Preparation continues

Since I last wrote, I have: 

• Begun participating in a free on-line Haitian Creole class.  It meets for an hour a for eight weeks via skype.  Each week we independently study the vocabulary and concepts of two chapters of a book entiled, Creole Made Easy (by Wally Turnbull).  It is very helpful and quite fun (even though I almost fell asleep one night; it meets from 9:30-10:30 pm).  Here is the website for the class: http://www.haitihub.com

• I called the program in Miami, to check on the status of my application.  They do not turn many people away, however they do not send out an acceptance letters until May.  So... I guess I can almost assume I will be accepted.       

• Completed Part II training of EMDR.  Before going to Haiti I'll be able to participate in the required consultations via conference calls required for completing the training.   The training was interesting and enjoyable.  I believe that EMDR will really be useful in Haiti.  The training took place in the Bronx NY.  I am grateful that I was able to stay that weekend with my friend Helene and her community; she is an IHM sister who lives in Manhattan.     

•   I contacted the pediatric rehab program at Holy Redeemer Health System, at the suggestions of Dr. Coletta who has been to Haiti.  The hope is that the physical and occupational therapists there will be able to give me some basic suggestions on how to best work with children I'm likely to encounter who have amputations or other injuries for which they are not be receiving any rehabilitation services at all.

  There is still much to do.  What I dread is the process of packing everything up in my bedroom, and of getting everything in order before leaving work.  It will all come together; it always does. I look forward to meeting Mary, the sister I will be staying with when I go to Haiti.  She will be in the states later this month for her jubilee celebration.