Today was sort of an R&R day for us. We started off by renting another truck so we'd be comfortable today. Just going from the house to the orphanage is no big deal; but we were on the road for hours so we needed more room. It took an hour @ Hertz near the airport. We all hung out in the shade and it seemed like it took forever. After we got the truck we went to get some of Jimmmy's orphaned kids. Only 4 of 7 of them could come, but that was great for them anyway. This writing will seem like things went quickly, but we never are able to drive faster than 25; and being with a big group things take a long time. We started off at 8:00 and by time we started up the mountain it was noon. We stopped at an actual restaurant to eat. Service is not a strong point here....customers are treated like a burden! It was a hamburger place which made me nervous, but I dealt. The burger had a bunch of nasty sauce that I tried to wipe off, but there was too much! I ate a little more than half then couldn't eat anymore. After lunch, we kept trucking up the mountain. We stopped for some good views, and stopped at a couple little shops. Things are so expensive here! We barter, but it's such a difficult and lengthy process. It's not even fun or worth it like it is in other countries. Hours up the windy mountain road, we finally make it to this Baptists mission place. Vendors bombarded us as soon as we parked...it was overwhelming but nothing as far as what was to come. Rebecca told us to shop the gift shop first because that will go to the mission, but they barely had anything to choose from. So...we went out into the chaos. They would start at a ridiculous price like $5 for a mini flag...it took SO much to get it down to one or two bucks where we were atleast willing to pay. There's still a lot for a cheap flag, but it was going to help someone's family, so it was justifiable. The vendors were crowding us and telling us to come see their items. I got so overwhelmed and couldn't deal with it. I was about to have a panic attack. I bought some glags, a cup, a keychain, and a bracelet then I was done. The other girls were patient enough to stand and get prices down. They got handmade drums, painting, carved globes, and masks all for like 5 and 10 bucks. When they were showing all their stuff I was a little bummed because there were things I would have really liked to buy.....they weren't useless little knick knacks. Lots of the girls spent a long time, so we kinda had to sit around for a while and entertain the little boys. Next was the zoo....well sort of a zoo... I thought it was hilarious that they had some goats penned up when EVERYWHERE we look there are goats piling through garbage. Then they had a really old alligator with a dead rabbit next to it. The monkey was the best part. He was all about one of the little boys and followed him in his cage everywhere. The younger boys started out really scared of it, but slowly would watch from a distance. There were also a few peacocks. That's the zoo, thanks for stopping by! My favorite part was the little park that was set up. The boys had a blast on the slide and played for a long time. Then it was time to go because going down the mountain and taking the boys home took a long time and we had to get back before dark. We left at about 330. The sun had already gone (I think behind clouds0 and it was starting to get chilly. In the back of the truck were me, Michelle, Joel, and the two little boys. Once we dropped them off, Boney joined us. The 4 of us had a blast on the way home. Those are my most 4 favorite people of this trip! I have a cough and my lungs hurt (I think from exaust fumes) so I keep joking about having the black lung. But they love my "northern accent" and mock me as if I sound like Fran Drescher. Ha ha! Once we got home we were all beat! Thankfully, dinner was ready to go. It was a Haitian stew similar to beef stew.
Devotion was cool tonight. We went around and said 3 things that we're thankful for. Mine were:
1. New beginnings - a forgiving God
2. Unique and personal gifts from God
3. Supportive and loving family and friends
Next, we went around and said a prayer request. They were:
Paige: family togetherness during rough times
Karissa: to be more Godly and encourage her family to do the same
Joel: to be a stronger leader
Sarah: to know or find out what's next for her in life.
Rebecca: help for a son who steals and her kids that are struggling
Holly: raising money to return to Haiti
Candice: Financial struggles and moving when she returns home
Michelle: to be able to adopt Kerby
Me: My siblings faith restored/bitterness from past gone
Whitney: for her Dad and the trials he's been facing
Brooke: applying for nursing schools
Our last question was if we were an old, dying person passing on wisdom to the younger generation, what would we say? My answer was "give generously." We just completed this series in church and it really hit home for me and John. This week has really opened my eyes so much more to the face that I am SO blessed and have so many comforts in life. I feel guilty for all the things that I have and the fact that there are more things that I want. I need to give more love, understanding, time, and figure out my financial giving to the church.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March 8, 2010
We just got back from Leslie's orphanage. The kids are so behaved there! They line up and wash their hands before they eat. They sing a prayer of thanks before AND after each meal. We brought activities for them this time. We played freely with them jump roping, coloring, and making bracelets. I couldn't believe how perfect they color! They live in a dirt field with tents, and they color than most of the kids in the US their same age. It shows that they value simple things more than we. With the jewelry, they were making rings and necklaces and bracelets with patterns. We really had a great time bonding during these activities. Before we left, Michelle and I helped the ladies wash the clothes. They go from bucket to bucked back to the first bucket then to the second again washing and scrubbing and rinsing every piece of clothing. They take pride in their belongings. I've seen rugged homeless people getting their shoes shined, all the cars are washing often, and the orphans get clothes that are not just scrubbed, but also ironed!
Today is the first hot and sunny day since we've been here. It's lovely. I'm glad that Leslie's orphanage has a few coconut trees to provide shade!
