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!
1.08.2011
11.16.2010
Walking with God
Many times we start particular walk with God, the direction and the path that we take seem so obvious. We are so sure of the outcome far in advance.
Our walk to help earthquake victims started early in the year. It took us through many paths and many roads, slightly different for each one of us that was or is involved. The bunk bed project was born from our trip to Haiti in April of this year and came to realization in May, when a decision was made to make 20 bunk beds for the girls at Grace Orphanage. It took most of the summer to cut all 760 pieces that would eventually make up the 20 double beds. Many people were touched by those beds, from cutting and drilling holes, through sanding of surfaces through painting all of the colorful boards by friends and kids from a neighborhood, to packaging and putting all on the container, all with endless hours of God’s love. With the container changing direction and going to another needy orphanage, there was some sadness, but not for long. God just had something bigger in mind. When we’ve arrived to New Life for Children Orphanage, it was obvious that this is a place that needed those beds even more. The orphanage houses over 100 kids, boys, girls and some of them are handicapped. The boy’s orphanage collapsed during the earthquake, and now they are housed in very cramped quarters. The older boys are sleeping on beds that are to narrow and too short for them with upper bunk being on top of the lower bunk, you have to side in to just to get in. Jim and I started to assemble first bunk beds last week, but quickly came to realization that we would not be able to get all of them completed. Today we worked with the older boys on bunk bed assembly. Showed them how to use hand tools, sequence of assembly, how to square up headboard and foot board, and take pride in the workmanship. We showed one boy how to assemble his bunk, and in turn he became teacher to other boys. We went from the assemblers to teachers to very proud observers. Boys went from observers, to apprentices to proud owners of new beds. The pride was showing through. I don’t know if this sense of accomplishment was bigger in boy’s hearts or in Jim’s and mine.
So next time you set out on a walk with God, keep your eyes and heart wide open, because the final perceived result might just not be good enough for God and you do not want to miss any signs along the road.
11.15.2010
Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010--Out and About
Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010
What a day. We left the inside walls of New Life 4 Kids compound (an awesome place, awesome people) and spent most of the day in what I consider Haiti—out in the neighborhoods, streets, and homes of friends. For me there is nothing like being in the middle of all the day to day action in Haiti. Our friend Theodore took us to see two of the older girls who left Marie’s orphanage about a month or two (or three) ago. They have moved from a tent city where they lived briefly after leaving the orphanage into a one room “apartment” where three people share a room that is about 10 by 12 ft—that’s it—they live there. Cardboard folded up in the corner is unfolded for their beds at night to cushion the concrete floor. They cook on a charcoal stove outside in an “alley” that is not even 3 feet wide. They are not alone—this is how most of the people live—those that are lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment that is (this one is about $500 per year). Both girls go to school in the afternoon from 12 to 5 and that is not an easy journey by our standards—walk to main road and the take a “tap tap” (taxi/bus) which is packed with people. But it is a privilege to be able to go to school here—so the journey is made without hesitation. Bill and I are working on getting them beds and we think we have that worked out and that should happen in the next week or so.
We went from there to Marie’s house and visited with her and hung out at the orphanage/school for a while. The new orphanage is nearly completed on the inside and the girls will be moving in next week (probably). Finishing touches are being made on the inside, paint, bathrooms, etc. It will look nice and the girls will like it. The girls were in school so I didn’t get to see all of them, but a few looked out and waved. It was cool to see our friend Neenee sitting in the same spot along the street, reading her Bible, praising God, and selling her wares to whoever will buy them. She is always an inspiration to me—all day from sunup to sundown, sitting on a dirt road, hoping someone will buy something, and keeping God and Jesus at the center of life—each and every day. We can all learn something from Neenee. Bondye Beniou (God bless you).
Back at New Life we had to make some needed adjustments to the desks that were donated by a school in Chicago and assembled here when they arrived. Bill and I forgot to adjust the legs on the desks before we left this morning so the kids had to sit in chairs without desks because they could not get their legs under them—oops. They probably wonder about these crazy white. Americans…what good are these desks? They are adjusted now and we will make sure they are OK for everyone tomorrow morning. The older boys are getting some of the bunk beds we made in Naperville and shipped here. They are currently sleeping on beds that are way to short for them. After they are replaced with the new ones we will be able to take a few of the old ones to the girls for their “apartment.” Everyone wins—but it takes time—this is Haiti.
