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.

Sad, last day

Today's been sad.  I'm glad it was busier than I thought it might be, as that kept the goodbyes to a minimum and kept them quicker.

Rose, who had a bad fracture in the earthquake, got her orthotic lift and shoe lift fitted today.  I will admit, I gave her my tennis shoes.  She was nearly my size, and since she didn't have any tennis shoes to build up to fix her length length problem. She was so cute smiling and wearing her new shoes and saying how she didn't feel crooked anymore!

I just returned from a little celebration for my departure--a prayer, thank you's, cake and soda.  I even got a beautiful Haitian painting of a landscape scene.  So touching, and yes--I did cry.

I also had a patient bring me a gift, a small Haitian carving.  He was such a hard worker and such a fun patient.  I still have to say goodbye to my dear Mr. Bernard upstairs.  He had hoped to be walking better by the time I left, but had a stump revision last week, and has been adorable doing his arm exercises in his wheelchair.

I am so grateful that I came, and I'm so touched. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming.  I can't wait to return next year.

Tomorrow's my last day!?

Today was crazy in its own way. A person from another group NOT at our
guesthouse got the same intestinal bug I had last week (and which has
been passed around too much for anyone's liking...rotovirus?) and we
ended up taking him to the hospital this morning. He wasn't willing to
be admitted so he was on a cot in our tiny 'office' taking up the
little private space we have. I didn't get into why he didn't go
upstairs, and just made the best of it.

The pack of 'girls' staying at the rehab center crack me up. They are
dropped off here in the morning and stay until the afternoon. We see
them intermittently for one on one therapy, the prosthetists work on
adjusting their new legs, and we have them doing stretches, exercises,
and practice gait on their own. They do work pretty hard but there is
a certain amount of sitting around. They always want their picture
taken and they get reliably whiny in the afternoon near the end of the
day when it's hot. I will miss them, they've kept us so busy this week.

Mary, a translator who I just met today, recognized my accent when
speaking Creole was French, and even complimented me on my "beautiful"
pronounciation! Madame Tanny would be so proud!

I am not really grasping that tomorrow is my last day, and nearly
forgot to say 'au revoir' to Madame Shaller, the peds therapist! I am
happy that everyone, including some of the patients I've follow all
three weeks, have asked when I'm coming back. I'm very pleased that
June and Advantage Haiti want me to come back.

I'm familiar enough with trips like this that really change me to know
I won't digest even half of what this experience has done for me for a
few months. What I do know, I've been touched and changed by these
three weeks. It's given me an expanded view of what I need to do in
the world, and has recharged my spirit. I've seen how healthcare, and
physical therapy in particular, can make significant differences in
peoples' lives, even when those lives are already so challenged. I've
also met people, both volunteers and patients and their families, that
have been pure inspiration. It's an experience like no other, and I'm
so happy that I stepped up to challenge myself to do this. And can't
wait to do it again!

Sent from my iPhone

Great patient story

A patient who lost a leg above the knee came to the clinic today. In
part it was to see Christiana, who treated him when he first got his
prothesis in April, but also for a different knee joint and some fine
tuning therapy to "make my walking beautiful."

He was pinned upside down for three days in the rubble after the
earthquake. His cousin spent the whole time digging him out and saved
his life. Unfortunately his leg was crushed and he had to have an
amputation. His cousin was there with him today, and in a strange
twist of fate, the German peds therapist who works in the clinic once
a week was going through German newspapers her friends and family sent
with stories about the quake. And one of them had a picture of this
patient an his cousin tha was taken right after his cousin had pulled
him out! There was a lot of crying and hugging and thankfulness when
those two young men saw that photo in that German newspaper this
afternoon. And it was great to hear from the patient that he's decided
to become a prothetist! He thinks he could do a great job, make a good
living, help people, and be an inspiration to his patients. I couldn't
agree more!

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Orphanage details

The orphanage we visited yesterday was inspirational.  It was started by a Haitian couple--Eddie was an orphan here himself who was adpoted by a very well to do American family and current works for the UN, and his wife June is a midwife here. They have built the place to be sustainable--compost toilet, water collection for the showers and irrigation, solar panels for the kitchen (and soon the whole complex), and the buildings are all made out of recycled shipping containers!  They cut windows, use that metal to form a shade over the window, add screens, and place an a-frame with thick thatching on top to dissipate the heat.  The sleeping quarters have a desk and chair and bunks for 10 girls.  There's also a kitchen "container" and one that will be a dining room when it's completed.  In the center of the compound is a large concrete covered gathering area for play and homework.  They have 20 girls there at present between the ages of 2 and 16, with about 3 full time adults who do the maintainance, childcare, cooking and cleaning. 

We had an amazing time.  The girls sang us songs and played games with us.  One game was a singing game in a round circle holding hands with someone in the middle.  The words were something about friends and when they got to a part in the song the person in the middle got to hug and dance with someone, then that person went in the center while the other joined the circle.  It was adorable.  The other one I remember was a handslapping game played in a big circle with counting and when the song was sung and you counted to 10 in both Creole and English the person who had the last hand slap was "out."  Again, adorable.  The older girls were great about helping the younger ones.  And the young ones just wanted to be held all night.  Right before we left Sonia was sitting on my lap, practically falling asleep, and kept whispering to me, "Don't go, don't go" in Creole.  It was breaking my heart and so adorable. [Kristin, were really on track thinking I would take one of them home.]

