shifted again when the situation on the ground stabilized and since have operated a health and wellbeing clinic. Today, we need to change again. One of the great strengths of our efforts has been our flexibility and agility. Although I cannot say exactly what our efforts will look like next week, we will keep our eye on our ultimate goal--rebuilding the school and having an associated clinic.

2010-03-08T13:32:00.000-05:00

Tracy Simmons slide show

Tracy Simmons and Rebecca Newman were with Team 4 in Haiti. They were a big help in so many ways. They have also chronicled their visit, including an audio-slide show at the diocese of Connecticut website. Quite powerful.

2010-03-08T12:40:00.000-05:00

Nurse Ann Giuli ~ Tents & Condoms for Carrefour

Ann Giuli, who was on Team 1, just wrote to say she has 1,000 condoms for Carrefour. Folks at Stamford Hospital had a bake sale and raised $800 for tents and got an addition $500 donation. Her husband, Tom Ginter, will purchase large, family-sized tents. Those are the only really useful tents. Small, 2 person tents are not the way to go. Thanks Ann.

2010-03-08T08:49:00.001-05:00

École le Bon Samaritain Fund Raiser in Greenwich March 20th

2010-03-07T18:32:00.000-05:00

Xray technician Elourde Joseph arrives

If you have been following this blog, you'll remember that Fujifilm donated a $137,000 Xray machine to Stamford Hospital. The machine has made it to Adventist Hospital in Carrefour. Yesterday, Elourde Joseph arrived in Haiti and made her way to the clinic in Carrefour. Elourde is tasked with training Haitian technicians how to operate the Xray machine.

Fujifilm has done even more than the Xray machine. Fuji Medical Systems, USA has also donated a lot of medical supplies, many of which were taken to the clinic with Team 4--30 boxes in all. Leading that effort is Flavie Sanon. We are deeply touched and grateful to the folks at Fujifilm for their generosity and commitment.

2010-03-07T17:32:00.001-05:00

Djems Louis, principal teacher at EBS

"Good morning father puck how are you ? I am happy because you com in my
countri for help the peaplo principaly the school another. So I say you big thank you God bless you ,your wife ,your childrens and your busness

"I've like you dont forget your principal teacher wath need help.
Ilove you much father Puck."

My response: Bon soir, mon ami, Djems. Oui, je n’oublie pas vous et les autres professeurs. Merci pour votre bénédictions. Nous travaillons pour reconstruire EBS et votre travail.

Good evening my friend, Djems. Yes, I will not forget you and the other teachers. Thank you for your blessings. We are working to rebuild EBS and your jobs.

Djems (r) & Jean-Elie

2010-03-07T17:16:00.000-05:00

Christina's Birthday party for Haiti

Christina is Danelie's daughter and the granddaughter of Jean-Elie & Mona Millien. She is such a peach. For her birthday (March 18th), Christina had a fund raising party. What an incredible kid.

2010-03-06T12:21:00.005-05:00

Back home after too short a visit

Our travel day (Friday) starts at 4.30 a.m. in Carrefour and ends at 2 a.m. in Stamford. In between we ...
... pack & load the Isuzu

   ... drive an hour to the Capitol Lines Bus Depot in PaP
   ... wait there for 2 hours for the bus
   ... ride the bus for 8 hours, including a 2 hour delay crossing from Haiti into the DR
   ... take a cartoonish cab ride to the airport (more below), almost missing our flight
   ... are rescued by JetBlue
   ... relax in the luxury of an A320 for the 3 hour flight to JFK
   ... zip to Stamford with my sister-in-law driving
   ... have 2 glasses of wine and some chili
   ... collapse into bed

It is hard to leave Carrefour. As I step through the gate and onto the street at about 5.30 (still dark), there to the left of the door are almost a dozen people waiting for the clinic to open at 9. Just imagine crouching on the street for 3 1/2 hours with the hope of receiving some medical care!

