June 15, 2010:
Hello my dear friends. Unbelievably our time here has come to completion and we are preparing to leave Haiti. Erick is driving us to the airport @ 6:30am tomorrow. I will land in ABQ @ 8 pm tomorrow evening (Wed.). I could almost fly back on my own energy, my heart is so full. When I’m home in Santa Fe I will look forward to sharing more thoughts and stories about my experiences here.
Right now my soul is singing a quote from Abraham … "Every time you praise something, every time you appreciate something, every time you feel good about something, you are telling the universe: More of this please. More of this!"
Oh, a short note about voodoo. According to Erick, "Vodou - many different spellings - should be folkloric. It is truly a Creole religion." While here in Haiti I did not have a chance to explore it.
We spent most of today in the coolness and quiet of the mountains. The change of space and pace were wonderful as we could totally appreciate mother earth and her great devotion to all living beings. We were so refreshed by her beauty and strength. The shifts she is making and the shifts that we, the people she gives life to, are also making have much in common. May people everywhere support each other and may we all support our dear mother earth.
As I settle for the night, my thoughts move between the contrasts of “home” and “Haiti.” Yet, all is truly the same for people everywhere – the desire for a life that offers love, safety, home, family, friends and a life of happiness and good work. Our differences are only on the surface, yes.
Much love to all, Laurence
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief: To Make a Good Life
June 14, 2010:
Matthew 25 House is a house of hospitality for the Parish Twinning Program of the Americas and has been in Haiti for more than 30 years. The focus of the house changed on January 12 when it became a medical triage, surgical and medical follow up care center in the soccer field next door. The soccer field next door housed 2000 people in every type of tent, many of whom required constant medical care. Matthew 25 became a center for many small NGO's. Sister Mary's (Director, Matthew 25 House) skepticism changed to the realization of what relief the acupuncturist groups have provided to the make shift camps over the last 5 months.
I had a chance to interview Jean Michelet Bonitor, Director of the Computer Science department at the university. According to him, Haiti has no future. The different governments have sustained such continued corruption that Haitians have nothing and the country is falling apart. Huge foreign financial help does arrive in Haiti, but none is distributed to the general population, the people in most need. He stated that the greatest help Haiti could ever receive is to be taken over by a foreign government! Wow, I only run into happy looking students on campus. These 20 yr old students are pursuing their dreams to be doctors, teachers... Life is life... and to make a good life they need dreams, and a way to make dreams come true.
I am so happy to be a bridge to everyone I come across in Haiti. There is nothing more powerful than connecting one to one. And I am so grateful for the amazing and loving support that showered over me during my preparation in Santa Fe. It has made this all possible. The gratitude for this outpouring of love and service will live in these people’s hearts for their lifetime. It's not over yet ... my work will go on. To be an inspiration for others to open their heart and let joy fill it in is a passion that I will continue to pursue.
Big hugs and huge thanks for caring so much.
Much love to you. xo, Laurence
Matthew 25 House is a house of hospitality for the Parish Twinning Program of the Americas and has been in Haiti for more than 30 years. The focus of the house changed on January 12 when it became a medical triage, surgical and medical follow up care center in the soccer field next door. The soccer field next door housed 2000 people in every type of tent, many of whom required constant medical care. Matthew 25 became a center for many small NGO's. Sister Mary's (Director, Matthew 25 House) skepticism changed to the realization of what relief the acupuncturist groups have provided to the make shift camps over the last 5 months.
I had a chance to interview Jean Michelet Bonitor, Director of the Computer Science department at the university. According to him, Haiti has no future. The different governments have sustained such continued corruption that Haitians have nothing and the country is falling apart. Huge foreign financial help does arrive in Haiti, but none is distributed to the general population, the people in most need. He stated that the greatest help Haiti could ever receive is to be taken over by a foreign government! Wow, I only run into happy looking students on campus. These 20 yr old students are pursuing their dreams to be doctors, teachers... Life is life... and to make a good life they need dreams, and a way to make dreams come true.