Some of the girls stories were so sad.  Sonia had a congenital heart condition, had been to the US for surgery to correct it, but was abandoned at birth.  Another girl had been found as a rest-avec in Port au Prince with a severe humerus fracture--now, she's the smiling picture of help and seems so happy to have a childhood back.  She's 7.

Overall it was an amazing place.  They have responsible plans to expand, but are building a school first (and will open it to other local children) .  I put a video and a picture or two on flickr, so click the photo to the left and take a peek (I will post more photos and videos when I return home).

Three more days

Today was busy and seemed hectic, but about 2/3 of the people waiting were with a patient and not there for treatment. 

Mr. CrankyPants, a patient with an AKA who was 80-something, was discharged last night.  I almost miss him and his random participation with PT.  Somedays we would have to haul him to his feet just to stand, others he would walk with the walker nearly independently.  I am glad he can harass his wife at home, and not in the hospital ward.

Took some photos and videos today, but I probably will wait to get home to upload most of them.  Just easier that way, at this point.

Today's sad and interesting case was a young man of 19 who came in with his father.  He had a very severe thoracic left kypho-scoliosis with rotation.  It was really bad.  We described how surgery may be indicated, and why, and took a bunch of photos to send to the local ortho team that comes from Brazil the first week in September.  I'm hoping they will think they could tackle it.  The boy seemed very disappointed that we couldn't do anything for this, and I just kept thinking what a shame this hadn't been addressed earlier.  Not that it would have been correctible, but that he didn't have any intervention at all.

I'm trying to collate all my notes on the patients I've been seeing pretty regular for the team that's coming in next week, for continuity's sake.  Today I tackled all the inpatients, tomorrow I'm hoping to get through the outpatients.

Off for a quick stop at the guesthouse, then we are getting picked up for a visit to an orphanage for girls on the outskirts of Cayes.  It was started by a Haitian who was adopted and grew up in the States, but returned to Haiti as an adult.  It's very eco-friendly--built out of storage containers, solar power, garden for growing their own food--which is unique here.  The 21 girls are between 2 years and 16 years old, and from the pictures I've seen (one of the PTs here knows the couple that run it and have been visiting and helping out over the last 1.5 weeks) they are adorable.

I can't believe tomorrow's Wednesday, and this weekend I'll be home.  Crazy!

Tired, and satisfied

Today was another long Monday. The morning was crazy, but we made it
through and I felt happy to get back to the guesthouse by 5:30.

Rita got one of her two external fixators off last week, and after
some coaxing and cajoling took her first steps on her healed femur
(awful alignment, but adequate callous) and ex fixed opposite tibia
(good alignment but poor callous) since the earthquake. I could have
cried.

I also got a kiss goodbye from a sweet girl who was burned in the
earthquake after workin with her today. She had oil spill on her arm
and leg which then caught fire. Many of the usually interested
patients and family members seemed horrified by her arm burns. I think
she appreciated me not seeming to care, and that for her leg I played
follow the leader to get her to hop and skip and jump. It was nice to
see her smile and play a bit after being so serious when she had been
waiting.

Didn't get to redress the wound with the modified wound vac--the
patient pulled it all out last night! We were considering changing it
anyway, but she made that decision for us.

Tried to read a set of pelvic radiographs today, and was pleased I
didn't miss anything. Too bad with three visible fractures, a poor
central view, and the limited follow up available in homes here she
ended up being admitted.

Today begins the segregating of the dirty laundry, since I've hit the
point where I have enough clean things to make it through my trip.
Thing I'm glad I brought: sleep sack, headlamp, bandanas. Things I
didn't need to bring: tevas and flip flops, extra bug repellent, hat.
Things I wish I had brought: larger deodorant (travel size usually
works for 3 weeks, but not here, good thing Cheryl left hers for me
this week), another book to read (borrowed some ones, will need to buy
one for the flight home).

Worst news today...3 members of the group that left on Friday got sick
with this 'thing' and had to spend the night in Miami at the hospital
before makin it home! I am now thankful I got it last week and was
just sick for a day. No hospital, here or at home, and nothin too bad.
Whew!

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From lazy to crazy

Sunday started off slow...laundry, breakfast, reading some Frederick
Douglass, no real plans. Then I get a call from June (the clinic
director). She sick (I may have been the canary in, this case, the
clinic), she's got it bad and is going to the hospital for IV fluids
and phenergan.

I meet them there, and end up treating a patient by helping with a
jerry rigged wound vac set up on a ghastly sacral incision from
draining a cyst. (Ironically I had heard about the cyst draining from
Jeff who was here shadowing the docs and observing surgeries earlier
this week.) Wow was it a large wound and the lady had no pre-
medication and yelled and sang hymns really loud the whole time! They
use a fish tank filter apparatus to generate the suction, so while it
was hot, sweaty, and the main entertainment for anyone ambulatory in
the place, it was also very awesome. (Marvin took some pictures which
I will try to get my hands on later.)

