I've created a dozen or so videos from our trip to Port-a-Prince, Martissant, Haiti and posted them on YouTube. They are "unlisted" - which means anyone can get to them via the link below.
The only think they are missing are the warm temperature, the incredible variety of smells, and the taste of dust in your mouth and covering your hair :-)
Tom's videos of the Haiti 2011 trip
For those on the trip, I think you'll find these 'take you back' a bit. For those not on the trip, they hopefully give you a sense of the incredible contrasts, the fun, the hope, the desperation, and why we all had such a great time.
Most of the videos are short; if you get bored, just skip ahead or view another one - that's one nice thing about YouTube.
Friday, March 18, 2011
A Week of Blessings (from Nancy)
I feel so blessed to have been part of this year’s LaRomana trip. As already expressed by others, I’m
not sure I will ever be able to enjoy a typical ‘tourist’ vacation again. I am so thankful to Jonathan and
Shantia for encouraging me to go, in a year where I felt I had no emotional reserves left to undertake
such a “out of my comfort zone” trip. I came back rejuvenated and hope to be able to retain some of
the sense of peace and wonder I found in the D.R., in my daily life.
Kristy impressed upon us the first night that going to LaRomana is all about relationships – a week
later I was a confirmed believer in her message. Who would have thought that I, introvert that I am,
could have survived a week crammed into a yellow school bus and a small dorm room, with non-stop
conversation and noise. But survive I did and even flourished in many ways.
It was a joy to see the young members of our group work with the older adults, a joy to share bountiful
meals and morning devotions together, a joy to watch the mother/daughter teams and to see that
those relationships can thrive into adulthood. A joy to feel the warm sun and tropical breezes and to
swim in the “myriad of blues” Caribbean ocean. It was a blessing to be immersed into the Dominican
culture and despite the poverty in the bateys, to see the beauty there in the landscape and the joy in
the children as they received just a little bit of extra attention. And of course, selfishly, it was a gift to be
temporarily removed from my everyday life; especially the multi-tasking and list making that I fill my life
with.
Every single day, in this week of being back; the words of “Let Us Break Bread Together”, which we
sang on the beach Friday night, have run almost continuously through my head. Coupled with a photo
of oxen pulling loads of sugarcane across the road against the backdrop of a vibrant blue and green
Dominican landscape, on the desktop of my PC at work; they bring comfort and a reminder of a week
full of blessings …..
Thank you to all of you who helped make the week, the gift that it was.
not sure I will ever be able to enjoy a typical ‘tourist’ vacation again. I am so thankful to Jonathan and
Shantia for encouraging me to go, in a year where I felt I had no emotional reserves left to undertake
such a “out of my comfort zone” trip. I came back rejuvenated and hope to be able to retain some of
the sense of peace and wonder I found in the D.R., in my daily life.
Kristy impressed upon us the first night that going to LaRomana is all about relationships – a week
later I was a confirmed believer in her message. Who would have thought that I, introvert that I am,
could have survived a week crammed into a yellow school bus and a small dorm room, with non-stop
conversation and noise. But survive I did and even flourished in many ways.
It was a joy to see the young members of our group work with the older adults, a joy to share bountiful
meals and morning devotions together, a joy to watch the mother/daughter teams and to see that
those relationships can thrive into adulthood. A joy to feel the warm sun and tropical breezes and to
swim in the “myriad of blues” Caribbean ocean. It was a blessing to be immersed into the Dominican
culture and despite the poverty in the bateys, to see the beauty there in the landscape and the joy in
the children as they received just a little bit of extra attention. And of course, selfishly, it was a gift to be
temporarily removed from my everyday life; especially the multi-tasking and list making that I fill my life
with.
Every single day, in this week of being back; the words of “Let Us Break Bread Together”, which we
sang on the beach Friday night, have run almost continuously through my head. Coupled with a photo
of oxen pulling loads of sugarcane across the road against the backdrop of a vibrant blue and green
Dominican landscape, on the desktop of my PC at work; they bring comfort and a reminder of a week
full of blessings …..
