Brush Your Teeth!

Father Bruny was our first contact when we arrived in Haiti in October 2001. As pastor of the parish in Les Palmes he and and his driver Rony greeted us so warmly at the airport. Our trip to the mountains was very late and I was so nervous that we would all end up crashing to the bottom as he negotiated the narrow road around sharp bends. Every 15 minutes or so he would say "Georgina are you all right?"  "Yes father".  Meanwhile I was praying -preparing for death! The morning revealed the beauty of Haiti as we all rode on mules to travel to St Paul. It was then I knew I needed to do more. Father and I discussed my return to improve the dental clinic to serve the many people. He was most encouraging and I could see how much the people loved him. He had provided so much for the people of Les Palmes. His smile and positive attitude was infectious. I grew to admire him very quickly. I only saw him once when just a few weeks later he died in a hospital in Port au Prince. I thought my dream died with him! However I did return several times knowing his encouragement was still behind me. It has been several years since his passing but still people speak of all that "Pere Bruny" did for Les Palmes.  

I met Pastor Manno in Cap-Haitien through my friends of Joy and Hope in Hamilton. He reminded me very much of Father Bruny. He desired to help the poorest of the poor, helping to build a church, school, orphanage and playground. He went to each classroom as we taught the children the importance of dental care and nutrition. We discussed my returning to go to the orphanage and even discussed opening a dental clinic in the zone. One time when I went I needed to visit him in the hospital. He was a very sick man. He passed away a few weeks later. I still return to the orphanage and have connected with his widow as she continues the work her husband began. Everyone thought so much of this man, for his faith, his passion to help and the action he lived in his daily life.


Claire was one of the eight Canadians who travelled with me during my first visit to Haiti. Claire was a very strong nurse from Kelowna British Columbia - a very long way from Hamilton. Like me, she was very touched by all that she saw in Haiti. She was one of the first persons I shared with, about my desire to offer dental services in Haiti.  We talked in Haiti and continued our discussion via phone and emails. She was so encouraging, when there would be a set back, challenge and doubt, her strength and conviction in living was such a strong force in my life. One day she called to tell me that she had been diagnosed with cancer shortly after becoming a grandmother. She was looking forward to to being a grandma and now life changed very suddenly. Claire passed away in 2006. When ever I am discouraged I hear her strong voice in my head saying "come on Georgina, you can do it - have faith!" Bless you Claire.