Did get to spend some time chatting with June, and even got to
practice my IV drip skills (they don't have pumps here, just the
compression slide, gravity, and limb position to keep the IV
pumping). I also got to practice my French/Creole as all our patients
and even ones we aren't working with wanted to stop by and chat with
June, find out what was wrong, say hello, or otherwise she what was
going on.

She was feeling better when I headed out, just in time for the old
gentleman in the bed across from hers to die. Seriously. That family
was crying and screaming, and the orderlies were 'tres vite' in
getting him wrapped up and out of that bed. Again, everyone gathered
around his bed to see what was happening, even family members for
other patients and the more mobile other patients.

There's a strange lack of privacy in Haitian healthcare that still
shocks me. Everyone gathers around like medical or therapy
interventions are a public matter or form of community entertainment.
I still haven't gotten used to that, and today was certainly no
exception.

So...I'm back at the guesthouse, fed and showered. And exhusted.

Sent from my iPhone

Peaceful, quiet Saturday

Auspicious start to the day...the water pump was on the fritz this
morning. No running water--bucket of water for face washing and
toothbrushing, another bucket and ladle to use to get the toilet to
flush. I had anticipated three weeks of this, but had gotten spoiled
up until today. Needless to say, by this evening it was fixed and I
had a normal cold shower.

I ended up being alone for most of the day. The remaining missionary
group left this morning for their beach retreat until tomorrow night,
and the other couple here spent the day at a local orphanage. It seems
I'm not alone, as Christiana, one of that couple and a PT working with
me at the clinic, had the same illness I had. Bummer for her.
I took a few short walks around town, read a bunch (can't say enough
good things about 'Cutting for Stone', and thanks to Mom for forcing me
to take it with me), caught up on some journalling of my own, and
washed some clothes in the sink.

Not very exciting, but restful. Which after two weeks nearly non-stop,
being sick last week, and having one week left, was a welcome change.

Sent from my iPhone

I'm already waxing nostalgic

I had crafted a great entry, only to have my iPhone erase it without
sending, so here I go at recreating it...

I wish I had a way to share the sounds and smells. I'm out on the back
patio listening to the crickets, hearing the random rooster who
doesn't understand what time it is, the goats and the sheep, and the
neighbors dogs fighting. As for smells--the ever present smell of
cooking charcoal, fried foods, and that jungley wet smell from all the
rain.

I'm already thinking about how much I will miss all my patients and
coworkers. And to see such progress in such a short time!

I won't miss the regrets that I have daily about the tragic health
issues I've seen that would have been addressed so easily. I've got at
least 3 or 4 patients that would not be having healing problems (from
wounds and skin to fractures) if they had better nutrition and food.
Things that could be prevented if conditions here weren't so terrible.

I know how crazy this sounds but I know I'm coming back. There's such
a genuine need, the people are so gratious, and there's so much work
to do. And I'm finding it challenging and rewarding, and you know how
that always motivates me.

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Baby Doc's revenge?

I'm sick. Started at about 3 am. According to the CDC definition, it's
severe traveller's diarrhea. I prefer the name in giving it--Baby
Doc's revenge.

I stayed in and took my cipro, rested, tried staying hydrated. I
feel much better and my GI track has been cooperating since about 10
am. Had electrolyte gel for lunch, and graduated to a Sprite for
dinner. So far so good.

The other big excitement last night, before I fell ill, was that
Christiana went to her room after a late shower to find a huge
tarantula wedged between the window next to her bunk ans the screen.
Needless to say, she spent the night in my room. I'm just glad she
slept through me getting up and down to the bathroom all night.
I'm hoping I will be well enough to go to the clinic tomorrow, even if
it's just for the morning. I figure I've got all weekend to rest, but
I haven't made up my mind yet. Good thing it's the end of the week, so
I will have time to rest and recover before my last week here. That
and at least it's not the dengue.

Sent from my iPhone

Exhusted and saddened

Today was exhusting on all levels. I will admit I came home first of
everyone else primarily due to my fatigue and sadness.

Today, after treatment by the peds PT who is just here on Wed this
week, someone left their baby. Just left it. It was lunch, people were
in and out, it had been super busy all morning when we realized the
baby was there with no mom. We are taking her to the rehab center for
the night in hopes that someone can locate the family.

SonSon came in today for a follow up (he's the boy I saw last week
for a home visit). His braces fit worse, he had more sores on his legs
and bottom, and he was crawling with lice and scabies. He's adorable
and smart, but it was very difficult to take. We did adapt a better
wheelchair for him which he seemed to like, and took his picture which
he loves.

Then there was the new consult in inpatient, a 12 year old girl with
just about the worst case of pnemonia I've ever seen or felt. I did
some postural drainage, positioning, and percussion but she was so
tired from breathing she could barely cough. One of the other PTs was
going to find the visiting doctor to see her and try to fing the
missionary group's pediatrician to check on her. I was just so
mentally done I didn't stay to help her, mostly because I knew I would
lose it and be no help. Which makes me sad and proud at the same time.
Sad that I didn't have it in me to follow through, but proud I
acknowledged my limits and let someone help me (which I'm awful at
doing).

It felt right to walk home in the rain after today. I know I'm useful
and doing good work and helping people (my new patient from last week
here after a bad tibia fracture walked in today not using her crutch
and smiling), but I can see how it's easy to see all the suffering and
sadness here and miss or forget the good. I have to strive to find a
balance and remember the little successes along with the difficulties.
Easier said than done, I'm afraid.

