We made it! We started the day bright and early with a check in at O’Hare that ended with our 2 pounds of fake, fake cheese (Aldi brand Velveeta) being confiscated. Evidently it looked too much like C4 and we looked too questionable. Actually, they were sad they had to take it away from the Impact For Jesus people but rules are rules. The flight to Ft. Lauderdasle was uneventful and we finally adjusted to the fact that we would be cheeseless for the week. Our layover in Florida was longer than expected due to inclement weather a few hours earlier but we were finally off.
Ethan was at the airport in Port Au Prince waiting for us when we arrived. I thought getting our baggage went fairly well after all the stories I’d heard about everyone trying to get money. Everyone except Mae, Toni, and I rode in the back of the truck. Angela says it was fun. Rod said it was because the back of her head was to the dirt. Joanna got the dirt full face.
We arrived at Marie’s and unloaded. It took us a while to get things sorted out but we all eventually sat down to a meal of Gina’s brillion, which means stew. Yes Diane it was made with goat meat and yes we ALL ate it. After supper we sat down to do a little planning – all subject to change of course, based on how the Spirit leads us.
Well that’s all for now. Our beds are made and Je suis tres fatigue! More tomorrow. One with you all in His Spirit.
Sharon
6.30.2010
6.25.2010
Slump Day?...I don't think so!
So i know i say this a lot but today is just what i needed but everyday i say it, it is just what i needed. Last night and earlier today i was in a bad mood. I really didn’t want to be in Haiti any longer. I actually started counting down the days and hours that I still had to be here. I didn’t feel like God was using me at all through this experience. This story will get a little PG-13 rated here pretty soon so look away if you are worried. Anyway i figured i hadn’t taken a shower in a couple days.... since i didn’t do anything those days i didn’t feel the need...so i went to the shower. I put on my music because i like music when i take my shower. Anyway I was listening to Demon Hunter and the song “Deteriorate”. this has quickly become one of my favorites. The lyrics are as follows
Time has had its way with me
My broken, tired hands can’t build a thing
The wires that have held me still
Embedded now in flesh, define my will
The idle of my days has won
The empty I have fed has made me numb
Despite what you will find in me
The failures of my past still swell beneath
I need a heart that carries on through the pain
When the walls start collapsing again
Give me a soul that never ceases to follow
Despite the infection within
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
This is where I find my fall
The cares that held me life don’t work at all
And every step away from here
Is closer to the plague I hold so dear
Awaiting my end
Breathing in the day that finds me new
Redemption begins
Bleeding out the flaws in place of you
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
It talks about how we may begin to follow the world and mindlessly follow after awhile. Talking about how why would we try and do anything because we will die someday.
This accurately describes the feeling i was having. After i got out of the shower Rene came and invited me to go play soccer with some people in the area. I politely accepted and jumped on the back of the motor scooter. When we got there of course i was the only blanc (white guy) there. I watched for awhile but joined in when they told me I should of course i was horrible but swapped out for the goalie until another guy came. I spent the rest of the evening watching them play. Rene said early in the evening that they were happy that i came and was watching them play. The thought that me just being there watching was making them happy...oh man. When I was sitting there i learned how to ride the motor scooter so I rode around for a bit but ultimately came back and watched. Thinking these guys do this everyday because they love it. The field wasn’t regulation size. It had a place in the center where no grass grew. The goals were cinder blocks about 10 feet apart. but these guys were happy. Young and old playing soccer together. Rene invited me back tomorrow so i think i will go. This is the story of the day. I thank God for always providing a way out of the slump for me. I know that he will always pull me out of the pit i may be sinking into. I guess that is just his little (to him) way of thanking me of being a good and faithful servant.
Ethan
Time has had its way with me
My broken, tired hands can’t build a thing
The wires that have held me still
Embedded now in flesh, define my will
The idle of my days has won
The empty I have fed has made me numb
Despite what you will find in me
The failures of my past still swell beneath
I need a heart that carries on through the pain
When the walls start collapsing again
Give me a soul that never ceases to follow
Despite the infection within
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
This is where I find my fall
The cares that held me life don’t work at all
And every step away from here
Is closer to the plague I hold so dear
Awaiting my end
Breathing in the day that finds me new
Redemption begins
Bleeding out the flaws in place of you
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
It talks about how we may begin to follow the world and mindlessly follow after awhile. Talking about how why would we try and do anything because we will die someday.
This accurately describes the feeling i was having. After i got out of the shower Rene came and invited me to go play soccer with some people in the area. I politely accepted and jumped on the back of the motor scooter. When we got there of course i was the only blanc (white guy) there. I watched for awhile but joined in when they told me I should of course i was horrible but swapped out for the goalie until another guy came. I spent the rest of the evening watching them play. Rene said early in the evening that they were happy that i came and was watching them play. The thought that me just being there watching was making them happy...oh man. When I was sitting there i learned how to ride the motor scooter so I rode around for a bit but ultimately came back and watched. Thinking these guys do this everyday because they love it. The field wasn’t regulation size. It had a place in the center where no grass grew. The goals were cinder blocks about 10 feet apart. but these guys were happy. Young and old playing soccer together. Rene invited me back tomorrow so i think i will go. This is the story of the day. I thank God for always providing a way out of the slump for me. I know that he will always pull me out of the pit i may be sinking into. I guess that is just his little (to him) way of thanking me of being a good and faithful servant.
Ethan
6.24.2010
The Journey
I write this from the airport in Haiti. We have made it to this point on our journey home. No one felt able to ‘blog’ last night due to mental and physical exhaustion – a common combination. Yesterday was our last full day to maximize our efforts and experience. Renee, Karen and Diane volunteered to stay back to organize the menagerie of crafts and ESL materials which we had utilized during the week. Those of us who don’t have the gift or organization or desire took a trip to the “sea”. We loaded into the pick-up truck with Patty, my God child, to add to the fun and off we went. It was about a 45 minute drive through several other small towns, if you will. Burros with homemade saddles carrying the load of their leader were more apparent in this area. The level of poverty, which at this point is hard to categorize - as what word describes worse than horrid. More children running naked, more elderly just sitting along the road – more open fields with beautiful mountains in the background. Frequently we would see a lone man using a hand tool to prepare a little plot of land for planting. His efforts in the blazing sun were representing his hope of growing something to sustain him. Horses, cattle and sheep speckled the hillside. We shared our smiles, waves and “bon jour” to those along the road, some received them enthusiastically, while others had the look of “why bother, nothing changes.” We saw a significantly populated tent city which had a large cardboard sign displayed by the road which read “We need help.” Their plea made me want to sob at their desperation. Memories of our tour of the capital the day before came to mind where we saw NOTHING being done to restore the city - the rubble lying where it fell and NO equipment to remove it, let alone rebuild. Who will possibly remember the thousands of these remote people?
Soon into our drive we could see the Caribbean Sea whose beauty drew all our attention. When we finally arrived we stood before the shore and within seconds most were running into the water, clothes and all. It was actually too warm to bring refreshment, but clear and welcoming. It made my heart sing in a “motherly way” to see the smiles on Miki and Bridgette’s face, as their heads poked out of the water. Some walked the shore (in the rocks) hoping for a treasure. A fish bit Ethan’s nipple – which brought him out of the water very quickly! The view of the mountains meeting the sea was totally magnificent. We could see huge homes along the coast, which Frenzie explained were “weekend homes” for wealthy Haitians. The disparity once again bringing us confusion.
We returned back to Bon Repos feeling refreshed, quite sun burn, dried skin from the salt water and I was feeling a bit guilty for the amazing time, wishing the girls at the orphanage had come along. (I must add that Rene and Frenzey were like fish in the water. They had contests of who could hold their breath under water the longest while doing a hand stand. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much.) I had the sheer joy of Patty falling asleep in my arms in the back of the pickup truck. She was like a limp noodle and totally unaffected by the belting rain that stun like B B shot and pot holes that sent us bouncing out of our seat!
When we returned to Marie’s we found Pastor Wislet had come to visit and the three team members who stayed back had the gift of learning more about the Pastor and the struggles he faces trying to keep his 35 children fed and clothed. The members were very touched at his faith toward trusting in God to provide. His needs are many. I might add that the obedience of his children and their gratitude was very apparent and touching during our visit on Sunday. We will wait and see who God uses to provide and enrich the lives of these innocent children.
Late afternoon we headed to the orphanage for our final time with the girls. We had a lesson in ESL with exceptional results. It was helpful to evaluate their existing skills to determine where to go from here. The youngest girls became a bit rambunctious and “Sister Patty” had to pull in the reins as their pseudo Mom. Being firm with them isn’t always easy for me.
