Well today was yet again another fantastic day in Haiti ! They just seem to be getting better and better. We started off the morning by teaching the older kids because once again the teachers did not show up. We did English flash cards with them and then did some mathematics. After finishing the actual work we coloured and made necklaces. The older kids are very difficult.. they love to hit each other and I swear the younger kids know how to share better then they do !!! After doing the crafts we did some more math. The whole time I was teaching Phil was constantly pulling kids off of each other. Although it was exhausting it was also fun. School finished an hour early today since it is Friday.
After school we walked to Western Union to pick up some money to give Jean to help pay the teachers. We then went to a shop and bought some white paint and wiring. When we get back to the orphanage on Sunday we are going to paint the kitchen and the children's bathroom. We are also hoping to fix the toilet.
I contaced We Advance clinic is Wharf Jeremy today to see about volunteering this weekend. I was able to confirm the plans and we will be staying there tomorrow night until Sunday morning. Tomorrow we will be helping out with wash day (they bathe a bunch of kids in the community in inflatable pools) as well as helping with therapy. Saturday we are helping to organize the medical dome. I am definitely looking forward to this trip. This is the trip that Caleb and I had planned. I am glad Phil is here to do it with me.
The main problem with arranging the trip to Cite Soliel was transportation. Luckily Phil met a man on the plane ride to Haiti who offered to drive us anywhere. He gave Phil his number but he is only in Haiti until Saturday. His name is Amos. He is from Haiti and grew up in an orphanage. He now lives in the states and comes here to sell cars. He was so glad that we are helping out in an orphanage. We decided to call him today about transportation for tomorrow. He did not even hesitate to say yes. Not only did he tell us that he would drive us tomorrow morning but he also asked if he could come visit us at the orphanage today. He came around two thirty. It was nice to talk to someone who spoke English, Creole, and French because he can translate for us. After talking for awhile he asked Phil and I if we would like to go see the mountains!!! We had talked about how we would like to go up the mountains yesterday so we couldn't believe that he offered to take us ! We packed up our bags with water, snacks, and of course our camera's. We first stopped at the guest house he was staying at so he could change. At the guest how they have a fridge with pop and beer. Phil and I decided to try the Haitian beer called Prestige. It was very good ! We had not finished our beer yet when Amos was ready to go so we were planning on chugging them but instead Amos told us that we can just bring them with us. In Canada that would be against the law! I have realized there are not many rules or laws in Haiti. Driving is absolutely crazy here.. we drove through streets that were filled with people and Amos did not slow down but just honked his horn and they all scattered out of the way. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and it was neat because we drove through a huge market. When we got to the top we stopped and took some pictures and also bought some souvenirs. Another thing I enjoyed about the ride was the great music that Amos played. I had met Amos for five minutes at the airport (although Phil had talked to him for an hour) and right away he trusted him and let him take us up to the mountains today.. in Canada that would never happen !!! We offered to pay him but he would not accept the money. I am hoping that I can stay in contact with him he would be a great friend to have !
Amos is picking us up at nine tomorrow morning so we can arrive at the clinic for around ten. He said if it wasn't for the traffic in Haiti it would probably only take 10 mins to get there ! I am very excited for tomorrow. I think it will be a great experience. Cite Soliel is very dangerous (the kidnapping capital) and the poorest area in Haiti but they need the most help. Amos told us tonight that when his brother went (who is Haitian) he was jumped and had his ear cut off. That story scared me a little but it sounds like the area we are going to is pretty safe. The clinic is all fenced in. It is definitely a risk that I am willing to take.
Everyday I fall in love with Haiti more and more. I can see myself living here in the near future. It is absolutely amazing ! Not only the scenery but the lifestyle and the people as well. It is crazy here but I love it. Words cannot even describe it. Pictures will not even do it justice. It is something that you need to see first hand. I wish everyone back home could come.. but then again it is not for everyone. These last two days have been the best days yet (other than the beach, that was amazing too!) and I am sure this weekend is going to be amazing as well !
I am beginning to improve on my French and I have also learned a few creole words and sayings.
Well I am off to go play with the kiddies before bed ! Once again I am exhausted and tomorrow will be a busy day !
Mwen renmen Ayiti <3 (I Love Haiti)
Ke Kontan
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Day 24 !
Today started off to be an emotional day but ended great ! Mom departed for Canada this morning after spending six days in Haiti with me. The kids were not happy to see her leave. We spent the night last night watching the Jungle Book with the kids, jean, and his wife and then they all sang a goodbye song. We left the orphanage at six this morning and Djins Keith came with us to drop mom off (it is his birthday today). After saying goodbye to Mom, we waited at the airport for Phil to arrive. We had to wait two hours. Phil arrived around eight thirty ! It was great to see Phil and he seemed very happy to be here. I do not think he stopped smiling for the entire ride to the orphanage. One of Phil's bags was lost during the flight change which contained a lot of clothes and shoes for the children. Although he lost one bag he still had tons of things to give to the children. He still had two other suitcases full of clothes, shoes, toys, etc. I showed Phil around the orphanage and visited the classrooms. We played with the kids during recess and then took a break and went and sat up on the roof. The view is absolutely amazing. It is great to have someone here who shares the same interests. Phil came to Haiti last November to help build. He has also gone to many other countries to volunteer. We both have the same dream.. to one day build our own orphanages ! We talked for quite awhile about many things and also about how we both would love to live in Haiti or another country. Canada is definitely overrated. I love the lifestyle here, no drama ! They only concentrate on the important things in life. The love and hospitality they have shown me is more then I have ever received before. It feels like home here. They are all now apart of my family ! I can't stop thinking about June 4th (the day I leave).. it does not feel like I have been here for a month. I wish I could stay the rest of the summer. Only ten days left.. everyday my heart is breaking a little more.
