Day 8

I was up today around 6:30.  I was not feeling well at all and I did not sleep last night; it was way too hot !!! I think I was also feeling upset because the dreams I had last night were about Caleb and people/friends back home.  This is the first day I felt pretty home sick.  I ran out of moisturizer this morning and my sunburn was hurting a lot.  I took another bucket shower this morning and it felt so refreshing.  After painting the bathroom it definitely looks a lot better.  We had eggs and bananas for breakfast again this morning.  I love the bananas here.  I spent most of my morning making bracelets for the kids, playing with a few of the younger ones, and trying to contact Rigan Louis on facebook.  Rigan was the first person I contacted when I decided that I wanted to come to Haiti.  We have been talking on facebook, skype and even on black berry messenger for the last seven months.  He is the head nurse at Hope Hospital here in Haiti.  Caleb and I were originally going to volunteer at the hospital until we came across OREA Orphanage. toutoring
Jean and Josh went to the shop today to get lumber to re-build their ladder.  The ladder that they have been using at the orphanage to get onto the roof looks as if it is going to fall apart any day now (actually the first step broke today).
After they returned from getting lumber we all went to the super market to get more supplies, food, and so Josh could go to Western Union to pick up the money his mom had sent.  I bought some crackers and juice for the children since Jean's wife had asked us this morning if we had any extra food in our room that she could give the children since they ran out and the kids were hungry.  They are definitely not getting the nutrients that they need.  I also found out today that Meetchgave (the baby) is actually eight months old and not six.  I really cannot believe that she is still wearing 0-3 month clothing.
Rigan ended up calling Jean before we went to the supermarket.  He found the orphanages number online.  I was so happy to hear his voice and he speaks perfect English!!  He is very sweet and asked if he could come visit the orphanage today once he was finished work at the hospital.  I was so excited to finally meet him and talk to him in person.  We all sat down outside and talked about Haiti, the hospital, the orphanage, and what we have been doing during our stay so far.  Abigaelle came and sat on my lap while we were talking.  I had noticed last week that she had a lot of small cuts/scabs covering her body, especially her stomach.  She also had a few infected sores.  I asked Rigan if it was anything serious and he told me that she has Scabies.  Scabies is very contagious and it is common in orphanages because the children do not have strong immune systems, they all eat the same food, sleep together, wash their hands in the same bucket, and even wear the same clothes.  I asked him if there is any treatment and if I would be able to take her to Hope Hospital.  He said that he would be able to get a prescription for her and also for the other kids that have it as well.  He told us that we could come and visit the hospital whenever we would like.  I am so glad that he stopped by and I am looking forward to going to visit him at the hospital.  However, Jean and his wife do not feel comfortable with us going to the hospital.  They are too worried about our safety.  We sat down and had a long discussion about it and we decided that we would not go because we did not want them to feel upset.  I think I will wait to save that trip for the end of my stay.  We had a big group hug and they told us that they love us and do not want us to leave.  They are absolutely amazing people and have such big hearts.  It will most definitely be hard to leave them.  They are looking into coming to Canada though! "The world is filled with so much sadness and seperation, but from that sadness and separation comes joy and happiness.  Without sadness there would be no happiness" - quote from Jean. 
After out talk, Jean asked us if we could help to teach them better English.  We brought out all of the dictionaries and flash cards that we brought and also some books that he has.  I had a blast ! It was fun spending the night with them and doing something purposeful.  His kids even participated.
Today was by far one of the best days yet.  I am looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.  We have a day of work ahead of us !

