and utterly exhausted.
I wanted to take a moment to thank all of YOU who made this trip possible!!!!! From monetary gifts, to donations of clothing, balls, pencils/pens/paper, beads, stickers, etc., etc. I wish you could have personally seen the happiness you brought to this community. Amazing.
I will also update you when I hear about our little baby's surgery. I am hopeful that the tumor will be removed within the week.
If you want to check out photos, I posted them on my Facebook and I believe that you can view them without being a member. If not, and you are interested, send me your email, and I will send them along.
Again, many thanks, au revoir, namaste, and bon soir!!
Beautiful....
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Vendredi
It's Friday night, and we had an extremely long day. I am very sunburned. The wind was crazy so I had no clue how hot it was. ANYwho.....very long day. We started by feeding the village around 9am with bread and peanut butter. I was able to connect with my friend Pouchon for a last time before he went in to work (one of the only community members who is employed). We promised we would email daily and help each other with our languages. I think I mentioned before that he speaks English probably better than I do. But a promise is a promise, and I look forward to returning more fluent in Creole and French next year.
After we ate, a group of us toured the village with the "boss" of Croix des Mission. He showed us several houses (more like shacks) that were damaged in the quake and how our efforts (and fundraising) has helped several of them rebuild. When I say "rebuild" what I mean is that we were able to lift the tents sent in by other countries and put them on a cement foundation - so they are no longer sitting directly on the ground, which allowed rain and bad weather into their only place of cover. One family has their mother sleeping in the tent, while they were rejoicing that they now were able to at least sleep on a cement slab outside of it (rather than on the ground).
We had Greg and Jason with us from the Valley News (our story will be hitting the paper this Sunday) so they were able to spend some quality time in the village and with the Haitian community we have worked with now for several years.
We then spent the remainder of the afternoon watching the children perform music, dance, etc., which they have worked on all week. It was AMAZING to see all the children and their families show up in beautiful clothing for this day. They take great pride in many things - dressing for special occasions is one of them. It was amazing.
After we shared lunch, we gave out over 200 bags we stuffed the night before. It was chaos. And actually made me quite nervous. But we got through it and everyone seemed pleased. I have SO many photos to share, and promise that once I return home, I will get them downloaded and posted here and on FB.
Tomorrow we depart from Port au Prince, and arrive in Santo Domingo (Domincan Republic) and have a 1/2 day layover. Usually this would seem horrific, but our plan is to get through customs, and head out to the beach for a few hours. I have never been on a carribean island - or anywhere such as this for that matter, and I cannot wait to end our very long, tough, intense week with some R&R. Then onto Boston arriving late, spending the night and back home later Sunday.
I am thankful for this opportunity. I realize that not everyone agrees or agreed with my coming here - either through my raising money or such an unfortunate country or risking my life by visiting. I realize also that many question why I think that a week in this community will make a difference - or how could it even make a dent in such an impoverished and desperate area. I think I may have questioned it myself once or twice. But this week, the answer again became very clear. If I can spend my time with children, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and am able to clothe, feed, house, and give water to them - just even for a week - then I "have" made a difference. To have a child smile, laugh - or a baby who is so sick to be held - that was something they would not have had otherwise. And how on earth can that be wrong?
So as I leave, I am feeling blessed. Blessed to be able to help others because I can - and even more so - because I want to. And blessed by the smiles, the hugs, the kisses.....I will be back next year and the year after and so on and so on. Because changing the world one life at a time is all it takes.
Namaste.
After we ate, a group of us toured the village with the "boss" of Croix des Mission. He showed us several houses (more like shacks) that were damaged in the quake and how our efforts (and fundraising) has helped several of them rebuild. When I say "rebuild" what I mean is that we were able to lift the tents sent in by other countries and put them on a cement foundation - so they are no longer sitting directly on the ground, which allowed rain and bad weather into their only place of cover. One family has their mother sleeping in the tent, while they were rejoicing that they now were able to at least sleep on a cement slab outside of it (rather than on the ground).
We had Greg and Jason with us from the Valley News (our story will be hitting the paper this Sunday) so they were able to spend some quality time in the village and with the Haitian community we have worked with now for several years.
We then spent the remainder of the afternoon watching the children perform music, dance, etc., which they have worked on all week. It was AMAZING to see all the children and their families show up in beautiful clothing for this day. They take great pride in many things - dressing for special occasions is one of them. It was amazing.
After we shared lunch, we gave out over 200 bags we stuffed the night before. It was chaos. And actually made me quite nervous. But we got through it and everyone seemed pleased. I have SO many photos to share, and promise that once I return home, I will get them downloaded and posted here and on FB.
Tomorrow we depart from Port au Prince, and arrive in Santo Domingo (Domincan Republic) and have a 1/2 day layover. Usually this would seem horrific, but our plan is to get through customs, and head out to the beach for a few hours. I have never been on a carribean island - or anywhere such as this for that matter, and I cannot wait to end our very long, tough, intense week with some R&R. Then onto Boston arriving late, spending the night and back home later Sunday.
I am thankful for this opportunity. I realize that not everyone agrees or agreed with my coming here - either through my raising money or such an unfortunate country or risking my life by visiting. I realize also that many question why I think that a week in this community will make a difference - or how could it even make a dent in such an impoverished and desperate area. I think I may have questioned it myself once or twice. But this week, the answer again became very clear. If I can spend my time with children, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and am able to clothe, feed, house, and give water to them - just even for a week - then I "have" made a difference. To have a child smile, laugh - or a baby who is so sick to be held - that was something they would not have had otherwise. And how on earth can that be wrong?
So as I leave, I am feeling blessed. Blessed to be able to help others because I can - and even more so - because I want to. And blessed by the smiles, the hugs, the kisses.....I will be back next year and the year after and so on and so on. Because changing the world one life at a time is all it takes.
Namaste.
