The following blog post was written by Holly Balsbaugh, a participant on UUSC's recent medical trip to Haiti, April 11–16.

It is so difficult to express in words the stories behind each image and experience of our time in Haiti. There were histories of tragedy and violence, despair and hope, blessings and prayers. Haiti challenges me in extremes and contrasts.

We spent three days at a successful Haitian nongovernmental organization (NGO) the Association for the Promotion of Integral Family Healthcare (APROSIFA), which offers a wide variety of services. The organization supports a health clinic with lab, nutrition and feeding center for children, pharmacy, family planning, midwifery prenatal evaluations, gynecological exams, an afterschool program, artists' mentorship, and more. 

We set up a makeshift clinic with triage and intake by fellow participant Judy, followed by a medical assessment. We offered prescriptions, as available in the limited pharmacy, comfort measures to treat upper respiratory infections, and basic hygiene to prevent rashes and other skin conditions. We saw some really sick kids the second day, some with conditions amenable to limited intervention and others for whom the needed evaluations were not available or prohibitively expensive. There seemed to be many physical manifestations caused by trauma and grief — the medicine for which was participant Emmy Lou's "basket of love." With many encounters, the most we could offer was support and encouragement to struggling parents.

Meanwhile, other team members conducted workshops and education sessions on various subjects. Linda, the psychologist, and Emily, a nurse, held a trauma-relief and stress-reduction workshop for three days in a row at APROSIFA. They used art, movement, and voice to encourage the women to express their feelings. The response was fantastic: it sounded like a rock concert with all the singing, dancing, and laughing going on. Even vendors on the street who heard the excitement through the windows were asking if they could join in the next day. Brian and Kathy held seminars on various sensitive subjects, including family planning, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and facts about other communicable diseases. They created an open discussion and, after some initial hesitation, the participants opened up, sharing personal stories and asking thoughtful questions. 

On the fourth day, we visited another long-standing Haitian NGO, the Commission of Women Victims for Victims (known by its Haitian acronym KOFAVIV), which was developed as a campaign to stop violence against women. Unfortunately, violence against women and children is a significant issue in Haitian culture, and the presence the camps for internally displaced people and tent cities has only perpetuated the problem. The sensitive and challenging nature of KOFAVIV's work was immediately palpable. With a government struggling to provide even the most fundamental services of food and sanitation to its people, the lack resources is a ongoing challenge for their cause.

The stories from our day at KOFAVIV were harrowing. Without any laboratory testing or medicines, our ability to treat their health needs was extremely limited. Again, many of their physical complaints seemed related the trauma they had endured. The reality in Haiti is that the day-to-day struggle to survive takes precedence over being able to work through and process the psychological consequences of their experiences. We listened, through the sensitive and compassionate work of the expert translators, to the stories of women and children who had been violated. Some of them told stories of unimaginable horror, and we were brought to tears more than once just listening. Sensing my own powerlessness to help them in their situation, I could not even begin to imagine the fear and grief that continues to haunt them. But the strength and courage of these women and KOFAVIV's work to support them helped to keep me going. 

Our final day at Camp Oasis offered a much welcome contrast to the seriousness of the previous day. It started with delicious lunch buffet and fascinating meeting with Lionel, a U.S.-educated Haitian businessman. He offered a brief history of Haiti and described some of the attitudes and policies, both domestic and from abroad, that have contributed to the current situation in Haiti. After the earthquake, as he witnessed the suffering of so many Haitians, Lionel felt compelled to take action. His grand vision is to reform the education system by creating school campuses in every province that offer shelter, food, supplies, education, training, safety, and support to Haitian children. But every dream has to start somewhere. Forty of the most vulnerable female orphans from the camps were identified to pilot the project. A piece of land was donated, a camp "mother" brought in, and the young girls ages 4–18, who had been living on the streets, were brought to Camp Oasis. They are now living in tents and have schooling that's paid for, food to put in their bellies, and a safe place to rest their heads at night. Construction of a dormitory and bathrooms with flush toilets and running water was well under way. The girls were eager to make friends, draw pictures, and play games, and we all exchanged many hugs before the day was over.

The following blog post was written by Jessica York, a participant in UUSC's first medical trip to Haiti, April 11–16, 2011.

