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
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