Graduation

The 15 graduates in their opening song.

It’s rainy and cool today. Almost pants weather!

Dr. Stephen Eads, MFH Co-Director, says a few words. 

We had a great weekend with graduation for the Class of 2013. The 15 students had the week off preparing for the event. We had rehearsal Wednesday, Thursday, and then Friday, with decorations on Saturday. Because I was participating in one of the dances, Haiti Cherie, I had to attend all of the practices. The students had prepared at least five songs, a couple of skits, and two dances. They have been practicing for weeks!

The final touches came on Saturday, when we cleaned and set-up a local school’s auditorium for the program and catered dinner. White and gold balloons and ribbons were hung, curtains were put on the stage, and cloths were laid out on the tables, enough for 40-50 people. Graduations in Haiti, just like in the U.S., are a big deal. As they should be, I think, considering all of the time and efforts that students and teachers alike put into the 11-month MFH course - big congratulations to all of them!

Dr. Laguerre, Medical Director of St. Thérèse

I won’t embarrass myself putting up a video of the traditional folk dance we performed, but you can listen to the song at Haiti Cherie.

These past two days haven’t been any less busy than those leading up to graduation. I had six additional Americans in the house last week, along with another group of five staying at the orphanage that arrived just before the graduation. Lots of people coming and going, so it’s part of my job to make sure everyone gets to where they need to be as smoothly as possible.

Steve presenting a gift to some of our preceptors.

One of the students, Flaure, giving a speech.

I have been able, however, to join Jenna Schmitz, the CPM coordinating the matron program for MFH, on a few interviews in the area. She wanted to get feedback from local mothers on their birth experiences at home with matrons. So, we packed the recorder and some sunscreen before heading out to do some home visits. Most women were very open and had lots of interesting things to share. For instance, I learned that though some of the women lived nearby the hospital, they chose to have their baby at home because they knew they had “kout pye,” or “short labor.” The literal meaning of the phrase translates to “short feet.” Not wanting to risk giving birth en route was definitely a good enough reason not to go to the hospital. Another was that the women just felt more comfortable being at home. Besides, most had other children and had to look after them.

Shirley, myself, Jenna, and Mirline

More to share later!