Thank you to all of you who helped make the week, the gift that it was.
reflections on our mission trip
Now that I am home again and the sights and smells of La Romana are beginning to dim I have had some time to really think about where we were and what we saw.
The medical teams were so impressive. One event that stays with me was the woman who needed eye glasses. Asked if she could see better near or far, she replied "only near". Some glasses were placed on her nose, she looked up and cried "claro!" She could see across the room!
Traveling out to the sugar cane fields to check the water filtration systems put into the "homes" was the most indelible experience. One of the batays had no electricity, no church, no school. So many children you could not count them all. Most wore little or no clothing. The need was so desperate. I learned that a "promoter" would be sent to them. This is actually an advocate that brings their needs to the attention of the hospital. The job pays $600/year. I see it as an absolute necessity in taking the very first step in improving their lives.
Jason, the minister from Ashland, offered up a prayer one night that has stayed with me. I would like to share it with you. It is by St. Teresa of Avila.
Christ has no body on earth but yours.
Yours are the only hands through which he can do his work.
Yours are the only feet by which he can go about the world.
Yours are the only eyes through which his compassion can shine forth upon a troubled world.
Christ has no body on earth but yours.
Blessings to all at ACC that helped to make this mission trip possible.
Deanna
The medical teams were so impressive. One event that stays with me was the woman who needed eye glasses. Asked if she could see better near or far, she replied "only near". Some glasses were placed on her nose, she looked up and cried "claro!" She could see across the room!
Traveling out to the sugar cane fields to check the water filtration systems put into the "homes" was the most indelible experience. One of the batays had no electricity, no church, no school. So many children you could not count them all. Most wore little or no clothing. The need was so desperate. I learned that a "promoter" would be sent to them. This is actually an advocate that brings their needs to the attention of the hospital. The job pays $600/year. I see it as an absolute necessity in taking the very first step in improving their lives.
Jason, the minister from Ashland, offered up a prayer one night that has stayed with me. I would like to share it with you. It is by St. Teresa of Avila.
Christ has no body on earth but yours.
Yours are the only hands through which he can do his work.
Yours are the only feet by which he can go about the world.
Yours are the only eyes through which his compassion can shine forth upon a troubled world.
Christ has no body on earth but yours.
Blessings to all at ACC that helped to make this mission trip possible.
Deanna
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Reflections on my La Romana Experience
I was blessed while in the DR to do a little bit of everything available to us. I helped install water filters in one Batey; I took blood pressures in another, and learned a hand-clapping and counting game from a group of children in a La Romana Barrio. (I remember that it had to do with skipping 8's.) I sifted sand for finish cement and painted walls at the hospital.
I was blessed with small tasks that had beginnings and endings but were part of a larger whole. I was blessed to experience a very few of the inconveniences that the locals experience every day, such as too little hot water or no water at all and abrupt power outages.
I will remember entering the two-room cement row-homes in one Batey to install water filters. There was a neat and clean home with mosquito netting over the bed and a corner china cabinet with china in it. There was a one-room home where an old woman lived with very little of anything. There were many children, many chickens, and lots of trash in the rocky dirt lanes.
I will remember being swamped by children yelling "photographia!" when I produced a digital camera. Everyone wanted to see themselves. They posed, then came back to see. They knew what to expect—this is a better-off Batey with a school and a church with an ancient radio and a pair of large speakers.
I remember one old man who told me his blood pressure would be high. I remember one young woman in a wheelchair with leg braces. (I heard that there was a polio outbreak here several years ago.) Many of the women start having babies at the age of 16 and don't stop until nature stops them. I saw pregnant women who could have been in their forties but might be ten years younger than that.
