Today's heroes....Phil & Jim

A big thanks to Phil & Jim for their donations to support my trip. You guys are great! Who wants to be a hero tomorrow?  Just click the donation link and it could be you!

Still need to do some last minute shopping, but I do feel much less anxious today.  It also helps that I've confirmed a ride to the airport, and that all my in-country travel has been figured out (for as much as people picking me up in their trucks and driving me around Haiti can be).

My to-do list for the next 24 hours:

• Get some Advil that's not in gelcap form. Gelcaps and humidity don't mix well.
• Triple check my personal first aid kit.  I think I'm missing some stuff (itch cream for bites, meds for possible tummy issues), but had more than I thought.
• Do laundry!  Nothing worse than returning home after being gone this long to a pile of dirty clothes to go with the dirty clothes you brought back with you.  Except for not having clean sheets on your bed.
• Debate about what clothes to bring.  Alternate between thinking I've got too many, then too few.  Then worry I will have nothing appropriate to wear in NYC.  Rinse, repeat.
• PACK!

Last night was a bit hilarious.  I had all the outlets in the living room occupied with chargers (camera batteries, solar charger, Kindle, iPhone, MacBook).  Must find a way to deal with the tangle of cords I need to bring as well.

Today's my last day at work.  I will be doing a bit of work from home tomorrow morning, it was the only day 4 of us could find to record a podcast discussing a recent journal article for PTJ, but plan on doing last minute errands and packing (and re-packing) prior to my pick up for the airport at 1:15 pm (thanks, Tricia!).  Wish me luck!

OMG...less than 48 hours to departure!

It's a bit sad to read back at last year's blog. 
A) People were so much more interested in Haiti.  It was in the news.  Now, not so much.  Needs still there, but the lack of media attention is a bit sad.
B) I was so much more organized! I just confirmed some within country transportation details about 2 hours ago.  Two hours ago!  I still have shopping for supplies to do, and I don't even have a list of what I need!  I got my anti-malarial prescription filled last week, on the last day I could because I have to start taking those a week before I leave!
C) I'm taking some work with me.  This may be a great plan, since it will mean I will have my computer (doesn't mean I'll find reliable internet access).  But I had hoped to be farther ahead on some work projects so that I wouldn't have to bring it with me.
D) I've done a lousy job soliciting donations.  Way lousy.

On the up side, I don't feel nearly as anxious about getting to Port au Prince.  I'm not too nervous about what things will be like on a daily basis.  I know I love the food, and I know I will adore working so hard I make knee sweat stains on my scrubs every day.  I also know I'm excited because lots of the people I will be working with will be new, and some will be around from last year.

Most of all, I'm excited.  And friends and family are excited for me.  Which is a big help.

If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to support my trip, please click the link over there.  Secure online donation you can write off!  I could use the support, so please give if you can.  Thanks!

I leave in less than a month? What?!

Less than 1 month until I leave for 4 weeks in Haiti. I've been shamefully neglectful of this blog, and also shamefully neglectful in doing other preparatory stuff like raising funds, gathering donations, and even making sure I've got all I need.  I can't tell if I'm a) procrastinating, b) really busy, c) jaded as this is my second trip in 2 years, or d) in denial.  And no, e) all of the above is NOT an option.  Or at least I hope it's not an option!

I did make my trek to the travel doctor this last weekend.  Nice to know I am all caught up on my immunizations (I even have a few years left before I need boosters for some of them!).  I got my prescriptions for anti-malarials and some antibiotics so I don't have to deplete the limited supplies at either of my host hospitals.  Self-sufficiency is a must!  My health insurance has changed a bit from last year, especially my prescription coverage, so it will be interesting to see how the costs differ.  I still find it a bit maddening that some of these drugs and immunizations are covered (the malarials are to a point, and the flu shot) while others I am responsible for (like Hep A immunizations).  I understand travel isn't necessary, but you'd think some of this would benefit my insurance, as I will be certainly cheaper to cover if I'm NOT sick. 