Day 7- Church & Painting

I was up at four thirty this morning to get ready for church.  None of us had brought dress clothes so we definitely looked goofy and did not fit in.  Church starts around six but some churches begin even earlier then that.  We walked to church with Jean, his wife, and his kids.  I am still sick with a cold but felt even worse today because of my sunburn, I think I am just very dehydrated.  I thought I was going to pass out during the Church service.  It was really interesting and I am glad we went.  Church in Haiti is a lot different then Church back home.  There was so many people and the majority of the service consisted of singing, dancing, and yelling Hallelujah.  Jean asked me to go up on stage with him to speak in front of the church.  I was definitely not prepared or expecting that.  He explained to them why we are here and talked about OREA Orphanage.  I was then handed the microphone.  I was not too sure what I was supposed to say so I just thanked them for having us and thanked Jean for allowing us to stay with him.  Everyone seemed very happy that we were there.  It was by far a great experience. 
We did not receive breakfast this morning; therefore, my energy drained very quickly.  Thank God I brought granola bars with me !  When we returned to the orphanage Sam, Blaire and I washed our clothes by hand for the first time during our stay here.  It is a lot more complicated then one would assume.  There is about five different steps.  I think that it is the best way to wash your clothes though, your clothes come out cleaner then they would if you used a washing machine.  After finishing our laundry we decided to start one of the projects on our list.  Painting the bathroom.  We all took turns since there was only three brushes.  We only have one can of paint and we still need to paint the kids bathroom as well.  Jean thinned the paint by using gasoline.  The area in which we were painting is very small and enclosed, their is no air flow at all which made it difficult to breath in the fumes all afternoon.  Jean added another project to our list today.  He would like to be able to put a sink in the kids bathroom, which is a great idea since they are currently all washing their hands in the same bucket of water.  While Blaire, Josh and I painted, Sam helped to prepare the food and washed the baby. 
We only had one meal today which was around one thirty.  It was a great meal though, one of the best yet!  We had chicken, potatoes, and macaroni salad. 
I am glad that I was able to stay out of the sun today.
Tonight is the first night that we all sat down and talked about Caleb since being in Haiti.  It was very difficult, especially because he was supposed to be here.  I feel as if his smile would even light up the orphanage.  I think of him every minute of everyday.  I miss him like crazy and really wish that he could be here with us. 
Tonight is one of the hottest nights yet.  You are drenched with sweat just by sitting in our room.  Hopefully I am able to get some sleep tonight because all day I have felt absolutely exhausted.

Finally... HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM ! AND TO ALL THE OTHER MOMS OUT THERE !
Couldn't have done this trip without you.  See you soon !

Beach day

I was up at five this morning.  I was so happy because we actually had electricity overnight so we were finally able to use the fans.  We left the orphanage around 8 a.m. The drive to the beach was breath taking.  It took about an hour and a half to get there.  We went through numerous towns which was exciting and depressing at the same time.  Every day it seems as if I see more and more devastation, especially from the earthquake.  It still amazes me how people can be so happy when they have so little.  We went by the presidents house (which is pretty much exactly like the white house).  It has been completely destroyed by the earthquake.  The area is surrounded by people living in tents.  There is garbage EVERYWHERE !  I found out today that the re-election is going to occur on May 30th which happens to be my birthday.  I am praying that this election goes much better than the last.  Fingers crossed that there will be no more riots.  My only birthday wish is that everything goes well.  This country does not need anymore chaos then it already has. 
The beach that Jean took us to used to be a resort but it has been destroyed by the earthquake as well.  There is a little gate that leads to the water, there is no beach, only stairs that lead into the water.  The water is beautiful.  We are once again surrounded by mountains.  It is the most peaceful and relaxing area.  You can  just float on your back and checkout all of the scenery.  I found a starfish to bring home with me and I also found another one for Sam.  I went with Blaire and Jean and swam out into the ocean.  It is the perfect place to lay in the sun, listen to music, read, and write.  The best part about it is watching all of the Haitians have a blast in the water.   Their ability to still find happiness overwhelms me.  Seeing them smile and laugh makes me feel so happy.  I wish I could do more though.  It is so hard knowing that you cannot help everyone. There are so many kind people and I wish they were able to have a better life.  It is the worst feeling knowing that when I return home I will have access to unlimited resources, a roof without any holes or open windows over my head, and a fridge full of food.  I cannot believe the amount of people still living in tents, especially families that have 5-8 people.  I cannot imagine living that way.  It would be so hot, crowded, you would have no privacy and most likely smell horrible. 
I got sooooo sun burnt.  I have had many sunburns but this one is the worst.  It is pretty much my entire body.  I am already starting to blister.  I won't be sleeping tonight !!! We all sat around the table tonight and made a list of everything we need to do around the orphanage to improve it. 
I am hoping that tomorrow I will be able to find shade.  
Jean has asked us to attend church with him tomorrow so we will be waking up at 5 since their church starts at 6.

