Long day at the Orphanage. Watched morning chores done by the boys and the girls. Both work on Saturday morning until noon. Boys work the garden, fish tanks, rabbits, chickens and girls started to learn how to grow things as well (usually a boys job). All are learning about renewable recources. We had few boys help us dig out 35 school desks and re-assemble legs, moved 35 too small desks out of the classrooms and put the new desks in. This was almost a full day work, without the boys help the two old guys could not get this done.
We had a young man (English speaking) helping out with the desks. He is 20 years old and has been here since he was 6 years old. He finished basic school and he is attending a professional school (job training school). He is studying an electronic/electrical school and has one more year. We showed him and few other boys how to use a pop rivet gun, they have never seen a pop rivet in their life.
The orphanage is sitting on 5 acres of land with many buildings on this property. All together about 120 kids call this place home, boys, girls with able bodies and handicapped children as well (requiring a constant assistance). A staff of 55 has their hands full all day long. All of the kids love to play outside, and that includes the handicapped children. In the evenings all meet under the Mango tree. Children come here from all over Haiti, but mostly from the mountain area where the needy once would parish without being taking in by New Life 4 Children. Here they receive nourishment, love and attention they need. God is truly at work here.
After lunch we worked with Jim on bunk bed assembly. Beds for older boys are so desperately needed. Some of older boys are quite tall, but they are sleeping on Haitian bunk beds, too narrow, too short and not high enough. We were able to assemble 2 double beds tonight, now the boys are able to stretch out on the bed and be comfortable. They are also able to sit up on the bottom bunk bed without hitting their head or neck. Boys were helping out with bunk bed assembly as well. What an exhausting and God fulfilling day. Hot, humid, tired and full of spirit, that’s God at work, if you have never experience this, come on over……it’s a great feeling. We are truly blessed to be able to experience Gods true love.
About the cholera epidemic, Jim touched on it yesterday. It is very real in Haiti, everyone at the orphanage worries about it and takes precautions. Everyone coming in through the gate is requiring to disinfect their hands, children going to outside schools are being driven by the staff (so they would not encounter infected people on tap-tap, staff is taking cipro (medication for infections), Jim and I are taking it as well. Staff is doing a very good job trying to make sure that the epidemic does not cross the entrance gate.
11.13.2010
11.12.2010
Haiti Fri Nov 12, 2010
Bill and I arrived in Haiti early this morning after a very sleepless night at Miami airport. We have had maybe an hour of sleep since leaving Chicago yesterday afternoon. Arrived at New Life 4 Kids about 9:30 AM and chugged coffee for abut 45 minutes (didn’t help, but tasted good). We checked out the entire compound, orphanage, school, church, gardens, fish farm, chicken coops, rabbit cages, etc. Very nice people and lots going on here. Many opportunities to serve.
The shipping container that left Chicago in September arrived at the premises last week Friday and they had to unload the contents before we got here. The “church” is now a “warehouse” filled with our container contents. Missionary Fran was looking through many of the boxes of clothes we sent in an effort to find a “perfect” wedding dress and a decent pair of pants for a couple who are getting married soon. She found them both and was thrilled—although I am not sure they would be considered perfect on our American eyes—they will be beautiful here.
Tomorrow Bill and I and a few of the kids will haul out the component parts for 20 bunk beds shipped on the container and begin assembly. The kids will be so happy to see the new beds. We will also be putting together a hundred or more school desks which were also on the container. We had to move nearly all of the boxes to find the box of screws for the bunkbeds. Beyond that we have no specific plans other than seeing other friends here and helping out wherever we can.
They are taking Cholera precautions here and we are taking Cipro along with our Malaria meds. Everyone entering the compound is required to use antibacterial hand cleaner as they come through the gate. I’m sure it will seem silly to us when we get into a tent city and have kids crawling all over us. Oh well, it is Haiti.
Signing out because my eyes will not stay open long enough to continue.
