ALIVE AND WELL IN LEOGANE!
I've finally made it to Haiti! I've been here for a couple of days and I'm still getting settled into my new home, the HODR Basecamp. Sorry I wasn't able to update this blog sooner. Internet access is very limited because of a bandwidth restriction and there being over 70 people in camp. First off, I'd want everyone to know that conditions in Haiti are indescribable. I get the feeling that was the case even before the quake, but the quake related devastation is hard to accept. It is a slap in the face, for sure! Base camp is primitive (Just the way I like it), but luxury compared to the average Haitian. Still, the people of Haiti seem to be going about their lives the best they can, the only thing they've ever been able to do.We have about 70 people in camp now. People from all around the world. Everyone is super motivated and endlessly inspired by the Haitian people. At the moment, HODR is managing about 8 projects in Leogane. Rubble Clearing, Hospital Inventory, Designing and Building Temporary Shelters, etc. I've spent the last two days in the rubble! We are clearing a home site so that a local family can begin to rebuild. The work is very rewarding. With the help of many locals, including so many great kids and a few Mango trees, it is easy to forget the trauma that Leogane has experienced. In large part because the Haitian people are so resilient and capable themselves while remaining so thankful for the help that the World has offered. If you're having a bad day you should be so lucky to see a Haitian smile!
I'd like to once again say THANK YOU to all of the donors and everyone who has offered well wishes or has otherwise donated to Haiti. The need here is so, so great! Between the great work that I am privileged to be a part of, to all the fantastic people I've met in camp and in town, this will, undoubtedly, be one of the greatest experiences of my life! I Thank You and Haiti Thanks You!
Rich Palatino
Project Leogane Volunteer
March 16 - April 7, 2010
BTW, it's HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!
Here are a few pictures. I've taken so many, but with the bandwidth situation and to be fair to everyone, I'll have to share them with you after I return.
