Carlos arrives in earthquake disaster area to begin relief efforts.
A Haitian medical team from Hinche flew to Southern Haiti on August 15th only one day after a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck centered around Les Cayes. Our friend, Carlos Sinfinice, was a member of this first response team. He is the oldest child of a family that lives in the Ecovillages in the Central Plateau of Haiti and has just graduated from medical school in April, 2021.
The university that sponsored the team was able to send them by air bypassing the gang-controlled area around Port au Prince. On day one, they started treating the injured and providing supplies to those in need. They then made their way to the Saint-Antoine de Jérémie Hospital which is located in an area only slightly impacted by the earthquake. From this functioning facility, they provided adequate care for the people.
Many of the survivors of this year’s earthquake lost all their material possessions and were living in the streets with no food or water. The aid the team offered was very welcomed. On the third day of their relief efforts, the area was struck by a hurricane which only added to the stress of the situation. As the storm cleared, the team continued their work of distributing food kits and providing necessary medical care.
Visit the photo gallery to see the team in action.
In a quieter moment, Carlos pauses to reflect on his many blessings. He writes, “Have you ever asked God why He loves you, why He protects you, why He does all these miracles in your life, when you don't feel different from the others yet you have the impression that He chose you and that you have a great destiny.
This is how I feel. I come from a poor family and here I am a doctor. I was in Port-au-Prince during the earthquake of January 12, 2010. I was there. I almost fell victim. I spent 2 months sleeping in the streets of Port-au-Prince not knowing whether I was going to eat or not. And here it is, I am helping the earthquake victims.
One day when I was in the first year of faculty I missed 3 days of class because my only shoes were torn. And here today. I have about 4 or 5 pairs of shoes, and a car that is on the way.
Why has God given so much. I am nothing but a sinner like the others. But is it true how am I different?”
We are glad to know that Carlos and his friends are back in Hinche now. They are safe and fulfilled knowing that they were able to help some people. But they also know that the hard part is rebuilding the area impacted by the earthquake. This is a long process. Some of the people impacted by this year’s quake had not fully recovered from the impact of Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
This is not the first article we have written about Carlos and likely will not be the last. He is a remarkable young man. He is blessed by God and by our support of his journey.
Our mission isn’t to simply provide emergency relief and help with recovery. We are working to help Haitians build a better tomorrow.
Follow this link to view a gallery of photos Carlos was able to send during their relief efforts.
Team of doctors from Hinche among the first to reach victims of recent earthquake in Southern Haiti.