Badger Relief Poster

By Amber B Campbell, CNA, Badger Relief
Traveling to Haiti with Badger Relief was a life Changing experience. Our Journey began in Chicago. With all of the medical supplies and tents packed and ready to go we entered Chicago's O'hare Airport. We made our way to the check in desk to obtain our tickets and check in the luggage. We found out real quick this mission was not going to be an easy one. We were informed that there was a bag embargo to Port Au Prince. We were only allowed to take one check in bag weighing no more then 50 pounds and one carry on bag. This posed a problem for Badger Relief since we had medical supplies and tents to take down with us in y behind the counter was married to a Haitian man. After explaining what we were trying to accomplish everyone made sure we had our luggage and all of our supplies and tents to take with us to be delivered to the earthquake survivors . We continued down to our gate grateful everything had worked out. We were one step closer to getting all the supplies delivered to those in need.

A few anxious hours later it was time to board the plane headed to Haiti. Only a few hours away from a country suffering such devastation. It was a very emotional ride. Trying to prepare myself for what I knew was going to be a life changing mission . A short plane ride later under the clouds emerged Haiti's coast and I watched the plane descend closer to the ground. The uncertainty inside me building as Port Au Prince came into my view. My eyes trying to absorb all the destruction they were seeing. Houses and buildings no longer standing only mounds of rubble remain. Complete areas of nothing, there was nothing left after this devastating earthquake. My eyes filled up with tears as all these images passed before my eyes and we weren't even on the ground yet. The plane landed and we exited the plane the whole atmosphere around me changed. The life I knew back home was no longer. This place was chaotic everyone rushing this way and that way. No direction or order. I admit I was a little scared as I was so unfamiliar to this life style. After waiting a few minutes in line to board a small bus to take us to customs I listened to a small Haitian band playing while my body tried to get accustomed to the heat of a tropical climate. We boarded the bus and a short drive later got in line to go thorough customs. As I stood in line I was looking at the building around me gazing at the cracks and broken windows that occurred during the earthquake. My mind wondered what horrible fear these people must have felt when the earth started shaking and their lives were changed forever. After showing my passport we walked into complete pandemonium. Everyone crowed around non working luggage carousel's. Loud voices in a foreign language filled my ears as I watched a mob of people working their way forward to search for their luggage. After minutes of disarray we managed to locate all the luggage,supplies and tents. With our items in hand we headed out of the airport to look for the person that was meeting us to take us to the Haitian nursing home. Crowds of people outside everyone trying to help you. Offering you whatever you need. My eyes searched this unknown place meeting faces that looked so tired and lost. We found our hostess Ms.Pierre , friendly hugs and reassuring smiles from her made me feel a little more at ease. I felt a sense of relief knowing that we were with people that would help us get to where you needed to go. We climbed in a small truck and started to head into Port Au Prince. The images I saw down there were so surreal. Every where I looked was just another sight of destruction. There were very few buildings or houses not effected. I was speechless as we drove through the city looking at all the destruction and the aftermath of this massive earthquake. I can't really put into words the feeling inside of me. It was sadness and shame. Where was all the help? Where were the people sent down there to assist these suffering people? My mind raced as I looked at all the Haitian people trying to make a living selling what they could just to feed what was left of their families. These were human beings their lives have the same meaning as ours none more important or less. My heart ached as I saw the conditions they were living in. If it wasn't bad enough whole families were lost in an instant. Over 200,000 lives gone. No ones lives remain the same nor will they ever be close to the same. They have to live amongst the reminder every day of this tragic earthquake that changed their country and lives forever. I saw rubble and concrete piles places where buildings once stood. I looked in the faces and eyes of the people passing by. Just holding on to what they have and trying so hard to make a little money to support their families. It seemed that for the most part the Haitians had adapted as much as they could to their surroundings. This was their lives now. Pushing forward and doing whatever it takes to survive. My mind flashed back to the pictures on T.V. And the news stories how horrific the sights were then but this seeing it for myself was nothing compared to the news stories or images. The conditions were horrible the smell nauseating to say the least. I looked now at what was once Port Au Prince and wondered where do we start how do we help these afflicted Haitians. As we drove closer to the Haitian Nursing home my mind raced to come up with ideas on how we could get more help down here. As we entered a gate surrounded home I saw many smiling faces greeting us. The workers of the Haitian Nursing home came out to welcome us and help unload our supplies and luggage. We walked into a beautiful Haitian home many warm loving faces surrounded us. Arms hugged us as we were given a very warm loving welcome. These people were ecstatic and relived we were there. The Haitian Nursing home was small but well put together. The workers were very hardworking and dedicated always there to help whoever needed it. As we toured this place my eyes rested on the residents there how well taken care of they were under the circumstances surrounding them. They needed help,training,and supplies that's for sure but despite it all they were making it work by any means necessary. This place was a home it was warm welcoming and loving but so desperate for help and supplies. As we continued our tour our eyes rested upon the supply cabinet, there it was empty! Nothing in it! How very sad they had nothing to use to help protect their resident from the ailments that were all too common in the elderly. I thought to myself that is why we are here to help wherever we are needed. We quickly got to work filling up the cabinet with desperately needed supplies. As we filled the shelves faces smiled and relived sighs were heard. We have begun our mission right here in this deserving nursing home. I was more then happy knowing that for now they had some of the things they needed so badly to help maintain the health of the residents but I knew they wouldn't last long. Items we never think twice about because they are always at our disposal depends,bed pads,wound coverings,antibiotics..The list goes on. After all these people suffered and endured these are items they should never be without. As the day winded down I felt a little more at ease knowing that Badger Relief was already making a difference in the first few hours after arriving. But what work there was left to be done weighed heavily on my mind. .

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