The shipping container that left Chicago in September arrived at the premises last week Friday and they had to unload the contents before we got here. The “church” is now a “warehouse” filled with our container contents. Missionary Fran was looking through many of the boxes of clothes we sent in an effort to find a “perfect” wedding dress and a decent pair of pants for a couple who are getting married soon. She found them both and was thrilled—although I am not sure they would be considered perfect on our American eyes—they will be beautiful here.
Tomorrow Bill and I and a few of the kids will haul out the component parts for 20 bunk beds shipped on the container and begin assembly. The kids will be so happy to see the new beds. We will also be putting together a hundred or more school desks which were also on the container. We had to move nearly all of the boxes to find the box of screws for the bunkbeds. Beyond that we have no specific plans other than seeing other friends here and helping out wherever we can.
They are taking Cholera precautions here and we are taking Cipro along with our Malaria meds. Everyone entering the compound is required to use antibacterial hand cleaner as they come through the gate. I’m sure it will seem silly to us when we get into a tent city and have kids crawling all over us. Oh well, it is Haiti.
Signing out because my eyes will not stay open long enough to continue.
7.25.2010
Closer to God in Haiti
Sunday night and Haiti is back to the one I know and love – very hot, humid and me – very sweaty! We shared a wonderful day of worship. Patty and I were seated in the front row of church with all the little ones today and what an exhilarating service it was. We had the pleasure of the 15 oldest girls singing in Creole and English and Edvar, Marie’s son, preaching the sermon. He spoke in Creole and English for our benefit and it didn’t take long before God’s grace and mercy was flowing through the congregation. It was a very moving service for all involved. By service end, four young girls were sleeping on my lap with many more sleeping in pews and chairs around me. Then we moved out for many blessings and hugs by the congregation. All the girls were dressed in their best dresses, so camera shots were clicking. They had fun sharing a pair of my sunglasses for “some cool” pictures as well. Then it was back to Marie’s for a little lunch and an afternoon of fellowship with Marie and her son. He is a Pastor and has a ministry in Florida and St. Michelle, Haiti. What a pleasure it was to hear his testimony growing up in Haiti and Florida and decision to go to seminary. Got a chance to discuss Marie’s ministry with him as well as all the work IFJ has been doing since the quake. What an awesome opportunity to share some of the God connections that have been made. In late afternoon, Andy our translator and friend stopped by to see us to talk about a computer skills ministry that his team would like to start with Marie’s school. This is definitely something that would help all students out as they go on to higher education. Before leaving we prayed that God would give us direction on next steps for this great opportunity. The evening ended with a plate of stewed chicken legs and fresh vegetables. Dinner was capped off with frozen Snickers bars all the way around the table! As the evening ended, Patty mention we are counting down to three days left and realizing we both have much more to do! So it is to bed early for some much needed rest and we will hit it early tomorrow again. Thanks to all for your wonderful prayers and support of this ministry. Know we are bringing home with us all the love and fellowship shared from each one of the girls for all of you to see through our hearts, stories and smiles.
Renee
Renee
7.23.2010
We're back...
Almost a month has passed and Renee Plaza and I are back in Haiti. We came with no agenda, no expectations. We are here to visit with Marie and love the girls. We spent our first 24 hours doing just that.
Marie's house felt pretty empty with just the two of us when we arrived. We brought frozen burgers in our suitcase and good old American cheese. So - I fried us up a cheeseburger for dinner and slapped it on to the crushed buns that traveled in my carry on. Marie was excited to have a REAL burger! We didn't sleep too well, which is often the case the first night as you get reacclimated to the night noise, confines of a mosquito net and the climate. But I MUST report we woke with NO bug bites and were pretty darn happy about that. (I am writing this about 9:ish p.m. and can no longer say the bugs aren't bitin')
We started the morning with pancakes, our instant coffee bags and and a beautiful day. The breeze is totally fab and the temperature has been in the 80's. Renee commented that it almost feels like we are on a Caribbean Island...of course we are - but not how you would necessarily picture the surroundings.
