September team reporting for duty!

We have arrived and the clinic is running. My name is Brendan and this is my
first trip to Haiti. My job is to assist the medical staff and blog. Keep checking back for information and pictures.

 Having no prior experience gives me the confidence to state that this is the best FOTCOH team of which I have been apart. Each member is personable and professional. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to serve with people for whom the years of experience have not diminished their enthusiasm.
 
I heard that our team is smaller than we had hope. This fact has not diminished our spirit. While I wish there were more staff to provide the sorely needed help, I am looking forward to forming friendships with a close-knit group.
 
I have had my eyes wide-open since we departed from Miami early Monday morning. I was fortunate enough to get a window seat for both the flight from Miami to Port-au-Prince and from Port-au-Prince to Jacmel. I was mesmerized by the spectacular aerial view of rural Haiti. I was dumbfounded by the Jacmel airport that was little more than a concrete runway. To be fair, it is under construction.
 
FOTCOH HQ is fully function thanks in part to the help of local Haitians. It is a pleasure to work along side people invested in the betterment of their community. In addition to assisting the medical staff, they have taken on the responsibility of teaching me Haitian Creole (or kreyòl ayisyen).
 
Pharmacist Bob Hoy remarked, “For the first day [Tuesday 9/7/09] ran very smoothly”. Other experienced FOTCOHers report being pleased with the quantity and quality of care being provided by a small number of volunteers. Even the weather is more pleasant than anticipated.

- Brendan Sullivan

See related video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjlZXxRk3LU