Sent from my iPhone

Ok, I know I said before I liked the rain. Now not so much.

I'm such a complainer. I just wish we'd have a day with sun so my
clothes could get hung out and dry! Tomorrow starts the second half of
my trip with the first serious re-wearing of clothes. Please be dry
tomorrow!

This week is shaping up to be super busy...lots of return visits, 6
ladies staying at the short term rehab for amputations, the monthly
visit from the American surgeon at the hospital. Tomorrow we are also
having a pediatric clinic day for therapy since a few peds therapists
will be working with us.

I'm already getting nostalgic and realizing how much I will miss being
here when I come home. I had a patient I've seen everyday grab me and
give me a kiss today. She's a sweet 70-something year old (doesn't
know her age) who had a stroke last month and should be discharged
when I go home at the end of next week.

This trip has also reminde me how much French I've forgotten and how
much I miss working in the hospital. Two things I need to find more
time for when I get home.

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Long day

Today was a long day. There were 3 of us in the clinic today and we
were busy all day until nearly 4:30. Loads of interesting cases, but
by far the most unusal was a 6 month old girl with developmental delay
(minimal head control, no real trunk control, and loads of missed
milestones) who was born without patellas. We had photos from when she
was born and radiographs--her knees were bent the wrong direction!
Today we started to make her some splints, as she's now got much more
normal range of motion, and we are trying to see if the Brazilian
ortho surgeon who is in the area once a month can see her.
My stubborn yet hilarious teen with the non-healing foot surgery
looked better today. Still a lot of debriding, but I think one of the
three open areas on his foot is nearly healed and the other two are
looking better.

Still doing a lot of screening and some triage/education. Today
another lady presented with osteoarthritis. Not much I could do for
her, but she seemed to appreciate being examined and the basic
education for how to manage her knee pain, telling me God would bless
me for my hard work. Such small things I can provide, and everyone is
so happy to receive them. It's very humbling.

Sent from my iPhone

Sunday in Haiti

First things first...Haitians go all out on Sunday. Best clothes, best
hair, best food. They also have really long church services. Two hour
minimum at the Baptist church I went to this morning. The sing a lot
of sings, some in Creole and some in French, the hymnals have a
section for each language! I understood most of the songs (it helped
that I borrowed a hymnal and could read the words, you have to bring
your own the church doesn't have them in the pews) and some of the
sermon (at least until the preacher got excited and started using more
Creole).

I then was invited to lunch with one of the missionary groups at a
local missionaries house-we had pizza. Not bad, and since she's German
she had tuna pizza. Sounds gross but tastes like an open face tuna
melt on pizza crust.

Then we drove out to another beach in Port St. Louis. It threatened to
storm and was windy, but the ocean was warm and the waves were great
for body surfing. June was thoughtful enough to get me a beer when I
was in the water, so it was a restful afternoon.

Back to work at the clinic tomorrow. A PT who was here for 4 weeks in
April arrived last night and will be here with me for the next two
weeks. Should be fun!

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It's a cool 98 degrees, with thundershowers

Thanks to the thundershowers that started yesterday at about 3 pm, it
feels much cooler today. In that I'm not just sitting and sweating out
of control, but have to actually exert myself to bring it on. Not that
I'm doing much of that this first of my two weekends. So far i've had
two fantastic meals (the ladies that cook here are amazing, I've yet
to have anything less than stellar), had a restful nap, caught up on
writing in my journal, washed a few things in the sink, and read some
of the novel I brought with me.

The other groups now in the guesthouse include a building crew here to
put up 4 pre-fab houses and a group working at the local orphanage. It
seems to always be an interesting mix of people, which does help the
time fly. I will admit to missing Megan and Lauren already, but it was
nice to meet them and work with them even if it was just for a week.
One of the group leaders here was telling me how brave she thought I
was for coming by myself. I found that a little funny, especially
since I've travelled so much. She thought I meant domestic travel, so
I was telling her where I've been. Admittedly many of those were tour
group trips, which made me remember the first time I travelled by
myself overseas--the summer I turned 16 when I was an exchange student
in France. I wonder if that experience is what gave me the travel bug?
The storm seems to have passed and the temp is warming up. I'm going
to enjoy the porch, do some writing (I'm doing a short piece for Today
in PT when I return about my trip), and might wander around the
village of Simone to take more photos. Hope you are all having a great
weekend, too.

Sent from my iPhone

Slow Friday, plus rain

Today was overall slow aside from one busy patch in the mid morning. I
was back at the guesthouse before 3, which turned out to be a good
thing since there was a huge thunderstorm with tons of rain at about 4
pm that lasted nearly 2 hours. It did cool the air down a bit, so that
was nice.

Dinner tonight was amazing--beans and rice, marinated chicken, spicy
slaw, fried plantains, and homemade cinnamon sugar donuts for dessert.
The food overall has been great, even my daily peanut butter and jelly
sandwich I take to the clinic!

A few more people arrived tonight, so it should be hopping here for
the weekend. There's a chance I may be able to catch a ride to a
different beach on Sunday, if there's room in the truck.