I was pleased to hear last week from Advantage Haiti and Medical Teams International (MTI) that there are 2 other PTs arrving into Port au Prince the same day as I am, so we can all 'carpool' in the taptap out to Cayes together.  One travel-related piece of lonlieness resolved!  I'm also excited since that means there will be others in the clinic & guesthouse while I'm there (at least that first week)! 

On my to do list:

1. Contact MTI/Advantage Haiti to get list of donations they are in need of, forward to students/faculty/staff at SMU to see if I can get donations.
2. Find myself scrubs!  I left all my scrubs there last year, so I find myself scrub-less, so to speak.
3. Stock up on power bars, electrolyte gel, and other snacks to pack.
4. Start inventory of my supplies to figure out what I even need to get!
5. Post here more regularly!

And today's Haiti-related link, I saw this on KevinMD's blog today...music & health in Haiti.

2011 Plans Confirmed!

So everything is set.  I'm leaving for Haiti on July 13 (arrive on the 14th), and will spend 2 weeks in Les Cayes with the Advantage Haiti program through MTI.  I will then fly and drive to Deschappelle for 2 weeks at HAS.  I'll be returning to the States on Aug 13, and spending 4 days in NYC before coming home.

I'm getting excited.  I'm scheduled my travel doctor visit to check my immunizations and get more prescriptions for Cipro and anti-malarials.  I've started to inventory my supplies--I will definitely need scrubs and a few other consumables.  I also need to confirm any donations that the clinic needs.  Details, details, details.  This is where I like to be--plans confirmed, details in flux.

Shout out to Judy, Reuben, and Pat for donating!  Remember, you can donate towards my 2 weeks in Cayes and towards my airfare (tax-deductible!) through Medical Teams International http://www.medicalteams.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=405&tab=0&frsid=215

2011 Haiti Birthday Plans

I'm working hard to coordinate my 2 weeks at Advantage Haiti in Les Cayes with my 2 weeks at Hopital Albert Schweizer in Deschappelles. 

I do have my donation page LIVE!  This year Advantage Haiti is under the sponsorship of Medical Teams International (MTI).  Through MTI you can make a tax-deductible donation to support my travel and my first two weeks in Haiti!  $35 sponsors my room & board for one day, or $100 can sponsor a comprehensive day (travel, translation, guesthouse)! Coming soon, I hope to have another donation page for the final 2 weeks.

As always, I appreciate your support in all forms and at all levels.

2011 planning underway

Confirmed...I will be supervising rehabilitation tech students at Hopital Albert Schweizer in Deschappelles, Haiti for two weeks (tentatively July 28-Aug 13).  Now to try and coordinate the 2 weeks prior back at Advantage Haiti in Les Cayes. 

Stay tuned.  And this year I should be able to swing any donations you make into tax deductible donations!

Home, but plotting my return

The logistics of the Advantage Program have been moved to Medical Teams International.  In anticipation of my (eventual) return to Haiti, I submitted my application.  I also am starting to work with Health Volunteers Overseas, after meeting Diane while in Haiti, and hope to split my time in Haiti between the two programs.

Allison Kwessel, a great person and photographer extraordinaire, visited Les Cayes while I was there.  She created this slide show with some of the great photographs she took.

when does it become real?

I've printed my boarding passes, and it's feeling more real.

I also packed up all the donations the SMU DPT students collected.  According to the scale in the lab, it's around 43 pounds.  And I got all of it to fit!  And if I can decipher the baggage information for American Airlines and Tortug, there's a chance I won't have to pay any extra baggage fees at all.  Which is very awesome.

I did get a confimation email from the coordinator in Haiti this morning, making sure I had all the names and numbers of people shuttling me around and remembered stuff like I need to bring some snacks and a book or two, as my layover in Port-au-Prince is pretty long and services are nil.  I had that on my radar, but nice to have an organized email reminding me.

I also finished up the final shopping this morning.  All that's left is a few emails I need to straighten out before I leave and to pick up some more kitty litter so Lynne (the awesomest cat sitter EVER) will be well supplied.