On Ash Wednesday I felt a need to have ashes imposed on my forehead for the first time. I have kept a prayer or a hymn singing in the background of my thoughts, and bring it to the foreground often.
I have been praying for the people I met and heard about and for the missionary team members. I have been blessing my friends in the Acton Congregational Church and those in the Naugatuck Church who gave us dinner Sunday night.
It will take me a while longer to really return home.
--Ruth
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Leaving Hispanola
In case you are not aware, Hispaniola is the name of the island that is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Today is the day that I leave the island after spending a week in Haiti and a week in the Dominican Republic. As expected I have mixed feelings about leaving. I miss my family greatly and can't think my wife enough for her support, but I also feel that so much has been left undone, especially in Haiti.
The plane is in the air now and I can see the mountains to the west. Over those mountains is Haiti. The peacefulness of the world at 10,000 feet hides the trouble at ground level. How long will it be until Haiti heals?
When I think or Haiti I think of all the things c that could be done to support the Haitian people and help the country to regain it's glory as the "Pearl or the Caribean" as it was one called by France. But much has to change both in the international community and in Haiti for Haiti to rebuild.
The constant donations to Haiti have help to cripple their economy. The local businesses have to be support and aid money need to flow through them as opposed to foreign contractors. At the same time the quality and performance of those local businesses needs improve to the standards that can be achieved by foreign contractors.
Corruption in government and business can no longer be tolerated. Those that perpetuate it must be brought to justice.
Education must be prioritized for all Haitians. Through education the next generation can learn about Haiti's history and prepare the country for both local business initiatives and for branches of international companies.
Simple things like perpetuating he habit of throwing trash in receptacles must also be enforced. Bringing security and cleanliness to the county will help bring tourists, which can infuse money and jobs into the economy.
And there is much more that needs to be done. My hope is I can continue to play a small part in the rebirth of Haiti.
... Over the ocean with Hispaniola no longer in view ... God bless and see you soon ...
The plane is in the air now and I can see the mountains to the west. Over those mountains is Haiti. The peacefulness of the world at 10,000 feet hides the trouble at ground level. How long will it be until Haiti heals?
When I think or Haiti I think of all the things c that could be done to support the Haitian people and help the country to regain it's glory as the "Pearl or the Caribean" as it was one called by France. But much has to change both in the international community and in Haiti for Haiti to rebuild.
The constant donations to Haiti have help to cripple their economy. The local businesses have to be support and aid money need to flow through them as opposed to foreign contractors. At the same time the quality and performance of those local businesses needs improve to the standards that can be achieved by foreign contractors.
Corruption in government and business can no longer be tolerated. Those that perpetuate it must be brought to justice.
Education must be prioritized for all Haitians. Through education the next generation can learn about Haiti's history and prepare the country for both local business initiatives and for branches of international companies.
Simple things like perpetuating he habit of throwing trash in receptacles must also be enforced. Bringing security and cleanliness to the county will help bring tourists, which can infuse money and jobs into the economy.
And there is much more that needs to be done. My hope is I can continue to play a small part in the rebirth of Haiti.
... Over the ocean with Hispaniola no longer in view ... God bless and see you soon ...
Friday, March 11, 2011
Last Work Day
Today was the last work day in the DR. Like yesterday I worked on moving air-conditioners at the hospital. While we didn't complete everything we would have liked we did get a lot done and had an important meeting with the hospital director.
There was a bit of excitement yesterday when we couldn't discover which breaker was governing a circuit to an air-conditioning unit. It was decided that we should short out he 220v power source and see which breaker tripped. A loud bang and sparks later nothing tripped. We eventually found it, but nothing like a short circuit to wake you up.
We also had people start cutting rebar over out head with little warning yesterday. So move sparks followed by hot iron falling. Safety standards are a little more flexible here.
