Maria and Ami came to the hospital a few days later and Maria gave her a tour of very basic medical practices. Many of the Haitian nurses remembered Maria so while they squealed and gossiped Ami came to the lab to talk to me.
Maria sympathized with me for being the only young American in town. Although I enjoyed working with Dr. Bob and learned a lot about medicine and Haitian history and culture, we didn’t always agree about the potential for change in Haiti. Bob said we couldn’t change much so we were there just to “give a drink of cold water to weary travelers”. My belief and training said that I should be a friend and teacher during my two years and leave people who were better able to handle at least a few of life challenges. Maria said that Bob’s negative attitude had a big influence on her decision to leave.
Apparently Ami had some tragedy in her recent past and Maria hoped this trip would lift Ami’s spirits. She subtly encouraged the two of us to spend time together for the benefit of both of us.