I got a text that on the News Hour they had a report on Haiti 6 months after the quake.  Gotta hunt that down and watch tonight.  Because I have a feeling I'm not going to get much sleep.

Oh yeah, and I have to pack.  There's that.

Thanks to Gail for the donation to help with translation services! 

48 hours, and I don't mean the movie

Great article featuring the group I'm going to Haiti with, Advantage Haiti.

Last minute shopping includes getting a universal sink stopper.  Mine crumbled into about 4 pieces while trying to pack it.  RIP sink stopper.  I did schedule a mani/pedi at my favorite place near work as a pre-departure treat.  And I scheduled a haircut for after I get back.  I also discovered AT&T has a special discounted rate plan for relief workers in Haiti, including data and photos.

Let the packing begin!

SMU student donations

Wow...an explosion of donations from the DPT students at Samuel
Merritt University! So far I have;

• 34 pairs of socks
• 13 towels
• 13 sheets
• 3 gait belts
• 3 pillowcases
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 3 pairs of scrubs + 2 scrub tops
• And a great rolling duffel to carry it all in!

You guys are awesome!

Also thanks to Harriet for her donation (translation services)!

Left arm soreness, got that

This will be short, my arm hurts.  Had my travel doctor visit yesterday, and ended up getting the Tdap (tetnus, pertussis, diptheria) vaccine.  My old tetnus shot was about 6.5 years old, and for Haiti they really want people to have had one in the last 5 years.  Also, with the pertussis outbreak here in California, it's not such a bad idea.  But everything else vaccine-wise was in order.  See, maximizing my vaccine dollars!  I also found out I can use cholorquine instead of malarone for malaria prophalaxis!  Yay!  No strange dreams!  And it doses once a week, which will be cheaper and easier for me.  In honor of Good Morning, Vietnam I think I'm going to go with a true Malaria Monday!  Heh.  Off to Costco to fill that script, and I have to start taking them on Monday, so it will be another way to psych myself up!

Also checked in with my backup credit card company letting them know I'm going to Haiti.  I don't plan on charging anything, but it's the "in case things go wrong, cash advance back up plan" card.  I had the customer service guy in stitches when he asked about my return date.  I mean, "I'm planning on returning on the 31st.  But I suppose one of the reasons I'd be using the card is if something is going very wrong, so....?" is probably not the way to answer that question.

Now for the last minute shopping for stuff I forgot, and the packing/re-packing game I like to play.  Nine days...I've made it to single digits!

Uber props to Paul & Stacia and Phil for helping me out with sponsoring lodging and meals.  And Paul, I promise if I pick up something over there to let you pay for my treatment!

I'm still looking for sponsors! All that's left is 5 days of lodging+meals, at $30/day. Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly to Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

Reality. Check.

There's a point in the lead up to any trip where it all becomes very real.  Where you feel how the trip is coming (and usually coming soon), where you can taste the excitement and nervousness and fun. 

That was today.

I was confirming details with Advantage Haiti (can't be to sure about details, well...at least I can't).  We realized their office had my departure dates wrong, and that my tickets from Port au Prince to Cayes hadn't been purchased yet.

It was pretty awesome that, at this point, I didn't freak.

Also turns out, I impressed their office having already purchased my travel insurance.

Needless to say, about 30 minutes later it was all figured out.  They have my correct arrival and departure information, my tickets are all confirmed.  In a stroke of awesome, it also turns out that they now process my payment to the guest house in advance, which was a huge relief for me.  Having to carry around that much money (in cash, in small bills) never makes me feel good.  Or safe.  So now my cash carrying is down considerably--taxi fare, departure taxes, and spending money--and everything's confirmed.

This was the final pre-departure reality check.  I leave in 11 days.  Now to pack.  And enjoy the ride!


I'm still looking for sponsors! All that's left is 9 days of lodging+meals, at $30/day. Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly to Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

T minus 30 days and counting.

One month.  30 days.

I leave in only one month.  Holy....holy. 

I'm VERY excited (still!), but now I've gone into uber-planning mode.  Lists.  Piles.  Shopping.  Organizing.  Checking and re-checking.