We had the joy of giving the older girls English/Creole dictionaries which were donated by Oxford University Press in New York. They looked thru the picture dictionaries with such interest and so proud to have a book to call their own.
By having Andy as our translator, we had the sheer joy of having a discussion with the 15 oldest girls. We asked them how they felt about the groups who come to visit. They were unanimous in reporting their excitement. They asked about specific “missionaries” and it was very cool to hear who they were curious about learning more about. Lori spoke with them about the earthquake, i.e. where they were when it occurred, how they felt, and how they feel about it now. In general they shared their fear at the time it occurred, but none reported any existing apprehension. Then we asked each girl to name something she would like to have. Underwear was the #1 request – followed by barrettes. Shoes and clothes were a popular request, as well. I’m pretty sure that’s a genetic given! They get so excited over a new outfit and shoes – and the only place they have to wear them is on their own premises to church. A confirmation that is DOES matter to them how they look, just like it does to us.
Merlinda, the oldest spoke up on behalf of the girls and thanked us with such sincerity. She elaborated that they look forward to teams visiting and how sad they feel when they leave. By the time she finished with her heartfelt words, she had tears flowing down her cheeks as did her sister Michelle and of course some of us as well. To be able to communicate what they are thinking thru translation was such a gift. When I asked the three oldest if they had a dream – they immediately answered “yes.” All three want to be able to go to college.
Then the dreaded final goodbyes had to take place. The girls stood in a long line as we hugged each one goodbye. We expressed our love and assured them of God’s love as well. Several of the younger girls began to cry as well, which made us feel even worse to see them so sad. When Michelle whispered to me, “Don’t ever leave us.” I proceeded to a full blown sob. We walked back to Marie’s looking like a pack of mourners.
The rest of the evening was spent packing for our departure and sharing our thoughts of the week’s experiences. Before leaving for Haiti, we each had been given a “prayer rock” with a name of a specific team member. We went around the table and shared who that person was and what we had prayed on their behalf. All of the many gifts each member shared with the group during the week were recognized and surely appreciated. It’s amazing what God can do when we respond to His calling and work together for His good.
Without a doubt – lives were changed – mainly ours. Despite our best intentions and efforts to give ourselves away to the people of Haiti – they give it back to us 10 fold. On the way to the airport this morning we took in the same scenes of poverty that exist day after day after day. To me, it felt so disheartening. Then I had to remind myself that God sent us to Haiti to plant His seeds and share His love. Or, could it be the other way around and now we are to return home and share the abundant love we received.
Many thanks to those who spent the time to read our entries as we shared our daily experiences. I must add that we are delayed in Miami airport due to the weather as I finish this entry. So, home sweet home is still our desire. With mosquito bites, heat rash, sunburn and changed hearts we re-enter life as we know it.
Patty
**We are now home – and I am FINALLY sending this to blog land. After a good night of rest without bugs I step back into a very complex life, leaving simplicity behind.
Soon into our drive we could see the Caribbean Sea whose beauty drew all our attention. When we finally arrived we stood before the shore and within seconds most were running into the water, clothes and all. It was actually too warm to bring refreshment, but clear and welcoming. It made my heart sing in a “motherly way” to see the smiles on Miki and Bridgette’s face, as their heads poked out of the water. Some walked the shore (in the rocks) hoping for a treasure. A fish bit Ethan’s nipple – which brought him out of the water very quickly! The view of the mountains meeting the sea was totally magnificent. We could see huge homes along the coast, which Frenzie explained were “weekend homes” for wealthy Haitians. The disparity once again bringing us confusion.
We returned back to Bon Repos feeling refreshed, quite sun burn, dried skin from the salt water and I was feeling a bit guilty for the amazing time, wishing the girls at the orphanage had come along. (I must add that Rene and Frenzey were like fish in the water. They had contests of who could hold their breath under water the longest while doing a hand stand. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much.) I had the sheer joy of Patty falling asleep in my arms in the back of the pickup truck. She was like a limp noodle and totally unaffected by the belting rain that stun like B B shot and pot holes that sent us bouncing out of our seat!
When we returned to Marie’s we found Pastor Wislet had come to visit and the three team members who stayed back had the gift of learning more about the Pastor and the struggles he faces trying to keep his 35 children fed and clothed. The members were very touched at his faith toward trusting in God to provide. His needs are many. I might add that the obedience of his children and their gratitude was very apparent and touching during our visit on Sunday. We will wait and see who God uses to provide and enrich the lives of these innocent children.
Late afternoon we headed to the orphanage for our final time with the girls. We had a lesson in ESL with exceptional results. It was helpful to evaluate their existing skills to determine where to go from here. The youngest girls became a bit rambunctious and “Sister Patty” had to pull in the reins as their pseudo Mom. Being firm with them isn’t always easy for me.
We had the joy of giving the older girls English/Creole dictionaries which were donated by Oxford University Press in New York. They looked thru the picture dictionaries with such interest and so proud to have a book to call their own.
By having Andy as our translator, we had the sheer joy of having a discussion with the 15 oldest girls. We asked them how they felt about the groups who come to visit. They were unanimous in reporting their excitement. They asked about specific “missionaries” and it was very cool to hear who they were curious about learning more about. Lori spoke with them about the earthquake, i.e. where they were when it occurred, how they felt, and how they feel about it now. In general they shared their fear at the time it occurred, but none reported any existing apprehension. Then we asked each girl to name something she would like to have. Underwear was the #1 request – followed by barrettes. Shoes and clothes were a popular request, as well. I’m pretty sure that’s a genetic given! They get so excited over a new outfit and shoes – and the only place they have to wear them is on their own premises to church. A confirmation that is DOES matter to them how they look, just like it does to us.
Merlinda, the oldest spoke up on behalf of the girls and thanked us with such sincerity. She elaborated that they look forward to teams visiting and how sad they feel when they leave. By the time she finished with her heartfelt words, she had tears flowing down her cheeks as did her sister Michelle and of course some of us as well. To be able to communicate what they are thinking thru translation was such a gift. When I asked the three oldest if they had a dream – they immediately answered “yes.” All three want to be able to go to college.
Then the dreaded final goodbyes had to take place. The girls stood in a long line as we hugged each one goodbye. We expressed our love and assured them of God’s love as well. Several of the younger girls began to cry as well, which made us feel even worse to see them so sad. When Michelle whispered to me, “Don’t ever leave us.” I proceeded to a full blown sob. We walked back to Marie’s looking like a pack of mourners.
The rest of the evening was spent packing for our departure and sharing our thoughts of the week’s experiences. Before leaving for Haiti, we each had been given a “prayer rock” with a name of a specific team member. We went around the table and shared who that person was and what we had prayed on their behalf. All of the many gifts each member shared with the group during the week were recognized and surely appreciated. It’s amazing what God can do when we respond to His calling and work together for His good.
Without a doubt – lives were changed – mainly ours. Despite our best intentions and efforts to give ourselves away to the people of Haiti – they give it back to us 10 fold. On the way to the airport this morning we took in the same scenes of poverty that exist day after day after day. To me, it felt so disheartening. Then I had to remind myself that God sent us to Haiti to plant His seeds and share His love. Or, could it be the other way around and now we are to return home and share the abundant love we received.
Many thanks to those who spent the time to read our entries as we shared our daily experiences. I must add that we are delayed in Miami airport due to the weather as I finish this entry. So, home sweet home is still our desire. With mosquito bites, heat rash, sunburn and changed hearts we re-enter life as we know it.
Patty
**We are now home – and I am FINALLY sending this to blog land. After a good night of rest without bugs I step back into a very complex life, leaving simplicity behind.
6.21.2010
Eye Openers
Our morning started out cheerful. We had good conversation, some laughs, and a nice little breakfast. As we hear Rene try to start the truck we prayed it would turn over and get going, finally it did and it was great to hear the rumble of the extended cab duly truck. We all piled in with our water, sunscreen and bug spray for a day of much traveling and experiencing.
Our first stop was back at Wislet to drop off a bag of clothes that did not make it into the truck yesterday. Patty went in by herself to make it quick and while we waited in the truck Kemsliy came over to say hello to us. He had such a big smile on his face, I am guessing from the joy of seeing us another day. With the clothes dropped off we headed to our next destination, Grace Hospital.
In all honesty I do not remember much of the ride to the hospital, I was so impacted by the experience there that the drive over has become a bit of a blur. I remember seeing great big fancy houses and then complete rubble and tents (if you could call them that) set up in large clusters all packed close together.
To enter the hospital we had to have an armed guard open the gate for us and once inside we searched for Mr. Robinson. From the beginning you could tell he was such a wonderful and appreciative person. We began our tour with the section of the hospital that was devastated by the quake. I do not say devastated lightly as it was the most eye opening experience. Concrete crumbled up, pictures, papers, plaques, toys, and gravel dust all over the floors. Just on the other side people’s homes opened up and exposed. The quake was in January, it is now six months later and things are still just as they were when the quake first hit. Here we are physically walking through a building that was impacted. Part of the facility actually shifted and moved just two weeks ago.
