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Wendy Blog 1 – It takes a village to raise a child
It takes a village to raise a child. In the same way, it takes a village to send a doctor to Haiti.
My departure is not solely about a skill set and a willingness to go. It has happened because I am surrounded by caring and compassionate people who have been generous with their time and energy to accommodate my plans.
I have been anxious to leave since the earthquake struck. It is too painful to passively watch the images on TV and on the internet. I have, for the last few weeks, been full of frustrated energy.
So when the call came, my ‘village’ scrambled into action. Administrators werebusy looking for doctors to replace me during my absence. Colleagues agreed to fill in, despite everyone’s already overloaded schedule. Hospitals offered equipment; nurses voiced support. Friends and family helped run errands, supervised last-minute shopping, reviewed lists so I wouldn’t forget anything. It was a lot of inconvenience, but I heard nothing except expressions of goodwill.
So I recognize how lucky I am that I can pull up and respond to an emergency on short notice. I’m thankful.
Looking ahead, it’s hard not be nervous. It’s unclear exactly what my role is; the situation is constantly changing. The team is huge. Accommodations are said to be basic. And Port-au-Prince, of course, is drastically changed since last I saw it.