-
Donna Richtsmeier’s reflection
What an eye and heart opener!
Why did I travel to Bouzy, Haiti? About a year after my husband Bob passed away, I learned SJTW needed nurses to help in the local clinic in Bouzy. Yes, I was retired; I still wanted to travel to see the world, so I signed up. That was my 1st visit in 2009.
Why did I choose to go back 4 more times? The PEOPLE! I experienced their generosity! They housed us, cooked and feed us, even though they don’t have much for housing, food or wealth.
Would we sit in a small, packed room ALL DAY just to see a see a doctor to treat their variety of diagnosis; even without food nor water? They do! They are so grateful for our parish’s donations of medicines, pay for the teachers, and buckets with filters to obtain clean water.
They amaze me. They might have a home with a dirt floor but come to church in their Sunday best white dresses to attend the usual 3 hour mass with everyone singing.
I am so proud to help bring our parish donations. The teachers get paid a meager salary to teach the children. I have seen the number of young attending school increase. They may not have a soccer ball, but they find something, like an empty water bottle and the game is on once classes are over for the day. Even the preschoolers come with homemade red and white dresses and slacks. We also supplied some playground equipment to put outside in the schoolyard.
The village is small; church, parish house, grade school, preschool, and some homes along one rocky road that branches out in 2 directions to the mountains. Their means of transportation is walking, and a few motorcycles for those who can afford them. The only cars seen were our vans hired from Port au Prince to bring us there.
One memory- A farmer (work usually done with a spade and hoe), came walking into the clinic mid-day. He had a diabetic history; blood sugar was 505! (usual is 80-120). Untreated high blood sugars, a common problem in Haiti, can cause damage to organs, blood vessels and nerves and increase risk of heart attack and stroke. He had not had breakfast; last meal was the day before. He was a sugar beet farmer. That was his only choice of food. He should have been on insulin; but it is not available, nor do they have refrigeration to store it. He was also not taking diabetes pills because the clinic was out of stock the last time he came in to the village. We were at least able to treat him with some medication.
Bonjou Bouzy(Good Morning)
Five trips to Bouzy as part of St. Joe's medical team brought me a lot of insight, familiarity and lasting memories. Bouzy comes alive in darkness around 2:30 with the roosters. There's no 'sleeping in'. It's still dark when I entered the church for daily Mass, but I was always greeted with hugs, cheek kisses, and about twenty singing (women's) Creole voices. In the old St. Catherine's church I saw the sun shine through every crack in the walls (new ones appeared every year). What is the new church like?
After Mass Fr. Claude walked to the school next door. He's was still in his alb as he greeted the students and offered a prayer with them. They recited the pledge to the Haitian flag. These older kids were wearing their peach and brown colored uniforms. Additional grades have been added through the years allowing more teachers and students to advance further in their studies. Women are outside cooking a meal for the students because of a new food program, so all were promised a nutritious meal.
The kindergarten was across the street (3, 4, and 5 year old kids) who were dressed in their red and white plaid uniforms. They were playful, happy and somewhat shy. Some were on the playground (built by St. Joe's). Classes were much larger here – hope for the future. Breakfast was being prepared in the street for these kids too. What about now?
Walking out in the street again Bouzy has come alive. Small markets (candy and produce) line the street with a larger 'market' at the end of the road. Motorcycles, a few cars, many walkers, the tooting of horns fill the air. Kids carrying water in buckets from the well add to the street life. The sun is bright. The rains haven't started yet. I was comfortable there. The fortunate are those who have 'a place to go' in the mornings. There are not enough jobs. Many kids have not been enrolled in school because their parents couldn't afford the tuition. What's it like now?
I crossed the street to the clinic. Every seat in the waiting room was filled with patients waiting to see our doctors, and some would wait the entire day for their turn. The dispensary was filled with medication (from St. Joe's and the World Health Organization) to help meet their medical needs. There would be a clean water project update later in the day. What about now?
Bouzy has been a 'gift' to my life. Our fifteen year involvement shows the commitment and generosity St. Joe's has made to St. Catherine's and all of Bouzy. It has been reciprocated. They need us now more than ever!
Donna Hirschman
Here are my quick thoughts on our relationship to Bouzy
Once in a while you get an opportunity to do something that leaves you changed for the rest of your life. Going to Bouzy is like that. If you have ever traveled outside of your comfort zone, locally or internationally, you quickly realize how blessed you are. I was fortunate to visit Bouzy twice (2009 & 2011) and meet our Haitian brothers and sisters in person. I visited the schools and chapels near and around Bouzy and learned how important education is to them as a gateway to improving their lives. I helped in the dispensary by refilling the depleted shelves and visiting with those seeking treatment. I learned how critical clean water is to improve their health and how desperate they were for a new well. What I remember most though was hanging out with the children, watching the ladies in the kitchen preparing delicious food, meeting the local leaders to learn about their needs and meeting the people of the village who greeted us with joy and kindness. We celebrated and worshipped together; it felt like family. I formed enduring friendships with my fellow travelers. The Haitian culture is rich with vibrant art and music, family and community. This is reflected in their relationship with God. Despite all the challenges they face, they are steadfast in their faith. I was amazed at their resilience and their ability to trust in the Lord. They showed me how to let go and let God. They taught me how to further our relationship by growing in love and mutual respect.
Lucy Nichols