The meeting we had today with the hospital today was important because he has stated that he wants the hospital electrics to be in line with US electrical code for hospitals. Right now they are far bellow. Two guys from out team who know a bit about the code explained to the director and his construction team what needs to be changed and the standards that must be followed going forward. There was a lively discussion covering everything from cost, expediency, tradition, and practicality; but in the end it was agreed that going forward the hospital would be built to code.
Tomorrow is a down day which is used to reflect on the trip and work on readjusting to life in the US. I miss the family a lot and it will be great to seem them all. I do feel as though this will be my last trip to the DR as I would like to focus on Haiti. I would come back if my children or wife want to come down, but not likely solo. Haiti calls me much stronger than the DR.
There was a bit of excitement yesterday when we couldn't discover which breaker was governing a circuit to an air-conditioning unit. It was decided that we should short out he 220v power source and see which breaker tripped. A loud bang and sparks later nothing tripped. We eventually found it, but nothing like a short circuit to wake you up.
We also had people start cutting rebar over out head with little warning yesterday. So move sparks followed by hot iron falling. Safety standards are a little more flexible here.
The meeting we had today with the hospital today was important because he has stated that he wants the hospital electrics to be in line with US electrical code for hospitals. Right now they are far bellow. Two guys from out team who know a bit about the code explained to the director and his construction team what needs to be changed and the standards that must be followed going forward. There was a lively discussion covering everything from cost, expediency, tradition, and practicality; but in the end it was agreed that going forward the hospital would be built to code.
Tomorrow is a down day which is used to reflect on the trip and work on readjusting to life in the US. I miss the family a lot and it will be great to seem them all. I do feel as though this will be my last trip to the DR as I would like to focus on Haiti. I would come back if my children or wife want to come down, but not likely solo. Haiti calls me much stronger than the DR.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Binding and Loosing
On this Ash Wednesday, I'm reminded of tradition and of Andy's sermon last Sunday to kick off the Unbinding Your Heart study. He talked about binding and loosing (as in loose-ing, not losing). About Jesus going beyond the Jewish law in some ways (equating anger with murder and lust with adultery) to bind people closer to God's ways. About Jesus loosing the laws of the times in others (permitting people to glean food from the fields on the Sabbath and practicing healing on the Sabbath) for a similar purpose. It fits so well with Lent, where traditionally we give up something we do habitually (loosing) or take on some spiritual or altruistic practice (binding). It also fits well with UYH, where this week the discussion is about evangelism and why we should do it. Ultimately, the goal is to consider what things we do and why we do them, what and why we don't do other things, and whether we might be called to change.
The mission trips and the posts to this blog are cases in point. Both strike me as evangelism, but free of the negative connotations we normally associate with that word. And the testimonies written on these pages show clearly how lives on both sides can be changed. To me, that is Gospel, Good News. Thank you to all for sharing it.
Blessings,
"Graham"
P.S. The moment of interest featured this blog and asked for prayers for you and your ministry. Oh, and it revealed who Graham is. (Hint: read it backwards)
Electric - Day 2
I spent the day at the hospital today working on the electrical team. Specifically what we are doing is moving air-conditioning condensers from the forth floor to the roof. Why are they on the forth floor as opposed to the roof in the first place you might wonder.
The reason they are on the forth floor is because the hospital is being built floor by floor and at one point what is now the forth floor was the roof. But, now that the forth floor is being walled in all the units have to be moved. This means trapping all the freon in the condenser, disconnecting it from power (with the 220 v wires hot), carrying the unit to the roof, the extending the wiring, copper tubing , etc. to the new location. Then repeat until all units are done.
It is not as physically demanding as the work last week, but it is needed to keep the hospital expanding and the patients comfortable.
Oh, and an update on C who chipped a tooth yesterday. He got it repaired today at the hospital for A grand total of $20US. That isn't the co-pay that is the total cash price with no billing to the insurance company.