The drive to the bus depot is a typical PaP adventure. Up, down, around and stopped. But we make it only to wait at the depot interminably. Finally, our gear is in the undercarriage of the bus and we're ensconced in the back where every bump is accentuated beyond belief. Kind of hard to sleep.

The highlight, or low point, of the journey is getting across the border and into the Dominican Republic, a 2 hour ordeal. First we sit at one place. Then, we sit at another. Then, we get out with no guidance about what to do. Then, we take our bags to the inspectors who immediately say they are not interested in looking at them. Then, we stand outside in the parking lot. Then, we get back on the bus and sit some more. Then, the bus starts but gets jammed in traffic ... for another 45 minutes. Then, we finally brake free and continue for 4 hours to Santa Domingo.

Arrival in SD is a real relief. I get off the bus and ask a group of men if Hugo is around. Hugo is the bus company owner who has become our good friend and supporter. The man I ask says, "Yes, I'm Hugo." So, I explain who I am--we had spoken on the phone a couple times--and thank him for all of us. I also extend good wishes to him from Gus Schlegel who has worked so hard with Hugo.

While I'm speaking with Hugo, Joanne is getting a cab. We jump into a cartoon character taxi. That is to say, a tiny, boxy white vehicle with a small luggage area, cramped back seat, and impossibly uncomfortable front seat. The driver starts the motor, backs onto the road, and we speed away at about 35 mph. The drive-time to the airport is an hour ... at normal speeds of 50 or 60. I'm thinking, 'Gia, we might have a problem here.'

Putt, putt, putt we go as all other traffic zips past. Eventually we're on the major highway to the airport (I check my iPhone GPS to see where were are and where we need to go). We're slowing to 25 mph. I notice the red engine oil warning light comes on. The driver downshifts. I advise Stephanie Millien, who speaks Spanish, that I think we have a problem. She queries the driver who agrees. The downshift helps so we speed back to 30. We pass the "be at the airport at least and hour early" point and continue to wonder if we'll be spending the night on the side of the highway. If ever there is a time for divine intervention, it is then. Miracle of miracles, we actually arrive at the airport!!! but, only 20 minutes before the flight is scheduled. If there is one picture I wish I had taken, it's of that cartoon cab.

JetBlue to the rescue. Although there is not a soul at the JetBlue counter we find a ticket agent in the back office and explain who we were. "Oh, you're with the group that brings the 94 bags every couple weeks." Yup, that's us.

We're ticketed in an instant and told where security is. Even the security people are nice and whisk us through. We run to the gate and are greeted by more JetBlue people who know exactly who we are. In another minute, we're buckled-in on the airplane. Then, Rose, a stewardess, approaches Joanne and me and invites us to sit in Exit Aisle seats. "I know you're tired so sit here. You'll have some extra leg room." We talk a bit with Rose who confirms all that we know about JetBlue and how terrific they are. She loves her job and really appreciates JB's commitment to community and social responsibility. As I have said before, if you have a choice of travel, please consider JetBlue.

My sister-in-law picks us up after we get through customs. We finally arrive in Stamford. End of travel story. It's wonderful to be home, and yet, quite surreal. Haiti is still there. The clinic is seeing people today. The two little cats are wandering around the disco. The children who are hungry and sick will be there tomorrow, too.

2010-03-04T22:37:00.001-05:00

Jackson's kindness

I've known Jackson for a few years. He is a hard, hard worker and a gentle man. When I first met him he was a teacher at École le Bon Samaritain. He and all of his colleagues continue to think of themselves as teachers.

During this visit I've had any number on interactions with Jackson. One was after he brought the batteries to the Guest House from the school. We asked him to come in and help install them but he said, "No, I am too dirty." He had been cleaning out the damaged school rubble.

Dave Desmarias and I then learned how proud he and all Haitians are. Jackson told us he is thought of as a teacher but if he came into the Guest House all dirty, people would look down on him. This is a much different culture than our American culture. Twenty minutes later, Jackson came into the Guest House with clean pants on and a nice shirt. As you may have seen, he helped us install the charger, inverter and batteries.