Regardless of how many times you witness and experience Haiti - the first day is always the hardest for me. All you see, hear, smell and feel comes rushing back and the feeling of hoplessness creeps its way into your thinking. Nothing seems to change and I have to remind myself that while I go home and resume my life of what they would consider luxury, theirs is the same day after day after day. A pace that would put most American's in a frenzy. When you don't have a job and there is nothing to really do - you sit. So - in addition to the activity of people selling in the street - many sit and just take in the day in any shade they find.
Renee and I haven't decided which pace - theirs or ours would or could bring us insanity.
We visited the girls at the orphanage this morning and shared many hugs as we reunited. It's quite all consuming to be greeted by about 20 girls at once - each wanting her fair time of being acknowledged and hugged. We decided to take the youngest 11 girls back to Marie's house and do puzzles and such together. Well - that took constant entertainment to keep them confined to the allotted floor space and from climbing all over the couch with their dusty feet and legs. So - after some puzzles, stickers, a little singing, dancing and a few tears from agressive "sisterly love", we corraled them and put them on the porch where they sat like little wooden Indians NOW under the watchful eye of Madam Marie Major. We gave them each a couple swallows of good ole Tang to wash down their treat of trail mix. Then off they went in a jagged line back to the orphanage. While this is my FAVORITE age to experience ONE AT A TIME - I was reminded that it was probably a good thing I didn't become a pre-school teacher.
We shared good conversation with Marie and laughs were many. She has been so busy with the construction, running here and everywhere. The roof on the orphange was suppose to be "poured" today (one bucket of cement at a time) but there was insufficient rebar to do the job. They are having trouble finding rebar to purchase - which is surprising as we surely aren't seeing much construction.
There was a wedding in the area and many in Marie's house were invited to attend. She also agreed to five of her girls to go. So, Rene was the chauffer of the pick up truck - and about 20 people were on their way - all dressed up and ready to celebrate. The girls looked beautiful and no one thought anything of getting in the back and putting down on handkerchief on the dirty spare tire on the bed of the truck to protect their clothes.
We went to Hope House for about an hour and met the team who is there. Turns out - at least five of them were from Naperville and Bolingbrook. There were a lot of "Oh my gosh-es!" going on. I also met Marnie - who is on the board of Lazarus Project and does beautiful water color paintings of the children of Haiti
This evening we brought out the projector and Marie, Renee and I watched a movie off a wall at Marie's house - The Secret Life of Bees. When it ended Marie said, "Who would have thought I would have been watching a movie on my wall in Haiti!"'
The winds have picked up and Renee is presentlly on her computer checking out Hurricane Central. Here we are commenting on the beautiful breeze, which keeps getting stronger and stronger and the site flashes Port-au-Prince right off the bat!!
Guess we may be in for some rain and heavy winds. Sounds like Chicago land folks have had some crazy weather, too. Well - I will close for now with the request for continued prayer. Several of Marie's girls are sick and need prayer and affection, too. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but will greet it with anticipation as there is always an experience you never expected!
"Sister" Patty
NO FAIR grading my spelling and such - there is no "spell check" and there's always that fear you will loose power and loose your entry!
Marie's house felt pretty empty with just the two of us when we arrived. We brought frozen burgers in our suitcase and good old American cheese. So - I fried us up a cheeseburger for dinner and slapped it on to the crushed buns that traveled in my carry on. Marie was excited to have a REAL burger! We didn't sleep too well, which is often the case the first night as you get reacclimated to the night noise, confines of a mosquito net and the climate. But I MUST report we woke with NO bug bites and were pretty darn happy about that. (I am writing this about 9:ish p.m. and can no longer say the bugs aren't bitin')
We started the morning with pancakes, our instant coffee bags and and a beautiful day. The breeze is totally fab and the temperature has been in the 80's. Renee commented that it almost feels like we are on a Caribbean Island...of course we are - but not how you would necessarily picture the surroundings.