The reason they are on the forth floor is because the hospital is being built floor by floor and at one point what is now the forth floor was the roof. But, now that the forth floor is being walled in all the units have to be moved. This means trapping all the freon in the condenser, disconnecting it from power (with the 220 v wires hot), carrying the unit to the roof, the extending the wiring, copper tubing , etc. to the new location. Then repeat until all units are done.
It is not as physically demanding as the work last week, but it is needed to keep the hospital expanding and the patients comfortable.
Oh, and an update on C who chipped a tooth yesterday. He got it repaired today at the hospital for A grand total of $20US. That isn't the co-pay that is the total cash price with no billing to the insurance company.
Blessings to All
Being back from Haiti is hard. If I began describing the ways in which things have lost meaning or I have been angered by people who don't seem to "get it" or situations that seem so minuscule in comparison to the work we were doing, I fear I would never stop and it would turn into a very long rant! So instead I thought I would post this. I am participating in a curriculum about social justice for the 40 days of Lent written by ACT:S, the advocacy project of World Vision. Today, I was emailed a Franciscan Blessing similar to the ones we read in Haiti. Thought I'd pass it along to all.
May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen
May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen
May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen
May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen
And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen
May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen
May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen
May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen
May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen
And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Soy Ginecologia...
I'm working in the Batay as a women's health care provider, which is rewarding and frustrating at the same time. It's rewarding to provide special attention to women's needs in an area where women often don't get the care they deserve, but it's frustrating not to have the tests or treatment that I've become accustomed to in the United States. So far the Batays we have gone to have not been as poor as some of the one's we saw last year, and in general the people have been healthier. This of course is a good thing, but sometimes it makes me wonder if there are more needy places that we should be. We will have to see what the rest of the week brings.
Today I had a real gift which was to be able to examine women in a nice private room in the school, instead of on the hot bus. With the help of Amy and Daisy we came up with a real nice creative set up that actually was pretty comfortable for the patients. Nevertheless I'll be happy to see my regular exam table back at my office in the sates, instead of a desk with a bus cushion on top of it!
DONA NOBIS PACHEM
Bonjou. We have completed two days of service, truly evangelists in action. So far, we have cared for 215 patients, delivered water filters to two bateys, worked on the 4th floor of the hospital, and had an amazing day at a VBS (many smiles and much joy). We are tired but fill fulfilled. I still struggle with the "I can't fix it" dilemma. Even so, the Holy Spirit is present. The mantra of this trip is "whatever is supposed to happen this week will happen this week". Keep us all in your prayers!
Blessings,
LaineE
Blessings,
LaineE
The New Steve
Yesterday Steve, who was part of the 3 man team doing electrical work at the hospital, decided to severely sprain his ankle and so had to retire from the electrical team to the task of handing out de-worming medicine in the bateys. As a consequence I was promoted to the team. I have to tell you there was a little fear in accepting the position as everyday someone from that team has been injured.
The day went well and we spent it pulling wire for air-conditioning units. The longest part of the day was spent search for a pipe that terminated either on the first or second floor (which are finished, operational floors with patients). After searching, counting columns, looking at plans, and finally using a tape measure; we found the pipe in the ceiling of the ER on the first floor, right in the one curtained area with a patient.
So, in the spirit of the DR, the workaround was to locate the pipe on the second floor in an unoccupied room and cut out a section there and work from the middle.
Oh and as for the team that always comes home with an injury, the curse is not lifted. As the newest member of the team I was sure I was doomed, but Chris, one of the youth on the trip, decided to help out the team a bit making him the newest member.
As Chris was jumping off the bus at the dormitory with a coke in his hand he hit his tooth on the bottle and took a big chunk of his tooth out. He will survive and both his parents on the trip, so he is well cared for.
The day went well and we spent it pulling wire for air-conditioning units. The longest part of the day was spent search for a pipe that terminated either on the first or second floor (which are finished, operational floors with patients). After searching, counting columns, looking at plans, and finally using a tape measure; we found the pipe in the ceiling of the ER on the first floor, right in the one curtained area with a patient.