The teacher, Philip, was here today. I had someone translate while I asked him a few questions. He went to college for teacher training. 1 in 5 Haitian teachers haven't passed the 3rd grade. He comes to the orphanage all day long every day of the week. He teaches them about plants, painting, writing, and getting along. He's like to have someone come in to teach them English. I told him that I'd send some books and supplies. To learn more about education, I was talking to Joseph. He is 19 and has gone up to the 10th grade. The only kids that go to school in Haiti are the ones that can pay for it. His mom was so poor, so he left to live in between an orphanage and the streets. He paid his own way through school. He wants to be either a mechanic or work at a bank. He also says he's good with electronics. I'm so amazed by his life. He is doing everything every day to make something of himself. He's got so much desire and such a big heart!
We came home today for a quick lunch and we'll be leaving for Mother Theresa's house soon. We're having a Mexican fiesta tonight with homemade tortillas, guacamole, homemade refried beans, salsa, the works! We're all pretty excited!
Michelle is seriously talking about adopting a boy, Kerby, and taking him home. She's sent pictures to her family back in Kentucky and said that she's completely serious. If I were married and stable in my life I would definitely think about it. All I can do for now is help.
I'm pretty sure that going to the Mother Theresa house was one of the most difficule and rewarding things I've ever done. I teared up when we first walked in, but God gave me strength to do what needed to be done. We sat at the edge of a dying person's bed and massaged lotion into their hands, arms, legs... Some of them had AIDS, TB, Hepatitis, other's probably had undiagnosed cancers. They were all skin and bones, many of them 70 or 80 lbs. Even when my Grandma was dying and withering away to nothing, she wasn't that sickly-looking or small. The first woman that Michelle and I visited was 29. She kept talking about her cough, so she probably has TB. She has 5 kids; one died, one is at the same hospital, and the other three are at an orphanage. The 2nd lady I visited kept asking me to give her medicine and something to help her sleep. The boy didn't translate everything, but I understood "Vagine" in Creole, and she had pulled down her panties, so I'm guessing she was having some female problems that the male translator didn't want to share with me. I sat with her and nodded my head as she told me her story in Creole. WHen we prayed hand in hand, she said Creole as I said English. That was powerful. I sat with one other woman briefly before we moved downstairs to sit with the men. They were a little more modest, but very eager to get their turn. They lifted their shirts to get a chest and back rub. They weren't as shy, and it didn't seem like they were as sick as the women. We sang "Amazing Grace" to them, and they sang it back in Creole, then we sang together in both languages. There really is nothing to help these people. They have a bed, slippers, and a cup with their name. I assume since they were asking us for medicine, they don't have am ample supply on hand.
I'm trying to find a time that I can go to a cyber cafe to send an email to let everyone know sort of what's going on. I really need to get a calling card, too! It's so hard to get anything or go anywhere because if it's getting close to dark we can't leave the house. During the day when it's light out we're at the orphanage or somewhere working. I guess tomorrow we might go shopping or something. We're going to try and make a schedule for the rest of the week.
Michelle has been letting me use her phone to text John every night. He said he'd call me tonight, but then we said he'd rather have me get a cheap calling card and call tomorrow. He even called my Dad and filled him in with everything I've told him in our 2 minute conversations. What a guy! I really never thought it would be so hard to be away from him! We are apart all week and just see each other on the weekends...but I guess now being so far away and having emotionally draining days it's harder than ever to be away. Just having someone to hold me while I release the emotions would be great. I'm going to need a lot of TLC when I get home.Too bad I only have Sunday then it's back to work! I wish I could take a few more days to recoup!
Uh! I'm so frustrated with 'P' and 'K.' When we get to Miami on Friday, we have a 12 hour layover. They are going to stay at the airport all night and party and get drunk. We were supposed to go to the hotel and rest before the morning....now I'm stuck by myself. Not like I want to hang out with them for another day, but I really don't want to be in a hotel all by myself. I'm also going to try and get a flight straight to Detroit instead of stopping in NY for 3 hours. I know I'll just want to get home asap. I just texted John about my frustration and he said remember why you are there, and you'll soon be home with me. That's exactly what I needed to be reminded. <3
We just had our nightly devotional and it was so much different than our other ones. We started by humming a sad song that I didn't know, then we surrounded Joseph and Boney with prayer. Let me give some history...Rebecca adopted 8 boys from an orphanage where an American guy was molesting children. They now all live in the US and are doing well for themselves. There were some other boys that she wasn't able to adopt. That's Boney, Jimmy, Joseph, the boys who were helping us now. Well, tonight Rebecca was sharing stories of her sons and showing pictures and Joseph and Boney couldn't handle it. They walked away and we're devastated and crying. I wasn't here for any of this, but Holly came upstairs crying and told me everything. These three boys already feel like they will never be good enough no matter how hard they try. They are absolutely crushed right now! During devotional, Boney had on his head phones and was shaking and holding back tears. Joseph wouldn't stay in the room with us. He was bawling and went off by himself. If there was a way to take them back, I would in a heartbeat.
After the prayer, we discussed how the rest of our week will go. It's nice to have somewhat of a plan. Then, Paige shared for the devotion part. All she said was that she believes in God but doesn't go to church or anything. She said after these few days she's been so inspired. I truly hope that her heart has fully opened to Christ and she's able to change. I'm sure far from perfect, so I feel bad for criticizing, but like I said...she doesn't seem like the type of girl to be on a Christian mission. Rebecca gave some testimony on the power of prayer. She opened our eyes to the fact that there are people on this earth that don't have a single soul that has ever prayed for them. She challenged us to think about the people we've never met or passed and pray deeply for him/her. I'm so honored to have the opportunity to pray for the sick, frail men and women today. I pray in my mind for these kids when they hug and snuggle with us. I know that God is with them, and I pray that they feel love in their lives. I need to pray more often and deeper. I'm going to get a prayer board and a prayer area, and devote time every week to pray for people.
