Today we embarked on a journey to a small village near the ocean called Bor de Mer. The ocean offered us a little relief from the heat by cooling the air slightly. We served about 80 people today, mostly women and children. We were pleasantly surprised when we returned to Open Door where they had the air conditioning running for us for a short period. After a little rest, we walked a short distance from the Open Door to the orphanage that they operate. We were able to tour their living quarters where the children took a liking to us and joined us for the rest of the tour. Before leaving, we explored their gift shop where some of us were able to purchase art that was done by the children. Life lesson learned today,thanks to Madam T, a 76 year old from the Bor de Mer Clinic. Happiness has little to due with your circumstances rather, your reaction to them. She sat in front of me with a toothless grin and joyful disposition ranting in Creole of her pain. The translator stopped for minutes to listen before explaining to me for further assessment. The translator would no more than start explaining to me than be interrupted with her tapping his shoulder and talking again. This went on for minutes while she elaborated on the nature of her pain and ailments. After further assessment The Provider concluded it was arthritis and prescribed her Tylenol as needed for pain. She jumped as high as a young spry lady and exclaimed “Now I can Dance again” in Creole. To say she filled my bucket and made my day is an understatement. She taught me so much in our short session. Mesi, Madam T. Equality isn’t always equal in all parts of the world. Global culture differs from what we consider to be normal in the northern part of the US. As females in Haiti, we have been both embraced and ignored in the same day. How can it be that in the year 2018, sexes aren’t equal? Is it acceptable to respect cultural norms and ignore the unequal treatment? Should women always make their stance on equality known? How do we as global citizens positively impact the topic of gender inequality? We have been without our phones for about 4 days. It hasn’t been all bad completely disconnecting from social media for a longer period of time than most of us are used to. We have been able to spend a lot of time getting to know each other and soak in all that Haiti has to offer. However, not being able to connect to WiFi has been distressing to a lot of us. Most of us are longing to connect with our families to inform them that we are safe and update them on what we have been up to for the past few days. I think we would all be a little more at ease if we could talk to our families to relieve some of their worries. We miss you all! - Casey and Haley
2 Comments
Sharon Nelson
11/14/2018 09:58:40 am
I love seeing the smiles on everyone! Thinking of all of you! Sharon
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Lindsey Unterseher
11/20/2018 09:19:23 am
I am quite late in reading this post! So good seeing your faces :) Hope you are safe and sound!
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AuthorWe are 12 North Dakota State University senior registered nursing students on a mission to expand our knowledge, culture and diversity. Our professors, Abigail Vetter and Molly Secor-Turner, will guide us on our final experience of nursing school (short of graduation and boards!) to complete our practicum in Northern Haiti. This is our experience. Archives
November 2018
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