New Norm

Okay, just to let you know that I am working in the dark - that's literally in the dark - not figuratively.  Although some people think that the jury is still out on that one.



I have internet access because I've rewired it that way.  But haven't got permission to rewire the rest of the place so I do not have lights or fan, just internet.  Perhaps step two will be sometime tomorrow afternoon.  But I do have more important things to take care in the morning.

Goin riding with Dr Ed. This is likely only the third time riding with him since I've been back (6 months or so).  After a few inoculations - we'll be heading out to the flats around the lake and goat mountain.  Its rainy season and its been raining lately so promises to have some water and mud in store.  Kinda like the spa - workin out some of the stuff that's built up this week.  Hopefully coming back refreshed and ready for new challenges.

I haven't written on my blog for a while.  I have been thinking about that and wondering why. One factor has been time, but basically there really hasn't  been anything new that I felt compelled to write about. 

We have just completed three teams back to back and the progress has been fantastic.  Although we've been slowed down by a slurry of problems, some new and some old, the new building is nearly ready to be opened. 

Around the city, reconstruction seems to be getting into full swing.  Schools are a priority, including temporary buildings as are temporary shelters.  You now also see walls and buildings under construction.  There still however remains a large amount of rubble from the quake and still a number of buildings that have not even been touched since the quake. 

I recently went on a small walk around our area.  We looked more closely as we passed some buildings.  In the ruins on the ground floor of one building was a human skull and in the building next to it looked like human hair matted into a crevice.  The destruction and the death toll is staggering and the impact on the community is overwhelming. 

Hardware stores are now very busy.  Not just with people, but all kinds of construction supplies are in high demand.  It is now getting harder and harder to find common goods and yes, the prices are quickly rising. 

I was riding my bike today.  I ended up going in two different directions looking for some basic plumbing parts.  I had actually found a needle valve that I wanted to install to throttle back a pressure switch on the water pump.  However, 4 hardware stores later, I was unable to find the necessary parts/fittings to convert it over.  I went in all directions to what I thought would be the best and most likely locations - however, no luck.  Fortunately the switch is working okay the way it is, but perhaps a little sensitive to any meddling by the locals.

Haiti seems to be settling into a new post quake norm.  There was a transition period, but I think that is now over.  Likely been over for a while actually.  Many many Haitians are living in tents and other temporary shelters.  Most are located near to their pre-quake communities and seem to be relatively happy there.  For the most part there is calm and peace in the tent cities/communities.  Of course there is always violence in Haiti and these temporary shelters do lend themselves to increases in that violence. 

For the most part, Haitians seem to be relatively settled in their new environments.  And therein lies the problem.  I had raised concerns just after the quake about the potential for unrest.  That did not happen because the needs of the average Haitian since the quake have been met.  Initially there was a huge demand for medical and that was met, then aid agencies brought in food, water and supplies again addressing basic needs.  I have heard it said many times, that the average Haitian in the tent cities do not want to leave these tents.  The reason being is that the basic needs are being addressed.  Their standard of living has improved significantly since the quake.  Food and water is available as is medical attention.  Far more abundant than it was prior to the quake. 

Basically this all sounds good.  However, there is one large drawback.  The local Haitian is now dependent upon the international aid to meet their expectations - their new norm.  As long as this aid continues there will be peace and contentment.  But if/when that aid is removed there will most likely be strife and unrest.