Regardless of how many times you witness and experience Haiti - the first day is always the hardest for me. All you see, hear, smell and feel comes rushing back and the feeling of hoplessness creeps its way into your thinking. Nothing seems to change and I have to remind myself that while I go home and resume my life of what they would consider luxury, theirs is the same day after day after day. A pace that would put most American's in a frenzy. When you don't have a job and there is nothing to really do - you sit. So - in addition to the activity of people selling in the street - many sit and just take in the day in any shade they find.
Renee and I haven't decided which pace - theirs or ours would or could bring us insanity.
We visited the girls at the orphanage this morning and shared many hugs as we reunited. It's quite all consuming to be greeted by about 20 girls at once - each wanting her fair time of being acknowledged and hugged. We decided to take the youngest 11 girls back to Marie's house and do puzzles and such together. Well - that took constant entertainment to keep them confined to the allotted floor space and from climbing all over the couch with their dusty feet and legs. So - after some puzzles, stickers, a little singing, dancing and a few tears from agressive "sisterly love", we corraled them and put them on the porch where they sat like little wooden Indians NOW under the watchful eye of Madam Marie Major. We gave them each a couple swallows of good ole Tang to wash down their treat of trail mix. Then off they went in a jagged line back to the orphanage. While this is my FAVORITE age to experience ONE AT A TIME - I was reminded that it was probably a good thing I didn't become a pre-school teacher.
We shared good conversation with Marie and laughs were many. She has been so busy with the construction, running here and everywhere. The roof on the orphange was suppose to be "poured" today (one bucket of cement at a time) but there was insufficient rebar to do the job. They are having trouble finding rebar to purchase - which is surprising as we surely aren't seeing much construction.
There was a wedding in the area and many in Marie's house were invited to attend. She also agreed to five of her girls to go. So, Rene was the chauffer of the pick up truck - and about 20 people were on their way - all dressed up and ready to celebrate. The girls looked beautiful and no one thought anything of getting in the back and putting down on handkerchief on the dirty spare tire on the bed of the truck to protect their clothes.
We went to Hope House for about an hour and met the team who is there. Turns out - at least five of them were from Naperville and Bolingbrook. There were a lot of "Oh my gosh-es!" going on. I also met Marnie - who is on the board of Lazarus Project and does beautiful water color paintings of the children of Haiti
This evening we brought out the projector and Marie, Renee and I watched a movie off a wall at Marie's house - The Secret Life of Bees. When it ended Marie said, "Who would have thought I would have been watching a movie on my wall in Haiti!"'
The winds have picked up and Renee is presentlly on her computer checking out Hurricane Central. Here we are commenting on the beautiful breeze, which keeps getting stronger and stronger and the site flashes Port-au-Prince right off the bat!!
Guess we may be in for some rain and heavy winds. Sounds like Chicago land folks have had some crazy weather, too. Well - I will close for now with the request for continued prayer. Several of Marie's girls are sick and need prayer and affection, too. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but will greet it with anticipation as there is always an experience you never expected!
"Sister" Patty
NO FAIR grading my spelling and such - there is no "spell check" and there's always that fear you will loose power and loose your entry!
7.06.2010
One final hello from Haiti.
As the day is winding down I find myself wishing for more time, but all good things must come to an end. At least we ended our week spending as much possible time with the girls. Today was the day that we went to the beach with all of the girls and the other group here, which I’m thankful for because handling the girls at the beach may have been a bit overwhelming. We left for the beach at 9:00 am and it took us about an hour to get out there. That hour was spent singing worship songs and cradling some of the girls that fell asleep, which were only about three or four of them surprisingly.
