Matt Turkington in Haiti
Matt Turkington, one of our Information Technology team staff members, is blogging about his experience as a Medical Teams International staff person on the ground in Haiti. Matt is helping with the technology and communications systems necessary so that MTI's teams can communicate what is needed next in Haiti.
Following are excerpts from Matt's personal blog:
Florida
January 27, 2010 | Wednesday
While I’m thankful I generally adjust to new places quickly, I’m also worried about forgetting too quickly. There’s so much need down there, and there will be for so long. I don’t want to leave that behind, however busy my life gets with “normal” stuff. We, as Americans, forget so quickly. I saw it after Katrina, the tsunami, and I’m sure it will happen here. In a few more weeks, it won’t be on the news anymore. And the giving will slow down. But the work will continue and the need will be just as real. Please don’t forget Haiti. More...
Transitions
January 26, 2010 | Tuesday
I’ll have to write at least one more post in summary, once I’ve had a few minutes to sit and reflect. What I can say now is that the Haitian people are amazing. Their spirit is indomitable. Despite the terrible things in this country – and THEN the earthquake – they have nothing but joy. Every morning and evening we hear them singing joyous songs. They smile. They are so grateful and thankful. It seems there’s nothing that could happen to break their spirit. It’s been a surreal experience to be surrounded by the combination of such terrible destruction and such unquenchable joy.
The Haitian pastor who has been caring for us shared these words tonight:
“Thank you very much. You not only bring the medication with you, but you bring yourselves. Bring yourselves to experience this life, to experience this event, to experience this nation. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers. And continue to keep the joy of the Lord, obey Him, and keep your eyes on Him.” More...
Troops
January 26, 2010 | Tuesday
The really cool thing is that we had a new anesthesia machine coming in, but we couldn’t get it to the hospital. It’s too sensitive for the “road” going to the hospital. It came in on a USAID flight, and was stuck at the hospital. Somehow, the folks there got hooked up with the Canadian Air Force and loaded in a sling attached to one of their helicopters. In they flew, like a majestic maple leaf on the breeze, towing our precious machine. They descended to a few feet above the roof and set it down. More...
Another Story
January 24, 2010 | Sunday
He told me how people stop him in the airport and around town and thank him for his service, calling him a hero. But now, working with us, he knows what heroes really are. Everyone down here helping the Haitians get back on their feet is a hero. He was expecting to come back here to bury his mother, but now she’s alive and well. More...
About That Time
January 22, 2010 | Friday
We feel a couple tremors a day, but nothing has turned into a real earthquake yet. That’s good, but the Haitians are still terrified to go in buildings. And it makes us a little edgy too. A constant reminder that everything could break loose at any time. More...
Airport
January 21, 2010 | Thursday
The work the doctors are doing is incredible. So many lives literally saved. The surgeons are booked up most of the day with back-to-back surgeries. We have some amazing orthopedic surgeons that providing critical care. There have been some sad cases of people beyond our care, and we’re working on finding ways to medevac them... I’m having a great time with the team. They’re all very friendly and we laugh a lot. Also getting to know my Medical Teams International coworkers much better. More...
Another Day in Haiti
January 20, 2010 | Wednesday
The Haitians are amazing people to watch. This morning, they gathered outside the hospital, laying hands on it and praying loudly for safety. Every night, groups are found sitting outside singing and praying. There is so much hope and joy, despite such sorrow and loss. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else. More...