March 2010

Patrick Brun

THP Board Chair Patrick Brun securing the door to the National Cathedral

by Mary DeAgostino

Volunteer Mary DeAgostino (far left) accompanies Jules Jean-Anold (in green) at St. Francis de Sales Hospitalin Port-au-Prince

My final year at Notre Dame was a whirlwind of medical school applications and interviews, thesis research and writing, leading campus clubs and planning activities, working as a teaching assistant, as well as studying for science classes. When I achieved admission into medical school last April, I began to reflect on the preceding four years and the strengths I had gained from my myriad of activities. Suddenly, immediately entering medical school for four more years of study did not seem like a great way to share my gifts with others.

Patrick Moynihan

He left Haiti on Monday, the day before the earthquake, for a routine trip to the U.S., and returned Friday, 100 years later. It was just chance that THP’s President and community leader happened to be in the U.S. and away from his home in Haiti when the earthquake happened. He stated, “Not having undergone the shock has made it easier to lead those who did forward. But, I have experienced enough aftershocks to hate those like the devil.”

All in the community rejoiced when Patrick was back on Haitian soil bringing energy, much needed resources and a renewed spirit. As one of our supporters put it, “How beautiful on the mountain top are the feet of those who bring the good news.” In addition to his normal duties heading the school, Patrick has also been playing a key role since the earthquake helping the local Church, networking NGOs and assisting medical teams involved in the relief efforts. Updates from the school and his journey can be viewed at www.haitianproject.org. On the Home page, please scroll down and click on the Earthquake Updates links.     

Students

Nou Pare Pou Rebati Ayiti, e ou? – “We are ready to Rebuild Haiti, and you?” – had been posted prominently on campus for all to read long before the ground shook on January 12^th. When not advancing their studies, Louverturians are translating for doctors with the Memphis Medical Mission or at St. Francis De Sales Hospital or the Missionaries of Charity.  They have intensified their efforts with the Timoun Program, which provides hot lunch and structured activities to children, and continue their cleaning on Route National 3 and now in the yards of neighbors, clearing rubble so rebuilding can begin. Most importantly, they continue to build themselves and will one day become one of the hundreds of graduates, like Théony Deshommes, who now lead the call to rebuild Haiti.