Oy.
well, i never thought i could harm an animal, but last night, well, i came very close. dogs to me run a close second to children in my "what i love most" list (sometimes they even come first depending on the kid!) i went to bed purely exhausted, but only managed about 15 minutes sleep. we have two watch dogs - one a rottie and the other a small mutt. i often wondered why the small mutt, but now i know. out of the "bark is worse than the bite" well, he is the bark of the two. and he managed to do so NON STOP from 10pm until 5:30 a.m., when he kindly proceeded to fall asleep from pure exhaustion. perfect timing, as we get up about 6.
so enough of that. i wanted to take a few moments before breakfast to quickly capture our day yesterday. we had a full day. we weren't on the work site, and instead went to grace childrens hospital, which is the only children's hospital around. we were able to get a two hour tour with another group who was visiting (can't remember from where). incredible....between the rubble from the earthquake were makeshift clinics for GYN, opthamology, internal medicine. they set up clinic in truck containers (containers to clinics is what hte org is called). what was truly amazing were the xrays of TB patients - they were set up outside on a metal wire hanger on the ground. against the rubble from the earthquake. i took lots of pics to show my hospital friends.
the most difficult part of my trip was then going into the one room with bed upon bed of sick children and babies. we had about 75 "hope dolls" which someone from our church made - they are adorable and all different. and we brought them to hand out to the children who were there and leave the rest behind. most of the children had TB, HIV, and were malnourished. they were beautiful. two that struck me most were a little girl (three years old) with glaucoma. and the other, Genevieve, who was 11 months old, but only weighed 7.25 lbs. i held her the entire time, and was so afraid of hurting her little fragile body. i put two of my fingers over her upper arm, and her arm didn't even measure up to that. i cry as i type this, because it is unfair. NO child should be in this position.....and what struck me most, was when i sang to her and held her, she reached her tiny hand up to my face and squeezed it and then held my hand. and her doll, oh how she loved it...she knew it was there and held it as best as she could. Genevieve had no strength to keep her head up, and when i layed her back in her bed, she began to cry, so i stayed with her until i could get up and move away and she was good with just her doll. my heart just breaks. on the positive side, these are the children that are getting treatment - there are so many in haiti who cannot afford it, or many of them, don't even know of the hospitals existance (which is what we ran into on our work site). The U.S. National Director of International Child Care approached me after finding out what I do for work and asked if i could help him - they are heading into a capital campaign and have no fundraisers or consultants to help through the project. i gladly accepted.
from the hospital we headed down to the capitol, which was just surreal. the last time i saw it two years ago, it stood there beautiful and white (the only place in the country with such beauty) and now, it was crumbled to the ground. and in front where once a beautiful green park rested, was now covered in a tent city. i know much work has been done down here since the earthquake, but this was somewhat shocking.....
we then went into the national history museum, which resides next to the palace, but is underground. we had a tour and it was really amazing. i also found out that christopher columbus was NOT a nice man - he took part (and headed) a mass genocide in haiti. crazy - our history books never mentioned this.
and last night we packed about 200 bags - one each with a shirt or pants (thank you my friends!!!!!!), a couple of crayons, stickers, pencils, scissors, eraser, and whatever else. we will pass these out to our village at the end of today. and on that note, today is our last day with our friends/family in croix des mission. jason and gregg from the valley news (journalist/photographer) arrived here last night and will come with us to tour the village and see what the earthquake did, and the houses we helped to rebuild (and which ones we will help next). interesting - most buildings have either a green spray paint mark or a red one all throughout the country. green means it is safe to inhabit, and red means they have to tear it down......
after the tour of the village, back to our work site for a final performance from the children (what they learned this past week - dance/song) then one final luncheon together, and then our goodbyes, which will for sure be difficult.
i will post tonight......need to run as we are headed out.
bon jour.
so enough of that. i wanted to take a few moments before breakfast to quickly capture our day yesterday. we had a full day. we weren't on the work site, and instead went to grace childrens hospital, which is the only children's hospital around. we were able to get a two hour tour with another group who was visiting (can't remember from where). incredible....between the rubble from the earthquake were makeshift clinics for GYN, opthamology, internal medicine. they set up clinic in truck containers (containers to clinics is what hte org is called). what was truly amazing were the xrays of TB patients - they were set up outside on a metal wire hanger on the ground. against the rubble from the earthquake. i took lots of pics to show my hospital friends.
the most difficult part of my trip was then going into the one room with bed upon bed of sick children and babies. we had about 75 "hope dolls" which someone from our church made - they are adorable and all different. and we brought them to hand out to the children who were there and leave the rest behind. most of the children had TB, HIV, and were malnourished. they were beautiful. two that struck me most were a little girl (three years old) with glaucoma. and the other, Genevieve, who was 11 months old, but only weighed 7.25 lbs. i held her the entire time, and was so afraid of hurting her little fragile body. i put two of my fingers over her upper arm, and her arm didn't even measure up to that. i cry as i type this, because it is unfair. NO child should be in this position.....and what struck me most, was when i sang to her and held her, she reached her tiny hand up to my face and squeezed it and then held my hand. and her doll, oh how she loved it...she knew it was there and held it as best as she could. Genevieve had no strength to keep her head up, and when i layed her back in her bed, she began to cry, so i stayed with her until i could get up and move away and she was good with just her doll. my heart just breaks. on the positive side, these are the children that are getting treatment - there are so many in haiti who cannot afford it, or many of them, don't even know of the hospitals existance (which is what we ran into on our work site). The U.S. National Director of International Child Care approached me after finding out what I do for work and asked if i could help him - they are heading into a capital campaign and have no fundraisers or consultants to help through the project. i gladly accepted.
from the hospital we headed down to the capitol, which was just surreal. the last time i saw it two years ago, it stood there beautiful and white (the only place in the country with such beauty) and now, it was crumbled to the ground. and in front where once a beautiful green park rested, was now covered in a tent city. i know much work has been done down here since the earthquake, but this was somewhat shocking.....
we then went into the national history museum, which resides next to the palace, but is underground. we had a tour and it was really amazing. i also found out that christopher columbus was NOT a nice man - he took part (and headed) a mass genocide in haiti. crazy - our history books never mentioned this.
