Seeing Max in person…..

Yesterday the Board of Directors gathered at Trinity College in Hartford to welcome Max, to hear his first hand account of what is happening and to strategize about the future. Max made his way out Haiti on Friday on an Army transport to Florida, was bussed to the Orlando airport and then got a ticket to Hartford arriving midnight on Saturday morning with only the clothes on his back. He plans on returning to Haiti today through the Dominica Republic.

Everyone was thrilled to see him, embrace him and listen to him. It was too much for him to explain in any great detail the devastation the earthquake has caused. But his enthusiasm returned in his narration of what Hospice St. Joseph is already doing on the ground and what he would like to see happen in the future. While EVERYONE is sleeping outside, the community is pulling together, groups are organizing, contacts are being made, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS). He feels that the neighborhood needs Hospice more than ever and he is committed to leading. When asked about a mass exodus from Port-au-Prince, he said thousands of people are still in Christ Roi and feels even if they go, they will return quickly as the provinces had NO services at all for people. And Port-au-Prince is where the food is – that will be a major reason people will return.

Life in Christ Roi is starting to revive slowly. He is concerned about children coming into the yard to be seen by the medical team – they are presenting with diarrhea and vomiting – sure signs that the water they are drinking is contaminated. A second wave of death as a result of the earthquake is in the making if diseases like cholera, malaria, typhoid take hold.

The medical team on the ground reports that there is NOWHERE for people in Christ Roi to get medical care right now. If you need a simple amputation, you can get that, but otherwise, nothing. Today (Sunday) some of the team will rest while others go out again into the neighborhood. They have been working non-stop.

I can’t repeat enough how impressed we all are with Max’s leadership ability, his know-how to get things done in Haiti and his determination to be of service. The Board of Directors along with Bishop Cote, Diocese of Norwich, fully supports his efforts and remain committed to Hospice St. Joseph for the long haul.

We will keep you informed of the specific plans of the Board soon.

Peace,
Sue