Today is the first hot and sunny day since we've been here. It's lovely. I'm glad that Leslie's orphanage has a few coconut trees to provide shade!
The teacher, Philip, was here today. I had someone translate while I asked him a few questions. He went to college for teacher training. 1 in 5 Haitian teachers haven't passed the 3rd grade. He comes to the orphanage all day long every day of the week. He teaches them about plants, painting, writing, and getting along. He's like to have someone come in to teach them English. I told him that I'd send some books and supplies. To learn more about education, I was talking to Joseph. He is 19 and has gone up to the 10th grade. The only kids that go to school in Haiti are the ones that can pay for it. His mom was so poor, so he left to live in between an orphanage and the streets. He paid his own way through school. He wants to be either a mechanic or work at a bank. He also says he's good with electronics. I'm so amazed by his life. He is doing everything every day to make something of himself. He's got so much desire and such a big heart!
We came home today for a quick lunch and we'll be leaving for Mother Theresa's house soon. We're having a Mexican fiesta tonight with homemade tortillas, guacamole, homemade refried beans, salsa, the works! We're all pretty excited!
Michelle is seriously talking about adopting a boy, Kerby, and taking him home. She's sent pictures to her family back in Kentucky and said that she's completely serious. If I were married and stable in my life I would definitely think about it. All I can do for now is help.
I'm pretty sure that going to the Mother Theresa house was one of the most difficule and rewarding things I've ever done. I teared up when we first walked in, but God gave me strength to do what needed to be done. We sat at the edge of a dying person's bed and massaged lotion into their hands, arms, legs... Some of them had AIDS, TB, Hepatitis, other's probably had undiagnosed cancers. They were all skin and bones, many of them 70 or 80 lbs. Even when my Grandma was dying and withering away to nothing, she wasn't that sickly-looking or small. The first woman that Michelle and I visited was 29. She kept talking about her cough, so she probably has TB. She has 5 kids; one died, one is at the same hospital, and the other three are at an orphanage. The 2nd lady I visited kept asking me to give her medicine and something to help her sleep. The boy didn't translate everything, but I understood "Vagine" in Creole, and she had pulled down her panties, so I'm guessing she was having some female problems that the male translator didn't want to share with me. I sat with her and nodded my head as she told me her story in Creole. WHen we prayed hand in hand, she said Creole as I said English. That was powerful. I sat with one other woman briefly before we moved downstairs to sit with the men. They were a little more modest, but very eager to get their turn. They lifted their shirts to get a chest and back rub. They weren't as shy, and it didn't seem like they were as sick as the women. We sang "Amazing Grace" to them, and they sang it back in Creole, then we sang together in both languages. There really is nothing to help these people. They have a bed, slippers, and a cup with their name. I assume since they were asking us for medicine, they don't have am ample supply on hand.
I'm trying to find a time that I can go to a cyber cafe to send an email to let everyone know sort of what's going on. I really need to get a calling card, too! It's so hard to get anything or go anywhere because if it's getting close to dark we can't leave the house. During the day when it's light out we're at the orphanage or somewhere working. I guess tomorrow we might go shopping or something. We're going to try and make a schedule for the rest of the week.
Michelle has been letting me use her phone to text John every night. He said he'd call me tonight, but then we said he'd rather have me get a cheap calling card and call tomorrow. He even called my Dad and filled him in with everything I've told him in our 2 minute conversations. What a guy! I really never thought it would be so hard to be away from him! We are apart all week and just see each other on the weekends...but I guess now being so far away and having emotionally draining days it's harder than ever to be away. Just having someone to hold me while I release the emotions would be great. I'm going to need a lot of TLC when I get home.Too bad I only have Sunday then it's back to work! I wish I could take a few more days to recoup!
Uh! I'm so frustrated with 'P' and 'K.' When we get to Miami on Friday, we have a 12 hour layover. They are going to stay at the airport all night and party and get drunk. We were supposed to go to the hotel and rest before the morning....now I'm stuck by myself. Not like I want to hang out with them for another day, but I really don't want to be in a hotel all by myself. I'm also going to try and get a flight straight to Detroit instead of stopping in NY for 3 hours. I know I'll just want to get home asap. I just texted John about my frustration and he said remember why you are there, and you'll soon be home with me. That's exactly what I needed to be reminded. <3
We just had our nightly devotional and it was so much different than our other ones. We started by humming a sad song that I didn't know, then we surrounded Joseph and Boney with prayer. Let me give some history...Rebecca adopted 8 boys from an orphanage where an American guy was molesting children. They now all live in the US and are doing well for themselves. There were some other boys that she wasn't able to adopt. That's Boney, Jimmy, Joseph, the boys who were helping us now. Well, tonight Rebecca was sharing stories of her sons and showing pictures and Joseph and Boney couldn't handle it. They walked away and we're devastated and crying. I wasn't here for any of this, but Holly came upstairs crying and told me everything. These three boys already feel like they will never be good enough no matter how hard they try. They are absolutely crushed right now! During devotional, Boney had on his head phones and was shaking and holding back tears. Joseph wouldn't stay in the room with us. He was bawling and went off by himself. If there was a way to take them back, I would in a heartbeat.