We were able to see the lab where the staff uses microscopes to look at blood samples on slides, determining if a patient is positive for TB or HIV/AIDS. The women were so appreciative to have us there; to even fathom how they would be thankful to us is hard to put into words. The work this group of individuals does at this hospital is amazing, they even have a counselor on staff for when a patient is informed that they are HIV positive and needs help getting through receiving such horrible news. The patients waiting for HIV treatment or testing are outside in tents. I could go on and on just describing the one building but I will move on to the second building across the street that we visited.
The building the hospital has across the street is where their surgeries are performed; this building was untouched by the quake. Yes, equipment fell and things inside were disturbed but the building itself looks magnificent. Here we witnessed patients waiting to be seen for optical needs, glasses, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you ever start to get frustrated waiting for the eye doctor or doctor please just think of these individuals sitting in a room with hard chairs lined up row by row, only an overhead fan on and the heat of Haiti while they wait for their name to be called, both young and old all waiting. Mr. Robinson told us they are in desperate need of reading glasses and medicated eye drops.
Continuing on we saw the exam rooms, which were actually air conditioned and must be a nice break for the patient. We were able to talk to one of the optimologists that was with a patient and he too was so grateful to us. Mr. Robinson told us that they can see up to 80 patients a day and give out up to 50 eye glasses a day! From there we were able to see the surgery area and there were some patients on beds recovering. The doctor there informed us that her and her team can perform up to 10 surgeries a day and they do surgery 3 days a week. Amazing, absolutely amazing! Plus, they are hoping to get other optimologists to come and help educate individuals and promote their services in hopes of reaching out to the community and helping those in need that may not yet feel comfortable coming for it.
Next we moved on to the pediatric area. The amount of individuals sitting in one room and the lack of crying and complaining was just absolutely amazing. It was great to see so many people there receiving the help and check-ups that they need. At the same time it was sad to see so many people waiting patiently in the dire heat to be helped.
Our final stop was to see the six children the hospital cares for that are orphans and have nowhere to go. Prior to the quake the hospital had over 30 children and all those with families were sent home with their families. These six children were just amazing, they all have some sort of special need or are malnourished and much smaller than what they should be for their age. We all had fun giving them beanie babies, puppets and just tickling and playing with them. One girl with epilepsy was just so animated and happy; she insisted on knowing all or our names and told Bridgett she wanted a coloring book, crayons, and a doll. We were able to provide all but the doll and she was just so thrilled and did such a wonderful job coloring (in the lines!) in her new book. The one child that touched my heart the most was one that did not move or speak. This child had been dropped off at the door of the hospital with a hole in his head. He has neurological damage and they are not sure what else, he has never spoken and does not move on his own. To just touch him and feel the innocence of this sweet child, to then have him turn his head toward you when you stop is just amazing. I am glad that the hospital will not adopt out these children, they take such good care of these kids and have such a strong connection with them they are in the right place to be loved. We parted by leaving more coloring books, beanie babies, puppets, reading books (in both English and Creole!) for the teacher, and of course candy for the kids.
After such an emotional endeavor we headed off to lunch at Epi D'or. What a treat, pizza, chicken tenders, fries, cold coke, air conditioning, and desserts! This was a great way to recharge and recoup before heading on the Port Au Prince tour.
On the way to Port Au Prince we were all treated to an experience of chicken on the streets of Haiti. One small little road was lined with cars parked to the right, a big pile of rubble still left and a Mercedes just left off the curb and blocking ½ the road – right by a light pole. This little car in oncoming traffic decided he could come before us and refused to back up; we had a line of cars behind us and he had none but still refused to back up. So, after much heated conversation between the other driver and our drivers Frenzy got out to direct him through. Rene moved over as much as he could, the other car made it through and then we ended up stuck with the abandoned car, the light pole, the pile of rubble and a wall. Yes, abandoned, the truck would not start again after being turned off. After many attempts at turning the steering wheel it was determined the car had to be moved. Rene, Frenzy and Ethan all got out of the truck to attempt to move the Mercedes, no luck. FINALLY the driver of the Mercedes showed up and moved the car. While that helped we still had the light pole directly in front of us with a dead engine. So, the boys decided to push the truck and this time they received some Haitian help. With a little muscle they got us unstuck and a few of us started jumping on the truck from the back. Well, remember how I said the engine was dead, we were also on a hill so Rene let it go, popped the clutch and got her going. However, those of us jumping in the back got a little joy ride!
After that excitement we made it into Port Au Prince and took in so much. It looks just like the pictures but to see mattresses, tables, and office chairs crushed between layers of concrete in person, with the heat, the people and the smells is something that just cannot be explained or shown. The capital building lawn is still kept up and yet just across the street is a tent city with children, masses of people and tent after tent just on top of each other. It is amazing to see how one house or business will be fine and untouched and another is nothing but rubble. After thinking you have seen the worst you could see we were at the port and the site was just sad and eye opening. The mud, garbage, masses of tents and shacks all in one area was something.
It was a tough day; we experienced all sorts of emotions and saw so many different things. Rene is an awesome driver and not once bumped or rubbed up against another vehicle, and put up with our efforts to buy a fan to replace the one that shorted itself out. Frenzy is a wonderful person and we are pretty sure gives us the polite version of what some Haitians say to us. Ethan helped get us out of our jam and took a few of us across the street to get a closer look at the capitol building. Andy helped educate us and helped us communicate with the children at the hospital. For having 9 women together on a mission we ended up with a great group of protectors.
Thank you to everyone at home for your thoughts and please continue keeping us in your thoughts.
Ruth
Our first stop was back at Wislet to drop off a bag of clothes that did not make it into the truck yesterday. Patty went in by herself to make it quick and while we waited in the truck Kemsliy came over to say hello to us. He had such a big smile on his face, I am guessing from the joy of seeing us another day. With the clothes dropped off we headed to our next destination, Grace Hospital.
In all honesty I do not remember much of the ride to the hospital, I was so impacted by the experience there that the drive over has become a bit of a blur. I remember seeing great big fancy houses and then complete rubble and tents (if you could call them that) set up in large clusters all packed close together.
To enter the hospital we had to have an armed guard open the gate for us and once inside we searched for Mr. Robinson. From the beginning you could tell he was such a wonderful and appreciative person. We began our tour with the section of the hospital that was devastated by the quake. I do not say devastated lightly as it was the most eye opening experience. Concrete crumbled up, pictures, papers, plaques, toys, and gravel dust all over the floors. Just on the other side people’s homes opened up and exposed. The quake was in January, it is now six months later and things are still just as they were when the quake first hit. Here we are physically walking through a building that was impacted. Part of the facility actually shifted and moved just two weeks ago.
We were able to see the lab where the staff uses microscopes to look at blood samples on slides, determining if a patient is positive for TB or HIV/AIDS. The women were so appreciative to have us there; to even fathom how they would be thankful to us is hard to put into words. The work this group of individuals does at this hospital is amazing, they even have a counselor on staff for when a patient is informed that they are HIV positive and needs help getting through receiving such horrible news. The patients waiting for HIV treatment or testing are outside in tents. I could go on and on just describing the one building but I will move on to the second building across the street that we visited.
The building the hospital has across the street is where their surgeries are performed; this building was untouched by the quake. Yes, equipment fell and things inside were disturbed but the building itself looks magnificent. Here we witnessed patients waiting to be seen for optical needs, glasses, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you ever start to get frustrated waiting for the eye doctor or doctor please just think of these individuals sitting in a room with hard chairs lined up row by row, only an overhead fan on and the heat of Haiti while they wait for their name to be called, both young and old all waiting. Mr. Robinson told us they are in desperate need of reading glasses and medicated eye drops.
Continuing on we saw the exam rooms, which were actually air conditioned and must be a nice break for the patient. We were able to talk to one of the optimologists that was with a patient and he too was so grateful to us. Mr. Robinson told us that they can see up to 80 patients a day and give out up to 50 eye glasses a day! From there we were able to see the surgery area and there were some patients on beds recovering. The doctor there informed us that her and her team can perform up to 10 surgeries a day and they do surgery 3 days a week. Amazing, absolutely amazing! Plus, they are hoping to get other optimologists to come and help educate individuals and promote their services in hopes of reaching out to the community and helping those in need that may not yet feel comfortable coming for it.
Next we moved on to the pediatric area. The amount of individuals sitting in one room and the lack of crying and complaining was just absolutely amazing. It was great to see so many people there receiving the help and check-ups that they need. At the same time it was sad to see so many people waiting patiently in the dire heat to be helped.