I am looking forward to coming home and telling everyone about my experiences and how amazing Haiti is.

Day 4- Trip to the hospital

Last night was somewhat of a success.  No more cockroaches, however, I was unable to sleep due to the heat.  I tossed and turned all night.  I was up at six this morning.  I spent some time with the kids before school started and then took my second bucket shower.  It seems as if every morning I wake up with more and more bug bites.  Perhaps it is time to put the mosquito nets to use! This morning Jean asked me if I would go with him to take Meetchgave (the youngest baby girl about 6 months old) to the hospital to get vaccinated.  We left around 8 a.m..  Blaire, Sam, and Josh decided to come with us as well.  We walked for quite awhile then finally decided to take a bus.  I carried the baby the whole way and she fell asleep in my arms. The traffic is absolutely crazy here.  We fit 26 people into one small mini van and also had people hanging off the back.  The streets are so crowded, not only with vehicles but with people walking.  We finally arrived at the hospital and it was filled with tons of young mothers and babies.  I was in heaven haha ! I could not believe all of the babies there!  There was a huge line up so I had to sit in the waiting room.  I was the only white person there of course so everyone was looking at me.  Luckily, Jean had connections with some of the nurses so they allowed us to cut the line.  Meetchgave was getting hungry and we did not have any food for her.  Meetchgave is six months old and is still only wearing 0-3 month clothing.  She was given two prescriptions as well as her vaccination.  On the way back from the hospital we stopped at one of the streets which was selling canvas paintings.  They were pretty cool... I bought a few to bring back home! When we got back to the orphanage I played catch with the kids.  Jean called over a lady to come and do my hair.  She did corn rows in my hair and braided Sam's.  I am so happy I was able to get them done so I do not have to worry about my hair while I am here but it did hurt having them done.  It took her about an hour to do my hair and about two and a half hours to do Sam's.  I gave Jean some money so he and Blaire could go buy fans.  One for our room and one for the kids.  Hopefully I will be able to sleep better tonight.
These kids make me so happy.  It feels like Haiti is where I belong.  I already am dreading the day that I have to go home.   