Once we finally arrived at the beach, it didn’t take much time for us to strip down to our swimming attire. As opposed to Lake Michigan and any other beaches back home, the water was perfect. It was warm enough so we weren’t freezing, but cool enough so we weren’t hot, although it was really easy to get hot when you had three girls hanging on you begging to go into the deep end only so they can freak out and grab a hold of you for dear life. Since most, if not all, of the girls couldn’t swim, they mostly hung out in the shallow end or hung on to people, they loved being in the water. The entire day there wasn’t a cry or a complaint to be heard. We had a short break for lunch which was spent scarfing down food as fast as we could so we could get back in the water. Who would have thought that bread and crunchy peanut butter would taste so good on a warm summer day at the beach? Between tossing around beach balls, footballs, and soccer balls and trying to teach some of the girls how to swim, everybody pretty much wore themselves out. Now the way back was spent sleeping and taking embarrassing pictures of people sleeping. It was easy to see the exhaustion on everyone’s faces.
When we got back a few of us walked the girls back to the orphanage and told them we’d see them later. Unfortunately it rained for the third night in a row, not that I’m complaining about the rain whatsoever, and we weren’t able to make it back to the orphanage. It’s our last night in Haiti and I can’t help but think about how hard tomorrow is going to be. It’s amazing what a single week can mean to a little girl, and how it can completely change one’s perspective on life. It will be hard going back to normal life, with the running water, air conditioning, and lack of mosquitoes…ok maybe that will be easy to jump back into, but not being two blocks away from the orphanage won’t. I think the hardest part is that we can’t just walk over there any time we want to play with them or just sit and watch a movie. I’ll miss walking into the orphanage and seeing their smiling faces, feeling a hand ease its way in to mine, and letting the older girls take over our cameras. I know that everyone’s been changed by this experience, and I pray that we’re all able to come back to Haiti in the future. It’s been an awesome week full of adventures, and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you all for keeping up with the blogs and keeping us in your prayers. We’re glad to have been able to share this amazing experience with you.
Shannon
Once we finally arrived at the beach, it didn’t take much time for us to strip down to our swimming attire. As opposed to Lake Michigan and any other beaches back home, the water was perfect. It was warm enough so we weren’t freezing, but cool enough so we weren’t hot, although it was really easy to get hot when you had three girls hanging on you begging to go into the deep end only so they can freak out and grab a hold of you for dear life. Since most, if not all, of the girls couldn’t swim, they mostly hung out in the shallow end or hung on to people, they loved being in the water. The entire day there wasn’t a cry or a complaint to be heard. We had a short break for lunch which was spent scarfing down food as fast as we could so we could get back in the water. Who would have thought that bread and crunchy peanut butter would taste so good on a warm summer day at the beach? Between tossing around beach balls, footballs, and soccer balls and trying to teach some of the girls how to swim, everybody pretty much wore themselves out. Now the way back was spent sleeping and taking embarrassing pictures of people sleeping. It was easy to see the exhaustion on everyone’s faces.
When we got back a few of us walked the girls back to the orphanage and told them we’d see them later. Unfortunately it rained for the third night in a row, not that I’m complaining about the rain whatsoever, and we weren’t able to make it back to the orphanage. It’s our last night in Haiti and I can’t help but think about how hard tomorrow is going to be. It’s amazing what a single week can mean to a little girl, and how it can completely change one’s perspective on life. It will be hard going back to normal life, with the running water, air conditioning, and lack of mosquitoes…ok maybe that will be easy to jump back into, but not being two blocks away from the orphanage won’t. I think the hardest part is that we can’t just walk over there any time we want to play with them or just sit and watch a movie. I’ll miss walking into the orphanage and seeing their smiling faces, feeling a hand ease its way in to mine, and letting the older girls take over our cameras. I know that everyone’s been changed by this experience, and I pray that we’re all able to come back to Haiti in the future. It’s been an awesome week full of adventures, and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you all for keeping up with the blogs and keeping us in your prayers. We’re glad to have been able to share this amazing experience with you.
Shannon
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