After the prayer, we discussed how the rest of our week will go. It's nice to have somewhat of a plan. Then, Paige shared for the devotion part. All she said was that she believes in God but doesn't go to church or anything. She said after these few days she's been so inspired. I truly hope that her heart has fully opened to Christ and she's able to change. I'm sure far from perfect, so I feel bad for criticizing, but like I said...she doesn't seem like the type of girl to be on a Christian mission. Rebecca gave some testimony on the power of prayer. She opened our eyes to the fact that there are people on this earth that don't have a single soul that has ever prayed for them. She challenged us to think about the people we've never met or passed and pray deeply for him/her. I'm so honored to have the opportunity to pray for the sick, frail men and women today. I pray in my mind for these kids when they hug and snuggle with us. I know that God is with them, and I pray that they feel love in their lives. I need to pray more often and deeper. I'm going to get a prayer board and a prayer area, and devote time every week to pray for people.
March I7, 2010
I got a wonderful night's sleep. My head is feeling much better, stomach pain and diarrhea are still both horrible, but I have medicine for them now. This morning we're going to church, then to a food distribution. I'm not sure what the afternoon holds.
Church was great. It was probably the ugliest I've ever looked, nasty hair, no makeup...but the worship moved me beyond belief. There wasn't a message per se', we did a lot of worship, then the pastor shared a story of earthquake miracles. This was the first time since the earthquake that the congregation met....and it was packed! We were outside like an amphitheater set up and there were extra folding chairs, but still people standing! We didn't make it to the distribution because church ran later than we thought. After church, we went to see where the boys live. En route, we pulled over to get some avocados and mandarin oranges - SO GOOD! These tropical islands know how to make their fruit! I was feeling normal so far, no headache, no cramps... We got to the place where Joseph lives. They were straight up slums. There were small walkways in between each hut. I started to feel hot and light headed. We got to walk inside of Joseph's hut. There were 3 rooms divided by sheets. Each room was just about big enough for a twin mattress. He had a framed picture of Jesus hung up. I'm not sure if it was from what I was seeing & experiencing or completely physical...but I became dizzy and nauseous. Rebecca walked me to the back where a filthy stream and garbage was. I was dry heaving, but that sight and smell alone was enough to make me pass out. They took me back to the truck and I rested my head for about ten minutes before everyone else returned. They all got to go through the slum houses...something that no news crew is able to do...so that was a really great experience. But I missed it. On the way back home, we went by the airport to find a money exchanger. Street boys jumped on and almost got in the car asking for money. Rebecca talked to them and showed them love, then gave them each a little money. I teared up, it was the most heart wrenching sight. The boys that came up after she ran out whined and looked so sad. It broke my heart to pieces. She is so generous and loving towards kids who we would typically turn our heads in disgust at. After the airport, we found a man standing on the corner doing money exchange. Literally walking about with a hunk of money waving it around to advertise that he does exchanges. Why doesn't he get jumped? Who knows. See...it's not quite as dangerous as you all think ;) He counted and bartered a rate and they went back and fourth in Creole, then finally exchanged cash and we were on our way..it was so strange...Usually, it's a business transaction with double-pane glass, not what appears to be a drug deal on the streets. Now we're back at the house, done for the day. I'm going to rest and try to feel better.
For dinner we made spaghetti and it was scrumptious! I've been dehydrated and everything else, so it was nice to refuel! My nap was heavenly! All my pains and dizzy spells are gone. I have energy! And I'm going to need it tomorrow. We're going to Leslie's orphanage first. This is the one in tents and no building. We're going to do activities like games and crafts. In the afternoon, we're going back to Mother Theresa's home for the Destitute and Dying. Rebecca said they aren't as bad as usual...they are up and walking around. We're giving everyone pictures of Jesus, talking to them, listening to them... Candace read the Bible story of the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Being humbled that way and giving it all up for someone else is just absolutely incredible. She spoke about worshiping halfheartedly. We are worshiping through our work by serving. We discussed how we don't do good works to buy our spot in heaven, but we are using our God-given talents to love God's people and to show them God's love for them. To go through an entire life without even 5 minutes of love would be the most devastating thing ever. Rebecca said that there are people in this world who have never felt or been loved...and we are making it our personal missions to show those lonely souls love.