and last night we packed about 200 bags - one each with a shirt or pants (thank you my friends!!!!!!), a couple of crayons, stickers, pencils, scissors, eraser, and whatever else. we will pass these out to our village at the end of today. and on that note, today is our last day with our friends/family in croix des mission. jason and gregg from the valley news (journalist/photographer) arrived here last night and will come with us to tour the village and see what the earthquake did, and the houses we helped to rebuild (and which ones we will help next). interesting - most buildings have either a green spray paint mark or a red one all throughout the country. green means it is safe to inhabit, and red means they have to tear it down......
after the tour of the village, back to our work site for a final performance from the children (what they learned this past week - dance/song) then one final luncheon together, and then our goodbyes, which will for sure be difficult.
i will post tonight......need to run as we are headed out.
bon jour.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
hump day
welp, i am pretty sure that i have an additional ten pounds to come home with, and unfortunately, i am not talking luggage. beans, rice, 1/2 liter cokes. it seems so ironic that i have eaten more - and better - in haiti than i have been doing in new hampshire. and i am not sure what to do with that fact.
again, excuse the lack of caps, this keyboard doesn't shift well.
today was another crazy, yet fulfilling day in croix des mission. i did notice a ton of united nations vehicles and several fully armed trucks driving through port au prince. it just seems so strange. i have not felt out of place or in any danger at allllll since being here. perhaps that is my ignorance, but i do believe it is something more. people really do appreciate the help we can give.
by the end of today, i could barely move, and believe it or not, didn't want to talk. so i sat in the back - waaaayyy back of the van so i could just be with my own thoughts and take in the view on the way home. what i experienced was: crowded streets, beautifully dressed children, women, and men, garbage everywhere, burning garbage, fires, tires, rubble from the earthquake, guns, several UN helicopters, chickens with bags over their heads (to keep them calm before they are butchered), vendors selling everything from drinks, bread, chicken, pills, phone cards, furniture, tires, bottles, wood, wigs, shoes, clothes, ice, water etc., etc., etc., tent cities (so many), dirt, smog, LOTS of horns, dogs, cats, wild goats, pigs, cows, pigeons, people peeing in the street, naked children, beautiful mountains, beautiful people, and lots and lots of belief in something better - faith - and even perhaps - peace. how strange, huh?
on the subject of faith, some of our group met up with the mother and young child i mentioned on my blog yesterday (the little girl with the tumor), and drove them to the children's hospital this morning. unfortunately, it was too much for them to handle there, so bob drove them to doctor's without borders - they were set up in one of the tent cities. and again, our group was told it was not something they could handle within their clinic....so onto the national hospital where they finalllllly took her in. they will stay there for tests etc., and by friday we are hopeful there will be a plan in place for her sugery....and in the end, her new life. i am just completely thrilled.
we worked all day with the children again, which makes me incredibly happy to see their smiles and feel their hugs, but have to be honest, is more exhausting then lugging bricks and cement (as we did last time). try to imagine having a few american adults (us) with about 50 children varying in all ages and sizes who only speak creole....add onto that their parents and others from the community (we fed over 150 today at lunch) who also mainly only speak creole....pair that up with a ton of the children wanting your attention, asking you questions, begging for a crayon, a pair of scissors, a ball (all in creole) pulling your hair, pinching your nose, climbing up your torso to be held, telling you they are hungry, thirsty, sick, asking for us to help them....all the while trying to understand them, and then thinking how to respond with the bit of creole and french i know. AND all of this in a very poor, dirty, and i mean dirty place - garbage strewn across much of the property, glass broken, sick and mangy dogs and goats walking around looking through the garbage for a small bit of food, and a smell that might knock a vermonter for a loop.... this is not only physically draining, but emotionally nutty......the children are so happy to hold a crayon, to kick a ball, to use stickers on a paper plate.....what is so exciting is stevenson, our musician, was there teaching the kids a few songs, and i kiddingly sang, '"we are the world, we are the children"and in no time, he began playing it, and the kids began singing it -- IN ENGLISH. my friend patty and i had tears coming down our faces as they sang, and more kids ran over to join in, and the voices grew louder. then arms went around eachother to share in the song......THIS is why i am here and while i will continue to do outreach in this impoverished, unlucky country......to perhaps spread a bit of joy, song, and love....because at the end of the day, its not the things we have, but the people in our lives and the love we share...
Too corny for today, huh?? so i close.....
we are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving. there''s a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives, its true we make a better day, just you and me.
namaste.
again, excuse the lack of caps, this keyboard doesn't shift well.
today was another crazy, yet fulfilling day in croix des mission. i did notice a ton of united nations vehicles and several fully armed trucks driving through port au prince. it just seems so strange. i have not felt out of place or in any danger at allllll since being here. perhaps that is my ignorance, but i do believe it is something more. people really do appreciate the help we can give.
by the end of today, i could barely move, and believe it or not, didn't want to talk. so i sat in the back - waaaayyy back of the van so i could just be with my own thoughts and take in the view on the way home. what i experienced was: crowded streets, beautifully dressed children, women, and men, garbage everywhere, burning garbage, fires, tires, rubble from the earthquake, guns, several UN helicopters, chickens with bags over their heads (to keep them calm before they are butchered), vendors selling everything from drinks, bread, chicken, pills, phone cards, furniture, tires, bottles, wood, wigs, shoes, clothes, ice, water etc., etc., etc., tent cities (so many), dirt, smog, LOTS of horns, dogs, cats, wild goats, pigs, cows, pigeons, people peeing in the street, naked children, beautiful mountains, beautiful people, and lots and lots of belief in something better - faith - and even perhaps - peace. how strange, huh?
on the subject of faith, some of our group met up with the mother and young child i mentioned on my blog yesterday (the little girl with the tumor), and drove them to the children's hospital this morning. unfortunately, it was too much for them to handle there, so bob drove them to doctor's without borders - they were set up in one of the tent cities. and again, our group was told it was not something they could handle within their clinic....so onto the national hospital where they finalllllly took her in. they will stay there for tests etc., and by friday we are hopeful there will be a plan in place for her sugery....and in the end, her new life. i am just completely thrilled.
