Today, we did not go to the work site. Instead, we did some more touring.
First, we spent the morning at Grace Children's Hospital. Their PR person, Robenson, speaks excellent English and is a pleasure to be with. He showed us the earthquake destroyed campus and the current efforts to remove the destroyed buildings and the rubble. Much of the work is being done the Haitian way - strong backs swinging sledge hammers. Eventually, the site will be cleared. (As we speak, there is a $20 million capital campaign be conducted in the USA to rebuild the hospital. The National Hockey League has previously donated $1 million.)
The last stop on the hospital tour is the best, a children's ward. We get to hold the children while we give them comfort dolls that many of you knitted. Cynthia, a 17 year old girl who lives there, was given special gifts including three dresses. (Cynthia has epilepsy. During the earthquake, she is credited with saving two children. After the earthquake, no one came to claim Cynthia.) (Another girl who has glaucoma has not been claimed either.)
After lunch, we drove up the mountain, past the Baptist Mission, to Fort Jacques. It was constructed just over 200 years ago during the Revolutionary Period. From there, one can see the entire Port-au-Prince area. Although the last couple miles was a very rough (an understatement), it was worth the effort.
Another VIM team has arrived. The Guest House occupancy rate is nearing 100%. Our last night, though, is tomorrow evening. Time to go home.
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