This evening, after the clinic had closed, Jackson approached me. "Père Puck. I have known you. You are so good to us. Even though I am almost homeless, I want to give to you a thank-you for all you have done." Jackson then presented me with a crucifix on a beautiful neckless. And if that wasn't enough, he then gave me a bracelet. And if that wasn't enough, he gave Joanne a neckless. And if that wasn't enough, he gave her a bracelet, too.

This thoughtful, generous, kind soul is a proud man who cares enough to say thank you in the most wonderful way. This gesture is right up there with Weislene's hug and kiss.

The Haitian people never fail to give their love to those who care for and about them. In fact, they would readily do all that we are doing for them and expect nothing in return. Makes me cry.

2010-03-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

Maxin's story

While I was at Adventist Hospital with Elonde Alce (see below), I struck up a conversation with Maxin who checks patients into the hospital area where we were. He is a 26 year old college student studying to be a science teacher.

When the earthquake struck, Maxin was in his dorm room. He ran outside with everybody else. The building survived and he's living there now. But he told me about another university dorm that collapsed and killed all of the students inside.

I asked Maxin about his family. His father died some time ago. His mother and a younger sibling were in their house when the ground started to shake. His Mom refused to leave the house. The child pulled her out just as the house caved in on itself.

Maxin had a job and was almost finished with his university studies. Now he works at the Hospital (they don't pay their added staff anything) and is bereft about not finishing his education, getting a job and finding a lovely bride. Hold this good and kind man in your hearts and prayers.

2010-03-04T22:04:00.001-05:00

A visit to Adventist Hospital

Forty-four year old Elonde Alce arrived at the clinic today with an infected boil on the right side of her neck and an huge infection in her left breast. Our nurses said she needed to see a doctor and so Jean-Elie and I brought her to Adventist Hospital, the hospital that received the Xray machine donated by Fijifilm to Stamford Hospital.

This is a private hospital in Carrefour. Most of our patients cannot even afford the nominal fee at Adventist Hospital. We went anyway and brought some money to pay for the woman's care.

There, however, we found they were still in emergency relief mode and not charging. Elonde saw Elizabeth and Rhonda, American nurses from California, and then a French doctor. We brought her home with ibuprophen and a prescription to put hot compresses on the boil and put an alcohol soaked pad on the sore breast.

Below are more photos of the clinic scene. It was filled to the gills with tents for the refuges as well as tents set up as examining rooms.

2010-03-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

A drive from Carrefour to PaP

2010-03-04T17:34:00.000-05:00

Another idea from Amy Arutt

This weeks free paper The Fairfield & New Haven Weekly Advocate has coupons in it for Zone Bars. They say 55¢ off. The bars are on sale at Shoprite and Stop & Shop for $1. The coupon doubles so (55¢ X 2 = FREE.) Help the effort to load up on these. Let's look for the free papers and grab the coupons. Stop & Shop has the Zone bars in the health food section.

2010-03-04T07:10:00.001-05:00

Hartford Courant features Good Samaritain Rebuilding Fund

I got an email at 6 this morning from Caryn Stedman telling me the Hartford Courant has run a major article about our efforts to rebuild École le Bon Samaritain in Carrefour. Check it out for yourself.

Puck Purnell & Joanne Kimball

at Old St. Andrew's

before leaving for Haiti

2010-03-04T06:51:00.000-05:00

PS 211 in the Bronx follows the Good Samaritain Rebuilding effort on-line

Rick Feldman and his Class 455 have been wonderful benefactors for us here in Haiti. They have sent school supplies but even more important they have sent their concern and love.

I got an email from Rick this morning with embedded photos of his students looking at the blog entry thanking them for their gifts. Rick and his community in the Bronx continue to call for support and we are eternally grateful.

