AFTERSHOCK!

Frustration was growing in our evening meeting. Each night we had a debrief to discuss the days events. In this particular meeting we came to realize that the one doctor on our team would possibly be leaving the following afternoon. This would severly impact the works of the next few days. The group could not consult with patients if there was no doctor on duty. Our doctor was willing to start the day earlier and work hard for half a day. Our Host/coordinator was showing some reluctance. The group cautiously offered suggestions. All were in favor of starting earlier. All were in favor of going hard for half a day. Another team of doctors would not be on sight after her departure for almost 3 days. The doctor and coordinator went back and forth like tennis match. Each carefully giving their reasons and stating their position. They were not yelling or fighting but you could feel the tension in the air.
As we are watching this unfold there was the faint sound of a large commercial plane in the air but it was night time and unlikely that a plane would be flying over Haiti at that time. The plane was getting closer and closer and louder. At once all of our eyes were as large as saucers. It wasn’t a plane! It was an aftershock snaking up the mountain. We all stood up and raced down the stairs. We were on the second floor of a concrete structure. I was looking around and running for my life. We all were.
It was just seconds to get down the stairs and out of the house. I remember vividly as we were rounding the corner of the stairs and going down, I didn’t hear anyone talking or screaming. No crying. Only giggles. The little orphans were all, collectively giggling. This was exciting and fun for them. They had not seen the destruction nor death in Port-au-prince. They had not smelled any stench. As a matter of fact, that area is reported to only have suffered 4 deaths as a result of the earthquake. They were way up high in Fort Jacques/Calbasse. This was like a school fire drill to them. No imminent danger in sight. Just a drill. A nice break. Fun. I felt a little silly myself until my friend said her legs were shaking. Mine were shaking too. My whole body was shaking. It was just a drill, just a warning from the earth.
So many people were caught off guard just as we were, sitting around talking, eating, showering, sleeping, working. They must have heard that "plane" and not paid it any mind until it seemed it was right overhead. Some in my group said that they felt the house tremble. I didn't feel anything. I just heard the warning from the earth. The moans from within were like the tinkering of a ruthless killer at a bedroom window, showing his face before he strikes, no remorse, arrogant, full of hate.

This moment was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time for me. I, like the children, was not familiar with the face of this killer. I did not know, first hand, the destruction and heartache associated with this sound. Many are submissive to this sound, they are traumatized and gripped with fear whenever they hear it. I see why now. They should be.