Sitting at the table of Le Plaza Hotel, in Port-au-Prince, are the participants of the UUSC's first medical trip to Haiti. For some, this is the second day; for others, the third or more. For me, it is the first evening on the island. "The lights go out twice every day — once at night and once in the morning," I am told. Sure enough, they go out for a minute at dinner. We chuckle.

The next morning, I am preparing to brush my teeth and the lights go out. Alone, this time, I am struck by how much I depend on things in my life being consistent. When I lose electricity at home, I am irritated. I will be here for several days, and I know I will not let a little inconsistency intrude upon my experience. I ask myself, "What is consistent in the life of Haitians?"

In the afternoon, I sit with a dozen Haitian women in Linda's workshop. The women draw pictures and share the things that make them angry. Rubble and trash in the street. A son who is difficult. Not being able to find a house to live in. A child kicked out in the streets by its family.

They draw what makes them feel good, happy, strong. They draw their hopes and dreams. Finding a better job. Their families. Mosaic tiles, purchased long ago for a kitchen floor, yet not able to be laid. A changed Haiti. A united Haiti.   

It only takes a day for me to see: what is consistent for Haitians is the same as what is consistent for me. We are frustrated by bad situations we feel powerless to repair. We are buoyed by beauty, love, feeling good about our abilities, working together to create something greater than we could create alone.

The Haitians understand when consistency is needed and when it is an illusion. I want to help keep the lights on, yes, and I want to work even more for a united Haiti.

The following blog post was written by Judy Graham, a participant on UUSC's first medical trip to Haiti,  about the group's visit to the site of the Commission of Women Victims for Victims (known by its Haitian acronym KOFAVIV) on Thursday, April 14, 2011.

Today we traveled to KOFAVIV. This is a group of strong, beautiful women who came together in 2004 to help one another deal with the horrors they had experienced. How wonderful that this organization exists to help address the increasing violence against women that has occurred since the earthquake!

We saw over 40 women and children who waited patiently in line for hours to receive perhaps the only medical care they have had in many months or longer. Their needs are overwhelming.

It was a difficult day for us because we heard stories of unbelievable horror, like that of the 57-year-old woman who was raped and beaten along with her 18-year-old daughter two days after the earthquake. Her daughter became pregnant; her husband was dragged away and murdered. Since that time, she has suffered from multiple problems, including heart disease.

During this long day, often the only things we could offer were listening, affirmations, a warm touch, and perhaps a packet of Tylenol for ubiquitous headaches.

It amazed us to hear that in 2010 KOFAVIV dealt with 459 cases of sexual violence, but that only 70 have gone to trial. There were no convictions. Still, hope does exist. KOFAVIV has 50 women agents who live and work in the tent camps, and they are in the process of training men to help as well. KOFAVIV will soon have a doctor and nurse on staff who will be qualified to issue the "certificate of rape" necessary for convictions.

It was a long day, but one I'll never forget. My heart and support will remain in Haiti, and I hope to return soon. Although I am only one person, I may be able to touch a few lives — and there are many others here touching lives as well.

The following blog post was written by Kathy Glatz, participant in UUSC's first medical trip to Haiti, about their last full day on the ground.

Friday was our day at Camp Oasis, an orphanage for 40 girls ages 4–19. While they are still living in tents, their property is walled, gated, and guarded, and they all attend school. Natasha, a translator who was there when they returned from school, said they all immediately changed out of uniforms and into play clothes (just like I did as a kid!). I got to teach about 10 girls over age 16 about family planning and sexually transmitted diseases.

We sat on floor of a new dorm room (which UUSC helped to finance) as carpenters put on roof overhead. These men are very young, and you could feel the hormones raging between them and my audience! (The director Lionel always makes sure he's in camp prior to sunset to escort the carpenters out of camp.) The girls had some knowledge of birth control and, in fact, sang the "Condom Song," which includes directions for use! (I wish I knew of a song like that here.)

The girls asked many questions — not only about health but also about moral and spiritual beliefs (like "Are Christians allowed to use condoms?") several times. They asked a tough question: "At what age?" Nichole, MeriClaude (our awesome translator), and I emphasized that your body is yours and talked about a range of things: that you end up with the children, how having children affects finishing education, the emotional aspect of readiness, and "no means no."

