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.
No comments:
Post a Comment