I also added a few picture to the flickr feed of my view when I walk
to the clinic. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk and I meet
all kinds ID locals on the road. Today a young man on a motorbike
practiced his English on me, introducing himself and telling me where
he worked. He was also pleasantly surprised to find my French passible.

I'm hoping to keep the weekend busy, but also get some rest. Off to
see who is winning at BS (or to these missionaries, liar) now.

Sent from my iPhone

Thieves at the guesthouse!

We are going to the beach this afternoon, so this will be short.


The most unexpected thing happened yesterday.  The departing Christian missionary group (3 adults and 8 high schoolers) took a bunch of my toiletries out of the community bathroom.  The boys in the group were sharing the bathroom with me and the 2 students here.  The "rules" of this missionary guesthouse are that anything in the bathroom that's in a bag belongs to someone.  Which reminds me, they also took the mesh bag I had stuff in that velcros into my travel toiletry bag.  I'm still annoyed, if you can't tell. I hope the students see that group at the airport (there was a chance they would be there at the same time), because one of them said she would confront the boys about why they took our stuff out of the bathroom.  They also took the stuff people had left on the communal shelf with them, when it's left over stuff to use while you're at the guesthouse.  I'm happy I didn't have any of my toothpaste in there.

Getting into the swing of things?

Today went well. Moderately busy, but the day in both the clinic and
the hospital ended early. Dr. Hanks returned today and some visiting
PTs and a journalist are here to see what the Advantage Program is
doing.

We went on a home visit to see Cece, a seven yr old boy with
neurological problems who was abandoned at the hospital when he was 3
and adopted by a local family. He wasn't doing well, his wheelchair
was broken as were his leg braces (KAFOs). He also had a wound on his
toe and his bottom that will require he come to the clinic to be
debrided and bandaged.

I also got a tour of the small town where we are, Simone, and visited
the new rehab hospital space, the tiny home of one of the clinic
workers, and Dr. Hanks home. It was an exciting day (and I did upload
some photos to my flickr account).

Bug bite count = 4. Ha, one for each day I've been here!

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Today it was only 101

Slow day at the clinic, but again some very interesting cases. Lots of
people with lower limb amputation, some clearly ready for a prothesis.
There is a husband and wife couple who are prothestists here fron
Nicaragua for the year. And yesterday afternoon was exciting because
some long awaited plater of Paris arrived so they can start making
more prothetics.

The hospital is quite different, people stay much longer since often
homes aren't equiped for any disability. Also, the families are
responsible for providing food to their family member while they are
in the hospital.

Our clinic provides ongoing outpatient and inpatient care, and also
serves as a screening clinic for basic injuries. Yesterday I fitted a
wrist splint for a sprain and today screened a lady who fell for an
ankle sprain. I also provided education and exercises to a young lady
who had Bell's palsy.

Tomorrow should be busy with a lot of return visits. I'm dying for a
big thunder storm. There's been thunder and lightening for two nights
straight, but no rain. I really want some rain.

Sent from my iPhone

it's impossible to sweat this much

First day was great. Did some wound care, fit a splint, saw two
patients with a stroke, and a few other interesting cases. Our
translators are amazing, but I think Jonathan's going to push me to
practice my French more. Which makes him my hero.

Went up to the inpatient wards to be introduced and see a few
patients. Next week the orthopedic surgeon is coming so it should be
busier then.

Overall an exciting and interesting first day. And I'm so glad I came.
Even if I have sweated off 1/2 my body weight (and it's only 4:30 pm)!

Sent from my iPhone

Made it safe and sound

No strange occurrances, no lost bags, no out of the ordinary stuff.
Lots of waiting in the tiny regional airport, but I'm here in the
guesthouse and ready to go to work in the clinic tomorrow.

Port-au-Prince was eye opening. Didn't see much on the ground but on
my flight to Cayes had a food view. Even saw thebcollapsed
Presidential Palace. Too many tents, too much rubble.

I'm excited for tomorrow!

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!

trying to make three days seem both long and short, simultaneously

Today I got a great email from a colleague.  She's also a physical therapist, and an educator, who had been to Haiti earlier this year.  She wants to collaborate on something to help train Haitians to provide more rehab services, possibly involving our students, on a regular (probably annual) basis.  Wow.  What an opportunity that would be!  I'm excited by the prospects for the future, but was really floored when she used the word "transformative" to describe her experience.  It's been my secret hope, my unspoken wish, that this trip would provide something of that nature.  I haven't dared say it out loud, for fear of jinxing it, but that's really want I want.  An experience that can transform me, change me, shape me.  So here I am, saying it for anyone to read.  Putting it out there for all of you to know.  Because now, I've got something to live up to, and it's no tiny thing. 

Super thanks to Leah and Judy for their donations that will help fund my translation support (and employ locals for their translation services).

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)!

Donations complete!

You guys are amazing!  Thanks to Shelly and her donation, I've gotten my wish list of items donated by you.  I can't thank you enough!

Off to have a little cry of excitement and gratitude before I go out shopping for my final items!

One week, that's it!

That's right.  Seven days.  And I've only got 0.66 days of sponsorship left!  $20!

