1.12.2011
AN ANNIVERSARY OF SORROW --- January 12 - 2011
I woke today to the sound of people singing in the distance and a voice thru a loud speaker chanting "Merci Senior." (thank you God) I had a strange feeling come over me of sorrow as I laid there and remembered how one year ago I was in such shock and despair watching CNN practically every waking moment. How must the people feel one year later? Schools were not in session and there were many church services. The "nannies" and all the children gathered at the church here and sang worship songs and then a moving part of the service was when Miriam talked about how fortunate each of them are to have survived the quake when so many (300,000+) had died. Their damage consisted of areas where the security walls collapsed - otherwise - their premises was filled with literally hundreds of rescue workers sleeping in tents or anywhere they could find space - The church was set up as a hospital and many injured people were brought here. I believe that there are at least three children here who were oprhaned after the quake and remain. One little boy about 6 lost his right leg. I watched him today keeping up with the other little boys running with his crutches going so fast I just stood in disbelief. Another boy about 8 tells of being trapped in his house/rubble and being able to see his mother, father and the friend who had come over to play, lying dead and trapped as well. Miriam also talked to them about the importance of being who God planned on them to be so someday when they leave the orphanage and have to enter the streets and life of Haiti outside the walls - they can be a light to others and be the change in character that Haiti so needs in order to go forward. As they left the service all were to walk around the grounds with thanksgiving for all that God has provided for them and their safety. It was so moving - too difficult for me to adequately describe or capture in words. They walked by themselves - others with a friend and sang and walked all over the property. They stood by their garden and bowed their head - and by the small chicken coop, rabbit cage - etc. thanking God. Then they all gathered under the infamous mango tree and the drummers kept a rhythm going as they danced and drank coca cola as a treat! I contributed a root beer barrel! - Whoo Whoo! Later in the day I gave the dresses and clothes I had brought from four different groups. The dresses were sewn by a sewing group - the children called for me and presented a "style show" and a hundred photos were requested. Soon after I was handed "thank you" drawings for me to take to the providers. I spent more hours getting information on the children so I can bring the information home and share for anyone interested in sponsorship. Miriam came back from a busy day very excited as she learned of a Crusade that she wanted us to attend tonight. Turns out - a young man who grew up here at the orphanage and worked with Miriam for some time, had organized a Crusade with a Pastor from Florida. We all piled in her car and off we went in the dark. All you see in the streets are little flames of people cooking on the side of the road - or a candle burning otherwise it is pitch black. The event was being held in Cite Soleil - which has a histroy of being very violent with many shootings. I decided it was time to buckle up and enjoy the experience, as I have never attended a "revival/crusade" before. We drove thru horrible condiitons - although they all start looking the same. When we pulled into this area - there were hundreds of people all standing and I could hear very loud preaching. By Miriam knowing this gentleman - I felt like we had back stage passes. When we got out of the truck it was solid with people - little did I know this was the overflow - the people who didn't fit in the big field in front of a make shift platform/stage. We were brought to the front side of the stage and when I looked out into the "field" there were hundreds upon hundreds of people. It was quite incredible. By the Pastor being Amercian - there was actually translation for the Haitians - instead of the usual translation for us. Women held babies in their arms for hours - and many young children held on to their mother nearby. It did make me happy to see them dance around and sing with such energy - I told myself that for that short time they were seemingly happy and not focused on all their needs. I had several children and mothers approach me begging and saying how hungry they are. KILLS ME! I could just see hunger in their eyes. One young boy picked up a dirty, empty bottle of water and asked Sara (who is staying at New Life, too - my room mate) for a drink of her water. She poured water from her water bottle into the one he held and his eyes lit up - as did his mother's standing near by and he thanked her with such sincerity. To be thrilled for warm water from a strangers dirty bottle is something no one I know has ever had to experience. I could write to dawn about the experience - but unless you can exerience it first hand - it's difficult to adequately describe. Even then - it's almost impossible to process. This is "normal" here..day after day, after day. The days have flown by and I leave tomorrow. I'm not ready to come home - and once again I feel like I have done nothing of real value. It's very humbling - because I couldn't last the night in a tent where I visited, or in a tiny room with only a candle for light and a small bed which has to accomodate six! I ate abudantly while I was here and had all the amenities I needed. So - yet again, I leave Haiti strengthened by its people and I will go back to my excessive, crazy life - wishing I had the joy they have that makes them dance and sing and raise their hands to the heavens. Thanks to each of you who care. We must together figure out a small way to keep them strong enough to dance
