Signing off

I'm up really early, as I can never sleep well (or much at all) the night before I fly somewhere. I'm leaving Haiti feeling ready and hesitant at the same time...the good thing is that I know I can come back here in the future. I've learned a lot about the country, its people, all the great aid workers here, and myself. Here's the short list of things I've learned in Haiti:

1. Avon Skin-so-Soft is one of the best products ever made. Thanks, Tuwanda.

2. You can cook lots of things as long as you have a skillet and a fork. 

3. Adendazole never hurt anybody.

4. Spraying bug killer around an oven that's turned on is never a good idea. Ask Jeanne about that one.

5. Bucket showers aren't that bad as long as you check the water for worms first.

6. A fan is worth having for $25 USD. 

7. You know you're really dirty when you take a shower and then your body itches all over because it's not used to not having a layer of grime covering it. 

8. Putting 3 people on a motorbike is fine as long as you have a good driver and don't move around too much. Oh, and you have to remember to lean forward when you go up big hills. 

9. You can eat a good meal off the street for less than $2.50 USD. Drink included.

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10. You will get used to the smell(s). Actually, you might not. 

11. Many times, you can do a lot with a little. What's frustrating is when you can't. 

12. Often, giving a patient some Tylenol, vitamins, or Tums can really make their day. Simple meds that we take for granted in the US are very appreciated here. 

13. The people I've worked with here- Haitian, American, any nationality- are all working intently towards improving the quality of life for the citizens of Haiti. Whether they work in medicine, human rights, construction, or the logistics of running an organization, everyone's here fighting the good fight and getting things done.

14. The Haitian people are resilient, kind, hardworking, and funny. I'm so glad that I got to meet so many of them over the past 5 weeks. 

There are many more things that maybe I'll add if I'm bored in the airport. Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible and meaningful for me: Jeanne, Big Paul, Tuwanda, Michael, Megan Coffee, Nick, Jameson, Pierre, Jonathan, Heather, Lauren, Junior, Ralph, Forrest, Ellie, LP, Riaan, and everyone else that I'm sure I'm forgetting at this hour. Also thanks to my parents and family. Lastly, thanks to everyone who followed and supported me during my trip. I have really appreciated everything. I'm getting eaten by swarms of mosquitoes (only fitting for my last few hours here) so I'm going to go make sure I'm all packed. Orevwa, Haiti!