Day 3

Last night was my first scary experience.  Not only did we have double the cockroaches from the night before but we had people surrounding the orphanage.  Jean kept telling us to be quiet because he didn't want them to know we are here.  There were a group of Haitians outside of our bedroom window.  Our window is not covered, it only has a curtain hanging from it.  Therefore, if they wish, they could stick any object through our window or watch what we are doing.  We heard banging on the front gate and it sounded like they may have hoped over the gate because we could here footsteps in front of our door.  Luckily our room has a metal gate across the door and a very heavy duty lock that Jean locks every night around 9pm.  The streets are crazy in PAP, there are people yelling and playing music until probably midnight.
We also found out that cockroaches can fly.
This morning I awoke to laughter and the voices of the children and of course the hot humid weather.  I do not think I could ask for a better way to be woken up.  I love being surrounded by all the noise, bright colours, and the children.  Jean has set up internet for my laptop.  The internet connection is not very strong but at least I can still use it ! The government only allows the Haitian people to have ten hours of electricity a day so we are never too sure when it will be on or not.  Yesterday we bought wiring and light fixtures so Josh and Jean could put up some lights around the orphanage.
I am getting bug bites like crazy.  Not only do we have cockroaches but we also have a colony of ants.
We took our first bucket shower today (other than when we showered in the rain).  All three of us girls were crowded into one small shower.  We used a bucket full of freezing cold water.  It was very refreshing.  Josh, Jean, & I went into town today to pick up money from Western Union which my Mom had transferred to me.  We used the money to buy food for the children and to buy supplies.  It is very hot out today and we walked pretty far. We saw UN soldiers walking in the streets with huge guns. We bought a lot of food and some diapers for the baby.  We took a bus back home and drove through many streets which have been destroyed by the earthquake.  I am amazed to see how people live like this everyday.  Most people in the streets are very kind.  If you smile at them, this will usually smile back and say Bonjuour.   I came back to the orphanage and played with the children.  One young girl, about 5 or 6, was sitting alone and had the saddest look in her eyes.  Jean had told me yesterday that her parents were killed in the earthquake.  I picked her up and right away she hugged me and put her head on my shoulder. I asked her what was wrong and she told me she was sad.  I sat with her for ten minutes and tried to get her to play but she wouldn't.  I brought her back into my room and gave her some crayons and paper.  She would not colour.  I gave her toys and bubbles but she still did not want to play.  She sat there without moving or speaking.  Just stared at the ground.  I offered her some candy & water.. she took the candy and drank the water but she did not eat the candy, just held it in her hand.  I laid her on my bed to see if she wanted to take a nap but she still would not move or speak.  I feel horrible..She is so traumatized from the earthquake and her parents death.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Yesterday she was full of laughter but today she seems as if she is the saddest child in the world.  We had our best meal yet.  We had chicken, white rice, and potatoes.  It was so good !!!! We just finished putting up screens up on the windows so hopefully no cockroaches will come in our room tonight.  Yvenson, who is about two years old, is sick.  He cries and screams in pain when he tries to go to the bathroom.  Seems like most of the children here are sick; whether it is respiratory infection, stomach problems or malnourishment.  It is starting to get windy, most likely going to rain tonight but the breeze feels great after a long hot day !
I am still sick, hoping it goes away soon.  I am looking forward to my mom & Phil Kember coming down to visit.
Jean pulled me aside today and told me that one of his housewives (the cook) wants to quit.  She did not want to do her work and she could not handle the children so he asked if he could use some of the money I gave him to give her last pay.  I feel so bad for Jean and his wife. She prepared our meal tonight which we will be eating tomorrow, which was chicken.  I helped her mash up Garlic & Celery.
So far tonight we have not had any cockroaches.. looks like the screens have worked !
I think I am a little sun burnt tonight ! My knees and arms are the worst.
It just started pouring outside.  We were waiting for rain all day and it finally comes once we are already inside and ready for bed. 
Good night everyone ! xoxo

Day 2

Today has been a busy day with the kids. I slept okay last night.  Woke up a few times due to fear of cockroaches crawling on my face.  I woke up around 7am.  The kids were up around 4a.m.  We had hard boiled eggs & bananas for breakfast.  We didn't have much to do today as the kids were in school during the morning.  The children go to school until 1pm.  I went in to help the kindergarten class.  I gave them crayons and some paper and we practiced the alphabet.  It is hard for me to teach because they speak french.  I am slowly learning some french ! Jean is helping me learn to speak French & I am helping him learn to speak better English. We coloured with kids & then skipped, played hopscotch, and catch.  The kids sure keep you busy.  There are quite a few children who have lost their parents due to the earthquake which has destroyed most of their country.  I also noticed a few kids that are malnourished.  The one boy in particular has a very big pot belly and you can see every bone in his body.  Jean takes very good care of the children and you can tell that he really loves them if they were his own.  Jean has four children, two boys & two girls.  The two older boys can speak a little English but not much.  Jean & Josh went to the store today to get supplies to fix up the orphanage.  They are currently doing the electrical work & fixing door knobs.  Tomorrow we are painting the bathroom (which is pretty much just a drain in the ground which they go over but has cement walls around it).  They shower with a bucket of water.  The bugs are biting like crazy here ! There are so many flies at the orphanage & ants as well (& of course cockroaches).  We have not seen any tranchula's yet so I am thankful for that.  I have been reading a lot while I have been here.  Mrs. Fung gave me the novel "The Book of Negroes".  It is a very good book, upsetting though.  It gets dark here by 6:30 and is completely dark by 7:30 or 8.  The sun raises about 4 a.m and that is when the kids wake up.  Jean has asked us to go to church with them Sunday morning.  Their church starts at 6 a.m so that will be an early morning for us !
It is hard being here without Caleb because I know how much he would have loved these children and would have helped out so much! I know he is here with all of us watching over. 
I currently am surrounded by 6 kids all trying to touch my lap top & one that is playing with my hair so it is time to go for today !
I send my love to everyone back home.. anyone who is thinking of coming to Haiti I definitely recommend it !
I found out this afternoon that my mom will be coming to visit on May 18th- May 25th. 