After hanging out at the orphanage for awhile we headed to the supermarket to buy Djins Keith a birthday present and a cake ! He picked out a helicopter, remote control police car, and a football. During our walk to the supermarket a man walked by us; I was expecting a rude comment or him to ask for money (because of the look he was giving us) but instead he yells out "God will bless you because you are not racist" and then smiled at us. For some reason that comment alone has made today awesome. After the supermarket we came back to the orphanage and ate some cake and played with the new toys!!! Phil brought a few soccer balls with him and we blew some bubbles. Today has been a great day.
It is raining once again. It has rained for the past six nights. Tent City and the tents around our area are being completely destroyed. There are so many belongings in the sewage drains and on the streets. Hurricane season has arrived. I feel horrible for those without shelter, I cannot imagine the fear they must have. It is so sad to believe a year has gone by and people are still without homes. There are probably more people living in tents then there are people living in stable households.
We are having a problem with the teachers here. Jean has not been able to pay them since January. I have given him a lot of money but he has lots of debts to pay off (including $5000 for rent). They are refusing to write the exams for the kids and many are not showing up for work. They cannot afford transportation to the orphanage everyday let alone food, shelter, and whatever else they made need ! I feel very bad for them since all of them attended University and received degrees. Jean is very lucky that they are even still working. Back home if we did not receive pay for one week we would quit and take the employer to court. Imagine going four months without pay after you worked so hard for a degree.
Jean is also hoping to put beds in the orphanage for the children and build a top level to the orphanage for classrooms. It is a great idea since the orphanage is very small for all of the children he has that come for free schooling, but that is going to cost around $5000 as well.
Michele Duguay has helped me to come in contact with a man named Danel Georges. He works for MUCI organization and can help the orphanage out ! They may even help Jean complete his project of building more classrooms ! I have emailed Danel and he said he would love to help. We are arranging for him to come and visit OREA. Jean is calling him tonight !
I am feeling a lot better today. My cold/respiratory infection is almost gone now ! I have a few infected insect bites but they are healing up as well. My elbow was very swollen with pus a few days ago but I have been cleaning it often and using anti biotic cream. My body has definitely adjusted to the temperature. It was in the mid to high 80's today and I found it chilly ! I am going to freeze when I go back to Canada ! Hoping the weather will be nice by then.
Phil met a man on the plane to Haiti who has offered to give us rides. We would like to go to Cite Soliel on Friday to help out at the medical clinic with wash day and therapy for the kids. We would stay over Friday night, help organize the medical dome on Saturday and then head back to the orphanage on Sunday. I am hoping we can make these plans work ! I am really looking forward to visiting Cite Soliel even though it is the kidnapping capital. On May 31st Phil and I are going to visit Hope Hospital and help Rigan (the head nurse). We are going to stay until June 2nd so I am really looking forward to that as well.
Phil and I are both exhausted tonight.. we both had early mornings and busy days. We are going to watch a movie with the kids and then probably head to bed ! Tomorrow we are going to buy paint, a shower head, and parts for the toilet ! Hoping to finally fix up the children's bathroom so they no longer have to go in a pail !
There are many things that I have learned in Haiti such as: NEVER bite your nails here, they are constantly dirty; Always wear sunscreen even when it does not seem sunny; bring wipes with you because after a day of walking in town you are completely covered in dirt and exhaust fumes; drink lots and LOTS of water, you become dehydrated very quickly; smile at people and they will usually always smile back; start conversations because most people think that you are a stuck up American, but once you begin talking they do not want to stop; never take a picture of someone on the streets (at least not when they are looking); do not travel after 5pm; bring lots of bug spray (although that doesn't help too much, you are going to get bitten no matter what); check your bed for cock roaches; do not touch any wires because there is a good chance you are going to get a shock; save everything you are doing on your computer and charge your camera,phones, etc when you can because you never know when the electricity will shut off and turn on next; shower in a bathing suit because they enjoy opening the bathroom door; make sure you go to the bathroom before seven thirty or else you may have to use the bucket; do not walk on the streets, cars will not stop for you; wear a Canada shirt; eat all food that is put in front of you or else it is insulting; if the food tastes horrible make sure you have lots of water near by; make sure you check the kids before you pick them up or set them on your lap, a lot of the times they have peed their pants; if the soccer ball is wet, do not pick it up, it probably means that it rolled into the bathroom area (the kids go in the bucket for number 2 but for number 1 they go right on the ground). There are so many more but those are the only ones I could think of right now !
Being here really makes you appreciate things back home. Although I know when I return to Canada I am going to feel very guilty and upset. I wish I could bring all of the kids home with me ! I am going to miss them so much.
Hope things are going well back home !