Finally, one girl asked, "What will the first time be like?" They were asking me something that most girls have moms to tell them! But I am so privileged that they trusted me. I paused, then emphasized the importance of gentleness when two people who care for each other make love. As I answered their questions, I was saddened at life's unfairness. But, even so, this was the best day to end our service with.

I want to find a book, like the one my daughter and I explored when she started asking questions about sex, in Spanish and Creole (or French, if unavailable) to send to orphanages. This topic shouldn't just be an hour-and-a-half discussion — it needs to be an ongoing conversation between orphans and caregivers.

The following blog post was written by Jessica York, a participant in UUSC's first medical trip to Haiti, April 11–16, during the first days on the ground.

The day before I left for Port-au-Prince, someone asked me what I was going to do on a medical trip. You may be wondering the same: is a religious educator of value in the examining room? Caught short, my mumbled reply probably involved passing out meds, taking temperatures, and holding babies. The real reason I am one of the 11 U.S. participants in UUSC's medical trip is to gather information and experience.  You see, I have the good fortune of working with UUSC to produce a curriculum for communities to learn about UUSC's work in Haiti and how to get involved.

The resources will give UUs a glimpse into the world of this Caribbean nation, a country with an epic history, vibrant culture, courageous heroes, and, yes, great injustices. This trip will give me an opportunity to experience firsthand that which I desire to pass on through the curriculum.

I am excited about the project. My hope is that, through it, UU communities will better understand the work of UUSC in general and their work in Haiti in particular. The curriculum will include workshops for youth and adults, activities for children and religious professionals, and worship materials. It will include information for volunteers in Haiti and hopefully will inspire even more people to consider participating in such a transformative experience.

But first, I wanted to participate. I wanted to see with my own eyes what I would be encouraging others to experience. Through the generosity of a grant from the Veatch program at UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, N.Y., and the coordinating geniuses at UUSC, I am fortunate enough to do just that.

I look forward to sharing with you my experiences as I view Haiti with the eyes of a religious educator, as a Unitarian Universalist lover of justice, and as a fellow member of the human race.

The following post, written by Evan Seitz, UUSC's associate for experiential learning and youth services, was written Friday morning about the medical trip's Thursday visit to KOFAVIV (Komisyon Fanm Viktim pou Viktim, which translates to the Commission of Women Victims for Victims).

At KOFAVIV, discouragement is not an option. I was seated in an airy conference room with two of KOFAVIV's founders. "What do you do when you get discouraged?" I asked. "We don't get discouraged," they replied. They added, "We only get discouraged when the government doesn't support us."

KOFAVIV was founded by women survivors of gender-based violence. Their mission is to support women survivors and to find ways to end gender-based violence in Haiti. Since the earthquake in 2010, they have implemented an innovative system to address this type of violence in the tent camps. KOFAVIV trains camp agents to live in the camps and serve as resources for women. Camp agents provide education and support, and can refer women to further programs at KOFAVIV's leafy and inviting facility in Port-au-Prince. KOFAVIV also assists victims taking legal action against perpetrators. In 2010, KOFAVIV's portfolio included 459 cases of gender-based violence. Of those, 70 cases went to trial. There were 0 convictions.

Our team ran two trainings at KOFAVIV: a stress-reduction and coping workshop and a talk on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and family planning. What impressed me most about these trainings was how willing the women were to participate and share their stories. Linda ran the first workshop, and within minutes she had the group of 20 or so women singing and dancing on the veranda. The stomping was so loud and so vigorous that our medical team downstairs wondered if a disco had spontaneously opened for business. The STD training was led by Kathy. Although more subdued, the women were no less willing to participate. Many shared personal stories that I think Americans would have been uncomfortable revealing in a group setting.

Downstairs, half of our team performed medical checkups. Before the earthquake, KOFAVIV had a medical clinic and pharmacy. Their facility was totally destroyed in the earthquake, and although they have relocated to a beautiful building, the clinic and pharmacy have not reopened yet. Without a clinic for over a year, the need for medical care at KOFAVIV was great. Despite all-day efforts by our team, we were unable to see all of the women who waited outside for hours to see a doctor.

