Our first day in Haiti was quite busy. The majority of the day was spent picking up the team from the airport and adjusting to our new living arrangements. We were surprised but pleased about our posh accomodations. The team mentally prepared for tents and a remote water source. Instead, we learned we would share the lovely home of the church pastor, Pierre Avril.
Kudos to the UNA of Chicago for an excellent work done! Many people received treatments and would have probably died from their illnesses outside the work of this team. I offer everyone my heartfelt thanks for saving these lives.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I would suggest this team sharpens its human relations’ skills prior to its next visit to Haiti. It is true the Haitian people are poor; I assure you, nonetheless, their self-esteem is not. A group of local nurses and security personnel who had to leave their children at home to help with your project was not even fed and asked to leave for raising concern. Many of them felt disrespected and dishonored as they were offered twenty-five US dollars for their long week of work. In fact, one particular helper got two US dollars for working the generator for a whole week. These are people whose only misfortune is that they homeland has been violated by nature vis-à-vis a terrible earthquake. They are people with courage, prestige and self-esteem.
If you’re coming to help a people in crisis, please take the time to first love them. You may find out your love is the best care you can provide.