The volunteers and I are up at 5:30 a.m. preparing to leave. We sort through our belongings, leaving behind mounds of clothes, both worn and clean. There is also a growing pile of donated food items (Gatorade being the most plentiful). We pack up what we will be taking on the plane and are ready to depart the camp by 7 a.m. Although there is excitement among my peers, there is also a subtle nervousness within our group. The plane’s schedule can change at any time and for any reason. Many are anxious about their connecting flights and returning to their regular schedules. Others are in need of a change in scenery. I again see why many aid organizations encourage people to come down for only one week, and at most two weeks, at a time. The physical and emotional toll on the providers has been immense.

The Haitian X-ray technician comes up to me and asks me for my particulars; he is looking to get further training in the States and wants as many contacts as he can make. My heart goes out to him and all of these hard working Haitians who need so much.

The hardworking volunteers head home.