we worked all day with the children again, which makes me incredibly happy to see their smiles and feel their hugs, but have to be honest, is more exhausting then lugging bricks and cement (as we did last time). try to imagine having a few american adults (us) with about 50 children varying in all ages and sizes who only speak creole....add onto that their parents and others from the community (we fed over 150 today at lunch) who also mainly only speak creole....pair that up with a ton of the children wanting your attention, asking you questions, begging for a crayon, a pair of scissors, a ball (all in creole) pulling your hair, pinching your nose, climbing up your torso to be held, telling you they are hungry, thirsty, sick, asking for us to help them....all the while trying to understand them, and then thinking how to respond with the bit of creole and french i know. AND all of this in a very poor, dirty, and i mean dirty place - garbage strewn across much of the property, glass broken, sick and mangy dogs and goats walking around looking through the garbage for a small bit of food, and a smell that might knock a vermonter for a loop.... this is not only physically draining, but emotionally nutty......the children are so happy to hold a crayon, to kick a ball, to use stickers on a paper plate.....what is so exciting is stevenson, our musician, was there teaching the kids a few songs, and i kiddingly sang, '"we are the world, we are the children"and in no time, he began playing it, and the kids began singing it -- IN ENGLISH. my friend patty and i had tears coming down our faces as they sang, and more kids ran over to join in, and the voices grew louder. then arms went around eachother to share in the song......THIS is why i am here and while i will continue to do outreach in this impoverished, unlucky country......to perhaps spread a bit of joy, song, and love....because at the end of the day, its not the things we have, but the people in our lives and the love we share...
Too corny for today, huh?? so i close.....
we are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving. there''s a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives, its true we make a better day, just you and me.
namaste.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Four, four, four
Day four complete! So much to report on, but way too tired to type anything substantial. We had a fabulous time in the village with the community, and it was interesting to see the difference in the children AND the adults with their comfort level. Many hugs, kisses, and so many children hanging on us, and undoing my hair and redoing it. It hurt...a lot. They really pull! i was hoping they would fashion up some corn rows or the beginning of dreads, but no such thing happened. One little girl, nancy, brought me a blonde hair piece. ha ha. That thing made around our site about 100 times and then onto my head. not sure I was flattered or worried about what was in it.
Then there was a little boy, who was so cuddly with me. he sat on my lap for about 1 hour and just lay there. Must have been 3 or so years old. I kept asking him, "malade ou fatigue???"" He nodded with fatigue, so we cuddled, i fed him pain (bread) and gave him leau (water) which they sell in a bag. It was the warmest feeling, but reminded me so much of Tray, and how MUCH i miss him. And then.......he peed on me. At first I couldn't tell if it was sweat or urine, but the smell most surely gave it away. Oh well.....cést la vie, oui??
At the end of our day, we rallied in a group, where the head of the village told us how thrilled they were that we were there. But there was a bad part too - after we depart, he will have to answer the children EVERY day when they ask when we are returning. So it is bittersweet for sure - ON BOTH sides.
We will return tomorrow to do more work, and then on Thursday, we will do a bit of travel - to the presidential palace, to visit a tent city and then onto the childrens hospital to give out hope dolls and to hold and love the babies.
OH - and we got the green light from one of the heads of the hospital that we can bring the small child with the tumor to the hospital tomorrow for diagnosis and a plan for surgery either here or back in Miami or Havannah in Cuba, depending on which works best. The mother was BEYOND happy. She then handed over her baby for me to hold her, which I was just so touched by.
I finally was in touch with my son, Tray, tonight via Facebook chat, and felt like i hit the jackpot. i miss him terribly, and it was so nice to see his face online and to tell him I love him - and to read that he misses me "ALOT." So in true Robin/Mommy fashion, I sobbed for about 10 minutes. And of course my group made fun of me. ;-)
I am off for a game of scrabble and/or UNO (which i will kick ARSE in) with the group, then to bed early. Please forgive the caps/non caps. This keyboard is sticking in a huge way.
Bon soir!!!!!
R
Then there was a little boy, who was so cuddly with me. he sat on my lap for about 1 hour and just lay there. Must have been 3 or so years old. I kept asking him, "malade ou fatigue???"" He nodded with fatigue, so we cuddled, i fed him pain (bread) and gave him leau (water) which they sell in a bag. It was the warmest feeling, but reminded me so much of Tray, and how MUCH i miss him. And then.......he peed on me. At first I couldn't tell if it was sweat or urine, but the smell most surely gave it away. Oh well.....cést la vie, oui??
At the end of our day, we rallied in a group, where the head of the village told us how thrilled they were that we were there. But there was a bad part too - after we depart, he will have to answer the children EVERY day when they ask when we are returning. So it is bittersweet for sure - ON BOTH sides.
We will return tomorrow to do more work, and then on Thursday, we will do a bit of travel - to the presidential palace, to visit a tent city and then onto the childrens hospital to give out hope dolls and to hold and love the babies.
OH - and we got the green light from one of the heads of the hospital that we can bring the small child with the tumor to the hospital tomorrow for diagnosis and a plan for surgery either here or back in Miami or Havannah in Cuba, depending on which works best. The mother was BEYOND happy. She then handed over her baby for me to hold her, which I was just so touched by.
I finally was in touch with my son, Tray, tonight via Facebook chat, and felt like i hit the jackpot. i miss him terribly, and it was so nice to see his face online and to tell him I love him - and to read that he misses me "ALOT." So in true Robin/Mommy fashion, I sobbed for about 10 minutes. And of course my group made fun of me. ;-)
I am off for a game of scrabble and/or UNO (which i will kick ARSE in) with the group, then to bed early. Please forgive the caps/non caps. This keyboard is sticking in a huge way.
Bon soir!!!!!
R
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day Trois!
I feel like a broken record, but I am simply exhausted. It is 87 degrees in our bedroom and I am retaining water like a sponge. I look at pictures and hardly recognize myself. Slits for eyes. Oy.
