This is my third mission trip to Haiti, and it still affects me. I think I know what I will see, but I never truly know what to expect. The poverty is unmatched by many other countries. Being a country with very little money means that the people will suffer with hardly anyone to help […]
Posts with the the house of life tag
The House of Life: Chapter 2
I have been blessed to come to Haiti with FOTCOH six times now as a non-medical volunteer. I have been especially blessed to have a daughter of mine come with me for the first time on this trip. I love experiencing what has become routine for me through eyes that are experiencing Haiti, and the […]
The House of Life: Chapter 1
Today was a good day. We saw lots of patients, many of whom were getting better. The most remarkable patient I saw was a woman with diabetes and hypertension. I told my interpreter, Yougains, that her blood sugar was out of control, and her blood pressure was even higher. Although the patient did not speak […]
Incredible Beauty in Haiti
In Haiti it is easy to focus on the difficulties and disease that you see, smell and hear from the moment you arrive. BUT . . . there is incredible beauty here. The mountains and ocean are breathtaking. Interestingly, I am not convinced that we are truly any happier here in the U.S. with all […]
A Hectic Day at the Clinic
Today felt more like an emergency department. We saw some serious conditions. One of my early patients of the day had walked a long way on a bad diabetic foot. She had a toe amputated about two weeks ago but the foot was bleeding and very painful. After treatment, she walked home. It is difficult to […]
Providing Care and Compassion
I am an emergency physician and had the opportunity to volunteer with FOTCOH during my residency. When we had some time off while we moved from California to Texas, I thought it would be a great time to volunteer again. My wife surprised me by immediately volunteering to go as well. I sent off the […]
A New Perspective
It’s funny how you can look out one window at the clinic and be overwhelmed by the stunning scenery…the sapphire blue ocean, the majestic palm trees and almond trees, the clear blue sky. Then you look out another window upon the dozens of poverty-stricken people lined up, desperate for help…whether it be for their high […]
It’s Easy to Love a Child
It’s easy to love a child. They are vulnerable. They’re small, often helpless, and totally dependent on others for survival. It’s written in our DNA to help and love children. This instinct transcends time, place and culture. It’s easy to love the children of Haiti. Each day here at FOTCOH, I see many children–some doing […]
Maria’s First Clinic
Today is my second day in Haiti. I’m a first timer here so it is very nice to see how many people have been committed to this medical mission for so long. I have done medical missions before but this is my first time volunteering at a place that has continuity. As someone who wants […]
The House of Life: The Story of Dick and Barb Hammond
Read the remarkable story of the founders of FOTCOH! Order your copy today! www.shelleybriggscallahan.com