Our final stop was to see the six children the hospital cares for that are orphans and have nowhere to go. Prior to the quake the hospital had over 30 children and all those with families were sent home with their families. These six children were just amazing, they all have some sort of special need or are malnourished and much smaller than what they should be for their age. We all had fun giving them beanie babies, puppets and just tickling and playing with them. One girl with epilepsy was just so animated and happy; she insisted on knowing all or our names and told Bridgett she wanted a coloring book, crayons, and a doll. We were able to provide all but the doll and she was just so thrilled and did such a wonderful job coloring (in the lines!) in her new book. The one child that touched my heart the most was one that did not move or speak. This child had been dropped off at the door of the hospital with a hole in his head. He has neurological damage and they are not sure what else, he has never spoken and does not move on his own. To just touch him and feel the innocence of this sweet child, to then have him turn his head toward you when you stop is just amazing. I am glad that the hospital will not adopt out these children, they take such good care of these kids and have such a strong connection with them they are in the right place to be loved. We parted by leaving more coloring books, beanie babies, puppets, reading books (in both English and Creole!) for the teacher, and of course candy for the kids.
After such an emotional endeavor we headed off to lunch at Epi D'or. What a treat, pizza, chicken tenders, fries, cold coke, air conditioning, and desserts! This was a great way to recharge and recoup before heading on the Port Au Prince tour.
On the way to Port Au Prince we were all treated to an experience of chicken on the streets of Haiti. One small little road was lined with cars parked to the right, a big pile of rubble still left and a Mercedes just left off the curb and blocking ½ the road – right by a light pole. This little car in oncoming traffic decided he could come before us and refused to back up; we had a line of cars behind us and he had none but still refused to back up. So, after much heated conversation between the other driver and our drivers Frenzy got out to direct him through. Rene moved over as much as he could, the other car made it through and then we ended up stuck with the abandoned car, the light pole, the pile of rubble and a wall. Yes, abandoned, the truck would not start again after being turned off. After many attempts at turning the steering wheel it was determined the car had to be moved. Rene, Frenzy and Ethan all got out of the truck to attempt to move the Mercedes, no luck. FINALLY the driver of the Mercedes showed up and moved the car. While that helped we still had the light pole directly in front of us with a dead engine. So, the boys decided to push the truck and this time they received some Haitian help. With a little muscle they got us unstuck and a few of us started jumping on the truck from the back. Well, remember how I said the engine was dead, we were also on a hill so Rene let it go, popped the clutch and got her going. However, those of us jumping in the back got a little joy ride!
After that excitement we made it into Port Au Prince and took in so much. It looks just like the pictures but to see mattresses, tables, and office chairs crushed between layers of concrete in person, with the heat, the people and the smells is something that just cannot be explained or shown. The capital building lawn is still kept up and yet just across the street is a tent city with children, masses of people and tent after tent just on top of each other. It is amazing to see how one house or business will be fine and untouched and another is nothing but rubble. After thinking you have seen the worst you could see we were at the port and the site was just sad and eye opening. The mud, garbage, masses of tents and shacks all in one area was something.
It was a tough day; we experienced all sorts of emotions and saw so many different things. Rene is an awesome driver and not once bumped or rubbed up against another vehicle, and put up with our efforts to buy a fan to replace the one that shorted itself out. Frenzy is a wonderful person and we are pretty sure gives us the polite version of what some Haitians say to us. Ethan helped get us out of our jam and took a few of us across the street to get a closer look at the capitol building. Andy helped educate us and helped us communicate with the children at the hospital. For having 9 women together on a mission we ended up with a great group of protectors.
Thank you to everyone at home for your thoughts and please continue keeping us in your thoughts.
Ruth
6.20.2010
Day of Rest
Portions of the Team have recovered from being a little under the weather and God has provided a wonderful day, even though slightly overcast and with a wee bit of rain. Up early with nine women trying to get ready for church service at 9:00am. Patty provided some early inspiration telling us she wanted to take our picture today as “this” is the day we will be looking our best. Hate to think what we looked like the rest of the week! Worshiping God was exhilarating as Marie introduced us to the congregation and all had tears flowing by the time we got halfway down the line. The Haitian congregation had expressions of thanksgiving for all of us. We wish we could express to them that they teach us more then we could ever teach them about faith, hope and love, now and for the future. We finished our worship listening to the girls sing beautiful worship songs in French and English. Each girl was also wearing her beautiful spring dress she had gotten the day before in lovely spring colors.
It was then back to Marie’s for a quick lunch of crackers, salami and cheese. Then it was off to Pastor Wislet’s Orphanage for an afternoon of serving. While Patty took pictures of each child, the rest of the team was busy making backpacks and decorating picture quilt squares. Since we had our interpreter, Andy, with us, the team members that had sponsor children there were able to talk one-on-one and had some great conversations. We handed out lots of balls and got some physical fitness in today as well. Hope no one feels it in the morning! We ended the day hanging the quilt finished off with Pastor Wislet and his lovely wife, Jacqueline. He commented while looking at the quilt that he had never stop to think what a large responsibility he has, but God will provide. The ride home was quick as not many people are traveling on the streets on Sunday and it was beginning to rain. So all had a quick competition to see who could get their poncho on the fastest riding at 50 miles an hour in the back of the pickup truck! It definitely was a Kodak moment.
Then home for another delicious meal prepared by Gina of chicken, rice and vegetables. For those watching their stomachs, tortellini was provided for all. In recapping my emotions of the day, I know God is the one that has brought me back to Haiti with many more visits to come. I thank the Haitian people for allowing us to serve this week. God’s light is shining brightly in Haiti. It is in the elderly lady’s face around the corner from Marie’s who sell some basic needs out of a make shift cabinet everyday and teaches us a new word in French with wide smile on her face, it’s in the families that live below Marie’s with hope for their new infant children and certainly in the young children’s faces as they smile and wave as we pass on the street. Please pray for all of them.
Renee
It was then back to Marie’s for a quick lunch of crackers, salami and cheese. Then it was off to Pastor Wislet’s Orphanage for an afternoon of serving. While Patty took pictures of each child, the rest of the team was busy making backpacks and decorating picture quilt squares. Since we had our interpreter, Andy, with us, the team members that had sponsor children there were able to talk one-on-one and had some great conversations. We handed out lots of balls and got some physical fitness in today as well. Hope no one feels it in the morning! We ended the day hanging the quilt finished off with Pastor Wislet and his lovely wife, Jacqueline. He commented while looking at the quilt that he had never stop to think what a large responsibility he has, but God will provide. The ride home was quick as not many people are traveling on the streets on Sunday and it was beginning to rain. So all had a quick competition to see who could get their poncho on the fastest riding at 50 miles an hour in the back of the pickup truck! It definitely was a Kodak moment.
Then home for another delicious meal prepared by Gina of chicken, rice and vegetables. For those watching their stomachs, tortellini was provided for all. In recapping my emotions of the day, I know God is the one that has brought me back to Haiti with many more visits to come. I thank the Haitian people for allowing us to serve this week. God’s light is shining brightly in Haiti. It is in the elderly lady’s face around the corner from Marie’s who sell some basic needs out of a make shift cabinet everyday and teaches us a new word in French with wide smile on her face, it’s in the families that live below Marie’s with hope for their new infant children and certainly in the young children’s faces as they smile and wave as we pass on the street. Please pray for all of them.
Renee
6.19.2010
IHOP in Haiti
It’s another beautiful day in Haiti. Our day started early with making breakfast for the girls. Many of us helped prepare the batter, pour, flip and count the 150 odd pancakes made today. Others prepared bacon. We rounded out the meal with cups of mandarin oranges. What a team. We worked like a crew of chefs from Chez Paul, with much more challenging accommodations. Yeah, they didn’t actually look like Chez Paul pancakes, but they were made with love. This was a very special treat, both for us to serve and for the girls to eat. What joy we had in all the elements of preparation, serving and watching the girls devour this rare treat. We were amazed at their respect and restraint to wait for everyone to be served before digging in. Their pray also touched out hearts. Unfortunately, not everyone got to join us in the fun. We had a few casualties from our long, hot day yesterday. Renee, Bridgette and Catrina were all struck with aliments that we all prefer not to mention. Renee and Catrina bounced back quickly and poor Bridgette was down for the count until later in the afternoon. No need to worry, there was plenty of fun to come. Due to the illnesses, we changed our plans the day and decided it would be best to stay close to home. Change is nothing new to this team. We have been incredibly flexible which needs to be noted as amazing since many of us are ‘schedule’ people. God is always growing us.) Our new plan consisted of assembling teams of girls to come over to Marie’s and make crafts. This allowed for a change of scenery for the girls, reprieve from the intense heat for us all and an opportunity to spend some small group time with the girls. We still had some prep work to do but shortly, we were ready to roll. Once again, we functioned like a well oiled machine. We gained an additional ‘cog’ when Bridgette was healthy enough to join us. We all have learned that time with the girls is the best medicine. All the girls made a quilt square that had their picture in the center. These were prepared by Patty who is a whiz with a camera and printer. Next, all the girls got a small backpack that was stenciled to color and personalize. As a special treat, each girl got to pick out a beautiful dress to keep. I can’t wait to see them all modeled for service tomorrow. The older girls also got to make a bracelet. This is a long, tedious project that required a great deal of patience to teach and monitor with the girls. Lori, who headed this project and her crew were a bunch of angels. After all of this, we were pretty wiped out and so were the girls. We took some time to do some bonding, bed bug removal and some crafts ourselves. Karen spent some time with Andi, our interpreter, to edit a college paper he wrote. That’s our team, always serving. The title of his paper sparked a great deal of conversation, “ Is God in Haiti.” Wow! What a topic.