Miss you all
After hanging out at the orphanage for awhile we headed to the supermarket to buy Djins Keith a birthday present and a cake ! He picked out a helicopter, remote control police car, and a football. During our walk to the supermarket a man walked by us; I was expecting a rude comment or him to ask for money (because of the look he was giving us) but instead he yells out "God will bless you because you are not racist" and then smiled at us. For some reason that comment alone has made today awesome. After the supermarket we came back to the orphanage and ate some cake and played with the new toys!!! Phil brought a few soccer balls with him and we blew some bubbles. Today has been a great day.
It is raining once again. It has rained for the past six nights. Tent City and the tents around our area are being completely destroyed. There are so many belongings in the sewage drains and on the streets. Hurricane season has arrived. I feel horrible for those without shelter, I cannot imagine the fear they must have. It is so sad to believe a year has gone by and people are still without homes. There are probably more people living in tents then there are people living in stable households.
We are having a problem with the teachers here. Jean has not been able to pay them since January. I have given him a lot of money but he has lots of debts to pay off (including $5000 for rent). They are refusing to write the exams for the kids and many are not showing up for work. They cannot afford transportation to the orphanage everyday let alone food, shelter, and whatever else they made need ! I feel very bad for them since all of them attended University and received degrees. Jean is very lucky that they are even still working. Back home if we did not receive pay for one week we would quit and take the employer to court. Imagine going four months without pay after you worked so hard for a degree.
Jean is also hoping to put beds in the orphanage for the children and build a top level to the orphanage for classrooms. It is a great idea since the orphanage is very small for all of the children he has that come for free schooling, but that is going to cost around $5000 as well.
Michele Duguay has helped me to come in contact with a man named Danel Georges. He works for MUCI organization and can help the orphanage out ! They may even help Jean complete his project of building more classrooms ! I have emailed Danel and he said he would love to help. We are arranging for him to come and visit OREA. Jean is calling him tonight !
I am feeling a lot better today. My cold/respiratory infection is almost gone now ! I have a few infected insect bites but they are healing up as well. My elbow was very swollen with pus a few days ago but I have been cleaning it often and using anti biotic cream. My body has definitely adjusted to the temperature. It was in the mid to high 80's today and I found it chilly ! I am going to freeze when I go back to Canada ! Hoping the weather will be nice by then.
Phil met a man on the plane to Haiti who has offered to give us rides. We would like to go to Cite Soliel on Friday to help out at the medical clinic with wash day and therapy for the kids. We would stay over Friday night, help organize the medical dome on Saturday and then head back to the orphanage on Sunday. I am hoping we can make these plans work ! I am really looking forward to visiting Cite Soliel even though it is the kidnapping capital. On May 31st Phil and I are going to visit Hope Hospital and help Rigan (the head nurse). We are going to stay until June 2nd so I am really looking forward to that as well.
Phil and I are both exhausted tonight.. we both had early mornings and busy days. We are going to watch a movie with the kids and then probably head to bed ! Tomorrow we are going to buy paint, a shower head, and parts for the toilet ! Hoping to finally fix up the children's bathroom so they no longer have to go in a pail !
There are many things that I have learned in Haiti such as: NEVER bite your nails here, they are constantly dirty; Always wear sunscreen even when it does not seem sunny; bring wipes with you because after a day of walking in town you are completely covered in dirt and exhaust fumes; drink lots and LOTS of water, you become dehydrated very quickly; smile at people and they will usually always smile back; start conversations because most people think that you are a stuck up American, but once you begin talking they do not want to stop; never take a picture of someone on the streets (at least not when they are looking); do not travel after 5pm; bring lots of bug spray (although that doesn't help too much, you are going to get bitten no matter what); check your bed for cock roaches; do not touch any wires because there is a good chance you are going to get a shock; save everything you are doing on your computer and charge your camera,phones, etc when you can because you never know when the electricity will shut off and turn on next; shower in a bathing suit because they enjoy opening the bathroom door; make sure you go to the bathroom before seven thirty or else you may have to use the bucket; do not walk on the streets, cars will not stop for you; wear a Canada shirt; eat all food that is put in front of you or else it is insulting; if the food tastes horrible make sure you have lots of water near by; make sure you check the kids before you pick them up or set them on your lap, a lot of the times they have peed their pants; if the soccer ball is wet, do not pick it up, it probably means that it rolled into the bathroom area (the kids go in the bucket for number 2 but for number 1 they go right on the ground). There are so many more but those are the only ones I could think of right now !
Being here really makes you appreciate things back home. Although I know when I return to Canada I am going to feel very guilty and upset. I wish I could bring all of the kids home with me ! I am going to miss them so much.
Hope things are going well back home !
Miss you all
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Day 20
Once again it rained through the night leaving a great amount of water on the ground and many streets flooded.
The six-month Atlantic hurricane season begins and U.S. government forecasters expect it to be an above average season.
As many as 18 named tropical storms are expected to develop before the season ends Nov. 30, and three to six of those could strengthen into major hurricanes with top winds of 111 mph or higher, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday.
Haiti’s extreme deforestation, from decades of over farming and the cutting of trees for charcoal, compounds the flood risk from even weak tropical storms, Read said, and hundreds of thousands of Haitians are still living in tents after the earthquake (information from Haitian Truth.org).
