Day 3 1-25-12

I awoke this morning had breakfast (Haitian toast and mango) and prepared to go the the mountains to visit the Baptist Mission and spend time at an orphange with the kids. We drove through Croix de Bouquet a city outside of Port Au Prince and stopped at a metal works. When I got out of the vehicle to the sound of constant banging and indivuduals wanting to sell us something. As I walked through the alleys and tents/houses I realized what the banging was for. The individuals were cutting, hammering and forming scrap pieces of metal to unbelievable pieces of artwork. It was definately an experience to witness what they were doing and to be able to support them as well.

After leaving Crox de Bouquet we headed towards Petitionville and up the mountains to the Baptist Mission. This was my first trip to the mission and I was excited to see the mountains and the greenery as well as have some american food. While at the mission we were bombarded by the Haitians wanting to sell us jewelery, pictures. Our driver served as our body guard and has to step in a few times to protect us from the Haitian people. It was important not to go anywhere alone and to make sure we always had someone with us. I was not used to seeing the green grass, gardens and feeling the cooler temperatures. The lack of resources has been one of Haiti's downfalls because they have farmed the land stripped it of all resources and have not replaced anything destroyed. The roads going up the mountain were windy and seemed to have only one lane with not guard rail. There were numerous times that our driver slammed on the brakes and would constantly honk his horn at pedestrians and drivers.

After leaving the Baptist Mission we began to climb the mountain to our final destination at the orphanage. We had to park and walk because it was on the side of the mountain and the vehicle would not make it down the winding road. As we began walking down the street I overheard individuals saying U.S.,U.S, as though they were telling the rest of the village we were there. I thought about the purpose and wondered if it was because they didn't see many Americans in their town or as and opportunity to sell items or potentially take our money. We made it to the orphanage and took in loaves of bread, peanut butter and tampico to drink. When the gate opened the kids came running to us giving us hugs and thanking us for visiting. The orphange looked and smelled as clean as it possibly could and the joy and smiles on the their faces helped me to know that they were being taken care of. The kids sang numerous songs and were excited when we joined in with them. After visiting with them we provided them with the food we brought them and it am still amazed at how appreciative they were and how fast they ate. It seemed as though they were taken care of but the looks on their faces when we made them peanut butter sandwiches made the trip worthwhile. The orphanage was small and on a hill and I questioned the things that they do not get to do that we take for granted daily. After eating the kids sang another song we prayed for them and began our trip back down the mountain to Port Au Prince.

It was an hour and half drive back to Port Au Prince and the traffic was at a complete stand still throghout the trip. My mind started to relax as we got closer to the orphange because I knew we were safe and if the car broke down we could at least walk back to the orphanage. I still do not understand the driving situation in Haiti. There are horns constantly blowing becasue cars a pull out in front of each other and the tap-taps (taxi's) are continously stopping without warning. I have noticed in the time that I spent here that there are also a lot of pedesterians in the street because the sidewalks are filled with vendors and junk cars that no longer work. Today I witnessed an accident where a lady was walking across the street and was ran over by a car who did not stop. We were all amazed not only that someone was just ran over but the person that hit her kept going. We slowed to check on her and before we could stop the lady was on her feet and walking back about fifteen feet two get her shoe that was ripped off when she was hit.

The orphange has a new kid that has been here a few months and I was asked to check in on him this evening and gather information on how he is transitioning and his thoughts and feelings about being at new life. His English was limited but I was able to use a translator to assist. It was a great opportunity to be able to work with him and to assist in removing any barries he may have to the transition.

Tonight is my last night and after dinner I was able to bring Wisbens back to my room and skype with Jen and Maddox. It was a great experience and I feel that he connected well with them and the phone call was successful. I look forward to many more of those calls before we bring him home. After evening devotions I was able spend time with the kids and begin the closure process of telling them goodbye! I plan to get up in the morning to see Wisbens and the rest of the kids off before leaving for the airport before lunch. It has been a quick trip but I am ready to get back home and see my family have time to adjust to American life before retuning to school on Monday. I appreciate everyone's support and will try to get my final post in before getting home tomorrow night after 11:00.

Day 2 1-24-12

I woke up this morning had breakfast and ironed my clothes to meet with the attorney. I began looking for my bag that I packed anti malarial pills, medication for potential stomach problems (parasites) and mosquito spray. After looking everywhere I realized that I had packed it in Miami and it was probably taken out of my bag at the airport. I am guessing that someone needed that more than I did and will borrow spray at the orphanage and be careful what I eat for the rest of my stay.

Today was an overwhelming and eventful day filled with a lot of meetings throughout Port Au Prince. Breakfast consisted of hot dogs and hard boiled eggs (together), grits, nutella and the most important part of the meal mango!! We left the orphanage around 8:3o with a translator and headed to our first of many stops. The purpose for traveling today was to meet with our attorney and get an update on the adoption process. We also made numerous stops along the way at government organizations to get needed documentation signed to give the attorney. We were lost numerous times and at one time picked a Haitin up to give us directions. This is not recomended and was a little nervoust about the process. After what seemed like an hour we eventually arrived at our destination and ended up at the first building we stopped at when we began the trip. I learned a lot of things today the biggest one was the differences between how America handles business and the way Haitians do business. Our translator was "connected" with the officials in the government and could make things happen but need us as Americans to actually get anything done.