1.11.2011
A Reunion of Hearts January 11, 2011
It was an emotional day and despite the tears shed I am happy to have spent the day with Marie's girls, along with Rene and Frenzy - great friends of the many who have come to Haiti and met them. They picked me up this morning at New Life and I could see their smiles from across the yard. It was like old times as we talked away (for sure I did!) to catch up on their life. We stopped at the school of Rene's daughter, little Patty, my godchild, who came running in her little school uniform (she is three years old) with big white ribbons hanging from her braids - looking like the typical school girl in Haiti. Rene says she asks when her "blanc mamma" is coming back nearly every day. I expected her to be shy - but she ran to me and I scooped her up and she grabbed me around the neck, rested her little head on my shoulders and patted my back very softly --- THAT STARTED the flow of tears. I had her eating candy before we made it down the first narrow, dirt road with huge holes every six feet. We went and played back at Marie's house in the outside courtyard. Patty's family rents a room from Marie. I brought her all the "trimmings" for dress up so in no time she was prancing around from her plastic high heel shoes to clip on earrings. With her sequin purse over her shoulder she strutted here and there as we all roared with laughter. About 50 photos later and a quick video of her dancing we headed to the orphanage. It was so wonderful to greet all the friends I have made thru the years as I walked down the dusty road. It is as if time has stood still as very little has changed. The girls at the orphanage were happy to see me and we spent the first half hour sharing hugs, kisses, and I love you's. There were front teeth missing on some - while others had new front teeth that have fully come in. A craft with stickers I knew would be a hit - and that it was. They took me inside the new orphanage - as they hadn't moved in when I was there in Sept. It looked pretty darn orderly! I can't imagine keeping 27 girls organized. We had a good time together with lots of singing, silly photos and I gave them one treat after another which wasn't refused! As expected - it was difficult to leave - but another opportunity to love them some more will happen. Before returning to New Life me and "the guys" stopped at our favorite little place that has A+ french fries - so we had more time together. Life is very, very hard.
Once back at New Life I got to hear about everyone's day here, as well. David, the young Dr. here and Miriam were able to get a large supply of antibiotics last night at the hospital in addition to other medical supplies. They went by helicopter to a make shift hospital with the helicopter packed to the max with supplies. There they found two tents with patients lying on cots, bedframe bare springs, and a few on cardboard. There is ONE doctor for 80,000 people in this town - many living far away. He has NO vehicle or any way to get to them - so the people walk for hours to get to him. David said he looked totally exhausted. They don't even have a source of WATER at the clinic. They do have a small generator to produce light - but little fuel - so have to limit its use. Before they arrived the Dr. literally had several small bottles of medication and basically NO other supplies left. Unless supplies are brought to him - he has NO way of replenishing or getting anything. He did have the help of a visiting physician, who was so glad to have all the IV therapy to administer. The patients were there with either severe malnutrition or cholera. The Dr. said about 150 have recently died because of no supplies. What an amazing experience for David to have on his first trip to Haiti. He said the country is so beautiful with natural beauty as you fly over it from above - the Caribbean Sea is so blue - and the mountains - and then you land and can't believe the conditions of the people. I sure wish I had been able to go with them. Someday I hope to be part of a medical mission in this area - which is where many of the children here have come from.
Tomorrow is my last full day and I can't even believe it! I'm just getting warmed up! (Literally, as well!) I hope to spend time with the children here so I can learn more about them to share with people when I get home. The needs are great at New Life --- they are very visionary and strive to give the chidlren the best opportunities they can provide so when they leave here they have a firm foundation, high moral and ethical standards, a good education and trade. It will take a NEW generation to make a difference in Haiti. Tomorrow is the horrid anniversary of the quake. Many people have been fasting the past three days in the country and holding special church services to mourn those whose lives were lost - and to pray that SOMETHING will improve in their broken country where thousands remain homeless. So much for the hope the world put in their heart last year that never came to be...I have concluded that their persevearance is received from the heavens. So much for me to learn from them - their ways never cease to humble me and make me want to change to be more like them.