I am so happy to be a bridge to everyone I come across in Haiti. There is nothing more powerful than connecting one to one. And I am so grateful for the amazing and loving support that showered over me during my preparation in Santa Fe. It has made this all possible. The gratitude for this outpouring of love and service will live in these people’s hearts for their lifetime. It's not over yet ... my work will go on. To be an inspiration for others to open their heart and let joy fill it in is a passion that I will continue to pursue.
Big hugs and huge thanks for caring so much.
Much love to you. xo, Laurence
Haiti Earthquake Relief: Buttering the Sky
June 13, 2010 / Day 5, Late Evening
Slipping on my shoes
Boiling water
Toasting bread
Buttering the sky
That should be enough
Contact with God
To make anyone crazy
- Hafiz
It's been a magical and mysterious day. Hafiz would love it! Not aware of any voodoo practiced on our team-lol, but waves of 4 to 5 church people were chanting and praying out loud in striking Sunday clothes in the hospital wards of the internal medicine for the whole time we were treating today. All in Creole, quite poetic, straight from a old plantation era movie!
The hospital is a constant high energy center of activity and chatter! One might even say this place is chaotic and nuts – lots of locals suffering and not getting real attention. We are giving them some care that seems to soar their spirits. Hard to tell at times. The occasional big grin on their face is contagious.
We finished our shift early and got back to our apartment to rest and pamper ourselves, first with a meal of delicacies such as rice, onions, peas, crackers and French brie with a dessert of Starbucks ice cream. Yum! I do very much miss having greens!! This feast was followed by relaxing and needling each other.
I am doing really great. Early mornings are the best in Erick's lush and verdant courtyard. During the day it’s quite hot and humid.
Have to stop. Much Love and kisses, Laurence
Slipping on my shoes
Boiling water
Toasting bread
Buttering the sky
That should be enough
Contact with God
To make anyone crazy
- Hafiz
It's been a magical and mysterious day. Hafiz would love it! Not aware of any voodoo practiced on our team-lol, but waves of 4 to 5 church people were chanting and praying out loud in striking Sunday clothes in the hospital wards of the internal medicine for the whole time we were treating today. All in Creole, quite poetic, straight from a old plantation era movie!
The hospital is a constant high energy center of activity and chatter! One might even say this place is chaotic and nuts – lots of locals suffering and not getting real attention. We are giving them some care that seems to soar their spirits. Hard to tell at times. The occasional big grin on their face is contagious.
We finished our shift early and got back to our apartment to rest and pamper ourselves, first with a meal of delicacies such as rice, onions, peas, crackers and French brie with a dessert of Starbucks ice cream. Yum! I do very much miss having greens!! This feast was followed by relaxing and needling each other.
I am doing really great. Early mornings are the best in Erick's lush and verdant courtyard. During the day it’s quite hot and humid.
Have to stop. Much Love and kisses, Laurence
Haiti Earthquake Relief: Finding Hope in Long Term Challenges
June 13, 2010 / Day 5
Erick, our 70 yr old driver and host knows his city and country. We are departing at 7 am today to get near the epicenter of the earthquake: The city of Leogane that was quite hard hit. Traffic is back being crazy and chaotic, but our chauffeur is awesome at keeping us safe on the roads. He can manage with "elegance" the incredibly crowded, semi-impassible roadways! Where is this crowd coming from? Thousands of people are already wandering in the streets. There's no better place than right here. Lines of vendors are shouting out about their goods... The city is definitely awake and in full swing for the day.
It's hard to find out what's going on in the minds of most Haitians as they are in a sense quiet. They will hardly ever express feelings or emotions. A long drive along what used to be beautiful beaches, but is now demolished, unattractive coast line, takes us from PAP to our 1st stop called Mon P'tit Village, an encampment of thousands of people. Life seems pretty good here! Many responded that they are doing nothing all day long, currently watching the world cup and playing games. Small children attend school in a tent. The older ones take the bus to town as the schools are open. This tent city does not seem problematic at all. The people there have found a new family and are not in a rush to leave the camp, which may possibly create conflict later on. Big blue tents of 10-12 sittings, clean water and 2 daily meals cover life’s top survival priorities for now. The rainy season is coming...