Then, something amazing happened. God answered our prayers for some relief from the heat, a rain storm. What an amazing blessing. As we enjoyed the coolness of the rain, the Haitians kept working. These are the hardest working people I have ever met. They do construction in 100 degree heat as well as sweep out water from the back of a pickup in the pouring rain. They never stop working. And they are happy about it. Now, that’s gratitude! We wound down the evening with a delicious meal of goat meat, rice and vegetables. Of course there were sides of American pasta for those with weak stomachs, both from illness and lack of adventure. I must admit I was one of the less adventurous souls. Sorry Bob, maybe next time. I did try a mango though. (Wow, what STRETCH!)
We end the evening with devotion and more bonding. We thank the Lord for this wonderfully, perfect day. I think a fitting verse to sum up this day would be, “From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.”
Blessings to all! Diane
Then, something amazing happened. God answered our prayers for some relief from the heat, a rain storm. What an amazing blessing. As we enjoyed the coolness of the rain, the Haitians kept working. These are the hardest working people I have ever met. They do construction in 100 degree heat as well as sweep out water from the back of a pickup in the pouring rain. They never stop working. And they are happy about it. Now, that’s gratitude! We wound down the evening with a delicious meal of goat meat, rice and vegetables. Of course there were sides of American pasta for those with weak stomachs, both from illness and lack of adventure. I must admit I was one of the less adventurous souls. Sorry Bob, maybe next time. I did try a mango though. (Wow, what STRETCH!)
We end the evening with devotion and more bonding. We thank the Lord for this wonderfully, perfect day. I think a fitting verse to sum up this day would be, “From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.”
Blessings to all! Diane
Survivors of the non-fittest!
I was in a kind and loving mood and very ready to be the “blogger of the day” but the internet depleted me of patience and any accrued coping mechanisms. It seems so unjustified to complain about the frustrations of the internet while in Haiti especially when the majority of the country doesn’t even have the luxury of electricity. So let me just suck it up – lose the pout and share our day with you.
I won’t elaborate on the nightly rooster duet or the fighting dog serenade, mainly because I find I can now sleep through it - sort of compared to living by a train station. We laid in bed until SEVEN O’CLOCK like a bunch of lazy loafers. I made scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. It wasn’t exactly Denny’s, but we pretended it was a Grand Slam and ate it with enthusiasm. As long as I have my coffee I can enjoy most mornings.
We decided to take advantage of our free time while the girls were in school so went to the Artist neighborhood and helped the Haitian economy. We weren’t very good at the bartering business. I was able to get the artist to drop $5.00 off his starting price, only to give it to him anyway. (Don’t worry Jim – it was a very small piece…but needed for our collection!) To watch these various artists kneeling on the ground, all bent over as they skillfully hammer away on a nail to achieve their intended pattern makes it very difficult to not accept their already low asking price. The hours and talent that is required is worth much more. Most of us will return home with a treasure of their labor.
Believe it or not – the shopping actually took a bit longer than we had expected. ( Nine women must inspect all the available merchandise to make the proper decision, you know!!) I have stressed to the team over and again how they are not to give money or anything for that matter to anyone when we are out and about. A simple handout can create disastrous conditions. Well, I am writing to confess that as we got into the back of the pickup to leave the artist area, there was a very old man sitting under a tree wearing only a well worn pair of pants. He had no teeth, a sunken face, with spindle arms which had almost lost the definition of the muscles he once wore. My heart so ached as I saw him sitting there, in his effort to escape from the scorching sun. In a flash I envisioned how many years this literally poor man had endured the struggles that come with existing in Haiti. So, I succumbed and shook his hand with a crumbled ten dollar bill. Before he even knew I had put a bill in his hand he was saying, “Merci’”, just for stopping to shake his hand. His face will never leave my mind…or rather I hope it doesn’t.
Once I confessed to the team I had just broken my own rule – out came the bag of candy we had brought and root beer barrels were handed over the bed of the truck to two young boys with pleading eyes. Well – before you knew it, we had a few more boys running behind the truck and we were throwing candy off the back of the truck like we were in the Rose Bowl Parade. That’s when you just wish you could be supernaturally suspended high above the country and be able to pour all the things they need to exist from the heavens. Instead – we’re receiving huge smiles and hearing laughter over a root beer barrel retrieved from the dirt. Further down the road, naked children looked equally as excited just to jump around and return our waves and smiles.
We did stop out front of the voo-doo temple and some jumped out to see the inside. There were roosters stacked in cages, which we assumed were used as sacrifices. Marie told us later they are usually used in “cock fights”. That didn’t seem quite as creepy.
Then – because we are wimpy Americans – totally overheated at this point, drinking warm water from our bottles, we stopped at a little air-conditioned small eatery where we ordered eleven orders of French fries for starters. We gulped down our cold drinks and certainly questioned how the locals can bare sitting outside to sell their wares, day after day after day and can’t even afford to walk into this place.
We returned to Marie’s stuffed, hot and tired – but after a round up of supplies we went to the orphanage for their second ESL lesson. Today we focused on colors and the girls were very responsive. (I got called out for not paying attention and the girls thought that was pretty funny!) All the girls were provided with the materials to make bracelets. The youngest strung glow in the dark beads, while Lori taught the older girls how to make much more complicated bracelets of beautiful beads and string. The girls did a great job and were very proud of their work – with good reason. So – they left the session all “dolled up” and feeling good about themselves. They each got their OWN little bottle of bubbles and they put on a bubble display that would make the Lawrence Welk show look lame. For those of you who are too young to know anything about the Lawrence Welk show…..just GROW UP!
It was getting dark by the time we returned from this adventure and trust me that we were grimy, sweaty, and exhausted campers. Once again Karen and Renee did a great job as we proceeded with ESL. We are planning to make the girls a pancake breakfast in the morning and then visit Pastor Wislet and the children at the second orphanage. We have spent this evening in heaps here and there as we digest the day. I am very proud of the team for hanging in. They are each empowered by our creator with huge hearts and sincere desires as we continue on our trek to spread the love that can both give hope and sustain one’s ability to persevere.
Lord, please forgive our spoiled brat impatience with the internet. You clearly knew we would never be able to handle the life of a true Haitian…that is an ability none of us have been able to comprehend or put into adequate words.
Proud to be called “Sister Patty”
I won’t elaborate on the nightly rooster duet or the fighting dog serenade, mainly because I find I can now sleep through it - sort of compared to living by a train station. We laid in bed until SEVEN O’CLOCK like a bunch of lazy loafers. I made scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. It wasn’t exactly Denny’s, but we pretended it was a Grand Slam and ate it with enthusiasm. As long as I have my coffee I can enjoy most mornings.
We decided to take advantage of our free time while the girls were in school so went to the Artist neighborhood and helped the Haitian economy. We weren’t very good at the bartering business. I was able to get the artist to drop $5.00 off his starting price, only to give it to him anyway. (Don’t worry Jim – it was a very small piece…but needed for our collection!) To watch these various artists kneeling on the ground, all bent over as they skillfully hammer away on a nail to achieve their intended pattern makes it very difficult to not accept their already low asking price. The hours and talent that is required is worth much more. Most of us will return home with a treasure of their labor.