Ended the day with the New Life orphans singing praise songs—loud, clear, in tune, and awesome. They sounded great even while chewing the gum that Bill passed out only moments before worship. Praise be to God—and may He continue to bless these dear children.
What a day. We left the inside walls of New Life 4 Kids compound (an awesome place, awesome people) and spent most of the day in what I consider Haiti—out in the neighborhoods, streets, and homes of friends. For me there is nothing like being in the middle of all the day to day action in Haiti. Our friend Theodore took us to see two of the older girls who left Marie’s orphanage about a month or two (or three) ago. They have moved from a tent city where they lived briefly after leaving the orphanage into a one room “apartment” where three people share a room that is about 10 by 12 ft—that’s it—they live there. Cardboard folded up in the corner is unfolded for their beds at night to cushion the concrete floor. They cook on a charcoal stove outside in an “alley” that is not even 3 feet wide. They are not alone—this is how most of the people live—those that are lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment that is (this one is about $500 per year). Both girls go to school in the afternoon from 12 to 5 and that is not an easy journey by our standards—walk to main road and the take a “tap tap” (taxi/bus) which is packed with people. But it is a privilege to be able to go to school here—so the journey is made without hesitation. Bill and I are working on getting them beds and we think we have that worked out and that should happen in the next week or so.
We went from there to Marie’s house and visited with her and hung out at the orphanage/school for a while. The new orphanage is nearly completed on the inside and the girls will be moving in next week (probably). Finishing touches are being made on the inside, paint, bathrooms, etc. It will look nice and the girls will like it. The girls were in school so I didn’t get to see all of them, but a few looked out and waved. It was cool to see our friend Neenee sitting in the same spot along the street, reading her Bible, praising God, and selling her wares to whoever will buy them. She is always an inspiration to me—all day from sunup to sundown, sitting on a dirt road, hoping someone will buy something, and keeping God and Jesus at the center of life—each and every day. We can all learn something from Neenee. Bondye Beniou (God bless you).
Back at New Life we had to make some needed adjustments to the desks that were donated by a school in Chicago and assembled here when they arrived. Bill and I forgot to adjust the legs on the desks before we left this morning so the kids had to sit in chairs without desks because they could not get their legs under them—oops. They probably wonder about these crazy white. Americans…what good are these desks? They are adjusted now and we will make sure they are OK for everyone tomorrow morning. The older boys are getting some of the bunk beds we made in Naperville and shipped here. They are currently sleeping on beds that are way to short for them. After they are replaced with the new ones we will be able to take a few of the old ones to the girls for their “apartment.” Everyone wins—but it takes time—this is Haiti.
Ended the day with the New Life orphans singing praise songs—loud, clear, in tune, and awesome. They sounded great even while chewing the gum that Bill passed out only moments before worship. Praise be to God—and may He continue to bless these dear children.
Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010--Out and About
Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010
What a day. We left the inside walls of New Life 4 Kids compound (an awesome place, awesome people) and spent most of the day in what I consider Haiti—out in the neighborhoods, streets, and homes of friends. For me there is nothing like being in the middle of all the day to day action in Haiti. Our friend Theodore took us to see two of the older girls who left Marie’s orphanage about a month or two (or three) ago. They have moved from a tent city where they lived briefly after leaving the orphanage into a one room “apartment” where three people share a room that is about 10 by 12 ft—that’s it—they live there. Cardboard folded up in the corner is unfolded for their beds at night to cushion the concrete floor. They cook on a charcoal stove outside in an “alley” that is not even 3 feet wide. They are not alone—this is how most of the people live—those that are lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment that is (this one is about $500 per year). Both girls go to school in the afternoon from 12 to 5 and that is not an easy journey by our standards—walk to main road and then take a “tap tap” (taxi/bus) which is packed with people. But it is a privilege to be able to go to school here—so the journey is made without hesitation. Bill and I are working on getting them beds and we think we have that worked out and that should happen in the next week or so.