All that said, it was a wonderful day. We spent the entire time in Croix des Mission, in Port au Prince, working with the community. We had several things going on from helping the children trace their hands on construction paper, cut them out, and place them on a hanging shower curtain in the form of a rainbow. Such a simple task for us, but to them, it was something they had never seen or experienced. Many did not know what a crayon was or how to use it. We also helped them make necklaces and bracelets - Dad - the women LOVED the beads and suede ties you bought. I will be sure to take pictures and share them when I return. I would estimate there were about 40 children in attendance ranging from infant to twelve and two dozen moms. We also picked up some local bread (pain) and peanut butter and shared with the community, which was greatly appreciated. While passing out a roll, a young mother with her child (approx. two years old) came over to me. She lifted her daughter's dress to show me what appeared like a large - very large tumor protruding from her belly. It was the size of at least a grapefruit, and she was asking for my/our help to find her a doctor. I was in shock and upset and saddened all at once. This beautiful child who if in the United States would have been treated, with the tumor surgically removed -- and in Haiti -- her young mother had no idea where to go. Because the tumor is so painful, she cannot walk on her own and has difficulty sleeping. After discussing with the group, we are going to head to the children's hospital on Thursday (which we were going to tour and hand out handmade dolls that same day) and talk with the doctor to see what we can do to help. Our plan is to have her seen, have the tumor diagnosed, and in the end, find a way to help her get the surgery she needs. We are hopeful that because it is a international hospital, which helps with fees etc., that we can either get her in for free, or for a nominal price. Fingers/toes crossed. Our other hope is that because of its size, it is benign, since something that large would surely have taken her life if it was malignant.
After making our rainbow, and working on bracelets and necklaces in the a.m., Stevenson arrived to teach the children music and dance (they will perform for the community on Friday). What a treat to see them all singing and dancing. I met many new children and parents, and was so happy to see several old friends. Its kind of like coming home! By the end of the day, I had several children holding my hands, arms, legs, and playing with my hair, which they found extremely odd. I did too, but only because of how hideous it looked!!!!!!
I went through each bead on their necklaces and asked them in french, "en francais, verde, en anglais, c'est green!" They LOVED learning the english version of their creole/french words. It was awesome.
Another team arrived tonight from Arkansas and Miami, and they will head to a different Haitian location tomorrow to work. Its so cool meeting people from all over the world who have the same passion for helping others. Lots of lively conversation --- real and down to earth. Very nice! Tres Bon!
Tray, if you are reading this, I showed the children (and adults!) your picture on the camera - they were so excited and asked so many questions. Il es mon garcon - J'adore Tray! :-)
OH....and the most challenging part of the day was bathroom time, which, I tend to do a lot of. The three-sided brick "square" which I remembered as horrifying two years ago, is about 100 times worse. I took pictures that I will post to show the conditions here. I was able to again hold my breath, brace myself with one arm on the back brick and finally pee. Good lord....what we take for granted at home!!!!!!! I am pretty sure I will NEVER again complain about Reba's fur on the floor.
I will close for now - slept about 2 hours total last night. My coughing, combined with a 45 minute car alarm sounding off, guard dogs barking and thrashing around and horns beeping, I didn't do so well (even with ear plugs).
Au revoir, and bon soir.
Robin
All that said, it was a wonderful day. We spent the entire time in Croix des Mission, in Port au Prince, working with the community. We had several things going on from helping the children trace their hands on construction paper, cut them out, and place them on a hanging shower curtain in the form of a rainbow. Such a simple task for us, but to them, it was something they had never seen or experienced. Many did not know what a crayon was or how to use it. We also helped them make necklaces and bracelets - Dad - the women LOVED the beads and suede ties you bought. I will be sure to take pictures and share them when I return. I would estimate there were about 40 children in attendance ranging from infant to twelve and two dozen moms. We also picked up some local bread (pain) and peanut butter and shared with the community, which was greatly appreciated. While passing out a roll, a young mother with her child (approx. two years old) came over to me. She lifted her daughter's dress to show me what appeared like a large - very large tumor protruding from her belly. It was the size of at least a grapefruit, and she was asking for my/our help to find her a doctor. I was in shock and upset and saddened all at once. This beautiful child who if in the United States would have been treated, with the tumor surgically removed -- and in Haiti -- her young mother had no idea where to go. Because the tumor is so painful, she cannot walk on her own and has difficulty sleeping. After discussing with the group, we are going to head to the children's hospital on Thursday (which we were going to tour and hand out handmade dolls that same day) and talk with the doctor to see what we can do to help. Our plan is to have her seen, have the tumor diagnosed, and in the end, find a way to help her get the surgery she needs. We are hopeful that because it is a international hospital, which helps with fees etc., that we can either get her in for free, or for a nominal price. Fingers/toes crossed. Our other hope is that because of its size, it is benign, since something that large would surely have taken her life if it was malignant.
After making our rainbow, and working on bracelets and necklaces in the a.m., Stevenson arrived to teach the children music and dance (they will perform for the community on Friday). What a treat to see them all singing and dancing. I met many new children and parents, and was so happy to see several old friends. Its kind of like coming home! By the end of the day, I had several children holding my hands, arms, legs, and playing with my hair, which they found extremely odd. I did too, but only because of how hideous it looked!!!!!!
I went through each bead on their necklaces and asked them in french, "en francais, verde, en anglais, c'est green!" They LOVED learning the english version of their creole/french words. It was awesome.
Another team arrived tonight from Arkansas and Miami, and they will head to a different Haitian location tomorrow to work. Its so cool meeting people from all over the world who have the same passion for helping others. Lots of lively conversation --- real and down to earth. Very nice! Tres Bon!
Tray, if you are reading this, I showed the children (and adults!) your picture on the camera - they were so excited and asked so many questions. Il es mon garcon - J'adore Tray! :-)
OH....and the most challenging part of the day was bathroom time, which, I tend to do a lot of. The three-sided brick "square" which I remembered as horrifying two years ago, is about 100 times worse. I took pictures that I will post to show the conditions here. I was able to again hold my breath, brace myself with one arm on the back brick and finally pee. Good lord....what we take for granted at home!!!!!!! I am pretty sure I will NEVER again complain about Reba's fur on the floor.
I will close for now - slept about 2 hours total last night. My coughing, combined with a 45 minute car alarm sounding off, guard dogs barking and thrashing around and horns beeping, I didn't do so well (even with ear plugs).
Au revoir, and bon soir.
Robin
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day Deux!