So, in the spirit of the DR, the workaround was to locate the pipe on the second floor in an unoccupied room and cut out a section there and work from the middle.
Oh and as for the team that always comes home with an injury, the curse is not lifted. As the newest member of the team I was sure I was doomed, but Chris, one of the youth on the trip, decided to help out the team a bit making him the newest member.
As Chris was jumping off the bus at the dormitory with a coke in his hand he hit his tooth on the bottle and took a big chunk of his tooth out. He will survive and both his parents on the trip, so he is well cared for.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Deanna's First Day
We had our first in the batey I handed out pills and meds. The people are so appreciative. Took a lot of photos especially of the kids. They are so adorable. So far a great time.
Deanna
Deanna
Good Samaritan Hospital - Monday, March 7
We got down to work today. Many of us spent the day at the Good Samaritan hospital doing construction. The hospital has been under construction for over 20 years. The progress in the last year has been amazing. The third floor is under roof and work has started on the fourth floor. Trust me, this is a lot of progress.
The work I did with a number of my colleagues could best be described as levitation. The (fill in the blank) cinder blocks, sand 2 x 4, sacks of cement are on the ground. Get them to the third or fourth floor. There are two pullies with ropes and hooks. There are buckets and shovels. We filled and attached and carried and hoisted. Up above, other like minded individuals undid what we did into piles and wheelbarrows. At the end of the day, there was a whole bunch of building materials up in a building instead of on the ground. And a whole bunch of us became closer to each other in the process.
Las Colinas
Today I was part of the medical team that put on a clinic as Las Colinas. The village had a relatively nice school and we treated not only the students but also people from the community.
The medical team consisted of general medical, dentistry, optometry, and women's care. The children also received de-worming medicine, which by their expressions tasted quite awful; but it didn't stop them from finding their friends and making sure that they had to go through the same experience.
As I and others from the team did not have medical experience we were charged with moving boxes and entertaining the children as the waits can be quite long. We colored, played with balls, flew kites, and blew bubbles. The boys were very talented kite flyers and were able to get the kite up even though their was very little wind. And all the kids enjoyed chasing and popping bubbles.
On the bus ride back I spoke with Stanley who worked as a translator today. He is a Haitian and came to the DR shortly after the quake last year. He said at first he was able to communicate with his family, but said he hasn't heard from them in about six months and has no idea where and how they are. You could see the pain in his face as he spoke about Haiti and his family. He wants to go back, but with no jobs he thinks it will be quite a long time before this happens. He mentioned that he wanted to study medicine, but qt this point does not know when/if that will happen. I fear that Stanley's story is not unique.
Location:18.467101,-69.273169
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Home from Haiti
Blessings to you now immersed in the La Romana mission. I am horrified to read of your death trip from PaP. We spoke of you often yesterday and hoped for your safe arrival. Do blog more details and about any additional hidden talents of Drs Luis and Levi.
Those returning to the US from Haiti had a final, amazing, dust filled truck ride to the airport - this time passing the shell of the National Cathedral which seemed to bless our journey. We saw a pick up truck had gone off the road on the wide bend just before the airport and was lying on its side in a tent within the tent city. A large crowd had gathered....
Our 9:45am flight to Santo Domingo was delayed until 1:30 pm. We presume the plane required de-icing in Santo Domingo. Mark assumed the role of Emilio- resulting in $60 dollars in food vouchers. We recommend a lunch of Prestige and french fries on your next visit there.
We parted reluctantly with Mark and Phyllis in Santo Domingo as they headed for JFK. Tom, Beth, and Ken from Acton and Anne from West Boylston landed uneventfully at Logan with a new appreciation for airport efficiency. We were pooped. I am grateful to our Acton friends for the ride to Acton. And I am grateful for the partner who met me there - and for the winter coat he brought (Thanks Jonathan!!!)