Please pray for there to be in unity tomorrow and not any violence from their degree of frustration. Their patience surely exceeds mine. I guess I need to quit asking - why is this happening - and start a plan of action!
Once back at New Life I got to hear about everyone's day here, as well. David, the young Dr. here and Miriam were able to get a large supply of antibiotics last night at the hospital in addition to other medical supplies. They went by helicopter to a make shift hospital with the helicopter packed to the max with supplies. There they found two tents with patients lying on cots, bedframe bare springs, and a few on cardboard. There is ONE doctor for 80,000 people in this town - many living far away. He has NO vehicle or any way to get to them - so the people walk for hours to get to him. David said he looked totally exhausted. They don't even have a source of WATER at the clinic. They do have a small generator to produce light - but little fuel - so have to limit its use. Before they arrived the Dr. literally had several small bottles of medication and basically NO other supplies left. Unless supplies are brought to him - he has NO way of replenishing or getting anything. He did have the help of a visiting physician, who was so glad to have all the IV therapy to administer. The patients were there with either severe malnutrition or cholera. The Dr. said about 150 have recently died because of no supplies. What an amazing experience for David to have on his first trip to Haiti. He said the country is so beautiful with natural beauty as you fly over it from above - the Caribbean Sea is so blue - and the mountains - and then you land and can't believe the conditions of the people. I sure wish I had been able to go with them. Someday I hope to be part of a medical mission in this area - which is where many of the children here have come from.
Tomorrow is my last full day and I can't even believe it! I'm just getting warmed up! (Literally, as well!) I hope to spend time with the children here so I can learn more about them to share with people when I get home. The needs are great at New Life --- they are very visionary and strive to give the chidlren the best opportunities they can provide so when they leave here they have a firm foundation, high moral and ethical standards, a good education and trade. It will take a NEW generation to make a difference in Haiti. Tomorrow is the horrid anniversary of the quake. Many people have been fasting the past three days in the country and holding special church services to mourn those whose lives were lost - and to pray that SOMETHING will improve in their broken country where thousands remain homeless. So much for the hope the world put in their heart last year that never came to be...I have concluded that their persevearance is received from the heavens. So much for me to learn from them - their ways never cease to humble me and make me want to change to be more like them.
Please pray for there to be in unity tomorrow and not any violence from their degree of frustration. Their patience surely exceeds mine. I guess I need to quit asking - why is this happening - and start a plan of action!
1.10.2011
Another day to relish...Monday - January 10 - 2011
I am going to causiously write like a wild woman while this internet is cooperating. I actually had a very quiet - but busy day. I stayed here and worked all day on trying to organize a sponsorship program by gathering information and printing photos I took of the children. It is difficult to keep 100 children straight when names are similar, etc. etc. Tomorrow I will be working with a translator as I talk to the children individually to learn more about them and to observe their mannerism, etc. This will take me much more time than I have while I am here - but planning to get started. I will enjoy putting names with faces and getting to know the children a bit. I walked around the grounds for a short time today and was able to walk through a small building that they are using for a school for the time being for the children. The grade school the children were attending was destroyed in the earth quake - plus Miriam felt they were not getting the education they need and deserve. So - teachers were hired and "home schooling" is what's happening. I believe the children older than 6th grade continue to go outside the compound. It is also great that some of the older boys go to trade schools, as well. Several more wish they could have the opportunity, as well. I noticed boys every morning working in the garden - which they are taught to maintain - it's really looking good and thriving. The girls started their own garden a few weeks back, as I understand it- something NOT typical of Haitian women/girls. They have a lot of "green" showing, too.
As is typical in Haiti - there was excitement here with one thing after another. Batteries exploded and a pipe broke and I could hear voices yelling to each other during the day as each problem got solved. To go and get FIFTEEN new batteries (needed for the fish tank and such) takes a half day to get accomplished in itself. I doubt any place has 15 batteries sitting around for sale..