Wow, what a day....up early (not something I enjoy partaking in!!) for some coffee...it is certainly not Green Mountain, but caffeine is caffeine! We enjoyed a breakfast outside, and then headed into church. While in our van on the way over, I had my hand out the window (something I would get a hand tapping for). I was taken back when a little boy who was walking by (we were driving very slow because of all the traffic). He put his hand on mine and rubbed it. I looked at him and he smiled. When I looked through the back window, he was still looking and gave me a gentle wave. THESE are the times that I fall in love with this country and its people....It was wonderful seeing new faces at the church, but especially reconnecting with old friends. Pouchon, whom I met during our last trip, was there with his new wife, and gorgeous baby boy!!! Pouchon has kept in touch with me in the States and has been giving me French lessons either via phone or email, with the promise that I will teach him English. I think I mentioned the last time that he probably speaks it better than me. The other woman I saw was Madame St. Jean. She is just the epitome of beautiful...inside her soul and out. I would think she is in her 80s and is tiny with gray hair all pulled up in a bun. When we were last here, she would pack a wheelbarrow full of Coke (HUGE glass bottled Coke!) and sell them to us for $1 each. She mentioned she would be at our site tomorrow, so be sure to have our dollar bills.
The Haitians at first always seem weary of us, but a smile and bonjour, and their arms open up. The church was packed as usual. They have long wooden benches that we sit on - and let me tell you - you have no room to put your purse or scarf next to you, as we are/were one on top of the other. Which can make things extremely HOT. Nehemy's brother, Stevenson, who is a musician, arrived with his keyboard so that he could play our songs. Stevenson was a music teacher at one of the local schools, but the school was destroyed in the earthquake, and now he has no job. He has been traveling around to the different tent cities to play for the children, which amongst all the chaos, makes their day. He is a pretty special guy. He will actually be bringing us to one of the larger tent cities in Port au Prince later this week, so we can witness firsthand the devastation of this impoverished nation. Our hope is when we see it, we have a better understanding, and are able to return to share what it was like - and how we need, need, need to get involved and help these people.
It was like I remembered last time, shouting, singing, clapping. When we received communion, it was like nothing I have experienced before. We were lined up to kneel in front - about 12 of us at a time, where we were given bread and wine. The church sang loudly while the preacher prayed in Creole. The energy was truly palpable.
Church lasted about three hours - can you imagine this back home??? But here, it goes by in an instant. Oh, and there was this beautiful little girl in front of me - about 8 years old. She moved her hand slowly back and back and back, until her hand was on my leg. She kept it there and held my leg, and eventually started to rub it up and down with her finger. My guess was the stubble. :-)
Then to lunch for a burger that was like nothing I have ever tasted before. SPICY and dense. Perhaps chewy. I ate it quickly.
Once we arrived back at the Guest House, I finally took my first shower since Boston on Friday night. Yuck. And, as I also remembered, NO hot water, and a huge lack of cold. It drip, drip, drips down. And as I lathered my hair, the water turned off completely. AAAAAGGGGRRHHHH. I managed to get most of it out, but sans conditioner, coupled with the humidity, dust, and pollution, you can just imagine what I look like.
This afternoon we created an agenda for tomorrow, the work site, and then opened all the suitcases and seperated all of the items we brought - From YOU - thank you!!!! Tomorrow we will work with the children in Croix des Mission on some arts/craft projects, and teach the adults. I canNOT wait.
You will all be proud (Those of you who know me) that I am taking TONS of photos!!!!!!! I tried to upload them this evening, but am having difficulty (technologically challenged as most of you also know!) I will work on it one more time tomorrow, but it may have to wait until I return. While here, I am really trying to disconnect from this mainstream media and focus on being present HERE. There is so much to take in and checking email etc., takes away from the experience. I will be back tomorrow, however, to debrief on the day.
Again, please forgive any misspellings or grammatical errors/issues. Too tired to edit and not sure I could if I wanted to!!
Thanks so much for following - Namaste.
The Haitians at first always seem weary of us, but a smile and bonjour, and their arms open up. The church was packed as usual. They have long wooden benches that we sit on - and let me tell you - you have no room to put your purse or scarf next to you, as we are/were one on top of the other. Which can make things extremely HOT. Nehemy's brother, Stevenson, who is a musician, arrived with his keyboard so that he could play our songs. Stevenson was a music teacher at one of the local schools, but the school was destroyed in the earthquake, and now he has no job. He has been traveling around to the different tent cities to play for the children, which amongst all the chaos, makes their day. He is a pretty special guy. He will actually be bringing us to one of the larger tent cities in Port au Prince later this week, so we can witness firsthand the devastation of this impoverished nation. Our hope is when we see it, we have a better understanding, and are able to return to share what it was like - and how we need, need, need to get involved and help these people.
It was like I remembered last time, shouting, singing, clapping. When we received communion, it was like nothing I have experienced before. We were lined up to kneel in front - about 12 of us at a time, where we were given bread and wine. The church sang loudly while the preacher prayed in Creole. The energy was truly palpable.
Church lasted about three hours - can you imagine this back home??? But here, it goes by in an instant. Oh, and there was this beautiful little girl in front of me - about 8 years old. She moved her hand slowly back and back and back, until her hand was on my leg. She kept it there and held my leg, and eventually started to rub it up and down with her finger. My guess was the stubble. :-)
Then to lunch for a burger that was like nothing I have ever tasted before. SPICY and dense. Perhaps chewy. I ate it quickly.
Once we arrived back at the Guest House, I finally took my first shower since Boston on Friday night. Yuck. And, as I also remembered, NO hot water, and a huge lack of cold. It drip, drip, drips down. And as I lathered my hair, the water turned off completely. AAAAAGGGGRRHHHH. I managed to get most of it out, but sans conditioner, coupled with the humidity, dust, and pollution, you can just imagine what I look like.
This afternoon we created an agenda for tomorrow, the work site, and then opened all the suitcases and seperated all of the items we brought - From YOU - thank you!!!! Tomorrow we will work with the children in Croix des Mission on some arts/craft projects, and teach the adults. I canNOT wait.