Believe it or not – the shopping actually took a bit longer than we had expected. ( Nine women must inspect all the available merchandise to make the proper decision, you know!!) I have stressed to the team over and again how they are not to give money or anything for that matter to anyone when we are out and about. A simple handout can create disastrous conditions. Well, I am writing to confess that as we got into the back of the pickup to leave the artist area, there was a very old man sitting under a tree wearing only a well worn pair of pants. He had no teeth, a sunken face, with spindle arms which had almost lost the definition of the muscles he once wore. My heart so ached as I saw him sitting there, in his effort to escape from the scorching sun. In a flash I envisioned how many years this literally poor man had endured the struggles that come with existing in Haiti. So, I succumbed and shook his hand with a crumbled ten dollar bill. Before he even knew I had put a bill in his hand he was saying, “Merci’”, just for stopping to shake his hand. His face will never leave my mind…or rather I hope it doesn’t.
Once I confessed to the team I had just broken my own rule – out came the bag of candy we had brought and root beer barrels were handed over the bed of the truck to two young boys with pleading eyes. Well – before you knew it, we had a few more boys running behind the truck and we were throwing candy off the back of the truck like we were in the Rose Bowl Parade. That’s when you just wish you could be supernaturally suspended high above the country and be able to pour all the things they need to exist from the heavens. Instead – we’re receiving huge smiles and hearing laughter over a root beer barrel retrieved from the dirt. Further down the road, naked children looked equally as excited just to jump around and return our waves and smiles.
We did stop out front of the voo-doo temple and some jumped out to see the inside. There were roosters stacked in cages, which we assumed were used as sacrifices. Marie told us later they are usually used in “cock fights”. That didn’t seem quite as creepy.
Then – because we are wimpy Americans – totally overheated at this point, drinking warm water from our bottles, we stopped at a little air-conditioned small eatery where we ordered eleven orders of French fries for starters. We gulped down our cold drinks and certainly questioned how the locals can bare sitting outside to sell their wares, day after day after day and can’t even afford to walk into this place.
We returned to Marie’s stuffed, hot and tired – but after a round up of supplies we went to the orphanage for their second ESL lesson. Today we focused on colors and the girls were very responsive. (I got called out for not paying attention and the girls thought that was pretty funny!) All the girls were provided with the materials to make bracelets. The youngest strung glow in the dark beads, while Lori taught the older girls how to make much more complicated bracelets of beautiful beads and string. The girls did a great job and were very proud of their work – with good reason. So – they left the session all “dolled up” and feeling good about themselves. They each got their OWN little bottle of bubbles and they put on a bubble display that would make the Lawrence Welk show look lame. For those of you who are too young to know anything about the Lawrence Welk show…..just GROW UP!
It was getting dark by the time we returned from this adventure and trust me that we were grimy, sweaty, and exhausted campers. Once again Karen and Renee did a great job as we proceeded with ESL. We are planning to make the girls a pancake breakfast in the morning and then visit Pastor Wislet and the children at the second orphanage. We have spent this evening in heaps here and there as we digest the day. I am very proud of the team for hanging in. They are each empowered by our creator with huge hearts and sincere desires as we continue on our trek to spread the love that can both give hope and sustain one’s ability to persevere.
Lord, please forgive our spoiled brat impatience with the internet. You clearly knew we would never be able to handle the life of a true Haitian…that is an ability none of us have been able to comprehend or put into adequate words.
Proud to be called “Sister Patty”
6.17.2010
June Team - Day 1
So, we have just completed our first full day in Haiti and boy has it been eventful!
To start, we were serenaded at 11PM, 12PM, 3AM and 5AM (these were the times that I heard) by either the roosters or lone hound who barked at nothing in particular. Since the rest of the team also lost sleep to the wacky rooster time clock, we have named two of them Willy and Kenny and we would have no qualms eating them any time some! We did catch one break last night, it was not incredibly hot, at least not for those of us in the front bedroom (Karen would probably disagree with me though!)
First thing this morning we went to the orphanage to see the opening of school. While we were waiting for things to get going, one of the wooden box that the workers had built to encase the upright columns of rebar, came loose while a team of men were trying to nail it in place. The 15foot box fell over and hit Cathy Jones (from the House of Hope) on the head and grazing Renee’s left upper arm causing a scape and bruising. Cathy was stunned for a few minutes but appears to have survived the assault with only a bump on the head and a stiff neck. It was lucky that none of the children were standing near them at the time!
After our return from the orphanage, the team spent several hours unpacking and organizing all of the items that we brought down here. A big portion of what we tried to do was to separate those things that we want to take to the second orphanage when we make our trip over there later this week. Several of us spent a couple of hours stenciling backpacks for both orphanages. The stenciled outlines of various items such as flowers, fish, rainbows etc. will allow the kids to color and decorate their individual backpacks. They turned out pretty cute so we can’t wait to see them finished!
We went to the orphanage after lunch and started our first concerted ESL lesson. We arranged the girls by age and each team member helped Karen and Renee with the lessons- Renee taking the younger girls and Karen taking lead with the older ones. Several different lessons were covered during the couple of hours we were there. It was pretty hectic and the older girls became quite competitive when we tried to play the “Memory” card game with them. Every type of “cheating” technique was tried during the game!
The girls treated us to a chorus of several songs, all song in English. They were really good and even the little ones had all of the movements down perfectly! We made videos of their performance and hopefully Renee will be able to post them for you to enjoy too!
On our return to Marie’s, we brought one of the girl’s with us as she had an abrasion on her forehead that appeared to be infected. Karen and Catrina took lead on the medical response and they were able to clean out the wound, apply ointment and bandage it up. We will be keeping close watch on the injury site over the few days to make sure it heals up properly.
For dinner tonight we were invited over to the House of Hope for bratwurst, potato salad, pasta salad, sauerkraut, carrot cake, brownies and ICE COLD Pepsi, Teem, Coke. A good time was had by all and we ended the night singing worship songs accompanied by guitar under the flashing lightening in the sky.
Well that’s about it for our first day here. The yappy dog has just arrived outside our window and Ethan is trying to entertain him by chasing him with a laser light. At least this is keeping him quiet! Guess we will have to have Ethan stand out on the balcony all night! As for Willy and Kenny our musical roosters, hopefully they have developed a case of laryngitis!
Lori
To start, we were serenaded at 11PM, 12PM, 3AM and 5AM (these were the times that I heard) by either the roosters or lone hound who barked at nothing in particular. Since the rest of the team also lost sleep to the wacky rooster time clock, we have named two of them Willy and Kenny and we would have no qualms eating them any time some! We did catch one break last night, it was not incredibly hot, at least not for those of us in the front bedroom (Karen would probably disagree with me though!)
First thing this morning we went to the orphanage to see the opening of school. While we were waiting for things to get going, one of the wooden box that the workers had built to encase the upright columns of rebar, came loose while a team of men were trying to nail it in place. The 15foot box fell over and hit Cathy Jones (from the House of Hope) on the head and grazing Renee’s left upper arm causing a scape and bruising. Cathy was stunned for a few minutes but appears to have survived the assault with only a bump on the head and a stiff neck. It was lucky that none of the children were standing near them at the time!
After our return from the orphanage, the team spent several hours unpacking and organizing all of the items that we brought down here. A big portion of what we tried to do was to separate those things that we want to take to the second orphanage when we make our trip over there later this week. Several of us spent a couple of hours stenciling backpacks for both orphanages. The stenciled outlines of various items such as flowers, fish, rainbows etc. will allow the kids to color and decorate their individual backpacks. They turned out pretty cute so we can’t wait to see them finished!
We went to the orphanage after lunch and started our first concerted ESL lesson. We arranged the girls by age and each team member helped Karen and Renee with the lessons- Renee taking the younger girls and Karen taking lead with the older ones. Several different lessons were covered during the couple of hours we were there. It was pretty hectic and the older girls became quite competitive when we tried to play the “Memory” card game with them. Every type of “cheating” technique was tried during the game!
The girls treated us to a chorus of several songs, all song in English. They were really good and even the little ones had all of the movements down perfectly! We made videos of their performance and hopefully Renee will be able to post them for you to enjoy too!
On our return to Marie’s, we brought one of the girl’s with us as she had an abrasion on her forehead that appeared to be infected. Karen and Catrina took lead on the medical response and they were able to clean out the wound, apply ointment and bandage it up. We will be keeping close watch on the injury site over the few days to make sure it heals up properly.
For dinner tonight we were invited over to the House of Hope for bratwurst, potato salad, pasta salad, sauerkraut, carrot cake, brownies and ICE COLD Pepsi, Teem, Coke. A good time was had by all and we ended the night singing worship songs accompanied by guitar under the flashing lightening in the sky.
Well that’s about it for our first day here. The yappy dog has just arrived outside our window and Ethan is trying to entertain him by chasing him with a laser light. At least this is keeping him quiet! Guess we will have to have Ethan stand out on the balcony all night! As for Willy and Kenny our musical roosters, hopefully they have developed a case of laryngitis!
