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. 

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 !

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

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

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 !!!

Day 10 - Hope Hospital

Today has been a long, but productive day.  I did not get any sleep last night.  My entire body is itchy.  I received a message from Michelle Duguay this morning (she is very involved with Haiti and OREA Orphanage).  I had previously told her about a few of the children having Scabies.  She went on to tell me that it is very contagious and usually begins in the crease of your arms or legs.  Of course, I realize now that what I thought were small bites/cuts in the crease of my arm, are Scabies.  It explains why I was so itchy last night.  Scabies is a parasite that borrows into your skin and creates an allergic reaction.  I contracted it from one of the girls at the orphanage (Abigaelle).  It has started to spread down my arm but I am hoping to get it treated before it spreads anymore.  I am glad that we had arranged to go to Hope Hospital today.  We had an appointment at ten but we had to arrange for transportation so we did not arrive until eleven.  Jean's friend drove us there.  We brought Abigaelle and Meetchgave with us to the hospital so I could have them checked out as well and so we could get treatment for Abigaelle's Scabies.  The journey to the hospital was interesting.  We went through many different parts of town.  I witnessed a man on the side of the road who could not use his legs.  To get around he was scooting on his bottom by using his hands.  I wish I could have picked him up and brought him to the hospital with us.  The Hospital is really nice, as well as the area around it.  Rigan met us in the waiting room at the hospital.  He brought us to the doctor to have the kids and myself checked out.  The doctor prescribed us all medication.  He then gave us a tour of the hospital which was very interesting.  He showed us the ICU, the Pediatric Ward, and the general rooms.  The cost for the examinations came to only $20 US.  I paid about $15 US for all of our prescriptions.  I paid an extra $15 for the children to have blood and urine tests done to make sure nothing else is wrong with them.  We are going back to the hospital tomorrow for the results and I am bringing Ricostah with us to get checked out.  Ricostah was neglected by his parents and looks as if he is starving.  He also has some sort of cold or respiratory infection, as well as a bump on his head.  When we returned to the orphanage Sam & I had our braids taken out.  We noticed that the Scabies was spreading to my head as well.  It took awhile to get all of the corn rows out of my hair but the kids helped me out ! It felt so good to be able to actually wash my hair properly.  After taking a shower I sat down Jean and had a heart to heart.  I needed to know where all of the money was going and what debts he had left to pay.  He wrote down all the expenses and explained so much to me ! He told me all about the kids and how they ended up at the orphanage.  It brought tears to my eyes.  So many kids have lost their parents, but lots have also been neglected by their parents.  One story in particular broke my heart.  Jean was the first person to walk down the street where the orphanage is located.  He was searching for a new place to keep the children.  While he was searching, he came a cross a young boy who seemed very sick.  This boy was Yvenson.  He told me that he should have been dead from the earthquake yet he survived.  His mother died but his father neglected him and did not want him anymore.  Not only was Yvenson neglected and starving.  He also contracted Cholera in February this year.  He had it very bad but also managed to survive through that.  He is one strong little boy and has the cutest smile in the world.  Jean told me how he could leave Haiti and have a better life but he chooses to stay and help out.  His family and friends do not always understand him but he said he cannot do anything but follow his heart.  These children are his life.  He has sacrificed everything to give these kids a better life.   He still owes money for rent, which if he does not pay the orphanage will be shut down in July.  He also owes money for food and has not been able to pay the teachers since January.  He owes the teachers $125 per month.  He also needs $20 a day to be able to feed the children and his family.  He is struggling daily to survive.  I wish I could help him more.  I have found a lap top to bring him.  My mom is going to bring it with her when she comes.  Rigan has also been a huge help.  Although we had to pay for our prescriptions today, he said that he will get medicine for the rest of the children for free and he would like to come visit the orphanage often. 
I currently am surrounded by five children who are all playing with my hair and hugging me.  I love them and will do anything to make sure these children continue to receive the care and love that they need.  I do not know how I will be able to leave them.  I miss the kids from Ghana like crazy .. but I have a feeling leaving the kids from OREA Orphanage will break my heart even more.  I am already planning my trip back to Haiti !
Everyday it seems as if I learn more and more and fall in love with these children and Jean's family more and more. 
I have to help teach Jean and his wife (mommy- she insists that we call her that) English.  I hope everything is going well back home.  Thank you for everyone who has given me donations and thanks to everyone who are still giving.  I appreciate it so much as well as Jean and the children. 

