thefieldjournal

GACS Mission Team Blog #4: Monday update from Gary Richey

April 29, 2010 by Hannah McLear

The following email was sent by Gary Richey and summarizes Monday, April 5: Parents, Family and Friends, Today our team split into two groups. One visited other medical and orphanage sites, showing things that are happening through other groups in Haiti. The first place was the local hospital, where there are still quite a few adult earthquake victims from Port au Prince. They are in wards – one for men, and one for women. By and large, they are taken care of by their families along with the medical staff. The staff does an incredible job considering the lack of basic infrastructure like running water and always dependable electricity. Next was a monastery that takes care of people who are left out by society like profoundly retarded, very ill, HIV patients, etc. We left lots of medical supplies, clothes, and other things there. The next visit was to a Catholic orphanage about 15 miles outside of Cap Haitien. It was extremely well-run, with great facilities that showed the possibilities for Hope Haven. The last visit was to Hospital Sacre Coeur that had children who were victims of the earthquake. It was extremely emotional to see them, since several of them were suddenly orphans. We saw one boy who had lost both legs, and another who had lost one. It really brings all their suffering home. The second team returned to the new orphanage site from 8:30 to 5:30pm and turned in an incredible day or work! In fact, in over three years it may have been te hardest day of work yet. The team dug a 2-3 foot trench about 200 feet, layed plumbing line, established connections, repaired a leaking pipe, assisted repairing and building a roof on the pavillion, clearing a soccer field, and several other physical tasks! We are all now resting back at the Hotel Mount Joli and looking forward to another great day of service tomorrow!