As I traveled throughout Port Au Prince and the outlying cities it was obvious that the clean up efforts were still behind. If you did not see pictures of before and after the earthquake it would be difficult to tell the difference because the country as a whole is extremely poor. There were times today when we stopped that Haitians ran to the vehicle selling drinks, shoes, phone chargers and food. The most uncomfortable part of the day would be when the vehicle came to a complete stop and indiviuals knocking on my window with their hands out wanting money. We made another stop downtown close to the presidential palace and I cannot explain the emotions and feelings that I have from seeing the constant struggle to survive daily. Everytime I am here I am constantly reminded about how blessed we are to live in a country where even the hungry get to eat something!

We eventually made it to the attorney and found out that he had called in sick today! I was immediately crushed by the news because of the distance traveled and the lack of oportunity to meet again soon. His assistant was there to meet with me and answered many unaswered questions we had about the process. I now have a clear idea on what needs to happen next and a to do list for when I return.

After meeting with the attorney we began the long drive home through rush hour traffic where cars drive four lanes wide on a two lane street. We drove through Cite Soleil one of the most dangerous and poorest areas of Haiti. There were a lot of street vendors and selling items and the market was busy with people buying produce. I rolled the window down to take pictures and the smell of rotten fruit, vegetables and sewer overwhelmed the car. The pictures posted later will give you an idea of what it looks like.

After arriving back at the orphanage and sanitizing our hands and shoes, I was met by Pastor Seide and Wisbens dad. I spent time talking with him about Wisbens and asked questions about the last ten years of his life, his likes and dislikes, and any medical concerns the family has experienced. It was a good conversation and I look forward to sharing more about our meeting when I return.

We had dinner at 5:00 and had turkey (I think) pasta with chicken and salad. After dinner I walked down to hang out with the kids an catch up on their day. I was immediately met by Wisbens and 4 other boys asking for my phone to play spider man. I had the opportunity to talk with the kids about how they are currently doing and check in on their status. The night ended with a skype session with Jen and Maddox (I miss you!!) and the discussion of possibly talking to Wisbens tomorrow about the adoption. If I do not talk to him this visit we are still going to skype Jen and Maddox for them to officially meet.

Day 1 Pictures

Monday 1-23-12

As I was flying into Port Au Prince this morning and begining to land it was clear that there was still a sea of blue tarps that were being used as houses and damaged buildings from that earthquake that seem to be frozen in time. As we taxied down the runway to the sight where we would soon exit the plane there were obvious signs of cleanup and rebuilding. As the doors opened to the plane I was once again met with the feeling of heat and the smells that were present two years ago when I made my first trip. The smell of garbage, sewer, and trash burning is a smell that I am never ready for but used to now after traveling her several times. After exiting the plane I boarded a bus and headed to customs to wait in line and then retrieve my bag that is piled on top of other passengers bags. After finding my bag I headed out to the parking area and looked for my transportation to the orphanage. This is a much different experience than I have ever expereinced in America because Haitians are literally fighting for tips and the opportunity to carry you bags to an unknown destination. After meeting with our driver it was clear that there was not enough room in the truck and I took advantage of the opportunity to ride in the back experience the ride from a different perspective. There was a sense of relief to know we had made it when the truck turned down the alley and I saw the New Life Children's Home sign.

We drove through the gate and before getting our bags had to wash and sanitize our hands because of Cholera and other diseases that are prevalent in Haiti. After dropping my bags off in the room I went to meet with the orphange director to discuss my plans for the week as well as the current status of the orphanage and Haiti as a whole. Miriam talked with me about the work that is currently going on in the mountains and the ongoing effects of Cholera. New Life continues to travel to the mountains and assist in treating those who are sick and dying and have recently brought kids back to the orphanage because they would not have survived any longer in the tribe. I also recieved updates on current issues at the orphanage as well as the adoption process and ways that I will be able to assist this week. I followed up with her on kids that I have worked with in the past and and recieved updates on emotions and behaviors. I also talked with Miriam about the adoption and where we are at in the process. She offered positive feedback and I have a list of things that need to be completed before I leave.

After meeting with Miriam I ate lunch and headed down to where the kids stay to hang out and love on the kids with special needs. This is especially a good time for them because the rest of the orphanage is at school and they get even more attention than usual. I could not wait to see Marilee a five year old girl who likes like she could be two and see if her health has progressed any since my first visit. I was able to immediately find her smiling face and pick her up and hold her. She continues to struggle with breathing and needs surgery to fix her trachea, yet she has gained a minimal amount of weight and grown. I will post pictures from today and the first time I was here to see her progress.

The kids finally made it home from school two hours late because of a flat tire on the bus. It was great to see their smiling faces and to be welcomed with hugs. The way the kids have welcomed me and remembered me from previous trips makes me feel as though I never left. I saw Wisbens for the first time and he immediately came up to me and hugged me and seemed excited that I was there. Because their bus was late the schedule changed tonight and there was not a lot of time to spend with the kids before they went to bed. I look forward to catching up with them tomorrow afternoon.

While eating dinner tonight the power completely shut down at the orphanage and a backup generator started up. This is a common occurance in Haiti as the power is not as advanced as it is in America and sometimes cannot handle the extra load. It is important at night to have a light source in case the power goes off you can see. As I write this, I am listening for the typical sounds that take place in Haiti at night and for some reason it is quiet. The sounds that I commonly hear are yelling to what seems like protest, music, and sometimes firework sounds that are probably gunshots and roosters crowing at all hours.

I look forward to a quick ice cold shower in the morning and an busy eventful day. Thanks in advance to Ms. Calvert and her classes for preparing the goody bags for the kids. I will post pictures when the kids recieve them.