Lori
6.16.2010
9 American Women, 27 suitcases, and a Stick Shift Truck
Finally all settled in after a very long day starting at 3:00 a.m. for most of us. Everyone arrived on time and met Patty and Jim to start the process of checking in. Some of us said hello for the first time to Catrina Greeno and Lori Bird. Checking in went fairly well considering there were 18 max-ed out bags. Our flight to Ft. Lauderdale ran a little late but made our layover a bit shorter. Our flight to Haiti was short and uneventful…that of course gave us a false sense of security upon landing and proceeding to customs. Had Patty not given us a heads up on what lay ahead, most of us would have turned around and gotten back on the plane. However, everyone stepped up to the plate maneuvering carts, the crowd, and the unbearable heat. We managed to walk to our truck, load it up, and jumped in. We found solace in the relative safety of our vehicle and handlers (Rene & Ethan). It was quite a ride to Marie’s. As one could imagine what has happened here, the Haitian people continue by sheer will and faith to eke out a life worth living. I personally could not fathom how my presence would make life better for them. Upon arriving at Marie’s, we quickly dropped our bags and went to see the “girls.” To see them made the strife of the day melt away. They were so very happy to see us…some of us for the first time! I am now known as “Miki Mama” and waited for my turn at hugs and kisses after…Miki got hers. The girls returned the favor of sweet treats by singing us a song, “I Am So Happy to See You.” Do you know that they sing in harmony without even knowing it? It’s so beautiful; I think it is in their genes. Well this weary blogger is about to hit the sack…everyone is fine, tired but fine. A good night sleep will do everyone well and we look forward to all that God has planned for us here.
Miki Mama,
Karen Campbell
Miki Mama,
Karen Campbell
6.15.2010
Another day in Paradise ( I Think )
Things are quite different down here without Jim and the boys. For dinner last night Marie broke out the T-Bone steaks, twice baked potatoes, fresh asparagus, and a nice chilled salad. All pared well with the wine selection. After dinner we enjoyed watching the World Cup on the big screen while savoring our Key Lime pie. Bed came early after such a fine and filling meal. A little rough during the night, I had to get up and turn up the central air, Ethan must have been the one to set the thermostat at 60, sure glad I had the down comforter…. Then I awoke to the sound of the rooster. Dream or reality I’ll never tell. Up at 5:24, still able to make the coffee thanks to the inverter (no city power again last night), Morning Prayer, finish the book of Job and start Psalms. Blueberry pancakes all around. The young one downstairs ended up pretty sticky after eating pancakes as finger food. Ethan received a call from Andronic the young interpreter used on occasion by Impact and the other groups that stay here at Marie’s, Andronic stated he was on his way and would see us in a few minutes. Due to the traffic he arrived about two hours later. We had a nice talk about his dream to study medicine in the US and his desire to return to Haiti and open a clinic. Like all too often in Haiti the passion to succeed is strong but the funding is weak. Andronic was able to fill my request for two Haitian Creole Bibles (sorry Chris Ethan has yours) and I also received a bonus gift, a small paperback entitled “ Angle’ pou tout moun” which should help with the Creole lessons. Andronic bailed about 1:00, he was going to try to watch today’s World Cup match. I offered to let him stay and watch it with us on the big screen but he didn’t seem too interested. Ethan and I are going over to orphanage to try the new drain system and inspect yesterday’s concrete pour on the new quarters then another fabulous dinner and packing. As with past trips tonight’s goodbye session with the girls will be so bitter sweet. What keeps me grounded though is the fact that I will be back. Tim /Not Bob.
6.14.2010
Day 7 - Monday June 14th 2010
Got up today with big plans in mind. Got over to the church around 8 and starting building the trench for the drain that we were putting in the church. Chrisnell was a giant help since both my dad and I were beat from saturday and sunday. Worked on the drain pretty much all day, haven’t gotten a chance to try it out yet but i am sure it will do just fine. Came back around 1 not knowing what time it was and had lunch. Gina cooked up spaghetti which was just needed to recharge my batteries. Got city power for a little bit today, probably just long enough to charge up the batteries on the inverter. Well the bugs are getting bad and its real humid so we are going to bed soon. probably gonna post pictures on facebook tomorrow to let everyone know how building is going and how the girls are still the cutest things ever.
6.13.2010
Day 6 - Sunday June 13th 2010
Woke up today around 6. It seems like I would be super tired but i guess when you go to bed around 9 you get enough sleep. Time seems different down here. It reminds me of the transition between Taylor Ridge and Chicago. It moves slow down here. I like it but still am used to the fast paced lifestyle but I am slowing down. Went to church today didn’t understand a lot of it but what I did get was Philippians 2:5-8. We also sung a song I recognized “Just a closer walk with thee”. It was reassuring to hear it because it reminded me of home. After church my dad and I came back and took a nap...we took full advantage of our day of rest. I find myself counting down the days until I leave. not because I want to leave but I want to keep track and relish the time I have left with the girls. To my Mom and Shannon please bring a straight jacket because you will need it to pull me away from the girls. I am tearing up just thinking of when I have to leave. Its looked like it is going to rain all day today but it hasn’t yet. Well both my dad and I are going to bed early tonight so we are just waiting for it to get dark.
6.12.2010
Concrete Relationships
We can’t really talk about the heat, dust, and smell anymore – but we want to. We did allow the rooster into Marie’s complex for several minutes this morning (for real), but Gina had already bought the two chickens that were to be our dinner. So, I guess we have one more morning of Haiti’s built in alarm clock. With Jim Meyer’s tour repertoire exhausted, we were destined to a day of mixing, hauling, and pouring the new concrete floor for the orphanage dormitory. What started out as a helping hand ended up with a bunch of fifty and sixty year old men (throw in a couple younger) trying to relive their youth for close to six hours in the tropical sun. As the piles thinned and the floor expanded, our shirts turned into wet rags and our leg and arm hairs congealed into some sort of concrete mix. Despite this, our new girl friends were oblivious to our outward appearance, smell and wet bodies. Our breaks were filled with piles of young girls stacked two, three, and four deep. Endless Gatorades, Cokes and waters were shared by all as we replenished ourselves. Haitian tempers flared momentarily as the cement mixer ran out of gas and the crew was forced to take an unplanned break. The Americans from Chicago didn’t show their tempers at all.
Another crew of Chicagoans from Wheatland Salem Church showed up at 3:30 with Pizza, cupcakes, guitars, and new dresses. Suddenly our smelly bodies were not as appealing. But, when the kids brandished their new clothes, smiles and full tummies we were encouraged and blessed. The worship music that the kids sang was a glimpse of heaven that literally filled our hearts.
Dinner tonight (yes chicken – not rooster), black rice, carrots, green beans and squash was outstanding. The showers were warm as the Haitian sun had beat down on the 400 gallon tubs on the top of Marie’s home. As I write this we are once again sharing in fellowship, listening to worship music and talking about our new memories. I do love Haiti.
-Andy Code
Another crew of Chicagoans from Wheatland Salem Church showed up at 3:30 with Pizza, cupcakes, guitars, and new dresses. Suddenly our smelly bodies were not as appealing. But, when the kids brandished their new clothes, smiles and full tummies we were encouraged and blessed. The worship music that the kids sang was a glimpse of heaven that literally filled our hearts.
Dinner tonight (yes chicken – not rooster), black rice, carrots, green beans and squash was outstanding. The showers were warm as the Haitian sun had beat down on the 400 gallon tubs on the top of Marie’s home. As I write this we are once again sharing in fellowship, listening to worship music and talking about our new memories. I do love Haiti.
-Andy Code
6.11.2010
Bringing the Heat
If it’s possible, today started and ended at least 10 degrees hotter than the day before. The word stifling comes to mind. In addition, the dogs, roosters and goats decided to get started 15 minutes earlier this morning at 3:45 a.m. Individual quiet time and breakfast was traded in for a three hour discussion amongst the men. The makeup of the crowd – which included a pastor, a seminary student and a seminary prospect – helped to add some extra spice to the discussion. To say the conversation was deep would be an understatement.
After that, we got into the truck and headed to COHENA, an orphanage run by a gracious man named Wislet. As we arrived, a truckload of UN troops from Guatemala, fully clothed in full regalia, unloaded and entered the orphanage ahead of us. Once we followed them inside, we were relieved to see that the troops were there to visit the kids, not to utilize their Uzis. At that moment we learned a valuable lesson: despite the great tension in Haiti, children in need can disarm anyone! The next three hours flew by as the boys and girls used the team as a jungle gym, and were somehow brainwashed into singing the “Roll Tide, Roll” song (in honor of our lone Alabama alum). The teachers at the orphanage seemed only slightly amused as they watched us hijack their kids for three hours.