You will all be proud (Those of you who know me) that I am taking TONS of photos!!!!!!! I tried to upload them this evening, but am having difficulty (technologically challenged as most of you also know!) I will work on it one more time tomorrow, but it may have to wait until I return. While here, I am really trying to disconnect from this mainstream media and focus on being present HERE. There is so much to take in and checking email etc., takes away from the experience. I will be back tomorrow, however, to debrief on the day.
Again, please forgive any misspellings or grammatical errors/issues. Too tired to edit and not sure I could if I wanted to!!
Thanks so much for following - Namaste.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
ARRIVED!
Wow, what a day.....up at 3am, flight to NYC, then directly down to Port au Prince. It was nice landing and feeling a bit more at ease since I have been here once before. The old airport was pretty much destroyed in the earthquake, so what they had was pretty new, but as before chaotic. You walk out of the plane, take a shuttle bus to your bags which are piled up in the middle of a huge room, not unlike a small gymnasiam. People one on top of the other all in search of their belongings. Of course, I froze (being a Vermonter/NHerite, I am not at ALL used to the chaos, crowds, sounds, and smells). We made our way through customs and outside where we waited for two hours for another team member to arrive from Texas. It was hot, smelly, and just filled with Haitians trying to take our bags - and some enjoying a little bit of harassment. I am at least clued into the "petite blanc" from last time - little/short white, so knew they were talking to me.
Once Andrew arrived from Texas, Bob was also there to greet us and we made our way to the house in a tap tap (bus-like vehicle in Haiti). This one was EXACTLY like a paddy wagon (sp?) with caged sides etc. NOT that I know what one of those things i like, but you get the picture. :-) It took us over an hour to drive 10 miles. So many tent cities, so many homeless people, so much dirt, smoke, and NOISE. At one point the UN was behind us complete with artillary - a gun pointing right toward us. A bit nervewracking to say the least. We all agreed that our hope was the van didn't hit an unexpected bump...we would be in trouble. Lots of police and armed soldiers in the streets. We were told not to take pictures of them, or they would seize our cameras.
We passed several cemetaries as well - they are a lot like the ones in New Orleans (above ground) but what was shocking is seeing a human skull on one of them. Its surreal, really........then onto cock fighting, and fires down the alleyways.
When we arrived at the guest house, we were so warmly greeted. The folks here who run it are somewhat new, and from the States. One guy is from NYC and I can't remember where the woman is from. I was able to venture out and see the three puppies they took in - so beautiful and sweet - but with razor-like teeth!! I am marked up. Then saw some baby chicks/pigeons (whatever!!) underneath the stair, and a couple of kittens. We have guard dogs here, which we don't ever get to see. They allow them out at 11pm each night, and they are back in their cages by 6am. Our location is in a pretty run-down part of PoP, but behind these cement walls, it is like a little haven.
Ate a great dinner - pumpkin soup!!!! And some other yummy Haitian fare. We practiced our French songs for church tomorrow, which I am really looking forward to. I am hoping to see all of my old friends from two years ago there.
The plan right now is church tomorrow (which lasts 1/2 the day!) then to the work site on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday we will spend time at a children's hospital to give out dolls and hold the babies (Tray, you may have a brother/sister when I return!!) We will also visit the neighborhood in Croix des Mission to see how progress is being made with their homes. Many of them were destroyed in the earthquake - we will be helping to rebuild some of these as well.
There is a journalist and photographer down here who will follow us on Thursday or Friday to do a story on our work (they are also down here following the Dartmouth-Hitchcock clinicans who are down here this week as well - they are working in Cange. Keep on the lookout for the story in the paper!!
This evening, I spotted a beautiful young girl near the fence (she had been watching us sing), and she waved me over. She is probably 10 years old and adorable. I went over and she asked what my names was. I said, "je appel robin" (have no clue how to spell it) and asked for hers. Sara it was/is...she then asked, are we friends? And I said, "oui, oui, tu es mon bon amie!!!" She laughed and hugged me and like the grinch, my heart grew 4 sizes.
Now I am off to bed, as I am about to collapse from this very long day. Will report in tomorrow..OH - and I will also try to post pictures!!! That will be a task for a time other than tonight.
So, bon soir, and Tray, Je t'aime beaucoup!!!!
Peace.
Once Andrew arrived from Texas, Bob was also there to greet us and we made our way to the house in a tap tap (bus-like vehicle in Haiti). This one was EXACTLY like a paddy wagon (sp?) with caged sides etc. NOT that I know what one of those things i like, but you get the picture. :-) It took us over an hour to drive 10 miles. So many tent cities, so many homeless people, so much dirt, smoke, and NOISE. At one point the UN was behind us complete with artillary - a gun pointing right toward us. A bit nervewracking to say the least. We all agreed that our hope was the van didn't hit an unexpected bump...we would be in trouble. Lots of police and armed soldiers in the streets. We were told not to take pictures of them, or they would seize our cameras.
We passed several cemetaries as well - they are a lot like the ones in New Orleans (above ground) but what was shocking is seeing a human skull on one of them. Its surreal, really........then onto cock fighting, and fires down the alleyways.
When we arrived at the guest house, we were so warmly greeted. The folks here who run it are somewhat new, and from the States. One guy is from NYC and I can't remember where the woman is from. I was able to venture out and see the three puppies they took in - so beautiful and sweet - but with razor-like teeth!! I am marked up. Then saw some baby chicks/pigeons (whatever!!) underneath the stair, and a couple of kittens. We have guard dogs here, which we don't ever get to see. They allow them out at 11pm each night, and they are back in their cages by 6am. Our location is in a pretty run-down part of PoP, but behind these cement walls, it is like a little haven.
Ate a great dinner - pumpkin soup!!!! And some other yummy Haitian fare. We practiced our French songs for church tomorrow, which I am really looking forward to. I am hoping to see all of my old friends from two years ago there.
The plan right now is church tomorrow (which lasts 1/2 the day!) then to the work site on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday we will spend time at a children's hospital to give out dolls and hold the babies (Tray, you may have a brother/sister when I return!!) We will also visit the neighborhood in Croix des Mission to see how progress is being made with their homes. Many of them were destroyed in the earthquake - we will be helping to rebuild some of these as well.