David - a doctor of Pathology is here and I am enjoying getting to know him, too. Miriam and David are going to the airport tomorrow as she found a pilot who said he would fly her via helicopter to a little remote village and can give her 30 min. to drop off supplies to a Dr. there who is without medical equipment/medication for the cholera outbreak there and the death toll is climbing. She and David went to a couple hospitals tonight looking for any kind of supply of antibiotics. They have to have it all together in the morning for this one big chance to help this Dr. Miriam has done many outdoor clinics with him in the past and he is so dedicated to that village despite having only the supplies someone can bring to them. Miriam hopes someday that a clinic/hospital can be built as the people in this area have NEVER had any form of preventive or medical treatment. When you know that these people are dying from things that could be SO easily prevented or treated it's maddening. Miriam says when they do have a clinic - MOST of the patients are already so near death that the treatment is too late. But she rejoices at the children that HAVE been saved. I am sure many of the children here have survived because of a miracle that treatment was in time. It is an 18 hour trip to this location by truck and boat, normally - so when children are brought back, they have to withstand the conditions of even getting back here to New Life - to get a start on a "new life."
I better hit the "send" button before I push the wrong button! I am going to go see the girl's and our friends at Marie's house/orphanage tomorrow. I can't wait to see their little faces!! I'm sure it will be an emotional day to report on tomorrow! A bit more sweat and bugs today - but am thankful for every amenity. I want to believe that when those with so little go to heaven their award is so great for enduring the struggles to merely exist and that the emotional and physical pain during their earthly life vanishes from their mind upon arrival. I look forward to celebrating with them.
As is typical in Haiti - there was excitement here with one thing after another. Batteries exploded and a pipe broke and I could hear voices yelling to each other during the day as each problem got solved. To go and get FIFTEEN new batteries (needed for the fish tank and such) takes a half day to get accomplished in itself. I doubt any place has 15 batteries sitting around for sale..
David - a doctor of Pathology is here and I am enjoying getting to know him, too. Miriam and David are going to the airport tomorrow as she found a pilot who said he would fly her via helicopter to a little remote village and can give her 30 min. to drop off supplies to a Dr. there who is without medical equipment/medication for the cholera outbreak there and the death toll is climbing. She and David went to a couple hospitals tonight looking for any kind of supply of antibiotics. They have to have it all together in the morning for this one big chance to help this Dr. Miriam has done many outdoor clinics with him in the past and he is so dedicated to that village despite having only the supplies someone can bring to them. Miriam hopes someday that a clinic/hospital can be built as the people in this area have NEVER had any form of preventive or medical treatment. When you know that these people are dying from things that could be SO easily prevented or treated it's maddening. Miriam says when they do have a clinic - MOST of the patients are already so near death that the treatment is too late. But she rejoices at the children that HAVE been saved. I am sure many of the children here have survived because of a miracle that treatment was in time. It is an 18 hour trip to this location by truck and boat, normally - so when children are brought back, they have to withstand the conditions of even getting back here to New Life - to get a start on a "new life."
I better hit the "send" button before I push the wrong button! I am going to go see the girl's and our friends at Marie's house/orphanage tomorrow. I can't wait to see their little faces!! I'm sure it will be an emotional day to report on tomorrow! A bit more sweat and bugs today - but am thankful for every amenity. I want to believe that when those with so little go to heaven their award is so great for enduring the struggles to merely exist and that the emotional and physical pain during their earthly life vanishes from their mind upon arrival. I look forward to celebrating with them.
What must nothing feel like....
Monday - I am afraid to even touch my computer or type this - but this morning I FOUND my BLOG of yesterday and am sending - I HOPEright now....will attempt another tonight!
Day 2 and it feels like I have been here a long time. The temperature decided to kick it up a notch - so the idea that the weather was going to be "balmy" got scorched today. Busy morning with church activities. The children sing with such intention with their little feet stepping side to side in a unique beat that I can't get straight - a life long challenge. All dressed in their Sunday best we had each child photographed. There were DumDum sucker bribes to get smiles produced at just the right second to click the photo. Lots of "do overs" and I am sure we looked pretty dumb going thru all the contortions we did to get a beautiful smile - and they each have one.