2010-03-03T21:52:00.001-05:00

Long day and a big kiss on the cheek

The details are already posted for much of this day. The electrical system is up and operating and, associated with that, the "office" is totally rearranged. What a difference to have our computers and internet working without wires all over the place.

Another big passage this evening was that six of us toasted the children of Haiti and the work we're doing by each drinking a cupful of water from our water purification system. Truth be told, it was delicious. No side or after taste at all. In case you missed it, here are the stats for what the Doulton system removes:

At around 4.30, Joanne, Jean-Elie & I went to the Médecins sans Frontières (MSF or Doctors without Borders) on the edge of Carrefour & PaP. They have a permanent facility and we were given a tour by Geneveive, the head of the clinic. They do such good work in so many places. I most admire that they refuse to let local politics interfere with their mission. We also tried to stop at the Food for the Poor clinic which is only a mile from here. Unfortunately, it was late by then and closed. By the way, at the height of the relief effort after the earthquake, there were 290 NGOs (non governmental organizations) here in Haiti. Now ... there are 17! And I'm sure, we're not even counted.

As for the kiss ... When we went out the back door, there was my friend Weislene with Kiki, Kayrahah, and another girl I recognized but whose name I've forgotten. Weislene didn't hesitate but came right up to me, threw her arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. As she pulled away, her beautiful white teeth gleamed inside that lovely, happy smile. I am so glad I could help her yesterday.

Weislene last year when I visited École le Bon Samaritain for Jean-elie's 75th birthday.

2010-03-03T11:11:00.002-05:00

Puck gets really happy

Since the Good Samaritain Rebuilding project first arrived in Carrefour on January 20, I have wanted to move the electrical system donated by Old St. Andrew's 10 years ago from the School to the Guest House. It consists of a charger, heavy duty inverter, and 8 deep cycle 6 volt batteries. Dave Desmarais recovered the system from the School on his initial trip with Team 1.

Yesterday was the day for water
Today electricity!

Thanks to Dave, Greg, Jackson, and Peter. The story below--start to finish.

2010-03-03T09:14:00.001-05:00

Morning has broken ...

Breakfast

What I do a lot of

2010-03-03T07:23:00.003-05:00

Happy & Sad - My little Weislene

Several years ago, I befriended Weislene, a student at École le Bon Samaritain. I think of her and Santard, Kiki, Kayrahah and others every night as I say my prayers.

When the earth quake struck, their faces hovered in view for weeks. On Sunday, I saw Kiki & Kayrahah and I've seen them lots since. Such wonderful kids. I've asked about Weislene & Santard but had heard nothing.

Yesterday, as the clinic was closing, I stepped into the waiting area as I do four or five times a day to greet people. There were only four patients left, sitting in a neat row. And when I looked, there was 13 year old Weislene with a 2 year old in her lap. I smiled. She saw me and timidly turned her head down. I went over and cupped her face and kissed her on both cheeks. She smiled and some of the brightness returned.

I asked about her family. "Mon père est mort. Ma mère et mon frère sont OK." I asked who the child was. One of our interpreters helped because she spoke so fast and my French is so poor. The child's mother was killed in the quake and his father is working in PaP so she and her mother are caring for the youngster. He has diarrhea.

Terese, from Dr. Patty Jorquera's TLC practice, spoke with Weislene and told her how to care for the child and to bring him back if he hasn't improved in a couple days. This scene recurs dozens of times a day. Yesterday we saw something like 220 patients.

While Weislene was receiving care from Terese, I asked Joanne to put together a bag with some clothes, pedialyte, protein bars, and a small sack of food for the girl. Kiki and Kayrahah were there, too, and together we brought Weislene to the back door to meet up with Joanne. "Merci. Merci Père Puck. Merci."

Of course, I can't speak for anybody else. I'm the first to acknowledge how much we are doing for people. We are a light in this world of dark hunger and sadness. So many, many people--those who volunteer and here and people all over the country who support this effort so selflessly--have reached out and touched these wonderful Haitian people.