We exited the orphanage and entered once again into the hot and dusty highway. From there, we picked up some cold Gatorades and headed to the metalwork section of the city. Apparently we were the only buyers in what appeared to be hundreds of storefronts, all of which competed verbally for our business. One member of the group, who will remain nameless, successfully negotiated the price upward on every potential transaction. This member also happens to be the same person who most enjoyed the boys and girls “Roll Tide.” In any case, everyone ended up leaving with a piece of metal art.
We ended the daylight hours with a visit to the girls at the orphanage. We cut up three watermelons, and the kids happily (and politely) distributed the slices amongst themselves. We all discovered a new beauty tip from the girls as they wiped their faces with the rinds of the watermelons. Every day you learn something new down here! “The team.”
After that, we got into the truck and headed to COHENA, an orphanage run by a gracious man named Wislet. As we arrived, a truckload of UN troops from Guatemala, fully clothed in full regalia, unloaded and entered the orphanage ahead of us. Once we followed them inside, we were relieved to see that the troops were there to visit the kids, not to utilize their Uzis. At that moment we learned a valuable lesson: despite the great tension in Haiti, children in need can disarm anyone! The next three hours flew by as the boys and girls used the team as a jungle gym, and were somehow brainwashed into singing the “Roll Tide, Roll” song (in honor of our lone Alabama alum). The teachers at the orphanage seemed only slightly amused as they watched us hijack their kids for three hours.
We exited the orphanage and entered once again into the hot and dusty highway. From there, we picked up some cold Gatorades and headed to the metalwork section of the city. Apparently we were the only buyers in what appeared to be hundreds of storefronts, all of which competed verbally for our business. One member of the group, who will remain nameless, successfully negotiated the price upward on every potential transaction. This member also happens to be the same person who most enjoyed the boys and girls “Roll Tide.” In any case, everyone ended up leaving with a piece of metal art.
We ended the daylight hours with a visit to the girls at the orphanage. We cut up three watermelons, and the kids happily (and politely) distributed the slices amongst themselves. We all discovered a new beauty tip from the girls as they wiped their faces with the rinds of the watermelons. Every day you learn something new down here! “The team.”
6.10.2010
Beginnings
Our trip began in Chicago with Ray Carter, Johnny Musso, Andy and Adam Code, Chris Greeno and Jim Meyer. We just finished our first full day in this wonderful, yet deeply tortured country of Haiti. After landing yesterday afternoon, negotiating the frenetic experience of the Port-au-Prince airport, and making the long detour around the airport in the back of a large pickup truck, we reached our temporary home in Bon Repos, and Marie’s open arms. The sights, smells, and feelings that we experienced on our ride were not close to predictable. Ruts ruled every road; open tent communities lined every field, people were walking everywhere, yet I couldn’t help but feel a peace and a faith among the waving hands and smiling faces that followed us all the way to Bon Repos.
After settling in to our mosquito covered rooms with freshly made beds and an initiating hug from Marie, we headed down the block on a five minute walk to the orphanage. I now know for sure that God created all children in his image in all parts of the world. Having visited continents from Africa, to Asia, Europe and countries in Central America, I am convinced that a child’s unconditional love is a universal language. It was less than two minutes before all six of the men on our trip (plus Tim and Ethan Gibbons who joined us from the Quad Cities) were enveloped by 31 rambunctious girls, full of laughter, smiles, hugs and dances. Names were exchanged, hands were held, candy was handed out and bugs were slapped, and we began our new and blessed relationships. We capped our night with a full history of Marie’s journey, a celebration of the Blackhawks victory in the Stanley Cup, and our venture under the mosquito nets on a sweaty Haitian evening. Needless to say all slept well and all woke by 5:30 – a full hour and a half after the sun rose. Ouch!
Today was literally unbelievable. We began with a refreshed connection to our new friends at the orphanage, followed by a three hour tour of the devastation in Port-au-Prince. The total destruction can only be captured in person, yet we took countless pictures and stopped numerous times in an attempt to commemorate the disaster. In the city, over half of the buildings looked like pancakes. Rubble, stone, rebar, and garbage are everywhere. The water in the streets, fields and streams is a color of green that has never been named. The mixed smell of exhaust fumes, burning debris, and cooking fires is omnipresent. People sitting on the sides of the street, unemployed and homeless, haunts me as I write this. Yet, the smiles, thumbs up, and friendly Bon Jour connections were comforting and assured me that there is hope, and God is sovereign. I couldn’t stop looking at the smashed buildings and imagining the horror of being trapped inside a fallen structure in stifling heat for days and even weeks. Even the Presidential Palace was demolished with a full tent city directly across the street. Ironically, a full staff was mowing and raking the lawn amidst the chaos.
Finally, we pulled into a local hardware store and spent the next two hours (in close to 100 degree temperature) loading and unloading 100 bags of concrete (94 lbs each) and delivering to the orphanage. Hopefully, we will see the pouring of the new floors in the dormitory tomorrow or Saturday. It felt good to contribute – even in a small way. On to the showers, Gina’s home cooked meal of beef, vegetables, rice, and ice cold beverages. As I type this we are in the midst of great fellowship and sharing. I can’t help but remember Henry Blackaby’s great words, “If you want to experience God, go where he is working”. And, I can assure you He is working here and now. Blessings to all. Andy Code
After settling in to our mosquito covered rooms with freshly made beds and an initiating hug from Marie, we headed down the block on a five minute walk to the orphanage. I now know for sure that God created all children in his image in all parts of the world. Having visited continents from Africa, to Asia, Europe and countries in Central America, I am convinced that a child’s unconditional love is a universal language. It was less than two minutes before all six of the men on our trip (plus Tim and Ethan Gibbons who joined us from the Quad Cities) were enveloped by 31 rambunctious girls, full of laughter, smiles, hugs and dances. Names were exchanged, hands were held, candy was handed out and bugs were slapped, and we began our new and blessed relationships. We capped our night with a full history of Marie’s journey, a celebration of the Blackhawks victory in the Stanley Cup, and our venture under the mosquito nets on a sweaty Haitian evening. Needless to say all slept well and all woke by 5:30 – a full hour and a half after the sun rose. Ouch!
Today was literally unbelievable. We began with a refreshed connection to our new friends at the orphanage, followed by a three hour tour of the devastation in Port-au-Prince. The total destruction can only be captured in person, yet we took countless pictures and stopped numerous times in an attempt to commemorate the disaster. In the city, over half of the buildings looked like pancakes. Rubble, stone, rebar, and garbage are everywhere. The water in the streets, fields and streams is a color of green that has never been named. The mixed smell of exhaust fumes, burning debris, and cooking fires is omnipresent. People sitting on the sides of the street, unemployed and homeless, haunts me as I write this. Yet, the smiles, thumbs up, and friendly Bon Jour connections were comforting and assured me that there is hope, and God is sovereign. I couldn’t stop looking at the smashed buildings and imagining the horror of being trapped inside a fallen structure in stifling heat for days and even weeks. Even the Presidential Palace was demolished with a full tent city directly across the street. Ironically, a full staff was mowing and raking the lawn amidst the chaos.
Finally, we pulled into a local hardware store and spent the next two hours (in close to 100 degree temperature) loading and unloading 100 bags of concrete (94 lbs each) and delivering to the orphanage. Hopefully, we will see the pouring of the new floors in the dormitory tomorrow or Saturday. It felt good to contribute – even in a small way. On to the showers, Gina’s home cooked meal of beef, vegetables, rice, and ice cold beverages. As I type this we are in the midst of great fellowship and sharing. I can’t help but remember Henry Blackaby’s great words, “If you want to experience God, go where he is working”. And, I can assure you He is working here and now. Blessings to all. Andy Code
6.09.2010
DAY 2 - Wednesday June 9th 2010
Woke up at 6 today to the sound of a dump truck dropping a load of engine blocks in the alley. Why? I have no idea. Anyway later in the morning Dad and I went to the orphanage and saw that the concrete on the floor of the church, so we went along looking at trying to plan out a drainage system for the ground. After planning for that we decided that we had done enough work till after lunch. So we came back and took a break at Marie’s. After loafing around and eating lunch we decided why start woking again. We went to the airport and waited for Jim’s flight to get in we got there around 230. Their flight got delayed and didn’t get in until 5ish. So for all those out there Jim and his team got here safely. When we got back we ate a delicious dinner of Chicken, carrots, and of course beans and rice. After dinner we went to the orphanage and of course the girls were all over us. As we were leaving I realized that even after a month someone will have to be there kicking and screaming away from those girls. When we got back we sat down and Marie was gracious enough to sit down and tell us her story. WOW is the only word I can say. I could write down her whole story and you would not believe me.. it is 95 degrees out and I got shivers more than once. Well I need to shower and go to bed more tomorrow and pictures
- Ethan
- Ethan
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