At the end of the day, we bought handmade tie-dyed T-shirts. The shirts were made in a youth art program set up with funding from UUSC. I don't know if it was because the group was sweaty and needed clean clothes or because the vibrant colored T-shirts were impossible to pass up, but many of our group left KOFAVIV with significantly lighter wallets and heavier backpacks. I purchases two shirts and was one of the most conservative spenders. Family and friends be aware: you may have a new shirt or piece of jewelry in your future!

The following post was written by Linda Brundage, a participant on UUSC's first medical trip to Haiti, on Wednesday morning.

This begins our third full day in Haiti. The team is wonderful to work with and really has been doing true teamwork, with everyone supporting and caring for one another as well as offering many suggestions about how we can better do what we do. 

Yesterday was both tough and inspiring. Very difficult, because many of the babies were very ill and one not expected to live. Very encouraging, because so many of the moms were obviously doing the very best they could with what they had. Despite the fact that many of the women who came to the clinic live in the camps with at least 250,000 people, they were all clean and their children were dressed very nicely. To me, this indicated the pride they continue to have and wear under the toughest possible circumstances. 

My particular role on this trip is to help the women who work in the clinic (many for 18 years) deal with their personal stress of grief and loss — but also help them develop ways they might deal day to day with their lives 18 months after the earthquake. They come to our work session looking so weary and like they would really just like to take a nap; one woman did lay down on a bench and rest while waiting for our work to begin. She was complimented on her ability to try to care for and nurture herself. 

Haiti is a very musical and dance-oriented culture, and we try to incorporate body work in the techniques that we share with them. They slowly begin to smile as we quite literally begin to move. Yesterday, we spent the session talking a bit about feelings and then drawing with crayons both their strengths and tough times. We finished the session with a raucous rendition of "If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands." We gave a verse to each of the feelings that had been talked and drawn about earlier and ended on a relaxed and happy note with everyone smiling.  

As we left the first day of the stress-reduction workshop, an older woman whose street vending is set up just outside the entrance stopped us as we left. "I have stress too," she said. "Can I come tomorrow?" Come she did, and she actively participated in both the drawing and the dancing and singing! I was so impressed by her very appropriate assertiveness and sense of entitlement. I hope she can get away to from work to join us again today.

Though no one on the team speaks Creole, we have marvelous translators who help in our work tremendously. Not only do they do the work of translating our English, they also guide us regarding the Haitian culture. I am particularly happy with my translator, who reframes much of how I state things and takes the initiative to suggest programmatic changes. She also helps me know how the group participants are responding to what I am trying to share. 

The following posts were written Tuesday evening by participants of the first UUSC medical trip to Haiti.

From Judy Graham, a nurse:

Today we returned to the "mom and baby" clinic to a long line of eyes looking at us in hope, thankful hearts open to our suggestions, and bodies yielding to the healing power of touch. Many of those who came today are living in one of the many tent cities in Port-au-Prince. We saw malnutrition; developmental delays; and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin infections, along with two very seriously ill children.

One cannot experience this trip without being forever changed. Just our being here — listening — means so much to these moms. The disparity between what we have in the United States and what they have here in Haiti is staggering. Yet they appear to be optimistic. Small positive steps appear to occur each day. We must make sure the work continues long after we return home.

From Emmy Lou, a retired pediatrician:

The first baby will not make it; there is a hole in his heart. You could hear the blood rushing through it. He was about half the average size for his age, lethargic, malnourished, slowed development — an obvious case of "failure to thrive." He also had infections. What does one do, refer him to Mass General for the much-needed operation? I prescribed an antibiotic, specific care in cleaning the skin lesions, and love — and let the mother know as gently as possible that she was welcome to return any time.

We saw many patients, some sicker, some less sick, all day. One problem followed by another. But many we could help. The satisfaction comes in the doing and the smiling, the encouragement we give just by seeing them and in the sincerity of our feelings that we transmit. It's a day that we can count as finished but that our clients will never be able to close. We are the lucky ones as we try to share with them — but in so doing we even more point out our advantage and the great need for assistance. Being on the giving end is not all good — and being on the receiving end brings a longer list of its own multiple pains and sorrows.

