After arriving and serving bread and peanut butter breakfast, I took the mother, Mimose, and her daughter, Nanaika, to Grace Children's Hospital. I also brought along Gilbert, the neighborhood leader, and Laurens, a young man who speaks some English. On the way, we picked up the girl's grandmother.
We were seen almost immediately at the hospital, but it turns out that Grace Children's Hospital is not equipment for complex surgeries. So, we went to a Doctors Without Borders Hospital and were seen almost immediately. There we were told that they did not have the facilities to help Nanaika.
Then, we went to the Haiti National Hospital. Nanaika was allowed to go to the pediatric section to be seen. After 10 - 15 minutes, she was seen by a 'screener' and then put at the head of the line to see a doctor. By this time, it was 12:30 and we left leaving mother, daughter, and grandmother at the hospital.
These people do not have any money. So, in consultation with Gilbert, our driver, and Laurens, I gave them US $50 to buy food and water for themselves, to provide transportation money, and have some money that might be needed for any extraordinary medical expense. (The Haitian National Hospital care is free.)
Mimose had told be that she had sat Tuesday in a clinic for seven hours and was not seen. Although disturbing, I do believe that having a 'blanc' wearing a white shirt with her helped navigate the hospitals quickly. Friday, we should have some information about Nanaika.
When we returned to the church site, lunch was just concluding . About 125 showed up for lunch. (Even though we will not be there today, lunch will be served.)
Today, we will tour Grace Children's Hospital and give the comfort dolls. Then, we will visit a tent city to observe Stevenson's Arts with the Children Project. There is a Haitian museum across from the Presidential Palace that we will visit. (It survived the earthquake.)
The time has passed so quickly. But, I am ready for snow.
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