We actually went out of the compound for lunch - and I had a cheeseburger and fries, a rarity in Haiti and it satisfied my grease crave! What I wasn't prepared for was the trip to a tent city. This particular tent city - and there are MANY - was far away on a hillside where people traveled who lost their home and possessions in the quake. Miriam and her nurse of 29 years personally know the woman who is considered the "leader" of the nearly 5,000 people who live in these tents. It is truly on side of a mountain. Miriam translated all that the woman was answering as Miriam asked her about the conditions. What we learned had tears dripping off my face. Basically - these people have NOTHING. They are located out in no man's land - so aren't even near anyplace to buy anything if they DID have the money. They just recently got WATER! All the tents are tattered from the storms and wind. When it rains the rain water runs down the mountain into their DIRT floor tent. No medical care, of course. This woman is the only mid-wife so is delivering babies on a regular basis. They have NO supplies - so she has used all the money she had saved. (she is a registered nurse and elected to STAY there as she feels she can't leave the people behind with no one to oversee them. They needed her to go help with the cholera outbreak in another area- but she stayed back to give medical treatment here.) They have one tent that is tattered, but quite large - the dirt floor is covered with makeshift tarps and they have 4-5 benches that are barely held together. She has begged teachers to come and teach as there are hundreds of children who aren't in school now - teachers did for several months - but nothing to pay them made it necessary for them to move on. FOUR teachers would require $200 a month for salary between them. Can you imagine getting $50 a month to teach all these children who don't even have a pencil - much less the "required uniform" or even underwear. Another huge problem is the young girls who are getting pregnant - and having sex to have money as many of the children there lost their parents in the quake and have NO adult figure to even help take care of them. That is all they know to do to survive. I could keep going with what I saw and heard - but I am sure you have heard enough. BUT - I must share that a man was standing near a tent and he agreed to let us peak inside. The tent was supported with trimmed limbs from a tree. There was one twin size bed that was also held up with wood - dirt floor - a short string that went from corner to corner where maybe 5 - 6 articles of clothes hung - a small pan on the floor and that was it. We asked him if he had a family and he said, "yes - six of us live here." When I looked down in his hand I saw a book that said, "New Testament". He was so humble and let us take his photo - and was embarrassed that he is missing a tooth. Miriam asked him what he does to survive. His response was that he does anything and everything he can --- he has no choice or he and his family would die. But the problem is he has nothing. We left at dusk and asked why there were brush fires seen here and there and we were told that they have to do that nightly because the mosquitos are so bad. Most amazing was no one came up to us asking for anything or complaining. I get all worked up when the drive thru at McDonald's is backed up by two cars.
I left feeling awful that I had just eaten and was FULL and came with an empty hand. My hope is to be able to raise money when I get home and contact Walter - the man from Brazil who I mentioned yesterday and when I return in February I can be part of "feeding the 5,000." I can't quite imagine a bigger joy.
Day 2 and it feels like I have been here a long time. The temperature decided to kick it up a notch - so the idea that the weather was going to be "balmy" got scorched today. Busy morning with church activities. The children sing with such intention with their little feet stepping side to side in a unique beat that I can't get straight - a life long challenge. All dressed in their Sunday best we had each child photographed. There were DumDum sucker bribes to get smiles produced at just the right second to click the photo. Lots of "do overs" and I am sure we looked pretty dumb going thru all the contortions we did to get a beautiful smile - and they each have one.