[pause]

Sorry about that, I had to add 'schedule visit to travel doctor for malarone rx' to the Haiti-specific to do list. Yes, I've got a Haiti-specific to do list.  Must stop.

In typical "me" fashion, I'm making the most of this when I return.  I've agreed to write a short piece for Today in PT and will be doing a presentation on campus for our lunch enrichment series.  This way, I will remember to update here regularly, take other good notes (I do plan on updating with more stuff when I get back), and take a lot of photos. 

Next week I'll be in Boston at Annual Conference, and I'm hoping to test out updating with my phone. Gotta get used to 'short and sweet' posts. Must try this stuff out.  And also post some more photos to the flickr feed, too.

Oh yeah, and thanks Blogger for the new templates!  What y'all think of this one?

I'm still looking for sponsors! Use the PayPal link to the right, or donate directly Advantage Haiti, the group I'm volunteering with at their website: http://www.advantagehaiti.com/.

Know any good travel guides to Haiti?

72 days and counting.  It feels like a lot less, and 72 sounds so big.  I know it will go super fast, but I'm trying to stay pumped and to keep my momentum up on the preparation side. Crazy thing is I had to spend about an hour on 3 different web sites to confirm I don't need a visa, and that if I'm working unpaid (which I will be) I still don't need a visa because Haiti has no such thing as a business visa.  This was really crazy because 2 websites claimed they did have a business visa, and one of the claimed I could use them to obtain it (for a fee of course).  Let the insane tricks to get money out of me begin!  Good thing I finally found the visa section of the actual Haitian website which was available in English, and clearly said they didn't have a business visa option and as a US citizen I only need 6 months left on my passport.  Now, if I could get more information about whether or not there's a departure fee (and more specifically, how much is it), I could consider today's preparation complete. Wish me luck!
[Edited to add: found it.  Seems to be $25 USD.  Adding this to my wish list for donations.  That's right, your $25 can make sure I make it out of Haiti on July 31!  Donate now!]

Donation, Support, and Props Updates:
Thanks to Doris for the helpful donation of 1.66 days at the guesthouse, and bringing me up to 5 days now fully supported! Hurry, only 15 days left for your to support!

Three of my online friends over at LiveJournal have kindly donated their artisitic and/or writing talents to help me raise funds.  They will create icons, banners, or fanfic if you send them proof of donation to me (via PayPal) or directly to AdvantageHaiti.  So if you are on LJ, for as little as $1 you can support me and get a little something for your troubles. Learn more at my LJ. And thanks to lo_duclavier, muselives, and musetrax for volunteering their time and talents to help support this trip!

No Travel Delays, This Time

Props to Kristin (got the 4 pairs of scrubs, and they fit!) and Lorraine (for 3.33 days at the guesthouse)! Also, thanks to Nikki for helping to collect and organize the Samuel Merritt University DPT Class of 2011 drive to collect requested items to bring!  You guys are amazing, so thanks.

Back safe and sound from a week in sunny, relaxing Mazatlan.  Which, while not a true miracle, was not what a lot of other travellers experienced this last week.  Between the ash cloud airplane delays all over Europe, to the protests in Thailand, I thought more than once on this trip that half of travel not just picking the "right" place to visit, but actually arriving there.  I've got my fair share of travel delays (who doesn't, these days), a story of an aborted flight on take-off due to a bird strike knocking out an engine (complete with the dump of jet fuel and landing on the runway with the Fire Brigade out in force), and experienced lost bags (with the one time occurring just after an ice storm in Toronto and requiring shopping 2 days before Christmas).  Heck, my purse got nicked in Italy (darn #1 bus stop in Turino).  But, as a wise friend told me after my purse was stolen, "Someday this will just be a hilarious story you can tell people."  And here I am, telling you.

But it does make one think, just being alive is dangerous, and travel (honestly) adds to that danger.  It's up to you to plan, be prepared, make the most of the strange occurrences travel (and life) throw at you.  Danger be damned.  But it's no excuse for a lack of preparation.  77 days until I leave for Haiti, what to do first?