Day 9- Life changing

We take so much for granted.  No one ever seems happy; no one ever seems satisfied.  We constantly want more and more even though we have more than the necessities which are required to survive.  We have a roof over our head, running water, electricity, vehicles, food on our tables, and access to unlimited resources.  Yet we still feel the need to complain.  As soon as something small happens, between friends, or family, we seek attention by expanding the story, gossiping, and creating drama to hurt others when you could just let it go, move on, and forgive.  We find pleasure in hurting others and it is honestly sickening.  We need to learn to let the little things go and learn from our mistakes. Being here and being immersed into a completely different lifestyle is mind blowing.  You realize how much you take for granted and how ridiculous or meaningless some of the things we say and do are.  People are struggling daily in Haiti and in many other areas around the world to survive.  They have lost everything, their homes, their family and friends, and most of all their dignity and pride for their country.  Although they lost so much, they still have the ability to smile, to love, and the ability to still appreciate what they do have left.  They have so little, but have given me so much.  I came here expecting to impact or change lives but instead the have impacted and changed mine.
I wish everyone could have the experience that I am having, and gain as much as they can from it.  It really does change your perspective on everything. These children and people are amazing.  They are more generous and kind then most people back home.
The Alneus' are like family now.  Jean has a huge heart and puts the children before himself (not only his children but all of the children in Haiti).  Jean has a dream to improve the lives and offer free education to children here.  He has said many times that it would be so much easier for him to do bad in Haiti (i.e. Steal) then good, but he chooses to do the right thing.  He prays to God that by doing good he will he will be able to keep the orphanage running and be able to continue to impact the lives of children.  He has no income other then the donations that he receives.  He is already offering free school at OREA Orphanage to approx. sixty children.  Jean is trying so hard to improve his English; he studies all day every day.  He would like to be able to present his dreams for the future to his friends on facebook and he would like to come and visit Canada.  I truly feel as if this is what I am meant to be doing.  I find happiness here and helping others.  I enjoy traveling to different countries and witnessing different lifestyles.  It truly does amaze me.  I will definitely be coming back to Haiti for years to come.
Jean pulled me aside this morning and spoke to me more about Hope Hospital.  He said last night that he did not want us to go but today he said he would like to come with us and bring Abigaelle to receive treatment for her Scabies.
My sunburn is starting to feel better ! I still look like a lobster though.  Now I am just waiting for this cold to subside.
This morning I made some more bracelets for the kids.  We even taught Jean how to make them.  I spent most of the day playing with kids and I took a nap with Meetchgave.  She slept on my chest.  I think we both were not feeling the best so the nap did us good ! After dinner we took some pictures with the kids and I helped Jean learn some more English.  Jean set up a game for the kids, kind of like pin the tail on the donkey but much more creative.  We blind folded the kids with a dish towel.  Drew a circle on the ground with chalk which they were to stand in. We set a water bottle on one of the ledges which they had to find and knock over.  If they succeeded then we gave them a sucker ! It was a blast.  The kids had so much fun with it.  We will have to play it again before I leave.
As I am writing this there is a fight going on outside of the orphanage. It gets pretty scary here at night.  I am so glad that nothing has happened yet.  I still feel safe here.  Jean locks our metal gate at night so no one can get in.  The only negative thing about that is if you have to go to the bathroom you must use the bucket.. I have had to use the bucket a few times now!! He locks the door around eight thirty.  He also never warns you before he does it. I guess it makes things that much more interesting !!!
To finish off my statement above... I really recommend emerging yourself into this kind of experience.  So many people tell me that they would like to do it.. if you would like to do it then make it happen !!! No matter what the age or gender.. it will still be life changing.  I wish I could have brought everyone back home with me.  Although their is much sadness here.. there is also so much joy ! Seeing the children smile is by far the most rewarding thing I could ever ask for.