We were up at five this morning to get ready to go to the beach. Jean only wanted seven of the fourteen kids to come but when the others found out that they would not be coming they began to cry. I felt so bad for them and went and spoke with Jean. He said his only concern is having to watch all of them. I told him I would give him some extra money and his wife finally talked him into it. We decided to bring twelve of the fourteen kids and leave the two youngest behind. All twelve children, Jean, his wife, Mom, and I all loaded up into the back of a Tap Tap. The kids were so excited. They had all kinds of questions on the way to the beach since most of them have not seen the outside in quite awhile. We went through many small towns that have been completely ravished by the earthquake and Jean stopped the vehicle in front of the President House (like the White House) so we could take pictures of the damage caused by the earthquake. It took quite awhile to get there and we stopped at two other beaches to see if they would be cheaper but they were not very nice. We ended up going to the beach that I had previously gone to with Jean, Blaire, Josh and Sam. We finally arrived at the beach and unloaded the truck. We had buckets of water, bags of food, and bags of toys to carry to the water. There was music playing when we arrived (English music actually! Such as Akon, Eminem, and Bob Marley). All of the girls got up and danced. It was so cute ! After that we got all of the kids into their swimsuits and headed for the water. None of the kids know how to swim since they have never been to a beach before and they do not have swimming pools in Haiti. A lot of them were scared of the water and would not go in at first. After Jean and I jumped in they became more brave. I always had about five or six of them hanging onto me and whoever I could not carry with me sat on the steps and waited for someone to go and get them. The older kids ended up going off on their own. Ricostah hated the water and cried when we tried to bring him in it. We stayed in the water for a bit and then all got out and had snacks. We had brought with us bananas, cookies, cheese, muffins, nuts, plantain chips and lots of water! We played some soccer and skipped and then went back into the water. I had a blast !! It was so awesome to see the kids having fun. It was definitely worth every penny and I am glad we ended up bringing the other kids as well. I have never seen Jean's wife so happy. Jean ended up buying Haitian fruit for all of the kids and us as well. It is kind of a mix between an orange and a mango. We ended up staying at the beach until one thirty. The kids and I were completely exhausted by then. Many fell asleep on the way home. The exhaust from the vehicles is very hard on your lungs and you get a lot of dust in your eyes when riding in the back of the truck. We got back to the orphanage at three thirty. I was expecting the kids to take a nap but as soon as we arrived at the orphanage they seemed full of energy again! Mom and I had potatoes and hot dogs for dinner. It was pretty good !!! Tonight we are playing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the kids (that's if the electricity stays on). It has been a long but great day ! I am looking forward to bed tonight.
The six-month Atlantic hurricane season begins and U.S. government forecasters expect it to be an above average season.
As many as 18 named tropical storms are expected to develop before the season ends Nov. 30, and three to six of those could strengthen into major hurricanes with top winds of 111 mph or higher, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday.
Haiti’s extreme deforestation, from decades of over farming and the cutting of trees for charcoal, compounds the flood risk from even weak tropical storms, Read said, and hundreds of thousands of Haitians are still living in tents after the earthquake (information from Haitian Truth.org).
We were up at five this morning to get ready to go to the beach. Jean only wanted seven of the fourteen kids to come but when the others found out that they would not be coming they began to cry. I felt so bad for them and went and spoke with Jean. He said his only concern is having to watch all of them. I told him I would give him some extra money and his wife finally talked him into it. We decided to bring twelve of the fourteen kids and leave the two youngest behind. All twelve children, Jean, his wife, Mom, and I all loaded up into the back of a Tap Tap. The kids were so excited. They had all kinds of questions on the way to the beach since most of them have not seen the outside in quite awhile. We went through many small towns that have been completely ravished by the earthquake and Jean stopped the vehicle in front of the President House (like the White House) so we could take pictures of the damage caused by the earthquake. It took quite awhile to get there and we stopped at two other beaches to see if they would be cheaper but they were not very nice. We ended up going to the beach that I had previously gone to with Jean, Blaire, Josh and Sam. We finally arrived at the beach and unloaded the truck. We had buckets of water, bags of food, and bags of toys to carry to the water. There was music playing when we arrived (English music actually! Such as Akon, Eminem, and Bob Marley). All of the girls got up and danced. It was so cute ! After that we got all of the kids into their swimsuits and headed for the water. None of the kids know how to swim since they have never been to a beach before and they do not have swimming pools in Haiti. A lot of them were scared of the water and would not go in at first. After Jean and I jumped in they became more brave. I always had about five or six of them hanging onto me and whoever I could not carry with me sat on the steps and waited for someone to go and get them. The older kids ended up going off on their own. Ricostah hated the water and cried when we tried to bring him in it. We stayed in the water for a bit and then all got out and had snacks. We had brought with us bananas, cookies, cheese, muffins, nuts, plantain chips and lots of water! We played some soccer and skipped and then went back into the water. I had a blast !! It was so awesome to see the kids having fun. It was definitely worth every penny and I am glad we ended up bringing the other kids as well. I have never seen Jean's wife so happy. Jean ended up buying Haitian fruit for all of the kids and us as well. It is kind of a mix between an orange and a mango. We ended up staying at the beach until one thirty. The kids and I were completely exhausted by then. Many fell asleep on the way home. The exhaust from the vehicles is very hard on your lungs and you get a lot of dust in your eyes when riding in the back of the truck. We got back to the orphanage at three thirty. I was expecting the kids to take a nap but as soon as we arrived at the orphanage they seemed full of energy again! Mom and I had potatoes and hot dogs for dinner. It was pretty good !!! Tonight we are playing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the kids (that's if the electricity stays on). It has been a long but great day ! I am looking forward to bed tonight.
