Day 3: Second Orphanage

Orphanage #2: 50-60 children

Description: Orphanage for children who were left alone after the earthquake.This orphanage differed from the first one we visited. The kids here were primarily healthy individuals or had no major disabilities.

Team 1

• Patrick
• Lindsey
• Cassie
• Lindsay
• Melanie
• Jessica
• Jordan

Reflection: This day was filled with nothing but smiles. We danced, we played, and shared countless giggles. We passed out toys and candy. The children loved wearing our sunglasses and hats and it was all over when they figured out how to use the camera on our phones. We all ended up with a number of surprise pictures to go through at the end of our day. They were truly too cute to handle.

   As a team, we completed over 50 exams on the children and their staff. We also toured their orphanage, assed their needs and handed out supplies and donations. Once again, we were in awe at the care that was provided for these children. Not only were the kids clean and healthy but they were also extremely well mannered and educated. Many of them are currently in the process of learning how to speak english. There was a 15 year old  boy that had taught himself how to speak english in only a few short years by listening to American broadcast and by studying his textbooks. He simply blew us away. His english was nearly as good as ours!
 This orphanage may not have had a lot space, but they were nothing but loved and cared for. It shows in their smiles, their laughs, and in their ability to embrace us with open arms. A lot of hearts were melted on this day.

Here are some images of our favorite moments spent at the orphanage!

Dining Room

Classroom

Patrick handing out toys

Dance Party

Play time

Couldn't be happier

Learning how to hand wash clothes

Day 2: (Part 2) First Clinic Experience

First day of clinics had arrived. We spent the evening prior making certain all of our medications, supplies, and donations were packed and ready to go. Everyone was eager to see what the first day had in store for us.

Description: Our first clinic was set up inside of a local church. We had expected to see anywhere from 70 to 125 individuals that day. Instead, over 400 people showed up to see us. With limited staff and supplies, emotions were high as we tried to provide our best care to the Haitian natives.

Team 2

• Melanie
• Aaron
• Jess
• Aislinn
• Katie
• Laura
• Whitney
• Tyler

Reflection: We were able to see a total of 70 individuals that day. The staff worked diligently and managed to stay calm and collected through out the entire day. As the day went on, the crowd grew and the supplies began to run low. Unfortunately, we had to make the decision to shut down the clinic earlier than we had planned. Even though we are here to help provide care, we first and foremost put our team's safety first. Overall we had a successful day and were able to provide care for 70 individuals who were in need.

* Due to the circumstances, the team was unable to take very many pictures for this clinic. 

Wifi down!

Hello all! I just wanted to let you know we are all safe. Our wifi has been down for the last few days. I will update you tonight on all of our adventures!

-teamhaitiansensation

Day 2: First Clinic and Orphanage Visit (Part One)

Yesterday marked our first day of clinics and visits to the orphanages. We split up into two teams, half of us went to the Orphanage, while the others set up our first clinic.

Orphanage:Missionaries of the Poor

Description: Orphanage for children and young adults with congenital birth defects, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, HIV, epilepsy, and malnutrition. These children were abandoned with no where to go after the earthquake. This is when Missionaries of the Poor was established. 

Team 1

• Lindsey 
• Patrick
• Jordan
• Jake
• Cassie
• Cheryl

Reflection: We spent the day visiting an orphanage that consisted of over 80 abandoned children. These children were not only abandoned by their parents but also disenfranchised from society due to their severely debilitating physical status's.  I think it's safe to say it was a day full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Seeing so many children in such need was both heart wrenching and inconceivable. There were beds and cribs filled with children and young adults that couldn't move on their own, yet they'd smile so big when you played with them. They loved to be held and touched. The caregivers are incredible. None of the children had bedsores, however the residents extensive needs can hardly be met due to staffing insufficiency. The quality time and love the children crave may not always be received. 

The caregivers bathe the orphans three times a day to keep them, and their environment clean. The bathing process is thorough and time consuming! We had the opportunity to help feed, bathe, love and play with the orphans. It was fun to see their faces light up as we gave the candy, toys, and cars that so many graciously donated! The children played with them for hours. Those bed ridden with limited mobility were able to play with their new toys, in bed, continuously with a smile.

Later our health practitioners assessed those children with acute health concerns. Overall they were pleasantly surprised by the number of children who demonstrated great health condition, in spite of their limited staff and regional recourses. Their exemplar physical status's were the result of preventative measures in regards to skin breakdown and sanitation. The part that made it the highest of highs was feeling the grace and love for and from the individual caregivers. We laughed and cried with the sweet residence and their caregivers both! We arrived with the intent to bless these kids, and they blessed us in return. We saw so many smiles from people that have been bed ridden for years! It really gave us a different perspective with a lasting impression. 

Here are some images from our day spent with these amazing individuals!