Take care everyone.. Keep checking for new posts !
xoxoxo

Day 1- OREA Orphanage

Today has been a long and exhausting. With no sleep last night, and being sick, I am so tired ! But it was definitely worth it.  We arrived in Haiti around 8:30 a.m today.  It was beautiful flying over Haiti.  The scenery was outstanding.  So many mountains & tin roofs.  We were greeted with a wave of heat, vibrant colours, and smiling faces.  After we grabbed our luggage (which all arrived, thank goodness!) a bunch of men ran up to us and grabbed our suitcases insisting that they carry them. Jean met us while we were walking out of the airport his "Emily Hime Welcome" shirt.  It was a relief to see him.  When leaving the airport we rode in the back of a truck.  Traffic here is crazy much like in Ghana.  We went through the tent city.  It is amazing to see how people live like this.  Seeing all of the people who lost family, friends, and their property in the earthquake is heart breaking. We arrived at the orphanage around 9:30 a.m.  We realized once we arrived that there is an hour time difference.  The children greeted us at the gate yelling out my name and singing in French.  They are all so adorable.  We were given our own rooms.  They are very nice.. not what we expected.  The children sleep on the floor of the classroom, with only blankets on the bottom.  When we walked into our rooms there were balloons and welcome signs.  It is VERY hot here, more humid then anything.  We played with the children for awhile and then went for a walk to the super market.  We were expecting just a market where people sell things but it was actually like a grocery store.  We bought lots of food for ourselves and some food for the orphanage as well.  When we were leaving the grocery store it started to rain.  We are told that it rains here every afternoon. Today It was more like a downpour.  We got absolutely soaked !!!! They call this Haitian snow.  The cereal boxes that we had bought started to fall apart and it was raining so hard that you could not see. We came back to the orphanage and decided to take a shower in the rain ! It was so much fun.  After showering and changing our drenched clothes we ate dinner.  We had rice, cooked banana, and something else.. not too sure what it was ! Jean bought us lots of bottled water.  They are so kind to us and make sure that we are eating well, that our room is cleaned, and that we are having fun! I feel very safe here.  We laid out all of the donations for Jean.  He was so happy !!!! We gave the children skipping ropes and some other toys to play with at recces. We went to bed around 9:30 after playing a few games of cards.. we were exhausted !!!! I am sick right now so that doesn't help.  As we were arranging our beds we noticed cockroaches running out of them.  We spent half an hour trying to kill them but we couldn't even catch one. Sam of course spent the whole time standing on a chair (she is terrified of them since josh told her that they bite haha)
 Although I feel safe it is dangerous.  Jean will not let us leave the orphanage unless he comes with us.  He says that people here do not have good minds.  Everyone stares at you.  He is trying to make sure that people do not know that we are staying here.  I am happy that Jean is being protective ! He has planned to take us to the beach with his family on Saturday and next week we are going to Les Cayes for the weekend.  He is also planning a trip to Cite Soleil for me so I can hand out all of the medical supplies.

I am so happy to be here, I already do not want to leave.  The children & Jean are amazing ! I feel as if I could live here.