Arrival

I would hope that anyone reading this has some idea as to my plans and goals in the short time I'll be just south of Miami . . . I'll do my best to keep my writing somewhat organized, but for anyone who has had a long conversation with me should know that's hoping for a lot.

It was about a year and a half ago that I made the decision to come back to Haiti to help maybe make some difference in the OSAPO Roussou clinic.  I discussed it with my family, close friends and colleagues, and of course had almost nothing but support.  After having a long discussion with my friend Sapna on one of my many trips to Seattle, she inquired as to whether or not I had read the book 'Mountains beyond Mountains,' a biography about the founder of Partner's In Health, Mr. Paul Farmer. This was one of the very few books that I actually read from cover to cover during residency.  I'm sure that some of you are familiar with it.  Now, there is a stronger connection to my trip coming up . . . I promise.

August 7, 2013 . . . I had just gotten on the plane headed for Haiti.  I was a ball full of emotions (fear, excitement, exhaustion, among many others).  I checked my phone one last time for any messages as I knew we would be taking off soon, and I had received a text from Sandra notifying me that Mr. Paul Farmer himself was on the same flight as me.  I almost cried . . . just from the shear explosion of too many emotions at once.  It somehow made some of my fear disappear in a way that is difficult to explain.  I was on the same plane as a legend . . . a medical missionary celebrity.  I didn't even see him until we were off the plane.  He and his two colleagues were sitting right across from me as we were waiting in the back room, where missionaries and other 'special' people now get to go upon arriving to Haiti.  Sandra tried to encourage me to introduce myself to him, but I did not want to disturb him.  I did eavesdrop on their conversation . . . I felt like I had somehow found myself in the novel of Dr. Paul that  had so greatly illustrated his life's work.

I had texted Sapna prior to leaving the states, telling her that Paul Farmer was on my flight to Haiti, asking if she thought that was a good omen for my trip . . . indeed I can only hope that is the case.