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January 2006
This was my first year with the Healing Art Missions. I originally
learned of the organization through my friend Bess whose volunteer work
with HAM I have always admired. Until this year, I was never able to
join a mission with HAM due to school obligations. This year, however,
I was fortunate to have time and resources to volunteer as a medical
assistant.
On January 7th, I left Seattle alone and joined the Ohio team (that I
had never met) at the airport in Miami. The team included a wonderful
group of six women, affectionately known as “The Hens”. I had never
before met a group of more loving and dedicated women than this.
Thanks to careful planning by Dr. Karaffa and our contacts in Haiti, our
journey from Miami to our base in Croix des Bouquets was virtually
effortless. The next two days, the Hens and I settled into our
accommodations and attended church services in Dumay, where the clinic
is located. After the service, Dr. Karaffa led us to the clinic where
we would spend the next four days providing patient care.
In hindsight, the freedom, independence and faith I was given by Dr.
Karaffa was remarkable. I was properly trained for each function I
performed at the clinic, but the experience tested my ability to perform
confidently and independently. At the hospital where I work in Seattle,
I perform directly under the supervision of nurses and physicians. Due
to the volume of patients at the clinic, I often performed my duties
alone.
Armed with a bag of candy and small toys, I gave antibiotic injections
to sick children. With an eclectic combination of wound care supplies,
I cleaned and dressed dime-sized infections and third degree burns.
Because of the shortage of large gloves, I often performed my duties
with one hand, which challenged my ability to conserve resources. The
work was always varied and fun, and the direct patient care was
incredibly rewarding.
While working on a cast for a young girl, the patient’s mother asked me
if I was a Christian. I answered, “My father is Catholic and my mother
is Buddhist. I fall somewhere in the middle.” I did not admit to her
that I have occasional agnostic tendencies.
She smiled and said, “Well, when I meet the Lord, I will tell Him of the
work you have done for my daughter.” That single comment was payment
for all of my service in Haiti and shall humble me for eternity.
There were so many times during this trip when I felt terrible for all
the indulgences and luxuries I have ever taken for granted. This was
particularly true during our daily excursions on the bus to the clinic.
The poverty and unrest around us was shocking.
As an American and a son of loving parents, I will always have
nourishment, hope and a feeling of safety. Many Haitians I met were
lucky to have even one of these qualities. During my time in Haiti, I
observed the HAM team providing comfort and love to patients and other
people we met along the way. I am certain that our presence distracted
them from the suffering the country is now enduring.
If you find yourself reading this before attending an HAM auction or
before sending a contribution, please donate generously and know that
every dollar you give nourishes, heals and restores hope.
Thank you for reading.
Ben Ly
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