Church was great. It was probably the ugliest I've ever looked, nasty hair, no makeup...but the worship moved me beyond belief. There wasn't a message per se', we did a lot of worship, then the pastor shared a story of earthquake miracles. This was the first time since the earthquake that the congregation met....and it was packed! We were outside like an amphitheater set up and there were extra folding chairs, but still people standing! We didn't make it to the distribution because church ran later than we thought. After church, we went to see where the boys live. En route, we pulled over to get some avocados and mandarin oranges - SO GOOD! These tropical islands know how to make their fruit! I was feeling normal so far, no headache, no cramps... We got to the place where Joseph lives. They were straight up slums. There were small walkways in between each hut. I started to feel hot and light headed. We got to walk inside of Joseph's hut. There were 3 rooms divided by sheets. Each room was just about big enough for a twin mattress. He had a framed picture of Jesus hung up. I'm not sure if it was from what I was seeing & experiencing or completely physical...but I became dizzy and nauseous. Rebecca walked me to the back where a filthy stream and garbage was. I was dry heaving, but that sight and smell alone was enough to make me pass out. They took me back to the truck and I rested my head for about ten minutes before everyone else returned. They all got to go through the slum houses...something that no news crew is able to do...so that was a really great experience. But I missed it. On the way back home, we went by the airport to find a money exchanger. Street boys jumped on and almost got in the car asking for money. Rebecca talked to them and showed them love, then gave them each a little money. I teared up, it was the most heart wrenching sight. The boys that came up after she ran out whined and looked so sad. It broke my heart to pieces. She is so generous and loving towards kids who we would typically turn our heads in disgust at. After the airport, we found a man standing on the corner doing money exchange. Literally walking about with a hunk of money waving it around to advertise that he does exchanges. Why doesn't he get jumped? Who knows. See...it's not quite as dangerous as you all think ;) He counted and bartered a rate and they went back and fourth in Creole, then finally exchanged cash and we were on our way..it was so strange...Usually, it's a business transaction with double-pane glass, not what appears to be a drug deal on the streets. Now we're back at the house, done for the day. I'm going to rest and try to feel better.
For dinner we made spaghetti and it was scrumptious! I've been dehydrated and everything else, so it was nice to refuel! My nap was heavenly! All my pains and dizzy spells are gone. I have energy! And I'm going to need it tomorrow. We're going to Leslie's orphanage first. This is the one in tents and no building. We're going to do activities like games and crafts. In the afternoon, we're going back to Mother Theresa's home for the Destitute and Dying. Rebecca said they aren't as bad as usual...they are up and walking around. We're giving everyone pictures of Jesus, talking to them, listening to them... Candace read the Bible story of the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Being humbled that way and giving it all up for someone else is just absolutely incredible. She spoke about worshiping halfheartedly. We are worshiping through our work by serving. We discussed how we don't do good works to buy our spot in heaven, but we are using our God-given talents to love God's people and to show them God's love for them. To go through an entire life without even 5 minutes of love would be the most devastating thing ever. Rebecca said that there are people in this world who have never felt or been loved...and we are making it our personal missions to show those lonely souls love.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
March 6, 2010
Man! Haiti is LOUD at night. Dogs howled, whined, and yipped ALL night long, horns honked, rooster crowed....I think every one of us woke up a hundred times. As soon as the alarm clock went off at 6:00, everyone snapped up and began chatting. I hate waking up so early, but we have to use the daylight while we have it! 'P' and 'K' slept on the porch and have some kind of bugbite all over their faces...they look like chicken pox. Of course, being drama queens, we will not hear the end of this!
Becca said that the orphanage we're going to this morning is the hardest. She said there's mostly babies and they are all in bad shape. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Ph 4:13
Oh man, I have diarrhea and a migraine. Today I had to push myself to keep going. It was a Loooooonnnnngggg day! We started with a really good breakfast of scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and toast. After a few chores around the house, we took off to the first orphanage, Gertrude's orphanage. It was SO MUCH better than the one we went to yesterday. They actually had a house. They were finishing up breakfast (grits?) when we got there. But once we were in, no kids were interested in eating. They immediately started playing with us and wanting to be held. They had a lot of special needs kids and wheelchairs. The workers just wheeled them out, parked them, and sort of forgot about them. When we tried to talk/play with them, there was no interest shown. The other kids ate up all the attention until they literally fell asleep in our arms. I had probably 4 kids fall asleep in my arms...they were absolutely precious. When we left, I got a little choked up, but was fine after a minute. It took atleast 2 hours for our next stop. It was apparently rush hour. 3 lanes were all going in one direction, then one car decided to use up the 4th lane...tough luck for anyone that wanted to go in the opposite direction. Along the road, walking vendors stopped at cars to sell water, snacks, lottery tickets.... When we were approaching our next destination, we saw lines of people waiting outside the gates, some with steaming plate of rice. The place we stopped was Mother Theresa's house for the Destitute and Dying. We were only stopping to schedule a time for a visit. 2 hours to schedule a time. Boy, I wish they had a phone! We'll be going Monday morning. Soon, we left to go to the third orphanage...what became known as the "baby house." We went through winding, rubble-filled streets. We were able to go through the wealthier part of PAP, which was the most effected by the quakes. The President's Palace was crumbling and there was so much devistation. The streets were packed again, and driving was rediculous! There was one point where it was impossible to get through in our direction. Joseph got out to direct traffic. Then a UN tuck full of UN police go out and stopped traffic so that we could get through. That was really cool! Out of nowhere, we stopped and they said we were there. Becca said to start in the baby rooms then go upstairs to the older kids. I pretty much stayed in the baby room the whole time. The babies were not responsive at all to our cooing and attention. That was heartbreaking. Of course, they never get attention other than feeding and occasional changing. The first baby I picked up was full of diarrhea diaper and it got all over me. I was so disgusted, but didn't show my feelings. I wondered how long she had been sitting in this mess.
Rebecca told us a story about when she first started at this orphanage. The babies would sit, motionless, in plastic chairs. Feces and urine was all over the place. She fell in love with the homeliest little girl that had it the worst. She would fall out of her chair and be bleeding and lying in blood and feces. This is how Rebecca found her several times. There were always flies around her, and they layed eggs in her ears. Rebecca and her daughters had to hold the baby down as they pulled maggots out of her face and neck. A few days later she died. I can't even imagine experiencing something like that. But these are conditions that are happening everyday in this world.
