Now that I have your attention.  On our recent trip to Haiti we spent a lot of time in the back of a pickup.  We did mobile clinics in three small villages and we got to the villages in the back of a pickup.  The roads are indescribable, but I’m going to try to describe some of the lines of conversation from our trip.

• We talked A LOT about the gut. That medical researchers are finding much of what good and bad happens with our bodies is influenced by our guts.
• One of the most impactful personal discussions was on our diet. Much of the research on cholesterol was funded by the statin companies. The real culprit is sugar. Sugar causes swelling and swelling causes disease. In the case of the heart, the swelling collects cholesterol. By simply trying to cut sugar out of my diet, I’ve lost 15 lbs. since my return. A friend not only has lost a bunch of weight, but is off virtually all of her medications by working sugar and carbohydrates (essentially sugar) out of her diet. What I realized is that I’m addicted to sugar and if I start, I want more. Looking around, I don’t think I’m alone.
• There is a saying that Haitians are 70% Catholic, 30% Protestant and 100% Voodoo. Fascinating conversations occurred about daily practices and views that are rooted in traditional beliefs.
• One pickup ride involved an escalating argument between two Haitian men. It grew very animated and very loud. One of the people asked me what was going on and if there was a problem. I laughed and asked the two Haitian men, “Soccer or politics?” One of the Haitian doctors answered that it was politics. Basically every heated argument I’ve heard has been one of those two topics.
• A team member reflected that one of the most memorable, not necessarily favorite, conversation happened after a visit to the Poor House. This is a tough place that houses elderly and those who do not have family support. “There were tears of sadness of what we saw and it drew out some of the sadness we’ve experienced in our own lives. It was cleansing for me.”
• Every time I travel to Haiti I hear something new. One of our medical doctors shared that there is a perception by some Haitian women that there are a certain number of babies inside them. One woman asked the doctor to look and see how many babies were left? Wow, it’s hard to believe that this lack of knowledge still exists in our world.
• There was an animated discussion one day about violence against women. It’s an emotional and impactful discussion, regardless of country.
• This is just a small sample of our Pickup Lines. But in case you had other expectations of this blog –
  • Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears!
  • I’m not a photographer, but I can picture me and you together.
  • Are you an interior decorator? Because when I saw you, the entire room became beautiful.
  • Are you religious? Because you’re the answer to all my prayers.