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Service Learning in Haiti

By Sherry Payne posted Sun May 01,2011 10:32 AM

  
I am a graduate student and nurse educator headed to Haiti next month for the third time since the January 12, 2010 earthquake.  I went the first time with a team of other healthcare professionals hosted by a relief agency to work in clinics and maternity hospitals in March of 2010.  I went the second time to lead a team of my nursing students, hosted by an international relief organization in October of 2010.  This time I plan to go alone as the guest of a Haitian healthcare professional that I met on a previous trip.  I will live and work in a maternity clinic, serving in the community of Leogone, Haiti- 2 hours outside of the capital city of Port au Prince.  I will leave May 20th.  Since my first trip, I have become involved with the local Haitian community here in my city.  They have assisted with my fundraisers, I have made donations to their organization, I have learned Haitian Creole from them and I have made good friends.  The Haitians are lovely people.  The beauty of the people and of the land cannot be diminished by extreme poverty or natural devastation.  I have come to love both the land and its people and hope service trips to Haiti will always be a part of my professional development.  If you would like to read more about my trips to Haiti, you can find stories of my adventures on my maternal infant health blog: http://laborpayneepistles.blogspot.com  or on my trip website: http://operationhaiti.webs.com  Please email me if you would like to make a donation to this work.
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Comments

Sherry Payne
Mon May 16,2011 12:32 PM

How lovely to hear from others who have been and appreciate the experience. I am knee-deep right now collecting donations from hospitals, pharmacies, and well wishers. I am so excited to be returning to Haiti. I long to see those mountains in the distance as the plane pulls onto the runway. I can't wait to see my 'Haitian family' some of whom will meet me at the airport for a quick visit before I head off to Leogone for the week. I have been hard at work practicing my Kreyol and look forward to actually conversing with patients this time. The icining on the cake will be to assist with some deliveries and observe the beauty of the Haitian women as they give birth. Thanks LB and HW for your lovely well wishes.

LB Wong
Mon May 16,2011 12:14 PM

I know that love, too. I have been to Haiti twice this year and absolutely am in my ultimate happiness when I am there. I was treating cholera both times, and there was just nothing better than sitting on the "beds" of the patients, rubbing their feet, and singing Christian songs in English-Creole! Enjoy your time!

Heather Whaley
Fri May 06,2011 02:52 PM

I know the love of which you speak! I have been to Haiti on a medical mission trip and am returning in July. I am so excited that you get to spend more time there. It is humbling and such a blessing to be able to share your gifts with them. My thoughts are with you and I wish you the best in your journey. I will be following you!