The ladies working at the orphanage really didn't like us there. They'd rather the babies just stay in their crib bunks quietly all day long. They clearly were putting an act on while we were there...quickly changing diapers and clothing kids as we were walking in. There's SO MUCH need here and so little help! The director is overwhelmed with an overload of orphans and we just found out that his son was kidnapped before the earthquake. He goes out every morning and digs through rubble trying to find him. He has his own family turmoil and yet he continues to run an orphanage of 70+ kids. That is what selflessness looks like. He is so loving and selfless, I can barely fathom a life like his.
After having the same baby for a while, she began to respond slightly. I got her babbling and even imitating me. That was probably the only developmental stimulation she has EVER gotten. I would've guessed by her body that she was 3 months old, but she had almost a full mouth of teeth, so we was probably close to a year old...very malnourished.
When everyone else left the baby room, I enjoyed the alone time with them. I was physically feeling horrible and really needed some down time. I ended up feeding bottles to 2 of the babies that I was holding at the same time. I've never seen a bottle drank so quickly! I don't think either of them stopped for a breath the entire time. Would they have gotten this bottle if we weren't there?
I decided to join what sounded like great fun upstairs. We began to hand out stickers and bubbles. Handing things out is so chaotic because everyone wants something that they can call their own. Bigger kids steal from the little ones, and they trick us into giving them more than one. They have no concept of waiting, sharing, anything....
Tonight at devotion and sharing time, Rebecca had to talk to us about the boys that are helping us this week. She has 5 or 6 boys that she's taken under her wings in the last few years. She adopted 8 boys from the same group, but were unable to take the whole group...so these are the boys that she couldn't adopt but still has a heart for. They began as street kids who begged and stole. She brought them to Christ and gave them a new start. She trusts them and they love her like a mom, but she is still cautious. She told us to be firm if they were ever to ask or hint for anything. She doesn't wanting them handling any of our money, and she keeps money and passports locked in her room. Her main goal for these young men's lives is to make them employable. I'd say she's doing a great job! They are a wonderful and fun bunch of boys!
They came from MB's home for street boys. He's an American who "rescues" street boys and has TONS of financial support from America.....but he sexually abuses the boys. Rebecca told us her life story. She's been threatened by MB and the Embassy supports him and has threatened her. She is trying to out him, but he has insider support. I guess the FBI is involved now, so she has to be very careful. She gave her testimony and story one night and we recorded it...I can't wait to share this story with others. MB's website is Haitianstreetboys.com >>> DO NOT GIVE MONEY TO THIS ORGANIZATION. Though he may feed, cloth, and house kids...he is molesting them....DO NOT SUPPORT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becca said that the orphanage we're going to this morning is the hardest. She said there's mostly babies and they are all in bad shape. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Ph 4:13
Oh man, I have diarrhea and a migraine. Today I had to push myself to keep going. It was a Loooooonnnnngggg day! We started with a really good breakfast of scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and toast. After a few chores around the house, we took off to the first orphanage, Gertrude's orphanage. It was SO MUCH better than the one we went to yesterday. They actually had a house. They were finishing up breakfast (grits?) when we got there. But once we were in, no kids were interested in eating. They immediately started playing with us and wanting to be held. They had a lot of special needs kids and wheelchairs. The workers just wheeled them out, parked them, and sort of forgot about them. When we tried to talk/play with them, there was no interest shown. The other kids ate up all the attention until they literally fell asleep in our arms. I had probably 4 kids fall asleep in my arms...they were absolutely precious. When we left, I got a little choked up, but was fine after a minute. It took atleast 2 hours for our next stop. It was apparently rush hour. 3 lanes were all going in one direction, then one car decided to use up the 4th lane...tough luck for anyone that wanted to go in the opposite direction. Along the road, walking vendors stopped at cars to sell water, snacks, lottery tickets.... When we were approaching our next destination, we saw lines of people waiting outside the gates, some with steaming plate of rice. The place we stopped was Mother Theresa's house for the Destitute and Dying. We were only stopping to schedule a time for a visit. 2 hours to schedule a time. Boy, I wish they had a phone! We'll be going Monday morning. Soon, we left to go to the third orphanage...what became known as the "baby house." We went through winding, rubble-filled streets. We were able to go through the wealthier part of PAP, which was the most effected by the quakes. The President's Palace was crumbling and there was so much devistation. The streets were packed again, and driving was rediculous! There was one point where it was impossible to get through in our direction. Joseph got out to direct traffic. Then a UN tuck full of UN police go out and stopped traffic so that we could get through. That was really cool! Out of nowhere, we stopped and they said we were there. Becca said to start in the baby rooms then go upstairs to the older kids. I pretty much stayed in the baby room the whole time. The babies were not responsive at all to our cooing and attention. That was heartbreaking. Of course, they never get attention other than feeding and occasional changing. The first baby I picked up was full of diarrhea diaper and it got all over me. I was so disgusted, but didn't show my feelings. I wondered how long she had been sitting in this mess.
Rebecca told us a story about when she first started at this orphanage. The babies would sit, motionless, in plastic chairs. Feces and urine was all over the place. She fell in love with the homeliest little girl that had it the worst. She would fall out of her chair and be bleeding and lying in blood and feces. This is how Rebecca found her several times. There were always flies around her, and they layed eggs in her ears. Rebecca and her daughters had to hold the baby down as they pulled maggots out of her face and neck. A few days later she died. I can't even imagine experiencing something like that. But these are conditions that are happening everyday in this world.