• Recent article on Advantage Haiti
• Recent blog from an independent reporter visiting Haiti

I don't know what to say to that blog writer.  Maybe so many volunteers you saw were affiliated with religious organizations because they've been in Haiti since before the earthquake, or they have the infrastructure to host volunteers.  I'm going to Les Cayes with a religious organization, but not because it's a religious organization, but because I agree with their purpose, they have been delivering rehab services in Haiti since 2001, and they are committed to staying in Haiti.  I didn't want to volunteer with an organization that was going to show up for a year (or even two) and then just leave.  I wanted the commitment. I wanted to be contributing to a solid organization.  The religious part, that just happened.

I'm venturing out on what will hopefully be my last shopping trip.  And I leave in a week.

My eternal thanks to Lo for giving again (another 1/3 of a day), Kathy (1 day), Arlene (1 day), and Megan on behalf of the Marymount DPT c/o 2011 (1 day) for their sponsorship. Thanks! So the magic number today is $20--only 0.66 days left for sponsorship. Hurry now! Use the PayPal link to the right!

They say more than 1000 words

I found this great slideshow of Haiti photos over at SFGate.com.  Powerful stuff. Great motivator.

I am really liking that the number of days left for sponsorship (3) is less than days until my departure (8). I honestly didn't think when I decided to ask for sponsors that I would even get half the trip sponsored.  Now I'm $90 away from having everything but airfare covered by a bunch of great people.  Thanks!

Extra thanks to Mona and Erin for picking up a day of sponsorship. Thanks! So the magic number today is 4--only 4 days left for sponsorship. Hurry now! 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/.

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/.

15 days left, prep time hitting the wall!

That's right.  Fifteen days left before I leave.  I'm hitting my usual 2 week panic window ("so much to do, so little time"), and I'm trying to keep my head straight.  It was great that I was in Boston at Annual Conference last week, because sharing my volunteer plans with friends I don't see often was energizing.  And it was also great to hear from some others who've been to Haiti, and not only from the "practical tips" standpoint, but from the exciting fact that all of them said they can't wait to go back.  Even the possibility of collaborating with someone on another trip after my return, if I'm interested.  Because there's nothing like word of mouth, and to see their enthusiasm and to watch their eyes light up when they talked about how special the people were, how much they felt there work there mattered, and how much work there is to do...that made it real.  In the best possible way!

And a huge thanks to Jim for putting me into the single digits for donations to sponsor a day of PT.  Nine days left for sponsorhsip, so hurry. And also some other less exciting things like taxes and insurance, for you responsible people who worry.

I'm still looking for sponsors! 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/.

The internets rule

Super big shout out and thanks to Lo for sending an awesome care

package for my trip. Crystal light, cliff bars, energy bars, vitamin
packets, q tips, pens and a pad of paper...just to list some of the
stuff she sent. And a big thanks to the power of the Internet, since
without it (and without fandom) I wouldn't "know" Lo at all.

Did I mention, 19 days until I leave!

Did I also mention, 1/2 of my 20 days are sponsored!  Only 10 days left to sponsor!

Sent from my iPhone

Jaded traveller?

I'm sitting in the airport in Boston trying to not be annoyed by a  
pack of apparent first-time high school travellers. I should be happy  
at their exuberance, pleased with their sense of adventure. But I'm  
tired and have blisters from walking lots, so I'm finding it a burden.  
But I'm trying.

I'm leaving in less than a month and I've got to get my headspace in a  
positive place for this trip. Because I know it's going to be much  
more challenging than these students!

Thanks to Lo for the remainder of one days sponsorship, and to Nina  
for sponsoring me for a day. I should also give Kristin a shout out  
for sharing my trip and this blog with Nina.

Sent from my iPhone

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/.

33 days, that can't be right?

Time has certainly gotten away from me.  Only 33 days until I leave for Haiti!

I've still got tons of prep work to do.  My students have set up a donation station outside my office, and so far I've got a pack of socks from my boss in there.  Best part, they also donated the great North Face bag to haul all the goodies! And the fees for the extra baggage--these guys thought of everything!

I'm still looking for sponsorship for 11 days of rehab work (at $30/day), some other small costs (evacuation insurance and departure taxes).  But you know what else I'm looking for, your positive vibes!  Leave me a reply here, or over at my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sharon.gorman) or over on my LiveJournal (http://slgorman.livejournal.com/).  Drop me a line, tell me I'm crazy, give me practical travel advice, or patient care advice (I know some of you are PTs or physicians).  Pump up my spirits, get me jazzed...heck, make me pause and consider how crazy this plan might just be.  But let me know you are thinking of me. Because the closer I get to my departure date, the more I'm thinking about all of you.  And how much your support, in all its myriad of forms, has meant to me.

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/. 

Added & Updated Props

Thanks to my hairdresser, Lisa, for supporting two days in Haiti! And
thanks to her for showing such kindness to the women and her daughter
who's car died in front of her salon. It is always nice to be reminded
how nice people can be to each other.

Inspiration really *is* all around, if you keep your eyes open

I keep looking for inspiration.  I know if I'm going to get to Haiti with the enthusiam and dedication I need to make the difference I'm hoping I can make, I need to stay motivated.  I need to remain inspired.  Especially while I do the mundane preparation (making lists, packing, paperwork, arranging a cat sitter).