We treated over 60 people, children included, at this venue. Our work is well received. I sincerely feel the contribution I am making to the recovery of this country. It may take years to help educate and lift Haiti from its endemic misery, but we are here now at this most horrendous time and things are moving.
Off we go to our next stop, HODR, Hands On Disaster Relief, further in into Leogane. Volunteers come from all over the world to help. They are set up with bunk beds, food, showers, toilets and internet space. They continue to help clean up the rubble from the homes and buildings that are 80 to 90% destroyed. The destruction still looks like a bomb just went off and wrecked the whole city. HODR said things are changing. They are working so hard every day, but are enjoying themselves and the experience is life-changing. Activity is soaring in each street.
Have to go! XXOO Laurence
Erick, our 70 yr old driver and host knows his city and country. We are departing at 7 am today to get near the epicenter of the earthquake: The city of Leogane that was quite hard hit. Traffic is back being crazy and chaotic, but our chauffeur is awesome at keeping us safe on the roads. He can manage with "elegance" the incredibly crowded, semi-impassible roadways! Where is this crowd coming from? Thousands of people are already wandering in the streets. There's no better place than right here. Lines of vendors are shouting out about their goods... The city is definitely awake and in full swing for the day.
It's hard to find out what's going on in the minds of most Haitians as they are in a sense quiet. They will hardly ever express feelings or emotions. A long drive along what used to be beautiful beaches, but is now demolished, unattractive coast line, takes us from PAP to our 1st stop called Mon P'tit Village, an encampment of thousands of people. Life seems pretty good here! Many responded that they are doing nothing all day long, currently watching the world cup and playing games. Small children attend school in a tent. The older ones take the bus to town as the schools are open. This tent city does not seem problematic at all. The people there have found a new family and are not in a rush to leave the camp, which may possibly create conflict later on. Big blue tents of 10-12 sittings, clean water and 2 daily meals cover life’s top survival priorities for now. The rainy season is coming...
We treated over 60 people, children included, at this venue. Our work is well received. I sincerely feel the contribution I am making to the recovery of this country. It may take years to help educate and lift Haiti from its endemic misery, but we are here now at this most horrendous time and things are moving.
Off we go to our next stop, HODR, Hands On Disaster Relief, further in into Leogane. Volunteers come from all over the world to help. They are set up with bunk beds, food, showers, toilets and internet space. They continue to help clean up the rubble from the homes and buildings that are 80 to 90% destroyed. The destruction still looks like a bomb just went off and wrecked the whole city. HODR said things are changing. They are working so hard every day, but are enjoying themselves and the experience is life-changing. Activity is soaring in each street.
Have to go! XXOO Laurence
Friday, June 11, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief: Support For Volunteers
June 11, 2010:
Dear Friends, today we were welcomed @ the International Red Cross in PAP where we treated most of the industrious staff. The auricular protocol used involved placement of 2-5 sterile and disposable needles in the outer surface of the ear. This method lets us treat multiple clients simultaneously as they are seated comfortably (clothes on). This method is most excellent to reduce stress, tension, anxiety, sadness and insomnia. In addition it helps with trauma withdrawal symptoms and general pain symptoms and to improve mental clarity and focus. The clinical setup requirements include several chairs set up in a comfortable location.
This procedure gives us great flexibility in location and number of patients treated. Today we recorded 70 people who received our acupuncture care, which truly made our day! Even these volunteers, after many days of giving long hours of service, need help to sustain them.
Also exciting to me is the students' eagerness to sign up for the upcoming auricular protocol training next month. They are concerned with those suffering inland. The skill of this simple needling technique has potential to help many thousands of people suffering trauma from the earthquake.
Time to lie down supine! Tomorrow’s venue requires a 3 hour drive...with a very early start.
