Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A Field Hospital In Haiti

This is where I have worked for 2 months. 
This is what I have been a part of.
This helps me remember why I am here.
Please check out this link on Youtube.

Poems and Proverbs

A friend of mine wrote a poem for me based
on my favorite African proverb.
I think it is beautiful and I wanted to share.  



In African rain, on barren plain, a single seed was sown,
A score ago, this plateau bestowed, a tree growing alone.
Strong and tall, from summer to fall, leaves of noble green
Change to golds as weather colds, as if to crown a Queen.
As years pass, this oaken lass, outlasts drought and storm -
An endless exchange of season's change into another form.

But then one day, a seed fell astray, and buried in the earth
Out of the norm, with resilient form, a second tree was birth
In the cascade, of the older tree's shade, advantageously,
Side by side, the sapling hides, and will raise up cautiously.
These two trees, hardened by breeze and by bending wind
Will forever last, as time shall pass, lest their roots rescind.

Standing there, this branching pair, they overlook all of life
Able to see, the scrutiny, of the world's strides and strife
With thickened skin, and resolve within, growing up and old
The bigger tree, told her baby, as other's soul's were sold:
"In life you'll find, the very best time, to plant a tree, I vow
Was years ago, but please know, the second best is now."

Now that I've heard, the spoken word, of that taller tree,
I'm finally aware, that growing there, are my mom and me.

Alex Ottenstein

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Other Side Of Haiti

I had worked, collectively, over 2 months in Haiti.
I had never left the city of Port-au-Prince. 
I had never taken a day off.  Until Wednesday, when I finally did.  
And this is where I went.
 Two days at the beach.  No one asking me questions.
No one wanting me to fix the problem.
 Just me, and the sand, and the ocean.  That's it.
 There is still beauty in this country. 
Wahoo Bay, Haiti
June 2010




Sunday, June 20, 2010

Beautiful Girls!!!

Just a few of the beautiful girls I have been 
fortunate to be surrounded by.

The smiles are irresistible!!!

Little beauties everywhere.
Project Medishare Field Hospital
Port-au-Prince, Haiti