And yet, I felt so incredibly inadequate yesterday when my little Weislene walked into the darkness carrying a child who wasn't even a member of her family. Her own kindness to this youngster, and that of her mother, in the face of their own hardship brings more tears. Yes, we are doing so much good; and yes, we can never do enough; and yes, we must do all we can. But it is sad.

By the way, Weislene told me Santard Stanley survived but he and his family have left Carrfour.

2010-03-03T06:53:00.000-05:00

Team 5 changes

Each new Team that arrives sees new ways to operate the clinic. Yesterday brought about some much needed improvements in the organization of the pharmacy. Items and supplies that are not often used were moved to the side wall. Things like crutches, splints, operating equipment, IVs. A long table was placed on the opposite wall along the "hallway" and two rows of small tables were eliminated because of more efficiency on the remaining two rows. Joanne, Eric, Erika, and Reine made all of this happen with the muscle of Peter. The quantity of clothes, diapers, etc. is tremendous right now. All of the 130 bags were emptied and have been consolidated and packed for their return trip.

At the end of the day, Giovanni Millien gathered the entire crew to say "Well done." It was also an opportunity to review what worked and didn't work so well during the day. With a Team of 15 total, there were lots of comments and suggestions, one of which is to be sure to open and close on time. Some nurses didn't eat until 2.15 and we were supposed to close the clinic at 1.

2010-03-02T16:48:00.003-05:00

Let there be water

Team 5 scores. Greg Wentworth, Dave & Pete Desmarais, and EBS's Jackson Michel have put together an awesome water purification system ... at long last. Special thanks to Dave who scoped out the unit back in the States and had it sent overnight before leaving Sunday night. Some re-piping was needed and two brackets put on the wall. The two sections sit side-by-side. The first is a polyester pre-filter which needs to be cleaned periodically. The second is a six barrel ceramic filter that will need cleaning only a couple times a year. Great buy, Dave!

Before

During

We just measured a flow of 176 litres per hour (45 gallons) at about 20 psi gravity fed pressure.

After

2010-03-02T15:35:00.001-05:00

Humanitarian supplies & some food
for father & son

What happy looks like in Carrefour

2010-03-02T15:31:00.002-05:00

Ask and ye shall receive

Now, if you ever wonder how we can pull off all that we do--getting volunteers, travel, amassing supplies, feeding hundreds, caring for thousands--let me give you the best example yet of what it means to live in FAITH.

You'll notice from the photo that Peter Desmarais is atop a ladder doing something with the top course of the cinder block wall. Dave, his dad, noticed some pretty severe cracks below one particular block and so he sent Peter up to free the block and push it out on the back side. Peter did all that but in the process something fell in and knocked over and broke the TV antenna we brought from Stamford.

The venerable handi-man Jackson from the School was noodling a fix with Dave and me. We were trying to decide if pvc cement would work. At which point Eric Heininger, one of our volunteers, stepped up and said, "I'm actually a plastics engineer and if you do this and that, it should work fine."

So, in this organization, if you need a plastics engineer or a surgeon or a nurse, don't fret, the right person will show up exactly when needed.

2010-03-02T12:54:00.001-05:00

Still rolling after 3 round trips

Jackie & Sue O'Clair's rolling duffle was the first we were given. It traveled down with Team 1, Team 3 and Team 5.

Ain't she a beauty?

2010-03-02T12:52:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder how we ended up at the Disco-Guest House?

After the earthquake, Mona was living in the Isuzu on rue Jonathas. As plans were made to set up the clinic, we needed a place to be. It was Charles & Frederic who suggested we speak with the owner of the Disco-Guest House (The Penguin Hotel). Today we were able to thank them with a tent for each because they are still living on the street. They were so gracious when I spoke with them in French, they didn't even laugh at me. So many, many people are a part of this enterprise.