Sweet dreams my friends,
Laurence
Thank you for continuing your loving donations. Our progress can be seen on the fund raising thermometer which you can visit on my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also make donations from that page.
Dear Friends, today we were welcomed @ the International Red Cross in PAP where we treated most of the industrious staff. The auricular protocol used involved placement of 2-5 sterile and disposable needles in the outer surface of the ear. This method lets us treat multiple clients simultaneously as they are seated comfortably (clothes on). This method is most excellent to reduce stress, tension, anxiety, sadness and insomnia. In addition it helps with trauma withdrawal symptoms and general pain symptoms and to improve mental clarity and focus. The clinical setup requirements include several chairs set up in a comfortable location.
This procedure gives us great flexibility in location and number of patients treated. Today we recorded 70 people who received our acupuncture care, which truly made our day! Even these volunteers, after many days of giving long hours of service, need help to sustain them.
Also exciting to me is the students' eagerness to sign up for the upcoming auricular protocol training next month. They are concerned with those suffering inland. The skill of this simple needling technique has potential to help many thousands of people suffering trauma from the earthquake.
Time to lie down supine! Tomorrow’s venue requires a 3 hour drive...with a very early start.
Sweet dreams my friends,
Laurence
Thank you for continuing your loving donations. Our progress can be seen on the fund raising thermometer which you can visit on my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also make donations from that page.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief: 1,500 Displaced People Still Living In Tents
June 10, 2010:
Hello my friends. On our third day in Haiti our team treated over 60 people among the 1,500 who were displaced and who are still living in a tent camp. This camp was set up on the grounds adjoining a Catholic mission after the earthquake: Matthew 25 House. "What you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me." This area used to be a soccer field and sister Mary, the director of the mission, wants it back so badly for the children.
Much help is needed here, especially educators and vocational trainers, to help rebuild the homes, the jobs and the lives of the 1,500 Haitians who live on the soccer field. It's been five months now since the earthquake, and there is tremendous need for the whole country.
Much love to you all for making this trip possible. The Haitian people so appreciate the presence of the volunteers and the outpouring of support. I feel that I am the one being gifted by being here.
Thank you for checking in to see what is happening here and how your kind donations are doing so much good.
It's time to rest for the night.
Much love and sleep well,
Laurence
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also donate from that page.
Blog Link:
http://holisticmedicinenow.blogspot.com
Hello my friends. On our third day in Haiti our team treated over 60 people among the 1,500 who were displaced and who are still living in a tent camp. This camp was set up on the grounds adjoining a Catholic mission after the earthquake: Matthew 25 House. "What you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me." This area used to be a soccer field and sister Mary, the director of the mission, wants it back so badly for the children.
Much help is needed here, especially educators and vocational trainers, to help rebuild the homes, the jobs and the lives of the 1,500 Haitians who live on the soccer field. It's been five months now since the earthquake, and there is tremendous need for the whole country.
Much love to you all for making this trip possible. The Haitian people so appreciate the presence of the volunteers and the outpouring of support. I feel that I am the one being gifted by being here.
Thank you for checking in to see what is happening here and how your kind donations are doing so much good.
It's time to rest for the night.
Much love and sleep well,
Laurence
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also donate from that page.
Blog Link:
http://holisticmedicinenow.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief: Many Smiles and Rewards Today!
June 9, 2010
General Hospital -
It’s our first day of treating people in Haiti. After hours stuck in the traffic, with fumes, dust, lurching over rutted roads, our team of acupuncturists, Colleen, Cynthia, Sarah and I, finally arrived at the general hospital of Port au Prince by noon.
Through everything I am always amazed at the courtesy of all the drivers. Erick, our personal driver, helped us immensely in our interaction with Haitians at the General Hospital in the department of Internal Medicine.
During our 5 hour shift I questioned just how much we were actually offering to these injured people. Their humility and laughter, as I started to extend myself with them, were my rewards. I saw how my genuine interest in each patient’s story helped me to so easily release my own self-absorbed stress. I left the hospital -- yes, sweaty and drained, but also so excited!
