Child Health in the Caribbean

People often travel to the Dominican Republic or, especially, to Haiti on “mission trips.” In our case, we were the beneficiaries, the recipients of people’s generosity, hospitality, and kindness, the ones whose lives were touched and improved by our encounters on the island of Hispaniola. While it is true that our travels were physically challenging (rutted dirt roads, mountains, heat, mosquitos, UN soldiers at the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti), it is also true that we experienced moments of great joy, insight, humor, and deep personal connection with people whose lives were both remarkably different and yet remarkably similar to our own.

It is not easy to see a small child in an intensive care ward who is suffering terribly from tuberculosis and AIDS, and who may not live out the week. It is not easy to understand how some of us are blessed with abundance, good health, and supportive families, while others in places like Haiti or the Dominican Republic (or even Albion, Michigan) struggle with hunger, disease, abandonment, or abuse. Asking questions about what we are called to do, about our values and priorities in the face of the very real, persistent poverty of so many of those with whom we share this planet, is a complicated, difficult task.

There is a Haitian proverb that says “Little by little, the bird builds it nest.” My impression from the Albion College students and staff who shared in this journey with International Child Care and the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic is that our trip allowed us to see how progress is possible, however gradual it might be. An eight-day trip doesn’t build a whole nest, but it is a start in the process of gaining insight and building relationships that can enrich and connect us all.

Tom Hunsdorfer

Today we had a delicious breakfast…Cheese omelettes and cinnamon rolls! The joy of having such good food was a little offset by the fact that we had barely slept the night before. The roosters start crowing around two in the morning and NEVER stop. It’s especially irritating when the dogs start howling too (they actually sound like demented monsters).

Anyway, after plenty of coffee we headed over to Wings of Hope, a home for mentally and physically challenged children. Unlike the other sites we have visited, the residents remain at Wings of hope for the remainder of their lives. The children we very happy to see us. We spent about 45 minutes playing with the children and taking photos (we found out that they think cameras are very amusing).

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and getting to know the boys at St. Josephs. In the evening the boys performed for us in their “Dance Theatre”. They are all remarkable dancers and their were three excellent drummers as well. The best part of the performance was when Soni, one of the residents of Wings of hope, performed a special dance for us. Before his performance we were told Soni’s story. He had once been a victim of severe cerbrial palsy, unable to leave his bed. With the help the the boys at St. Josephs, however, Soni had learned to walk and eventually dance as well. Today he performs all over the world. After the show, the younger members of our roup played cards and holo2 with the boys before going to bed. All in all, it was another fun filled day.

Mary Robey