After a 6 hour red-eye from SFO to MIA, 2 hour layover, and 2 hour flight from MIA to PAP I am finally here!! After immigration, I found my boxes quickly, but waited around for about 30 minutes for the walker to arrive. Immediately after I exited the airport, I was engulfed in a mad sweaty mob of porters grabbing my cart to assist me, drivers vying for my business, and other passengers trying to exit. I tried repeatedly to refuse help but eventually gave in and was happy I did--he literally pushed people out of the way with the cart to clear a path, found the driver assigned to pick me up, and navigated the 125+ lbs of my luggage over dirt roads and rocks to the van. He earned a generous tip!
The drive through the city was striking. Masses of tent and tarp shelters lined the road. Rubble and garbage was everywhere. Rough roads, clogged with "tap-taps", motorcycles and vans made for slow-going. It's hot, humid, and dusty.
The driver took me straight to an orphanage (I think called "New Life") in Port-au-Prince, where I joined two Hanger prosthetists, Josh from Louisiana and Jeff from Pennsylvania, and one PT from Chicago, Derek. We were set up in a chapel, which consisted of cement brick walls, rough timber frame, corrugated tin roofing, and long wooden benches. We had one translator to help organize the ~20 people that were waiting since 8 am to be seen. Some patients were there because they were ready for casting, and some were there for adjustments to their existing prostheses. Our role as PTs was to partner with the prosthetists to assess for fit and make the necessary adjustments, and do some gait training. Most of the patients were adults, but two kids were from the orphanage: one sleepy 6 year old boy with a high transfemoral amputation, and a shy and sweet 15 year old girl with a transtibial amputation. Both were there for adjustments. Many very cute kids ran in and out of the chapel throughout the afternoon, teasing each other and playing with baby powder. We were finally done around 4, and then started the 3 hour drive up to the hospital.
In the hospital library now after a quick shower and delicious meal, prepared by our dorm mom. Derek gave me a tour of the hospital and a run down of what to expect tomorrow. Fighting to keep my eyes open now . . . so tired! I'm sure I will have a deep sleep tonight and will be ready to work at the hospital clinic tomorrow. Bonswa!
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