Preparing for my trip to Haiti was daunting. I knew I wouldn't have a local Walgreen's or Target to drop by for anything I forgot. I also wanted to bring supplies to help the people. Operation Smile set up a google group where we could exchange emails and information with people who had been to Haiti and who were currently there. I learned important things from these emails like "Leave the food line after the beans and rice.... what comes next are the sardines." I also found out that the people needed shoes (flip flops were the easiest to bring), soap, lotions, underwear and that the children and teenagers were bored and needed activities.
So I spent the night before I left for Haiti at Target and Walmart buying supplies to bring. I realized that my luggage was a major asset in helping the people of Haiti. I could bring a good amount of supplies and ensure that they make it to the people who need them. I brought plenty of Uno cards and other playing cards (I knew my Hardy family members would be proud!).
The most touching part of my preparation for Haiti came when I was at work the day before I left. One of my patients is a beautiful woman in her early 20's. She comes to the pediatric cancer clinic because she has a childhood cancer and therefore we can treat it. Our clinic is much more accommodating to schedules than the adult clinics so she has chosen to switch to our clinic. She has been fighting a terrible type of cancer for years and recently found out it has spread extensively. She is recently engaged and is now trying some trial medications. I told her I would not be around for a couple of weeks and she asked where I was going and what I was doing. After I told her she did not even pause before asking "What can I do? What do they need there?" I smiled and told her "Oh you don't need to do anything." She asked if I was bringing any supplies and I said yes. She then looked me right in the eye and said, "You need to give me the opportunity to give. You need to let me do this. I want to do something to help the people there, so please let me."
As soon as she was done with her chemotherapy infusion she went to the store with her boyfriend and came back with a bag full of flipflops and underwear. She said, "I know it isn't a lot, but I am a student. Thank you for letting me do this." She gave me a hug and wished me luck. I learned so much from this. First, you can either pity yourself and your situation in life, or you can find ways to serve others and realize how much you have. Second, service is not a matter of convenience. It is a part of who a person is. And finally, that there are so many wonderful people in this world. This is a lesson I would continue to learn throughout my experience.
Bringing the joy of cards to Haiti