Day 19
It started to rain last night around six thirty. It continued to thunderstorm for two consecutive hours and on and off during the night. It resulted in ten to twelve inches of water on the ground. Tent city received the worst of it. Three children drowned and many shelters and belongings were washed away in the storm. There are eighteen hurricanes on their way to Haiti. They are supposed to hit between June 1st and the beginning of August. However, there are 3-6 major hurricanes that are supposed to hit by mid June. Haiti does not need anymore devastation; they are still recovering from the earthquake and hurricane that hit last November. The pain seems never ending for Haitians.
Last night was the first night that I had a good sleep since being here. I think it is because the rain prevented people from partying on the streets so it wasn't too noisy except for the sound of rain, wind, and thunder. Mom and I were up at six this morning. I took my bucket shower and then played with the kids. At nine we left the orphanage to go to Western Union to pick up some money that my Mom wired before she came. After that we went to a shop to buy paint and other supplies. We ended up buying Jean a new saw, hammer, supplies for painting, and light bulbs. I was amazed. All of that only came to $25 US.
When we got back to the orphanage Jean had a friend come over to help build the new ladder. Finally they no longer have to use that ladder that looks like it is going to fall apart any day now to get onto the roof. Jean and his friend also went to another shop and bought more tin to build a roof over the kids bathroom. After they were finished building the roof we put the new light bulbs to use ! We now have a light in the bathroom, in the main bedroom, and another light in one of the classrooms. We got a lot done today !! We gave the kids some pages out of the colouring books and it kept them occupied for quite awhile. Yvenson was very sick today. He had a fever and seemed pretty lethargic. I gave him some cough medicine and then he went down for a nap. He seemed to be feeling better later in the day. I really need to potty train him though. He pees his pants constantly and then wants to be picked up.. half the time you don't even realize he has peed his pants until you are already holding him or he's already sitting on your lap. A lady came to the orphanage at eleven to braid my hair again. It took three and a half hours !!!!! My corn rows only took forty five minutes. However, getting my hair braided this time did not hurt nearly as much as getting corn rows. By the time I was finished my back and neck were so stiff and I was hungry. We had chicken, potatoes, and macaroni salad for dinner. When we were finished eating we sat down with Jean and arranged plans for the beach tomorrow. Jean wants to only bring seven kids (the older ones). He was unsure if we could go because of the cost. We wrote down the cost for everything and it worked out to be $75 in total for everyone. That includes transportation and entrance to the beach. It is definitely worth it !!! Especially because most of the kids have not seen outside of the orphanage since they arrived here. Jean and his wife seemed very excited about going. As soon as we finished organizing the plans they left to go buy food and things for the beach tomorrow ! It is the first time that I have seen his wife leave the orphanage since the first Sunday I was here when we went to Church. The two housewives had worked so hard all day and were now left with the children to tend to. Mom and I decided to give them a break and put a movie in for the kids. They were glad to have some time to themselves. It started raining again tonight around seven. The kids played and showered in the rain. After they were finished showering we brought them into the orphanage and set up chairs and I played Ice Age on my lap top. While the kids were watching the movie, Mom and I played Yahtzee. The electricity ended up going out halfway through the movie so they were unable to finish it. We decided to go to bed early since we will be waking up at five tomorrow to leave for the beach at six. Although the sound of the rain helps me sleep, I am hoping that it stops soon. I feel terrible for all of the people living in the tents. It not only would be wet and cold, but it would also be scary with all of the wind and lightening.
I am off to bed ! I am so excited for the beach tomorrow !
Last night was the first night that I had a good sleep since being here. I think it is because the rain prevented people from partying on the streets so it wasn't too noisy except for the sound of rain, wind, and thunder. Mom and I were up at six this morning. I took my bucket shower and then played with the kids. At nine we left the orphanage to go to Western Union to pick up some money that my Mom wired before she came. After that we went to a shop to buy paint and other supplies. We ended up buying Jean a new saw, hammer, supplies for painting, and light bulbs. I was amazed. All of that only came to $25 US.
When we got back to the orphanage Jean had a friend come over to help build the new ladder. Finally they no longer have to use that ladder that looks like it is going to fall apart any day now to get onto the roof. Jean and his friend also went to another shop and bought more tin to build a roof over the kids bathroom. After they were finished building the roof we put the new light bulbs to use ! We now have a light in the bathroom, in the main bedroom, and another light in one of the classrooms. We got a lot done today !! We gave the kids some pages out of the colouring books and it kept them occupied for quite awhile. Yvenson was very sick today. He had a fever and seemed pretty lethargic. I gave him some cough medicine and then he went down for a nap. He seemed to be feeling better later in the day. I really need to potty train him though. He pees his pants constantly and then wants to be picked up.. half the time you don't even realize he has peed his pants until you are already holding him or he's already sitting on your lap. A lady came to the orphanage at eleven to braid my hair again. It took three and a half hours !!!!! My corn rows only took forty five minutes. However, getting my hair braided this time did not hurt nearly as much as getting corn rows. By the time I was finished my back and neck were so stiff and I was hungry. We had chicken, potatoes, and macaroni salad for dinner. When we were finished eating we sat down with Jean and arranged plans for the beach tomorrow. Jean wants to only bring seven kids (the older ones). He was unsure if we could go because of the cost. We wrote down the cost for everything and it worked out to be $75 in total for everyone. That includes transportation and entrance to the beach. It is definitely worth it !!! Especially because most of the kids have not seen outside of the orphanage since they arrived here. Jean and his wife seemed very excited about going. As soon as we finished organizing the plans they left to go buy food and things for the beach tomorrow ! It is the first time that I have seen his wife leave the orphanage since the first Sunday I was here when we went to Church. The two housewives had worked so hard all day and were now left with the children to tend to. Mom and I decided to give them a break and put a movie in for the kids. They were glad to have some time to themselves. It started raining again tonight around seven. The kids played and showered in the rain. After they were finished showering we brought them into the orphanage and set up chairs and I played Ice Age on my lap top. While the kids were watching the movie, Mom and I played Yahtzee. The electricity ended up going out halfway through the movie so they were unable to finish it. We decided to go to bed early since we will be waking up at five tomorrow to leave for the beach at six. Although the sound of the rain helps me sleep, I am hoping that it stops soon. I feel terrible for all of the people living in the tents. It not only would be wet and cold, but it would also be scary with all of the wind and lightening.