The ladies working at the orphanage really didn't like us there. They'd rather the babies just stay in their crib bunks quietly all day long. They clearly were putting an act on while we were there...quickly changing diapers and clothing kids as we were walking in. There's SO MUCH need here and so little help! The director is overwhelmed with an overload of orphans and we just found out that his son was kidnapped before the earthquake. He goes out every morning and digs through rubble trying to find him. He has his own family turmoil and yet he continues to run an orphanage of 70+ kids. That is what selflessness looks like. He is so loving and selfless, I can barely fathom a life like his.
After having the same baby for a while, she began to respond slightly. I got her babbling and even imitating me. That was probably the only developmental stimulation she has EVER gotten. I would've guessed by her body that she was 3 months old, but she had almost a full mouth of teeth, so we was probably close to a year old...very malnourished.
When everyone else left the baby room, I enjoyed the alone time with them. I was physically feeling horrible and really needed some down time. I ended up feeding bottles to 2 of the babies that I was holding at the same time. I've never seen a bottle drank so quickly! I don't think either of them stopped for a breath the entire time. Would they have gotten this bottle if we weren't there?
I decided to join what sounded like great fun upstairs. We began to hand out stickers and bubbles. Handing things out is so chaotic because everyone wants something that they can call their own. Bigger kids steal from the little ones, and they trick us into giving them more than one. They have no concept of waiting, sharing, anything....
Tonight at devotion and sharing time, Rebecca had to talk to us about the boys that are helping us this week. She has 5 or 6 boys that she's taken under her wings in the last few years. She adopted 8 boys from the same group, but were unable to take the whole group...so these are the boys that she couldn't adopt but still has a heart for. They began as street kids who begged and stole. She brought them to Christ and gave them a new start. She trusts them and they love her like a mom, but she is still cautious. She told us to be firm if they were ever to ask or hint for anything. She doesn't wanting them handling any of our money, and she keeps money and passports locked in her room. Her main goal for these young men's lives is to make them employable. I'd say she's doing a great job! They are a wonderful and fun bunch of boys!
They came from MB's home for street boys. He's an American who "rescues" street boys and has TONS of financial support from America.....but he sexually abuses the boys. Rebecca told us her life story. She's been threatened by MB and the Embassy supports him and has threatened her. She is trying to out him, but he has insider support. I guess the FBI is involved now, so she has to be very careful. She gave her testimony and story one night and we recorded it...I can't wait to share this story with others. MB's website is Haitianstreetboys.com >>> DO NOT GIVE MONEY TO THIS ORGANIZATION. Though he may feed, cloth, and house kids...he is molesting them....DO NOT SUPPORT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 5, 2010
"Now I'm on the plane to Haiti. Last night was pretty event-less. We got to the hotel and pretty much crashed. 'P' and 'K' were in bed by 830, but I stayed up until about 930. I didn't sleep well at all.
John is so wonderful and supportive. He's been texting and calling so much since I left. Man, I love him!
We got together with the whole group at the airport and had about 2 hours before the flight. Everyone was laughing until we cried. Holly Wood, from Kentucky, is pretty much the funniest person I've ever met. She was telling us about finding out that her uncle was really her father, and told us so many other eyebrow raising things about her life. She's had it rough, but her faith is so strong. She's awesome.
The plane is packed full and all the employees of American Airlines are uptight. I bet since the earthquakes, the number of flights going to PAP have been outrageous!
I wonder what the rest of my day will be like....
As we were landing, we saw military barracks set up all around the airport. As we landed "Time of my Life" by David Cook played....everyone was silent in thought and prayer. What a moment!
Since there was damage to the airport, luggage claim was chaotic. They literally threw luggage off the back of a truck and everyone pushed and shoved until they got their bags and totes. It was hot, loud, and crazy! Luckily, most of us just laughed at the whole scene. We never imagined an airport being so lax.
We just got back from the first orphanage. It wasn't at all what I expected. There was what used to be a building, but now looked more like a shelter and storage area. The kids sleep in tents underneath big blue tarps. The entire property was dirt, stone, and broken cinder blocks....about the size of a subdivision yard. There was nothing for them to do. I guess they race, or play imaginative games or something. Many of the smaller kids had tshirts with no pants or underwear on. The little girls with dresses had no panties, and I noticed that boys wore no underwear either. Most of the clothes didn't fit, so a lot of bare bottoms were flashed. They all had on crocs, which were beginning to wear out. As we approached in our packed truck, a lot of us wanted to cry. I reminded everyone that there is a time and a place to cry.The kids all came running up to us as we pulled in. Some of the greeted us with hugs. It seemed like SO many kids flocked to Joel, the only guy in our group. He's a big, friendly-looking guy! For the first hour, we just went around and played, held, and hugged the kids. Then we got out bubbles, glow bracelets, tooth brushes, and toothpaste and handed them out. They all flocked to us and weren't waiting patiently at all. I noticed some kids had several items, so I'm pretty sure there is a hierarchy structure where some kids just bully others. Just as we finished handing things out, it was time for their worship session. Rebecca said that this orphanage is very structured, which is wonderful. She said a lot of orphanages have no structure at all. I can't imagine how they pass the time....I would thing it would be SO BORING!
