Dr Bell's clinical suspicions that I had contracted Dengue Fever were confirmed by the blood test result that had been sent to Port-au-Prince. Although Dengue is known to be in Haiti Dr Bell claims this was the first case he had seen here, as it appears most Haitians have some form of natural immunity. (Lucky them!) Although I felt as though I had lost quite a lot in the 2 weeks I was unwell, I am also aware of how much I gained as well.
I lost about 1 stone 4 lbs in weight (that's just over 8kg), but that will do me no harm at all!
I also seem to have lost some time - it's hard to explain but the memories I have of the time are very hazy.
What is harder to accept is that I seem to have lost a lot of energy: on several occasions I thought I was on the mend, and got up, washed and dressed, fully expecting to go the hospital to try and work, only to find I couldn't eat any breakfast, and then couldn't even stay upright and had to lie down.
But what I have gained is priceless, and probably beyond words: without meaning to I have obviously been a worry to those at home and those in Haiti - but Robyn had put herself way over the top in my care. The prayers of the Haitian church, as well as those from home, New Zealand and even further afield have been very humbling. The love and care of Cilotte - a Haitian nurse (whose injection technique I can recommend) and of Bernadette - Robyn's cook/housekeeper were so gentle. Bernadette arrived one day and just started praying - in Creole - and Robyn said that she simply felt that is what Jesus wanted her to do.
A good friend from England wrote to me, she said: "There are more ways than one to be a gift. Vulnerability allows others, usually labelled 'the needy', to serve you. Will pray that God uses this reversal for good." I join my prayers to that one.
And now for some more musings and observations - which may find their way onto this blog before it's wound up.
Shopping in Cap Haitian is an exciting adventure. Most of our food is bought by Bernadette from the market. And the market has everything. Chickens are bought live - from vendors who have them on poles - and it is common to see them being brought home on the motorcycles, on what is a one-way journey for them. At least we can know our meat is fresh.
Fruit and vegetables are in abundance, and the avocados and papaya (with lime juice) was a breakfast treat. A lot of eggs are eaten here (well I'll be bound) and they are sold hard-boiled 
along the streets.
along the streets.There was one supermarket which for convenience (not for price) we used to visit. It is called the Kokyage and visiting it was a mixed experience. There are not many supermarkets in the UK or NZ that have the benefit of an armed guard at the door. But this supermarket is not alone in this - all the banks, and many other businesses have it as well - guards toting what can only be described as pump-action shotguns but without the butt - more like enormous pistols.
And although I always spoke with the guard, and he became very friendly, it is sobering to imagine what might happen...
The Kokyage is well air-conditioned, which made it a welcome break on the walk from the hospital, but outside is surrounded by children begging. Some of whom are dressed and suited for the part - others look a little too well fed. Robyn says that Haitians are very good actors, and these kids certainly know how to turn on the pathos. "I'm hungry" "Give me a dollar" "Grand-gout" (which is Haitian for hungry). They have even followed us the half a mile or so home with hands outstretched. Robyn advised us not to give, and once we had this in mind, and it was recognised, we were left alone a little. I tried to turn the tables once - and said to them to give me a dollar - and they did give me a Haitian coin (quickly returned!)
Begging does seem to be a fact of life here. It was not uncommon - in fact usual - for people to approach us on the streets because we are white (blanc) and to ask for money. Sometimes it verged on the aggressive. And being rich, it doesn't come easy to be remined of it by people who really do have nothing. But at other times it is a feature of even those we are working with - asking if we can give them money for this project or that item of need. But if we start where do we end? And what is the right judgement - is a lamp-bulb for a projector more important than the work of a pastor? It was very tempting to remind the askers that we are only white, but we are not God. I havn't fully resolved that issue by any means.
Leaving the hospital was very moving.
I managed enough energy to go in for the last 2 days. On the last day I was helping the junior anaesthetist with some spinals, and the anaesthetic nurses had an exam. But they all came into the office having post-poned the exam for an hour and made some very generous gifts - for me and for Lorraine, and the request that I come back. So for someone who has felt so useless over the last 2 weeks it was an emotional moment.
I have various other musings and events, and more importantly people to describe - but that will be for later. I am writing this from the Dominican Republic - and have just bade farewell to Ross and Kim. Fiona arrives later today, and I fly to New York tomorrow.
