Monday Jan 23 i was told that Val was killed in a vehicle accident. His truck vs. a big bus. Many of you that have been reading my blog for a while have seen me write about my work with Val's orphanage. It is the place that i built a fence out of pallets and tables and benches for the kinder kids. I met and worked with his place through EDV and became working friends with Val. He always greeted me with a kiss on each cheek and a BIG Val smile. Val leaves behind a wife, and kids. Plus the 35+ kids at his orphanage and the 35+ kids that come 5 days a week for school. The scholarship program that is run through Val's orphanage has been an incredible opportunity for many kids living in tent cities in the area. I had a chance to interview all of them and take there photo for the program. Val also leaves behind many friends that have big shoes to fill and many tasks that seem daunting. People have rallied around and im sure that all the kids will be well taken care of, but i know they will have a Val sized smile missing from their hearts and lives.
Jan 28th was the Funeral in down town Port au Prince. And this day was nothing shy of dramatic for some of us. Regretfully Carlo and i did not make it to the Funeral, but it was not for a lack a trying. We had lined up a ride and on our way, first to Val's orphanage where we picked up two of the oldest kids that had been left behind because they did not have proper shoes for the Funeral at the time the bus departed with all the rest of the family and kids. Many of the very young children where still at the house, as it would have been difficult for them to attend the funeral as this whole situation make very little sense to them. They where all wearing t-shirts with Val's face on them, i realized that an out of country friend had provided these for all the kids and family. Very touching. So we went on our way to get down town, when we came across a vehicle accident. We where almost first on the scene, and our driver works with Global D.I.R.T. who is a medical organization( don't be confused by the name) So we went into action. Carlo translating and trying to access the situation. people had all exited the 2 vehicles, but some we knew we should not move and needed real medics on the scene. Drew( with global d.i.r.t.) and carlo ran to the UN hospital not 50 meters away where they were refused help. It was not in the UN protocol to help the Haitians right out side their walls. I was beyond ticked... and just could not believe it was happening. Gobal D.I.R.T medics showed up, and at the same time 3 ambulances from the UN. I guess they caught wind of other medics showing up, and possibly journalists also. and since the accident happened on the road that is surrounded by UN (log base on one side and the UN hospital on the other) it was not going to LOOK GOOD....
--- "ya" i thought!!!! these are the people you claim to be here helping and you are not willing to come out and help the ones that are dying at your door step. this country is often mind boggling to me, but this took it to another level... ---
the finally took away 4 or so people in the ambulances, on spin boards, and stretchers and the whole 9 yards. i can only hope and pray that the care continued upon their arrival to the hospital and they where not denied care for a lack of money(patients not having any) or eyes on them(now being back behind their walls)
we continued on our way, and arrived at the church as the funeral ended. I was disappointed, but there wasn't even time for that, with in moments there was an unconscious teen girl from Val's orphanage. I was sure that it was partly dramatics but before we could really assess they had put her in the back of the truck we where traveling in and we headed to the hospital. People said she had not eaten in days, since Val's death, and that she was shaking and gritting her teeth. so possibly a seizure. If this was the case it would be good for us to take her. We arrived and she had partially woken. we gave her juice and with in 30 mins the hospital was sending us on our way. I can not believe the hospital system here, or lack there of. we then took her to another hospital where a doctor contact of us would be meeting us outside to check her blood sugar levels. She is all good, and we are happy to report that.
the vibe of this day was uncomfortable and solum but we did what we had to do. I will find a way to grieve this friend, and try to help out picking up the pieces that he seemed to juggle so well
I am so thankful for Munib, he called Val his best friend and they made a great team. I have seen him really jump into this big shoes that need to be filled, and we will continue to rally around him and the kids to do what we can.
(photo from my b-day celebration in december)
What an unbelievable day! Rest in peace Val -- you will be remembered for all that you did for so many.
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