Today, someone sent me a link to a blog for a completely un-Haiti-related reason.  It was work that got me there.  I glanced down to a previous blog post and saw this entry about being a bystander or making even a small difference.  I love how that story's been passed down the generations in that family, along with the coins. What we percieve a small matter, even as something just a hair bigger than indifference, is oftentimes percieved on the other end as kindness.  Or gratitude.  Your small attempt to make a difference can be huge to the person on the other end. And there it was, today's inspiration!

I'm making a choice.  A choice to try and make a difference.  Will it be small, will it be big--who knows?  But I'm choosing to not be a bystander.  And for today, that's enough.

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/. 

More on the Why

I keep getting the same question over and over, "Why are you going to Haiti?" And I'm at a loss for how to answer.  I don't like to toot my own horn. Yes, I LOVE to talk, but about myself?  Not really.  Or at least not without a hefty dose of self-deprecation, some kind of joke that I'm the butt of, something silly or funny.  But this question, so loaded with seriousness, so awesome is scope...well, I'm having a hard time coming up with an answer that isn't full of "ums" and "ohs" and plain old dead space.

So I was reading this post by Doc Gurley on sfgate.com this afternoon and it struck me.  The way she described altruism:

"Altruism, you could say, is a form of neurologic teleportation - you inhabit another person's senses and feel the world from their driver's seat. It is an amazing gift that's freely available to us all. But we must exercise it, or it, like any other neurologic function, will atrophy over time."

This is why I'm going.  This is my answer.

It's been almost 6 and a half years since my car accident.  The accident that literally changed my life, could have easily killed me and one of my dearest friends, and required I finally cut the cord and resign my physical therapy clinician position.  I still treat patients, a few here and there, Neuro Clinic with the students, my research does involve me functioning at least somewhat like a physical therapist...but quitting that hospital job was so hard for me.  Even though I'd put them off for at least 3 months after the accident to not schedule me, and my life was super hectic at the time with work and school responsibilities, and I knew I should use this as a good excuse (for lack of a better word) to get out of that commitment. And in these intervening 6 years I'm afraid I didn't have the opportunity to flex that altruistic muscle, ensure that I still knew how to transform myself (even if for a few moments) when I was with a patient to that other place where you get a momentary glimpse of what they are going through. And what if I was losing that.

This is one of the reasons I'm going.  Because I read stories about what's happening in so many places around the world, and in this story I can see myself being able to help.  Being able to play a small role and perhaps make a small difference.  And I want to exercise that feeling.  Give it a good, strong workout. 

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/.

More PT news out of Haiti, need still there (if not growing)

Great story about a PT volunteering with the same group I'm going with, Advantage Haiti:

http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/d19dec2a-5a57-11df-bd21-001cc4c002e0.html

Lots 'o links

Haiti's still in the news, thank goodness.  I saw Bill Clinton's still on TV ads trying to get people to keep donating.  And a few other links to stories:

CNN has a great piece about Sean Penn's on the ground struggles in Port-au-Prince. 

And while not a new post, Doc Gurley actually gets it! And her plea for therapy in Haiti was one of the motivating forces in getting me to volunteer.

Short video with a physician talking about the need for physical therapy after the earthquake and his perspective on the need for PT in Haiti.

Donation, Support, and Props Update:
Lo--1/2 a day of lodging+meals, with the possiblity of more thanks to the LiveJournal fundraiser.
Jessica--portion of departure tax, via the LiveJoural fundraiser.
Amanda--pledged one day lodging+meals, and is going back to NOLA next year as a project leader!
Andy--lent me his water filter to bring as a back up.
Thanks so much!  Don't forget, you can donate securely online via PayPal.  See the link over to the right-->

How to keep up the inspiration...just look around!

Heh.  I realized it's 69 days until I leave for Haiti.  So of course, must post.  Because I'm five years old.

I've gotten a big dose of inspiration lately from Kaiser's project in New Orleans.  A former student and friend of mine, Amanda, has been in NOLA for the last few weeks working on de-mold-ifying houses, building a playground and baseball diamond, and painting/moving supplies and equipment into a medical clinic.  She sent some great inspiring emails which have boosted my resolve and really got me excited about Haiti.  They've also made me incredibly sad that this type of work is still going on in New Orleans, a city I've been to and loved when I was there.  See more photos and testimonials and hear about the great things some great people are doing to help others right here in the USA. And a big thanks and shout out to Amanda and all the folks with Kaiser who are volunteering on this project!

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!

Money well spent

Props to Tom & Michelle who are getting me a newer, functional, lightweight head lamp!  Thanks! Props to Amanda, who's currently with a group from Kaiser in New Orleans helping to clean up houses, build playgrounds and baseball diamonds, and set up clinics.  It's been great to read your emails, and you're inspiring me to stay motivated for my trip to Haiti!  Lastly, I'm so excited that SMU DPT grads Kathy & Bryan will be going to Haiti in September to volunteer with AdvantageHaiti! Hopefully I can give you some good, practical advice when I get back!

I had an interesting conversation the other day about my trip.  I had just met these folks (a chiropractor and a massage therapist), and they were both genuinely excited that I was going to Haiti, but both of them didn't even know if anyone in their professions were on the ground there nor did they have any idea who they would contact to see if they could volunteer.  Now, I'm going to be completely upfront...I'm a big supporter and believer in professional organizations.  I'm a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and I'm actively involved. And this trip is one tiny example of why.