We went from there to Marie’s house and visited with her and hung out at the orphanage/school for a while. The new orphanage is nearly completed on the inside and the girls will be moving in next week (probably). Finishing touches are being made on the inside, paint, bathrooms, etc. It will look nice and the girls will like it. The girls were in school so I didn’t get to see all of them, but a few looked out and waved. It was cool to see our friend Neenee sitting in the same spot along the street, reading her Bible, praising God, and selling her wares to whoever will buy them. She is always an inspiration to me—all day from sunup to sundown, sitting on a dirt road, hoping someone will buy something, and keeping God and Jesus at the center of life—each and every day. We can all learn something from Neenee. Bondye Beniou (God bless you).
Back at New Life we had to make some needed adjustments to the desks that were donated by a school in Chicago and assembled here when they arrived. Bill and I forgot to adjust the legs on the desks before we left this morning so the kids had to sit in chairs without desks because they could not get their legs under them—oops. They probably wonder about these crazy white. Americans…what good are these desks? They are adjusted now and we will make sure they are OK for everyone tomorrow morning. The older boys are getting some of the bunk beds we made in Naperville and shipped here. They are currently sleeping on beds that are way to short for them. After they are replaced with the new ones we will be able to take a few of the old ones to the girls for their “apartment.” Everyone wins—but it takes time—this is Haiti.
Ended the day with the New Life orphans singing praise songs—loud, clear, in tune, and awesome. They sounded great even while chewing the gum that Bill passed out only moments before worship. Praise be to God—and may He continue to bless these dear children.
What a day. We left the inside walls of New Life 4 Kids compound (an awesome place, awesome people) and spent most of the day in what I consider Haiti—out in the neighborhoods, streets, and homes of friends. For me there is nothing like being in the middle of all the day to day action in Haiti. Our friend Theodore took us to see two of the older girls who left Marie’s orphanage about a month or two (or three) ago. They have moved from a tent city where they lived briefly after leaving the orphanage into a one room “apartment” where three people share a room that is about 10 by 12 ft—that’s it—they live there. Cardboard folded up in the corner is unfolded for their beds at night to cushion the concrete floor. They cook on a charcoal stove outside in an “alley” that is not even 3 feet wide. They are not alone—this is how most of the people live—those that are lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment that is (this one is about $500 per year). Both girls go to school in the afternoon from 12 to 5 and that is not an easy journey by our standards—walk to main road and then take a “tap tap” (taxi/bus) which is packed with people. But it is a privilege to be able to go to school here—so the journey is made without hesitation. Bill and I are working on getting them beds and we think we have that worked out and that should happen in the next week or so.
We went from there to Marie’s house and visited with her and hung out at the orphanage/school for a while. The new orphanage is nearly completed on the inside and the girls will be moving in next week (probably). Finishing touches are being made on the inside, paint, bathrooms, etc. It will look nice and the girls will like it. The girls were in school so I didn’t get to see all of them, but a few looked out and waved. It was cool to see our friend Neenee sitting in the same spot along the street, reading her Bible, praising God, and selling her wares to whoever will buy them. She is always an inspiration to me—all day from sunup to sundown, sitting on a dirt road, hoping someone will buy something, and keeping God and Jesus at the center of life—each and every day. We can all learn something from Neenee. Bondye Beniou (God bless you).
Back at New Life we had to make some needed adjustments to the desks that were donated by a school in Chicago and assembled here when they arrived. Bill and I forgot to adjust the legs on the desks before we left this morning so the kids had to sit in chairs without desks because they could not get their legs under them—oops. They probably wonder about these crazy white. Americans…what good are these desks? They are adjusted now and we will make sure they are OK for everyone tomorrow morning. The older boys are getting some of the bunk beds we made in Naperville and shipped here. They are currently sleeping on beds that are way to short for them. After they are replaced with the new ones we will be able to take a few of the old ones to the girls for their “apartment.” Everyone wins—but it takes time—this is Haiti.
Ended the day with the New Life orphans singing praise songs—loud, clear, in tune, and awesome. They sounded great even while chewing the gum that Bill passed out only moments before worship. Praise be to God—and may He continue to bless these dear children.
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