I have washed my black and yellow daypack. I have washed myself. Neither of us now look like we have been to Haiti.
It is raining and 50 degrees here in West Boylston. The snow has melted a foot. The woodstove is bright and warm. The quiet is very loud. I am drinking a cup of tea. My mind is in Haiti.
I wonder what seeds we have sown and what seeds have been sown in us. I don't pretend to know where all this will lead, but do know that I am most grateful for the heightened sensitivity to the issue of unintended consequences.
And I am honored to have served with each and every one of you. May our paths cross. Blessed be.
Anne Parsons Marchant
Thinking of Haiti
While I am no longer physically in Haiti, I find my mind still is in Haiti and I am already wondering how soon I can get back. It is a strange feeling be called to q place and still not completely know why. I do wish and pray for so much good to come to Haiti and I hope to help in some way the Haitians raise their country to what it can be.
And while I am happy to help in the Dominican Republic I have to admit I just don't feel the same calling to it. That too I can't explain.
For now I will have to satisfy myself with the notion that I will try to get back. And while PaP was a small amount improved over last year it is still full of need and a resilient population that can pull Haiti back to it's position as the "Pearl of the Caribbean".
And while I am happy to help in the Dominican Republic I have to admit I just don't feel the same calling to it. That too I can't explain.
For now I will have to satisfy myself with the notion that I will try to get back. And while PaP was a small amount improved over last year it is still full of need and a resilient population that can pull Haiti back to it's position as the "Pearl of the Caribbean".
Location:On the road to Santa Damingo
Leaving Haiti
Technically I guess I am no longer in Haiti, but then technically I don't think I am in the Dominican Republic either. It started out as such a simple plan: take a bus service, much like Greyhound, from Haiti to the DR. We bought tickets for the 9am bus out of Haiti and arrived in plenty of time to get bags checked etc.
The first "surprise" was paying for our tickets was not enough. When we handed our tickets over to the clerk we were told that we would have to pay $30US in taxes per ticket, cash only. Luckily we had enough but no sooner had we paid that then we were told we owed another $50 Haitian for who knows what, but they would also take $4US.
That done and our cash greatly depleted we next attempted to board a bus. After going back and forth for a while attempting to determine which of the six unlabeled large busses we where meant to be on and loading our luggage on the white one, we were directed not onto that bus but on to a nearby minibus. Here we sat.
Eventually at about 12:30 the 9:00am bus actually departed and we were on our way. It was a simple enough ride for a couple of hours until we hit the border. Getting past the Haitian guards was easy enough and we didn't even have to get out of the van.
The DR side was/is a different story. We were first told to get off the bus and stand in line for immigration only to be told when we finally go there that we needed our passport which the bus company took from us when we handed them out tickets at about 8:30 in the morning.
After a little talking we discovered that the bus company was to take care of integration and we only need to sit and wait on the bus. So here we sit. The original predicted time of 30 minutes has passed about 3 or 4 times over and still no word.
So maybe sometime we will get through this limbo of a border and find ourselves in La Romana.
Well, it is now 6pm and we just got our stamped passports back, so in theory it is time to drive on.
The first "surprise" was paying for our tickets was not enough. When we handed our tickets over to the clerk we were told that we would have to pay $30US in taxes per ticket, cash only. Luckily we had enough but no sooner had we paid that then we were told we owed another $50 Haitian for who knows what, but they would also take $4US.
That done and our cash greatly depleted we next attempted to board a bus. After going back and forth for a while attempting to determine which of the six unlabeled large busses we where meant to be on and loading our luggage on the white one, we were directed not onto that bus but on to a nearby minibus. Here we sat.
Eventually at about 12:30 the 9:00am bus actually departed and we were on our way. It was a simple enough ride for a couple of hours until we hit the border. Getting past the Haitian guards was easy enough and we didn't even have to get out of the van.