We actually went out of the compound for lunch - and I had a cheeseburger and fries, a rarity in Haiti and it satisfied my grease crave! What I wasn't prepared for was the trip to a tent city. This particular tent city - and there are MANY - was far away on a hillside where people traveled who lost their home and possessions in the quake. Miriam and her nurse of 29 years personally know the woman who is considered the "leader" of the nearly 5,000 people who live in these tents. It is truly on side of a mountain. Miriam translated all that the woman was answering as Miriam asked her about the conditions. What we learned had tears dripping off my face. Basically - these people have NOTHING. They are located out in no man's land - so aren't even near anyplace to buy anything if they DID have the money. They just recently got WATER! All the tents are tattered from the storms and wind. When it rains the rain water runs down the mountain into their DIRT floor tent. No medical care, of course. This woman is the only mid-wife so is delivering babies on a regular basis. They have NO supplies - so she has used all the money she had saved. (she is a registered nurse and elected to STAY there as she feels she can't leave the people behind with no one to oversee them. They needed her to go help with the cholera outbreak in another area- but she stayed back to give medical treatment here.) They have one tent that is tattered, but quite large - the dirt floor is covered with makeshift tarps and they have 4-5 benches that are barely held together. She has begged teachers to come and teach as there are hundreds of children who aren't in school now - teachers did for several months - but nothing to pay them made it necessary for them to move on. FOUR teachers would require $200 a month for salary between them. Can you imagine getting $50 a month to teach all these children who don't even have a pencil - much less the "required uniform" or even underwear. Another huge problem is the young girls who are getting pregnant - and having sex to have money as many of the children there lost their parents in the quake and have NO adult figure to even help take care of them. That is all they know to do to survive. I could keep going with what I saw and heard - but I am sure you have heard enough. BUT - I must share that a man was standing near a tent and he agreed to let us peak inside. The tent was supported with trimmed limbs from a tree. There was one twin size bed that was also held up with wood - dirt floor - a short string that went from corner to corner where maybe 5 - 6 articles of clothes hung - a small pan on the floor and that was it. We asked him if he had a family and he said, "yes - six of us live here." When I looked down in his hand I saw a book that said, "New Testament". He was so humble and let us take his photo - and was embarrassed that he is missing a tooth. Miriam asked him what he does to survive. His response was that he does anything and everything he can --- he has no choice or he and his family would die. But the problem is he has nothing. We left at dusk and asked why there were brush fires seen here and there and we were told that they have to do that nightly because the mosquitos are so bad. Most amazing was no one came up to us asking for anything or complaining. I get all worked up when the drive thru at McDonald's is backed up by two cars.
I left feeling awful that I had just eaten and was FULL and came with an empty hand. My hope is to be able to raise money when I get home and contact Walter - the man from Brazil who I mentioned yesterday and when I return in February I can be part of "feeding the 5,000." I can't quite imagine a bigger joy.
1.08.2011
Back in Haiti
Well - It's been a bit over 24 hours since I arrived in Haiti and already feeling comfortable. My first evening while walking around the compound at New Life for Children we could hear a child having trouble breathing in her crib. I assumed her to be about 16 - 18 months old - even though her little extremities looked like skin covering bone. I soon learned she was four years old - which made my chest ache. I got to rock her for a bit while she breathed in medication thru a mask hoping to open her airway. I was told she is very critical and needs to get to the States to repair her trachea/windpipe - which is too narrow to allow proper breathing. I went to bed wondering how she would get thru the night with the congestion in her chest. My night was without mosquitos but a clan of roosters made themselves known.
The weather is actually tolerable and quite enjoyable compared to the 20 degrees I left in Chicago. The surroundings here at NewLife are so pleasant. At any time you can hear the children laughing and having fun. I spent the majority of the day in an office going through the children's files as I am hoping to be an asset here in enhancing the existing sponsorship program. As many of you know - that was what I felt so blessed to do at Marie's House of Hope and many wonderful relationships developed between the children and people in the states. It's something that is so important to me. I desperately want these children to know that they are cared for and loved and there are people willing to make sure they receive food everyday, have a bed to sleep in at night and an opportunity to go to school. I'll be working hard when I get home to see how I can make that happen. If you could see their little faces and mannerisms - you would, too!
I met an amazing man from Brazil today. He came to Haiti after the quake and made a decision that he would feed 5000 a week. He has been doing just that. He showed me a short video he made that showed the children in line with big bowls of food. I started crying - of course - and just wanted to follow him out of here and help him. I am planning to return to Haiti and he readily agreed that I can come with him one day to a tent city and "set up" the kitchen. He was so dedicated and emotional when he said, "There is no way to even explain to you how I feel when I see these children's faces as they walk away with food when they may have only had 2-3 meals that week." I have wanted to do that since the quake and didn't know how or where - Now I have a way! He has the Brazilian UN workers go with him and said that it's usually a very peaceful experience.. Now he is going to add a movie and worship time when he goes for after dinner. He was totally amazing.
It's been a little different sitting and going thru files - but it's also exciting to feel like I am doing something that will expand the ministry. Tomorrow several of us are going to a tent city with Miriam (the founder of this ministry) as she has been receiving emails and calls from people saying that the young children getting raped in the night has gotten much worse and that 12 year olds and older are walking around pregnant. It just makes me sick. I'm sure this will be an experience to report.
