Sam Chapetta Day 6 Reflection: How TR South Winds Down
TR trekked out once yesterday, to revisit the village of Baze Lais. The purpose of the excursion was to discuss the possibility of setting up an oral rehydration post (ORP for the sports fans that are just tuning in) and to educate the residents of the village on cholera. Accompanied by Dr. Walter from the IMC and equipped with a 4×4 full of ORS and sanitizing wash, we climbed our way through a beautiful, but rugged landscape to reach our destination. Upon arrival, we were greeted by some of the familiar faces that we had met the week before. Pastor Petit Frere (little brother), who was dressed in his Sunday’s best, welcomed us back to his village. After the formalities, our attention immediately turned to the beautiful singing that came from the church. We were in awe. I asked the pastor if we could go in and listen to the music; he was honored to let us do so.
Once the music and church service had come to a close, we were escorted along with Dr. Walter to the front podium of the church. All 125 pairs of eyes in the church were on us. With us at his side, he educated the audience (because I cannot speak a lick of french) about cholera and all of the supplies that we had brought to them. While the Dr. spoke, EMT Charissa Richard helped me prepare for the distribution of the ORS and sanitizing agent to residents of Baze Lais.
After distributing almost 1000 doses of ORS, we were invited to the Pastors home across from the church for a private meeting with the village elders. It was in this meeting that he agreed to use his village as the ORP due to its’ central location. The Pastor concluded the meeting by saying, “On behalf of the my people, we want to thank the efforts of the International Medical Corps and the members of Team Rubicon for your efforts in helping our community. We welcome you and are excited by your presence.” During this meeting, Charissa was able to snap a pic of the awesome view of the cove from the Pastor’s home. After taking a few pictures with some of the children, we departed from Baze Lais.
After an eventful morning, we realized our next adventure was to find lunch. Although it was only 1:00pm on Sunday, we knew it was 5 o’clock somewhere…. 
We headed over to a nice restaurant outside of Les Cayes and had a few beers…. then later an awesome dinner. This is how “TR south” unwinds….