Much love and thanks to you all,
Laurence Lebreton
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also donate from that page.
Blog Link:
http://holisticmedicinenow.blogspot.com
General Hospital -
It’s our first day of treating people in Haiti. After hours stuck in the traffic, with fumes, dust, lurching over rutted roads, our team of acupuncturists, Colleen, Cynthia, Sarah and I, finally arrived at the general hospital of Port au Prince by noon.
Through everything I am always amazed at the courtesy of all the drivers. Erick, our personal driver, helped us immensely in our interaction with Haitians at the General Hospital in the department of Internal Medicine.
During our 5 hour shift I questioned just how much we were actually offering to these injured people. Their humility and laughter, as I started to extend myself with them, were my rewards. I saw how my genuine interest in each patient’s story helped me to so easily release my own self-absorbed stress. I left the hospital -- yes, sweaty and drained, but also so excited!
Much love and thanks to you all,
Laurence Lebreton
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also donate from that page.
Blog Link:
http://holisticmedicinenow.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief: Arrived in Haiti - Our Work Begins Tomorrow!
June 8, 2010:
We have been in Haiti for 3 hours. Landed on time. We are patiently waiting for Erick, our driver, who appears to be stuck in traffic. The airport is teeming with people....locals waiting to help. First impression is welcoming. People are friendly ..... Definitely scrambling for money. High humidity.
The team is doing well and is quite enthusiastic. Our work will begin tomorrow. We can't wait.
I will try to send a message each day to share the experience of being here with the people. Please forward my blog to others who want to know what is happening here in Haiti and who wish to support the people here. Your kindness is much appreciated.
Much love and thanks,
Laurence Lebreton
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also donate from that page.
Blog Link:
http://holisticmedicinenow.blogspot.com
We have been in Haiti for 3 hours. Landed on time. We are patiently waiting for Erick, our driver, who appears to be stuck in traffic. The airport is teeming with people....locals waiting to help. First impression is welcoming. People are friendly ..... Definitely scrambling for money. High humidity.
The team is doing well and is quite enthusiastic. Our work will begin tomorrow. We can't wait.
I will try to send a message each day to share the experience of being here with the people. Please forward my blog to others who want to know what is happening here in Haiti and who wish to support the people here. Your kindness is much appreciated.
Much love and thanks,
Laurence Lebreton
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page. You can also donate from that page.
Blog Link:
http://holisticmedicinenow.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Relief: Ready, Set, Soon to go!!!
Haiti Earthquake Relief: Ready, Set, Soon to go!!!
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.
The taxi's waiting outside my door.
Already I'm so excited I could fly!
As I prepare for this journey in service to the people of Haiti, I think of everyone who has, and is, showing up to support me in this. My heartfelt thanks to each of you. We are making a conscious choice to make a positive difference in the world. I am so proud of all of us, my heart is singing!
I've packed 4 outfits, 7 mangos, 3 lbs of grapes and my snack bars - with chocolate, of course!!!
Monday and Tuesday I will be traveling and I'll land in Haiti on Tuesday night. I will hopefully find a Blackberry to send a post. Be sure to keep checking back for an update.
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page.
Much love,
Laurence
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.
The taxi's waiting outside my door.
Already I'm so excited I could fly!
As I prepare for this journey in service to the people of Haiti, I think of everyone who has, and is, showing up to support me in this. My heartfelt thanks to each of you. We are making a conscious choice to make a positive difference in the world. I am so proud of all of us, my heart is singing!
I've packed 4 outfits, 7 mangos, 3 lbs of grapes and my snack bars - with chocolate, of course!!!
Monday and Tuesday I will be traveling and I'll land in Haiti on Tuesday night. I will hopefully find a Blackberry to send a post. Be sure to keep checking back for an update.
I continue to accept your loving donations. To see the fundraising thermometer progress, you can visit my Haiti Relief effort page.
Much love,
Laurence
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