Most of the children here at New Life come from the interior of Haiti. Miriam has medical teams that go into the interior several times a year and set up an open air clinic. Those children that are near death she brings back and nurtures them back to life. She has been told that cholera has gotten worse at a location she is familiar with, so she is hoping to go by helicopter on Tues. to take medications.
As the one year anniversary approaches since the quake, I wish I could say that Haiti is "all new." --- It is so discouraging to learn of how little has changed. The thought of sleeping in a tent for a year with no electricity, running water, dependable food supply with small children and the fear of being abused in the night is just about more than I can comprehend. Some tent cities are just asking for a generator, at this point so they can have some form of light - which would help for protection as well.
I hope any who are reading this will say a prayer for these innocent people. It is difficult to keep positive when the needs are overwhelming. But may I say again and again how much I appreciate every one of you who have been SO supportive. I would like to say there isn't much more to be done -- but I feel restless with the desire to go and do!
I plan to go and see the girls and friends at Marie's Grace House of Hope this week and can't wait to give away as many hugs and love as I can. I will try to blog thru the week if the internet is available and I don't go techno. brain dead - both are always a possibility.
I'm staring at my dusty feet and worn out body - but just glad to be here. It's easy when you know you have so much at home....what must it be like to never know! Much love!
The weather is actually tolerable and quite enjoyable compared to the 20 degrees I left in Chicago. The surroundings here at NewLife are so pleasant. At any time you can hear the children laughing and having fun. I spent the majority of the day in an office going through the children's files as I am hoping to be an asset here in enhancing the existing sponsorship program. As many of you know - that was what I felt so blessed to do at Marie's House of Hope and many wonderful relationships developed between the children and people in the states. It's something that is so important to me. I desperately want these children to know that they are cared for and loved and there are people willing to make sure they receive food everyday, have a bed to sleep in at night and an opportunity to go to school. I'll be working hard when I get home to see how I can make that happen. If you could see their little faces and mannerisms - you would, too!
I met an amazing man from Brazil today. He came to Haiti after the quake and made a decision that he would feed 5000 a week. He has been doing just that. He showed me a short video he made that showed the children in line with big bowls of food. I started crying - of course - and just wanted to follow him out of here and help him. I am planning to return to Haiti and he readily agreed that I can come with him one day to a tent city and "set up" the kitchen. He was so dedicated and emotional when he said, "There is no way to even explain to you how I feel when I see these children's faces as they walk away with food when they may have only had 2-3 meals that week." I have wanted to do that since the quake and didn't know how or where - Now I have a way! He has the Brazilian UN workers go with him and said that it's usually a very peaceful experience.. Now he is going to add a movie and worship time when he goes for after dinner. He was totally amazing.
It's been a little different sitting and going thru files - but it's also exciting to feel like I am doing something that will expand the ministry. Tomorrow several of us are going to a tent city with Miriam (the founder of this ministry) as she has been receiving emails and calls from people saying that the young children getting raped in the night has gotten much worse and that 12 year olds and older are walking around pregnant. It just makes me sick. I'm sure this will be an experience to report.
Most of the children here at New Life come from the interior of Haiti. Miriam has medical teams that go into the interior several times a year and set up an open air clinic. Those children that are near death she brings back and nurtures them back to life. She has been told that cholera has gotten worse at a location she is familiar with, so she is hoping to go by helicopter on Tues. to take medications.
As the one year anniversary approaches since the quake, I wish I could say that Haiti is "all new." --- It is so discouraging to learn of how little has changed. The thought of sleeping in a tent for a year with no electricity, running water, dependable food supply with small children and the fear of being abused in the night is just about more than I can comprehend. Some tent cities are just asking for a generator, at this point so they can have some form of light - which would help for protection as well.
I hope any who are reading this will say a prayer for these innocent people. It is difficult to keep positive when the needs are overwhelming. But may I say again and again how much I appreciate every one of you who have been SO supportive. I would like to say there isn't much more to be done -- but I feel restless with the desire to go and do!
I plan to go and see the girls and friends at Marie's Grace House of Hope this week and can't wait to give away as many hugs and love as I can. I will try to blog thru the week if the internet is available and I don't go techno. brain dead - both are always a possibility.
I'm staring at my dusty feet and worn out body - but just glad to be here. It's easy when you know you have so much at home....what must it be like to never know! Much love!
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