The following post was written Tuesday morning by Kathy Glatz, a psychiatric nurse and a participant on UUSC's first medical trip to Haiti.

I've arrived safely in Haiti — yesterday was great! We toured the very busy, very crowded clinic, then set to work at our stations. Brian and I were to teach family planning and sexually transmitted diseases prevention and treatment to two staff, but five patients sat in, too. We asked them questions about their choice birth-control method, how many kids they want, aspirations and dreams for their families — I learned much from them!

These young women are very clear that they want what's best for their kids, so they cannot afford many: for most that was one or two. However, their parents and often partners wanted more, so according to staff 97 percent choose the DepoProvera shots every three months for their method (as then nobody needs to know!). The clinic does charge three gourdes (supposedly cheap) for that.

We then got into sexually transmitted diseases. Most times folks are symptom free until it's too late to undo damage (including infertility) — and death can occur if left untreated. They wanted to see pictures of lesions (which my sister and I had decided not to print). We stressed that condoms are the only protection — but, unfortunately, they only have latex ones here, and several people have allergies to that.

The clinic director, RoseAnne — who's won worldwide awards — brought a special lunch of meat wrapped in pastries, very tasty! Then we got to watch the kids dance and sing. One little girl planted a quick butterfly kiss on three of our cheeks and was gone before we could say "mesi" (thank you)! It sounds like the session for dealing with posttraumatic stress went well. The word of their activity spread down to the street, and vendors asked to come today! I hope to get trauma training before my next trip.

Most of the staff has been at that clinic since its inception 18 years ago! I see why folks fall in love with Haiti: their people are so warm and loving.

This Sunday, seven Unitarian Universalists from across the country will arrive at the tiny Port-au-Prince airport in Haiti to begin a week of medical service with three of UUSC's partners. We're excited to embark on what is the first of many experiential learning trips we're organizing through the Haiti Volunteer Program.

Our week will begin at the clinic of the Association for the Promotion of Integral Family Healthcare (APROSIFA), a sanctuary in the middle of the city where new moms can come for information on nutrition and child care or just a few hours of conversation with other new moms. Midweek, we will be working with the brave women of the Commission of Women Victims for Victims (known by its Haitian acronym KOFAVIV). These women are among my top-10 list of heros — they've stood up to sexual violence and abuse because they didn't want to see their sisters, daughters, and friends go through what had happened to them. By week's end, we will be at Camp Oasis, a home and school for 40 girls who were orphaned after the earthquake.

I began thinking about this trip last fall, when I visited our partners in Haiti and learned that many of them needed the service of medical volunteers to assist in the daily health-care needs of the communities they serve. 

So, in late December, just before the holidays, I sent an e-mail asking UUs if they might be interested in performing such a service. I didn't know what to expect — it was a week before Christmas and I couldn't provide much information, just a basic idea of what participants might be doing. And the need to at least come close to covering our costs meant the trip was going to be expensive. Then, there was also a cholera epidemic raging in Haiti at the time (still is) and post-election riots that were further fueling the nation's tumult and creating even greater despair. "No one will respond to this," I told my coworkers as I walked out the door for the Christmas holidays.

What awaited me when I came back to my office in January was — and continues to be — a source of incredible inspiration. There were scores of e-mails crowding my in-box, from UUs all across the country writing to say, "Sign me up." 

I've repeated this story many times, and I always end it with the same question: what type of person would do this, would abandon family and friends, take personal risks, and pay hard-earned money to help people they've never met, and may never see again, in a place they have no good reason to be? In the weeks we've spent preparing for this trip, meeting all of them, I now have a better idea of this — and I hope soon, through the blog posts we will send in the coming week, that you will, too. 

But one thing I can say now is that all seven of the nurses and doctors coming on this trip are the type of people who put their faith in action. They see a need and answer a call not because they have to, not because anybody's watching, certainly not for the money, but simply because have been asked. They are people who see themselves as inextricably linked to the humanity of others and believe that in serving others, they too will be served. 

I hope you will stay tuned this week and over the months ahead to hear the stories of the people who have answered this call.