It took about 45 minutes to get to the orphanage, and it's only 4 miles away. The roads are made to be 2-way, but everyone drives however he wants. When we went through the "main street," people were EVERYWHERE! No one really has a job, there's no electricity yet, so they just gather together! There were lots of food stands and such. Similar to Taiwan, but dirtier and sadder-looking. The most shocking sight so far was when we went over a bridge. The river was mostly dried up, garbage was replacing where water used to be...and a slum town was set up. It looks absolutely wretched! We saw pigs and goats eating garbage and wading in the gray, merky water. We also saw a big dead pig in a field, rotting. There were cows and chickens grazing all around in open fields. Not all buildings were broken down...some were ceompletely crumbles, some were standing but about to crumble. Many of them were standing but completely gutted out...I didn't understand that. Most people are sleeping outside because they are afraid of more earthquakes.
It's only 830pm, but since electricity is very limited, we're all ready for bed. Once it's dark, there's not much to do. We had dinner after resting a bit. It was pretty good. There was a simple lettuce salad, baked chicken, and red beans with rice. Spicy and tasty, actually! After dinner, I took a "shower." I had a basin of water to rinse off, then I dipped my head in to wash my hair. Very primitive, but it worked and felt good after a hot day!
John is so wonderful and supportive. He's been texting and calling so much since I left. Man, I love him!
We got together with the whole group at the airport and had about 2 hours before the flight. Everyone was laughing until we cried. Holly Wood, from Kentucky, is pretty much the funniest person I've ever met. She was telling us about finding out that her uncle was really her father, and told us so many other eyebrow raising things about her life. She's had it rough, but her faith is so strong. She's awesome.
The plane is packed full and all the employees of American Airlines are uptight. I bet since the earthquakes, the number of flights going to PAP have been outrageous!
I wonder what the rest of my day will be like....
As we were landing, we saw military barracks set up all around the airport. As we landed "Time of my Life" by David Cook played....everyone was silent in thought and prayer. What a moment!
Since there was damage to the airport, luggage claim was chaotic. They literally threw luggage off the back of a truck and everyone pushed and shoved until they got their bags and totes. It was hot, loud, and crazy! Luckily, most of us just laughed at the whole scene. We never imagined an airport being so lax.
We just got back from the first orphanage. It wasn't at all what I expected. There was what used to be a building, but now looked more like a shelter and storage area. The kids sleep in tents underneath big blue tarps. The entire property was dirt, stone, and broken cinder blocks....about the size of a subdivision yard. There was nothing for them to do. I guess they race, or play imaginative games or something. Many of the smaller kids had tshirts with no pants or underwear on. The little girls with dresses had no panties, and I noticed that boys wore no underwear either. Most of the clothes didn't fit, so a lot of bare bottoms were flashed. They all had on crocs, which were beginning to wear out. As we approached in our packed truck, a lot of us wanted to cry. I reminded everyone that there is a time and a place to cry.The kids all came running up to us as we pulled in. Some of the greeted us with hugs. It seemed like SO many kids flocked to Joel, the only guy in our group. He's a big, friendly-looking guy! For the first hour, we just went around and played, held, and hugged the kids. Then we got out bubbles, glow bracelets, tooth brushes, and toothpaste and handed them out. They all flocked to us and weren't waiting patiently at all. I noticed some kids had several items, so I'm pretty sure there is a hierarchy structure where some kids just bully others. Just as we finished handing things out, it was time for their worship session. Rebecca said that this orphanage is very structured, which is wonderful. She said a lot of orphanages have no structure at all. I can't imagine how they pass the time....I would thing it would be SO BORING!
It took about 45 minutes to get to the orphanage, and it's only 4 miles away. The roads are made to be 2-way, but everyone drives however he wants. When we went through the "main street," people were EVERYWHERE! No one really has a job, there's no electricity yet, so they just gather together! There were lots of food stands and such. Similar to Taiwan, but dirtier and sadder-looking. The most shocking sight so far was when we went over a bridge. The river was mostly dried up, garbage was replacing where water used to be...and a slum town was set up. It looks absolutely wretched! We saw pigs and goats eating garbage and wading in the gray, merky water. We also saw a big dead pig in a field, rotting. There were cows and chickens grazing all around in open fields. Not all buildings were broken down...some were ceompletely crumbles, some were standing but about to crumble. Many of them were standing but completely gutted out...I didn't understand that. Most people are sleeping outside because they are afraid of more earthquakes.
It's only 830pm, but since electricity is very limited, we're all ready for bed. Once it's dark, there's not much to do. We had dinner after resting a bit. It was pretty good. There was a simple lettuce salad, baked chicken, and red beans with rice. Spicy and tasty, actually! After dinner, I took a "shower." I had a basin of water to rinse off, then I dipped my head in to wash my hair. Very primitive, but it worked and felt good after a hot day!
March 3, 2010
"On my way to Haiti...well Miami first, but then Haiti. I'm really nervous about what I may encounter. It's been 6 weeks since the earthquakes. I know things have gotten better, but the country is still devastated. I hope that I don't see any dead bodies...that's my biggest fear. Before the flight I met 'P' (omitted names for privacy) and 'K' at Friday's in the airport. We had talked on facebook before, but this was the first time we met in person. They are not what I would expect of mission-trip type girls, but I still think we'll have a great time. We are staying tonight in Miami before going to Port-au-Prince tomorrow, so I'm sure we'll have a fun girls night in the hotel.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