There is a journalist and photographer down here who will follow us on Thursday or Friday to do a story on our work (they are also down here following the Dartmouth-Hitchcock clinicans who are down here this week as well - they are working in Cange. Keep on the lookout for the story in the paper!!
This evening, I spotted a beautiful young girl near the fence (she had been watching us sing), and she waved me over. She is probably 10 years old and adorable. I went over and she asked what my names was. I said, "je appel robin" (have no clue how to spell it) and asked for hers. Sara it was/is...she then asked, are we friends? And I said, "oui, oui, tu es mon bon amie!!!" She laughed and hugged me and like the grinch, my heart grew 4 sizes.
Now I am off to bed, as I am about to collapse from this very long day. Will report in tomorrow..OH - and I will also try to post pictures!!! That will be a task for a time other than tonight.
So, bon soir, and Tray, Je t'aime beaucoup!!!!
Peace.
En Route!
In NYC on our way to Port au Prince....and man, I am TIRED. Up at 3 and should be at the house by 4pm. Will try to blog this evening. Excited, nervous, worried, happy, scared....
Au revoir!
Au revoir!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
One more day....
I managed to be up much of the night remembering bits and pieces of my 2009 trip to Port au Prince and wondering how different it will be in Haiti after the earthquake that was experienced last year...... and with the cholera outbreak......and now the political unrest. And I begin to worry. But I try not to for long, because I also remember the beautiful community we will be with, and how much they filled my heart the last time we were there.
This past week, I was fortunate to be invited to sit in on a meeting with Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Medical Director and a group of clinicians who will also be traveling to Haiti while our group is there. It's an awesome feeling being a part of something bigger than us - something that will make a difference for/to others. It is also a reality check of what we are heading down to: the continuation of tent cities, disease, hunger, and ongoing crime. From what I heard at this meeting, the United Nations is in full force (a good thing!) And although a good thing, it is quite the "odd" feeling when you are driving to your work site, and you witness armed men in the streets, guns, helicopters....you are not in the US anymore.
I think an awful lot about my son Tray, and how much he means to me, and how I want to be the best person I can for him. And how important it is to give back, and quite frankly, how much I am given through such a trip. I would love for Tray to learn about this other culture, how we as humans can do good, and from it all, to remember how lucky we are.
One day before we leave, and there is still sooooo much to do. Getting projects wrapped up at work, running around picking up donations, and still needing to pick up my DEET, sunscreen, and water (weird to think that I will need these things in less than 48 hours with our temps here in VT/NH!)
Anyhow, I am rambling as usual, and will close for now. I hope to post here each night that we are in Port au Prince - and even have a camera this time around (thank you Pete!) so will also try to post a few pics each day.
Thanks for following....peace.
Robin
*please excuse any typos this week....merci!
This past week, I was fortunate to be invited to sit in on a meeting with Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Medical Director and a group of clinicians who will also be traveling to Haiti while our group is there. It's an awesome feeling being a part of something bigger than us - something that will make a difference for/to others. It is also a reality check of what we are heading down to: the continuation of tent cities, disease, hunger, and ongoing crime. From what I heard at this meeting, the United Nations is in full force (a good thing!) And although a good thing, it is quite the "odd" feeling when you are driving to your work site, and you witness armed men in the streets, guns, helicopters....you are not in the US anymore.
I think an awful lot about my son Tray, and how much he means to me, and how I want to be the best person I can for him. And how important it is to give back, and quite frankly, how much I am given through such a trip. I would love for Tray to learn about this other culture, how we as humans can do good, and from it all, to remember how lucky we are.
One day before we leave, and there is still sooooo much to do. Getting projects wrapped up at work, running around picking up donations, and still needing to pick up my DEET, sunscreen, and water (weird to think that I will need these things in less than 48 hours with our temps here in VT/NH!)
Anyhow, I am rambling as usual, and will close for now. I hope to post here each night that we are in Port au Prince - and even have a camera this time around (thank you Pete!) so will also try to post a few pics each day.
Thanks for following....peace.
Robin
*please excuse any typos this week....merci!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Last Post
It will NOT be my last post as I had mentioned earlier. It "will" be until I begin traveling South to Haiti....then I will pick it up again. Stay tuned!!!!! <3
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Last Post
Please continue to send good wishes and love to those families we will be working with in Port au Prince. We hope that in our small way, we will make their lives lighter and happier...funny that no matter how hard of a place we are in personally in life, this "hard place" tends to take on a much lesser roll when our lives get lighter and happier for whatever reason: you were given socks when you couldn't find them, you were helped across a road or street to get to your doctor, your children have happy faces, smiling, cheering, as they play with their new toys, balls, writing materials, clay..... This is my goal. To make it better, lighter, happier for those who were never given a chance. Namaste.
Check out daily entries on: http://haititales2010.blogspot.com/
Check out daily entries on: http://haititales2010.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Countdown!!!
Good morning,
As many of you are aware, I will be heading to Croix de Mission, a small village in Port au Prince, on February 19 to help finish the construction of a community church, and to begin construction on a small school/health clinic.
We usually pack a second suitcase with items that the community might need and/or enjoy. One of our missions while down there this time, is to work with the children (my favorite!!) It is my hope to pack my extra case with the items listed below. If you are interested in donating, please let me know. I would be thrilled to add your contribution to what we bring down. I will need to collect all items by Thursday, February 17.
Many thanks in advance for your support.
Robin
Needed Items:
Markers, children’s scissors, lined paper, small bottles of glue or glue sticks, pencils and sharpeners.
Also needed are: Ball caps and T shirts-new or gently worn-all sizes, tennis balls, rope (to make jump ropes), marbles, soccer balls, aprons, hot mitts, long handled spoons, beads and cord.
Also needed are: Ball caps and T shirts-new or gently worn-all sizes, tennis balls, rope (to make jump ropes), marbles, soccer balls, aprons, hot mitts, long handled spoons, beads and cord.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
24 Days and Counting!
We will arrive in Port au Prince on Saturday, February 19.....stay tuned.....I will begin posts soon!
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