I am off to bed ! I am so excited for the beach tomorrow !
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Day 18
Tuesday night was the first night it had rained in approx. 10 days. It rained so hard that the front room of the orphanage filled with water. We had to constantly mop it. My cold has not gotten better, if anything it has got worse. Jean went to the pharmacy and bought me some medicine yesterday. I spent most of the day sleeping and had a high fever. I find that my Asthma is a lot worse here because of all of the dust in the air. . After taking a nap and taking some medicine I was feeling better and went outside and played hop scotch with the kids. I ended up finishing The Book of Negroes (most amazing book I have ever read). I recommend it to anyone and everyone !!! I even began re-reading it (never thought I would enjoy a novel that much). Later in the afternoon Jean asked if I could type up some documents for him. I thought it would be easy work but it is a lot harder typing out documents in French. Jean and I stayed up pretty late working on a welcome banner for my mom. It gets dark here around seven so we had the kids holding flash lights so we could see what we were doing. We finally finished it around 8:30.
I did not sleep at all last night. There were a lot of people in the streets and it was way too noisy. Sometimes it is also scary because it sounds like they are hoping the orphanage gate. Thank God for the metal bars and lock on my door !!
I was up at six this morning and we put the finishing touches on the banner and hung it up outside. My Mom's plane landed at 8:30. We were at the airport an hour early so it seemed like quite a long wait. It was good to see her though ! We took a tap tap back to the orphanage and unloaded her stuff. She had a lot of the same reactions that I did. She could not believe all the tents and all the people ! The streets are so crowded here. After we unpacked her things we gave the kids some candy, clothes, Canadian water bottles, and gifts for Jean and his wife. We gave Jean a new lap top donated by Microage. I have never seen anyone so excited!! He spent most of the day setting it up. We did some crafts with the kids and played a few games. We went to the supermarket to pick up some things for the orphanage. Mom did not enjoy the traffic and she cannot believe how hot it is. I thought today was actually quite cool, guess I am getting used to the weather !
After the supermarket we came back to the orphanage and had lunch. Jean's wife made an awesome drink. It was kind of like a smoothie. It was made from Banana and Guava. We ate chicken, potatoes and rice. It began to rain around six tonight and it is still raining now. The kids took showers in the rain. After they were finished with their showers I set up my lap top inside the orphanage and put on Caillou. While they were watching that my mom and I taught English to Jean and his wife. After Caillou was finished most of the younger kids were passed out on the floor and the older ones wanted to watch Peter Pan.
There was no school yesterday or today because yesterday was Flag Day in Haiti. There is also no school tomorrow so we will be busy with the kids once again.
Today was a long day and I am completely exhausted !!! Tomorrow Mom and I are painting the kids bathroom and hopefully getting the toilet fixed so they no longer have to use a bucket. I am also having my hair braided again. Saturday we are going to the beach and taking the older kids with us. I am definitely looking forward to that !!!
Heading to bed now. Send my love to everyone back home xoxo
I did not sleep at all last night. There were a lot of people in the streets and it was way too noisy. Sometimes it is also scary because it sounds like they are hoping the orphanage gate. Thank God for the metal bars and lock on my door !!
I was up at six this morning and we put the finishing touches on the banner and hung it up outside. My Mom's plane landed at 8:30. We were at the airport an hour early so it seemed like quite a long wait. It was good to see her though ! We took a tap tap back to the orphanage and unloaded her stuff. She had a lot of the same reactions that I did. She could not believe all the tents and all the people ! The streets are so crowded here. After we unpacked her things we gave the kids some candy, clothes, Canadian water bottles, and gifts for Jean and his wife. We gave Jean a new lap top donated by Microage. I have never seen anyone so excited!! He spent most of the day setting it up. We did some crafts with the kids and played a few games. We went to the supermarket to pick up some things for the orphanage. Mom did not enjoy the traffic and she cannot believe how hot it is. I thought today was actually quite cool, guess I am getting used to the weather !
After the supermarket we came back to the orphanage and had lunch. Jean's wife made an awesome drink. It was kind of like a smoothie. It was made from Banana and Guava. We ate chicken, potatoes and rice. It began to rain around six tonight and it is still raining now. The kids took showers in the rain. After they were finished with their showers I set up my lap top inside the orphanage and put on Caillou. While they were watching that my mom and I taught English to Jean and his wife. After Caillou was finished most of the younger kids were passed out on the floor and the older ones wanted to watch Peter Pan.
