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.