I found AdvantageHaiti through the APTA. That's right.  Only a few days after the earthquake, the APTA already had a page up with groups supported by or run by members who were working to provide physical therapy. In January, when the earthquake happened, I wasn't able to get out of work and other professional obligations, and thought it was nice of them to serve as a clearinghouse of information for people who could volunteer.  Once I realized my summer load would allow me to volunteer, I returned to that same information page on the APTA's website, and started my search for a program to volunteer with, and was happy to see the page had been periodically updated. Right there, my association dues at work! 

I wonder how many other needed volunteers have had trouble accessing the information they need to make an informed decision about how and when and with whom to volunteer because they aren't connected with their professional association, didn't think to use their professional association, or their associations don't provide this type of member service?  It also made me both proud and glad to be a member of my own professional association.  Well done, APTA.

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?

Going, just when the going gets good

[Please note: now accepting your generous support of donations via PayPal.  Link is to the right.]

Props to Reuben for sending me an email today reminding me I'm NOT insane for doing this.  Because I have moments.  I tend to be the type of person who mulls over an idea for a while, and then suddenly decides to jump in head first.  It's not really as impulsive as it may look to outsiders, the mulling is pretty substantial and prolonged, but when I jump I'm all in.  This was one of those decisions.

I do have concerns or doubts, even with the excessive amount of positive support and adrenaline this plan has sparked.  From this silly and self-centered (Malarone will be required, and it gives me funky dreams after about 10 days), to the serious and scary (the Frontline on Haiti 6 weeks after the quake was an eye opener).  But fluctuating feelings is a by-product of being human, and only because I'm so excited and emotionally invested is this even the case.

Funny enough, on what probably sounds like an unrelated note, I found this piece about Mt. St. Mary's College in LA to give me pause.  I've always tried to volunteer (with all those years in Girls Scouts when I was younger, followed by Semper Comites in high school), but I wonder how much of a different person I might be if I hadn't stepped out of the box and done the unexpected and attended the Mount?  Would I be the kind of person planning for a "Haiti Birthday?"*  Would I be doing this, now?  Would I even be considering it?  I'd like to think I would, but honestly I can't say with certainty if that would be the case. 



Well, on other fronts...I'll be away for the next week.  I know, bad planning.  Start this up, just to ditch ship for a week.  Oh well, life isn't always what you plan, sometimes it's just what happens.  I'm off for what I hope is a well deserved vacation in sunny Mazatlan.** I'll be sure to bring back some stories of that trip to post here, as well as some photo updates.  Have a great week, and thanks in advance for your support!

*tm Andy (I told you I was stealing that, just too hilarious!)
** which is in Mexico, in case you didn't know (and yes, I'm looking at you, Jim)

Ask and you shall receive...who knew?

OMG.  You guys!  Who knew asking could go so well?

So far, not 5 hours after the shameless pandering and pulling of heart strings began...

1. Andy's got me covered on the $100 iPhone solar charger.  And a promise of sticks and tweezers to deal with parasites (ha!).
2. Reuben has stepped up to cover both the overnight Miami hotel AND my taxi transfers in Port-au-Prince.  Awesome!
3. An LJ friend, Lo, is going to coordinate a fanfic-athon over on LJ.  That's right.  Some fanfic authors will donate their fic-creating genius at your request for a donation! How great is that?

And to help get around the messy "mail a stranger a check" thing--donate via PayPal!  It's online, it's secure, it takes your donation in multiple ways.  See the clicky link over to the right.

Shameless Shilling Begins

That's right. I'm asking for your help. This three week adventure to Haiti won't pay for itself, so I'm...well, for lack of a better word...begging.

How to help:

• Donate some money to me directly to help pay for my room and board, taxi fare to shuttle between airports in Port-au-Prince, help me buy a solar charger for my iPhone, or help cover the overnight stay I need in Miami.  Any donation, no matter how small, will be treasured.
• Donate to the Advantage Program (secure online donations, or print a form), the group I'm volunteering with.

When* I get donations, I'll be adding a sponsor blogroll.  That's right, see your name on the Interwebs!

Read long version, for all the juicy details (including where to send any donations).  I'll be crossing items off this list as they are funded.

And thanks in advance!

*I'm such a negative nelly.  The first incarnation of this had "If I get donations..."  Edited to reflect my lame attempt at staying positive.

Because who doesn't dream of a 40th birthday bash in Haiti?

New adventure, new blog.  This one's all about travel. Why, where, when, and sometimes how.

What inspired yet another foray into the ridiculously overcrowded blogosphere*?  I'm going to Haiti in slightly less than 3 months.  Yes, you heard that right...Haiti.  I've decided that without grad school to blame, I had no valid excuse for not getting off my backside and doing something I've been tossing around in my head for awhile, namely voluteer overseas as a physical therapist.

I leave on July 10th, and plan on returning on July 31st.  So my 40th birthday will be spent in Les Cayes, Haiti. 

I'll post more details, include shilling for donations and taking you up help to make this happen, in the upcoming days and weeks.  But I wanted to get in the groove.  I'll also probably migrate some good travel posts from other locations, and update my flickr feed with more recent trip photos. 

In the mean time, welcome and enjoy.

*And in case you were wondering, it did feel just as stupid to type blogosphere as it feels to say it. The more you know.