Charles, Mona, Giovanni Millien, moi, & Frederic

2010-03-02T11:19:00.001-05:00

Rick Feldman's PS 211 supplies arrive

Librarian Rick Feldman continues to beat the drum for the children at École le Bon Samaritain. Young Kiki is one of our children and here he is with some of what was sent by Rick's kids. "Merci mes amis," says Kiki.

Beneath is both Kiki & his twin sister, Kayrahah.

The sign reads, "Thank you for the school supplies."

2010-03-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

Ribert Pierre & Amy Arutt, a story of kindness

If you've been following this blog, you know that Amy Arutt, in Connecticut, has been trying to connect with her friend Ribert Pierre here in Carrefour. He was homeless on the street following the quake and is still living on the street with his father and his wife and a 14 year old sister. None has work except Ribert who is now a much-belovèd translator at our clinic.

Amy put together two tubs and a large suitcase of supplies for Ribert and his family. Unfortunately, they were among those stuck in SD. They arrived on the bus yesterday and are sitting outside my tent. This afternoon, Luc, Ribert, and I will put them in the truck and get them to his spot on the street.

Amy's kindness is eclipsed only by Ribert's appreciation.

2010-03-02T10:50:00.001-05:00

Team 5's mother lode of supplies

Team 5 arrived with about 100 bags plus supplies that had languished in SD for two weeks left over from Team 4. We now have the beginnings of some school supplies, more medicine, and almost 20 tents for people in the community.

Dave Desmarais with some camping supplies

2010-03-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

Health & Wellbeing

As we think about the future, we are constantly talking about what kind of clinic do we want. We're no longer in the emergency aid business. The patients we see generally have the normal complaints--stomach or head ache, vaginitis, stiff muscles, diarrhea, diaper rash, and the like. We also find people with systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Occasionally a pregnant woman visits. The questions are who do we serve? What can we do best for the community in the long run? How do we shift to a more mature model?

Joanne Kimball is committed to a Health & Wellbeing Clinic. Her model stresses health education as much as health care. Children would be vaccinated and given regular check-ups. In addition, women would be taught good hygiene, the importance of boiling water before drinking it, the value of breast feeding and other basic child care skills. Just as critical, women would be counseled in family planning techniques and given an adequate supply of condoms.

Joanne & a ziplock of condoms for today's patients

2010-03-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

Clinic Images - 3.2.10

Getting ready to open at 9

Exam room

The first group of patients

Volunteers working

Filling a prescription in the pharmacy

2010-03-01T18:27:00.005-05:00

At the Clinic, volunteers come & volunteers go

Meanwhile, we work on details of what various people do, relations with the owner of the Guest House, transportation to/from wherever, generator problems, etc.

Carol Keith, Isaac Jean-Pierre, George Momplaisair & Bill Grace leave tomorrow after two weeks of incredible work here. Their good spirits and excellent skills made a wonderful difference to hundreds of Haitian children, women and men. We and they are indebted to these volunteers. Carol, George & Bill

During the 1 - 3 p.m. break, Luc arrived with a big yellow school bus filled to the gills with bags--130--plus the 30 that had been hanging out at the JetBlue baggage claim in SD. With him, too, were 11 Team 5 members. OhMyGod what a crowded place this is now. Tents are everywhere. Travel bags are everywhere. People are everywhere. I need to get all the names straight.

Because we have so many people, we've reluctantly let the two lovely Haitian nurses go for a week. Darlene & Jualine are excellent Haitian trained nurses. So kind and professional. This is a picture of Darlene with a family of three girls and a mom.

This morning alone we served 120 in the clinic and another 65 received clothes, diapers, and a small bag of rice. Joanne & Mona orchestrated this program. Tomorrow, Joanne will reorganize the Pharmacy because we have some things we aren't using much right now. Every bit of organization brought to bear is important.e street to see the line waiting to visit the clinic.

In all of this, I just need to step into the street and look at the line.

Last night we had both rain and an after shock. I wonder what tonight will bring.