There was no school yesterday or today because yesterday was Flag Day in Haiti. There is also no school tomorrow so we will be busy with the kids once again.
Today was a long day and I am completely exhausted !!! Tomorrow Mom and I are painting the kids bathroom and hopefully getting the toilet fixed so they no longer have to use a bucket. I am also having my hair braided again. Saturday we are going to the beach and taking the older kids with us. I am definitely looking forward to that !!!
Heading to bed now. Send my love to everyone back home xoxo
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Day 16
Life does not always make sense. It never will. We are forced to adapt to the unexpected or unwanted things that life may throw our way. Some people are unable to adapt or cope. Others are grateful for these misfortunes because they learn from them. The truth is.. life is messy. It is not supposed to be perfect and it never will be. Life is not supposed to be simple. Life is the most difficult thing to understand. The only thing we must understand is that life goes on. Terrible things may occur such as death, natural disasters, and war. Although it may seem like the pain is too much, it is not. Things can always get worse. You will fall, you will hurt, you may feel like you no longer want to go on, but if you hold on and have faith, you will survive. What you may find impossible right now, may become possible in the near future. Everyone can turn their life around, no matter how hard it may seem. You have to believe that, fight for that, and know that you will endure hardships along the way that may make you want to give up, call it quits, but don't. Remember the quote from Edward Everett Hale "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do". Even the people you trust the most, the people you love, your friends, your family, the one's that love you, are going to hurt you at some point. It is sad to say, but the truth is, some people find pleasure in others pain. The one's that find pleasure in hurting you, do not deserve to be apart of your life. They are only going to bring you down and make you feel worthless. However, do not make the mistake of pleasuring yourself by hurting them in return. Instead, forgive them, be the bigger person, let it go and move on. People judge others before getting to know who they really are. No one will ever understand another completely, because no one can walk in the shoes of someone else and witness all of the things that they have, feel the way that they have, or know the things that they know. But do know that someone, somewhere, does love you. And that one person is enough. To have even one soul that cares is enough to pull you through the most difficult of times. Remind the people you love how much they mean to you. You never know when they will need you, need your words of encouragement, and your help. Life is not about who makes the most money, who has the higher education, or who is more popular, it is about doing everything you can to help another. To do all you can to improve the life of another human being. You may only help one person, you may help ten, or a hundred, the number does not matter. Even if you feel you have not succeeded, you may be wrong.
Take a look in the mirror, is looking back at you everything you want to be? If not, make the change now. You have one life.. live it. Do not let the past stand in the way. Do not let others deter you from what you want in life. One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure that it is worth watching. Make sure that it is the life you wanted, that you did everything in your power to accomplish your goals and dreams. You never know when your time will come, so live every day as if it is your last.
Make mistakes, make lots of them, but learn from them. Sometimes the greatest lessons in life come from our mistakes. Face your fears and be willing to take risks. Although there is a chance you may end up with less, there is also a chance that you may gain more then you had imagined.
For me, traveling the world is not about enjoyment, it is to learn. To learn of the difficulties that others encounter, to learn of new lifestyles and to immerse yourself into those lifestyles. Live how they live. Feel how the feel. Be apart of their culture and learn as much as you can from it. Haiti is an amazing learning opportunity. I still find it breath taking, I am constantly at a loss of words. Seeing so much poverty and devastation, yet seeing them smile and show so much love towards each other and to anyone that comes their way. They still believe in God and have more faith then I have ever seen. This shows us just how strong we can be. How much we need each other. Although the wounds may never heal, although the pain may always remain deep inside us, we can look to the future with hope and know that things can get better/easier with time.
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded"- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Send my love to everyone back home ! xoxo
Take a look in the mirror, is looking back at you everything you want to be? If not, make the change now. You have one life.. live it. Do not let the past stand in the way. Do not let others deter you from what you want in life. One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure that it is worth watching. Make sure that it is the life you wanted, that you did everything in your power to accomplish your goals and dreams. You never know when your time will come, so live every day as if it is your last.
Make mistakes, make lots of them, but learn from them. Sometimes the greatest lessons in life come from our mistakes. Face your fears and be willing to take risks. Although there is a chance you may end up with less, there is also a chance that you may gain more then you had imagined.
For me, traveling the world is not about enjoyment, it is to learn. To learn of the difficulties that others encounter, to learn of new lifestyles and to immerse yourself into those lifestyles. Live how they live. Feel how the feel. Be apart of their culture and learn as much as you can from it. Haiti is an amazing learning opportunity. I still find it breath taking, I am constantly at a loss of words. Seeing so much poverty and devastation, yet seeing them smile and show so much love towards each other and to anyone that comes their way. They still believe in God and have more faith then I have ever seen. This shows us just how strong we can be. How much we need each other. Although the wounds may never heal, although the pain may always remain deep inside us, we can look to the future with hope and know that things can get better/easier with time.
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded"- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Send my love to everyone back home ! xoxo
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Trip Update
I apologize for not being able to post a blog lately. I have been busy and whenever I am not busy there never seems to be electricity.
Today I said goodbye to Sam and Blaire. It was very sad. The children were crying and did not want them to leave. This makes me realize how hard it will be for me to leave them. I am going to be so torn. My heart is already breaking just thinking of the day that I must leave.
