I just got off the phone with Chris, she sounded very excited and had a lot to say in a short period of time. In a Blog post last night I asked people to post comments if they have any questions and I received some from Caroline and have some answers to those plus more.
Today was their first day of seeing patients. The hospital they are at (Adventist) is known as Base Camp and that is where they head out from each day to treat patients. There are several teams of medical personnel working out of there and they organize in the morning into teams, get supplies and then head out to treat patients. Base Camp received power and running water today, so that is good news.
The headed out around 11:15 and came back after 4 PM. They want them all back by 5 PM, it is not safe for them all to be out after that time.
Chris said that everyone there is basically homeless at this point, everything is destroyed. It is as if she was dropped into the middle of a bombed out war zone. Yet she said everyone is very nice and friendly. She said she was walking with supplies and a little boy just came up and held her hand, smiled at her and walked with her to where she was going. She was very touched by that.
She said the team she was on today treated about 300 people. Infections, cuts, amputations, whatever comes they deal with it. Everyone is working like they are doctors, we didn't talk for a long time but it sounds like whatever someone is comfortable doing they just do. She seemed terrifically happy to be able to do what she did today, she said it felt like a calling.
She did mention that when they were organizing this morning they were looking for a nurse volunteer to go out with a search and rescue team because the other day someone was still pulled out alive. Victoria volunteered to do that and apparently it was grueling and sad. They were digging through rubble and all they recovered were 3 victims and it was hard to deal with.
They are providing them with one meal in the evening, she said she was very hungry after a long day of constant patient traffic. The rest of the day they are on their own for food, and of course she has 200 bars so she should be fine! I also sent her with a water chlorination and filtration kit so if they are not providing bottled water for them during the day she can make her own and keep it in a bottle for herself.
She did sleep very well last night after the long journey so she was well rested for the day. The base camp is secure and she feels relatively safe in the environment where they are. I reminded her to be vigilant on the mosquito protection, even though she is in a tent, hopefully she is.
Sounds like around 3:30 - 4:00 PM PST is when I'll hear from her through out the duration of her working in the clinics. If she's able to charge more frequently now that the base camp has power, we may talk more.
She said people are taking lots of pictures, so upon their return we'll try to get them up here or send links to them to share. As I come across them (like Michelle's from her cell phone) I will post them.
I'm going to try to give Michelle direct access to post photos to the blog as Chris from her phone, we'll see if that works.
And if there are more questions, please leave them in the comments and I'll do what I can to get answers.
Friday, January 29, 2010
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Kenny, you, Deuce, and all her team are in our thoughts and prayers. God's blessings to all of them on their very difficult "calling". Marly and Jim.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for doing this blog. It's nice to know that they are safe. If you can, give them hugs over the phone for me.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
Yes, Thanks you Chrispy's hubby for doing this blog. You are the best! Do we know how they are holding up emotionaally? I am so glad they all have each other..... Hang in there guys.... You are making us all so very proud!!!!
ReplyDeleteKim
@Kim, I can tell you it is tough for them but getting connectivity and hearing the outpouring of support is uplifting for them. Her co-worker was on a search and rescue team today to help them, and to quote the other Chris from Facebook, "she saw things no human should see" during that trip. I heard the story and I can't imagine how someone deals with that sort of things and my heart goes out to them all.
ReplyDeleteHi Ken! Please tell Chris and her team that we will continue to keep them in our thought and prayers. I am glad to hear she is safe and doing well and making a difference in Haiti.
ReplyDeleteGeri