Fabulous Friday

Friday was another productive and beautiful day in Port au Prince! The clinic continued to treat patients and the orthotics and prosthetics (O & P) staff were busy. The support staff from our group had the children in the waiting area coloring and enjoying themselves. In O & P, they fashioned and fit a new below elbow prosthesis. They also recapped the week with the Haitian staff and delegated future responsibilities. Rick and Bob made pizza for the staff in the large oven. What a treat!
Dr. Jim and Al met with the country director of Pure Water for the World. In the meeting, they were discussing a plan to provide drinkable water for the future rehab institute. Dr. Steve, Dr. Jim and Al had a meeting with the Minister of Health regarding the plans for the rehab institute. The minister was very enthusiastic about the project and optimistic about our plan. He also agreed to sign the building permit and proper documents.
Sue and Jill had the unique opportunity to ride along on a water distribution in Cite Soleil with our connection from Minnesota, Kevin McClellan. We delivered 3 trips of fresh and clean water to many awaiting children and adults. It was wonderful to be a part of this essential need.
Four of our group traveled to Bible Comprehension orphanage. There are 7 children with disabilities who were served. The majority of time was spent training the mothers, modifying wheelchairs and providing physical and occupational therapy to the children. Thank you to all who donated diapers, toys, cloth diapers and vitamins for us to provide!
Mimi, Nancy and Nathalie worked on a data collection system and clinic fee schedule to aid in the flow in the clinic.
We went shopping for Haitian art in the late afternoon. We gathered metal art and treasures to bring back with us.
In the evening, we had a team dinner at the Hotel Montana to celebrate our hard work and accomplishments from the week.