Two teachers did not show up for work on Thursday, and on Friday only one teacher came to school. They have not been paid for three months and cannot afford transportation to the orphanage everyday. On Friday I taught English to the older students using flash cards. After that I gave them pages out of a colouring book and we spent the rest of the afternoon colouring. Jean let the students out early since they did not have a teacher. Yesterday I helped Jean sweep and mop the orphanage. The housewives did not show up to work either. It has been one hectic orphanage the last few days.
Last night we brought out the glow sticks for the kids and took some pictures. We went into our rooms and sat around and talked before bed. From the room beside us we could here the kids singing. They were singing a goodbye song to Sam, Josh, and Blaire. It was sooo cute!!!
I still have not been able to sleep. I am very itchy. We were unable to go back to the hospital to get my prescription because Jean had to stay and teach the children. I am hoping to go sometime this week and bring the rest of the children from the orphanage to get them checked out as well.
I have been reading a lot while here, whenever I am not busy with the children. I recommend The Book of Negroes to everyone !!!! It is an amazing and heart wrenching novel. It shows what people went through in the days of slavery (although slavery still exists in some areas) and makes us realize how awesome we have it.
It seems like everyday I am getting weaker and weaker and more exhausted. I imagine this is due to the combination of lack of sleep, being sick, and only eating one meal a day. I still have my cold.. starting to wonder if it is a respiratory infection. Also, I have been sick to my stomach since yesterday. It must be from something I ate. Thank God for Imodium !!!
Everyday I become closer and closer with the children and develop new bonds. Jean's second oldest son, Hanskery, told me that he loved me today and asked if he could come back to Canada. He is such a sweetheart, whenever he see's me he runs up to me and has to hold my hand. All of the children in the Orphanage are amazing. Jean has done a great job raising them.
I am looking forward to my moms arrival. I have been speaking with Alison Thompson who volunteers in Haiti often. She works at a medical clinic in Cite Soleil. I have asked if I could come and visit and bring my medical supplies for them. She said that I can definitely go visit her for a few days. Cite Soleil is where Caleb and I wished to go to do the medical outreach. It is the slums of Haiti and is known as the kidnapping capital. It is located in Port Au Prince where I am currently residing and it is known as the poorest and most dangerous area of the Western Hemisphere. The area is said to have no sewers, stores, electricity, health care facilities, or schools. They definitely need all the help they can get. I cannot wait to go and visit Alison.
It will be very lonely here for the next few days having a room to myself !
Thank you everyone for all of your messages.. If I do not respond right away I apologize. I will respond as soon as I can !
Miss you all back home !!!
Today I said goodbye to Sam and Blaire. It was very sad. The children were crying and did not want them to leave. This makes me realize how hard it will be for me to leave them. I am going to be so torn. My heart is already breaking just thinking of the day that I must leave.
Two teachers did not show up for work on Thursday, and on Friday only one teacher came to school. They have not been paid for three months and cannot afford transportation to the orphanage everyday. On Friday I taught English to the older students using flash cards. After that I gave them pages out of a colouring book and we spent the rest of the afternoon colouring. Jean let the students out early since they did not have a teacher. Yesterday I helped Jean sweep and mop the orphanage. The housewives did not show up to work either. It has been one hectic orphanage the last few days.
Last night we brought out the glow sticks for the kids and took some pictures. We went into our rooms and sat around and talked before bed. From the room beside us we could here the kids singing. They were singing a goodbye song to Sam, Josh, and Blaire. It was sooo cute!!!
I still have not been able to sleep. I am very itchy. We were unable to go back to the hospital to get my prescription because Jean had to stay and teach the children. I am hoping to go sometime this week and bring the rest of the children from the orphanage to get them checked out as well.
I have been reading a lot while here, whenever I am not busy with the children. I recommend The Book of Negroes to everyone !!!! It is an amazing and heart wrenching novel. It shows what people went through in the days of slavery (although slavery still exists in some areas) and makes us realize how awesome we have it.
It seems like everyday I am getting weaker and weaker and more exhausted. I imagine this is due to the combination of lack of sleep, being sick, and only eating one meal a day. I still have my cold.. starting to wonder if it is a respiratory infection. Also, I have been sick to my stomach since yesterday. It must be from something I ate. Thank God for Imodium !!!
Everyday I become closer and closer with the children and develop new bonds. Jean's second oldest son, Hanskery, told me that he loved me today and asked if he could come back to Canada. He is such a sweetheart, whenever he see's me he runs up to me and has to hold my hand. All of the children in the Orphanage are amazing. Jean has done a great job raising them.
I am looking forward to my moms arrival. I have been speaking with Alison Thompson who volunteers in Haiti often. She works at a medical clinic in Cite Soleil. I have asked if I could come and visit and bring my medical supplies for them. She said that I can definitely go visit her for a few days. Cite Soleil is where Caleb and I wished to go to do the medical outreach. It is the slums of Haiti and is known as the kidnapping capital. It is located in Port Au Prince where I am currently residing and it is known as the poorest and most dangerous area of the Western Hemisphere. The area is said to have no sewers, stores, electricity, health care facilities, or schools. They definitely need all the help they can get. I cannot wait to go and visit Alison.
It will be very lonely here for the next few days having a room to myself !
Thank you everyone for all of your messages.. If I do not respond right away I apologize. I will respond as soon as I can !
Miss you all back home !!!
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