Two years ago I met Rhonda while trekking my way to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. She is an amazing woman with lot’s of compassion for the needy. I received an email a couple of weeks ago from Rhonda asking friends she knew for donations to help buy medical supplies she would take to Haiti with her (Rhonda is an ER nurse in Edmonton -she paid her own way to Haiti). This is an excerpt from Rhonda’s email of her current work in Haiti.
Hello Everyone,
I arrived in Haiti 1 week ago time is passing by so quickly. I have been working at YWAM based health clinic at the local police station in the heart of Port au Prince. On wednesday I treated 341 patients of the total 648 that came through that day! I split the time I have with the General Hospital, working in Emergency and ICU, as well. I am living at an orphanage 30 minutes outside of the downtown core where I am basically camping. The weather is close to 40 degrees C and there is hardly any breeze. As you could imagine it is ridiculous conditions to be working in.
The Haitian people are very compassionate and filled with hope. Their spirits are kind and all they hope for is a “hello” or “bonjour” from foreign workers. The destruction caused by the earthquake is devastating. I have never in my life seen such third world conditions. it is difficult to express my true feelings about the chaos and heartache because I have just began to accept what I am seeing. Buildings everywhere are collapsed creating road blocks. 2 million people live in the streets in make shift tents because it is too unsafe to live in the standing buildings due to the structures being unsafe. People eat, sleep, socialize, bathe, pee, poop and play all on the street. Seriously, there is no sense of dignity left for Haitians living in the downtown core.
While walking from the hospital to the clinic my friend Jenny and I saw close to 100 people looting through a 3 story building. People were yelling and upset these local thugs were stealing. All of a sudden we heard a large cracking noise and then “boom” the building fell. We covered our heads due to the the debris and dust. Haitians were screaming and many of the looters were trapped, completely crushed. It is so sad to see peoples reaction to what happened. They were utterly disgusted with their own people for adding to the devastation. Unfortunately over 12 people died and many of the men were severely injured. We did not stay to help because we were afraid the building would fall even more. The next day iI worked the ER and took care of the men injured in this incident.
I went to Christian Worship tonight on route from running a mobile health clinic in Saint Marks (a small city 2 hours outside of Port au Prince). It was held at a tent city/refugee camp. there are close to 10,000 people living in this tent city. All the people snag,danced and prayed. Picture thousands of people; babies,children,teenagers and grandparents. These Haitians were literally starving, thirsty, and had rags for clothing. However, not one person looked sad, disgusted or hopeless. Each Haitian had a big bright smile and sang their hearts out. My heart was taken. I just took a few moments to cry and take some deep breaths. A little boy (11) named Jefferson held my hand and said “white girl, the one we call Rhonda, I love you for coming tonight, merci , merci, merci”. Jefferson’s parents and sister died in the earthquake. He has a little brother named Eddie who is 4 and he takes care of him.
We have had a great year & look forward to 2009 & being a big part in your wedding celebration.