The DR side was/is a different story. We were first told to get off the bus and stand in line for immigration only to be told when we finally go there that we needed our passport which the bus company took from us when we handed them out tickets at about 8:30 in the morning.
After a little talking we discovered that the bus company was to take care of integration and we only need to sit and wait on the bus. So here we sit. The original predicted time of 30 minutes has passed about 3 or 4 times over and still no word.
So maybe sometime we will get through this limbo of a border and find ourselves in La Romana.
Well, it is now 6pm and we just got our stamped passports back, so in theory it is time to drive on.
Location:Haitian / Dominican Border (4:00pm)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Curse Returns
Today was the day the whole mission team visited a very poor orphanage (GPS: 18.615754,-72.238716). But before we visited the orphanage we were to stop at the church so that the school children could sing for us and say goodbye. We also left additional supplies with the school for the children to use.
After the children sang we loaded back onto the truck and we headed off to the orphanage. To get there we had to head through the center of PaP, past the actual port, which is a not so safe part of the city (don't worry everyone is fine and nothing "bad" happened).
Anyway, this is when the curse hit. The cause of the curse is under debate as K says it is my fault and I say it is his. The origins of the curse are from last years trip and my theory is that every time I ride in a truck with K it breaks down. Today we got a flat.
We all piled out of the truck and the driver, translators, and M made quick work of replacing the tire win the spare. And off we went.
The orphanage was destitute. There is really no other way to put it. It is housed in a building that really should be condemned base on the damage from the quake. It consists of roughly to buildings and houses about 60 children.
There looks to be separate sleeping quarters for boys and girls. The beds are wood framed without mattresses or pillows and are large enough to sleep about 15 adults in each of the two areas. I suspect the kids double or triple up and some seem to sleep on the floor. There are some blankets sparsely distributed in the rooms and not nearly enough for all. and to add to all this, while there are 3 cement walls and a roof, the 4th wall is open and just covered with a tarp.
Across from the sleeping quarters is the eating area. This consists of a cooking area, large bowls for cooking over an open wood flame; and the tables where the children eat which are a mishmash of metal chairs and makeshift tables. Base on our observations and conversations with the kids it looks like there is not enough room for the children to eat all at once and it may be that not every child gets to eat every day because of lack of food.
The orphanage is run by a pastor with help by others and their work must be unbelievably hard. Truly great people for what they do.
We provided vitamins and medical check ups for the children as well as some toys. Those of us that lack medical talents spent the day playing with the children and showering them with love and affections.
We finally had to leave and the children sang and prayed for us as a way to thank us; not to mentions lots of hugs on the way out.
On the way back to the compound we hit carnival traffic as Haiti celebrates carnival his week. After sitting in the back of the truck for about an hour without moving it was decided that some of us would walk the last bit of the trip with the translators while some who preferred to stay in the truck stayed with other translators and E, a man of Haitian decent now living in the DR who is the goto guy for everything. So we got out of the truck and marched roughly single file through the mean streets or PaP after dark, during carnival.
The walk was fast paces and the translators did a great job of keeping an eye on us as we weaves in and out of PaP traffic and back to the compound where our hosts keep dinner waiting. After arriving the translators got a quick drink of water and head back to the truck, which arrived about 1 hour later. So, in the end, everyone got home safe and sound.
Last day in Haiti
Today is our last day in Haiti. I have mixed feelings leaving the country. There is so much left to do in Haiti to rebuild and restore people's lives. And we have met some truly remarkable people here, and have made some lasting friendships. But unlike last year, there are signs of improvement, and hope for the future of Haiti. The hope comes from the spirit of the people, as represented by those we met. Their faith is incredibly strong, and their perseverance is amazing to witness.
I will miss the beautiful music and singing that we heard everywhere: in church, in the Easy English Club, and in the orphanages, and where we stayed. I will miss the smiles and the warmth of the people who shared a week of their work with us. And I will miss sharing experiences and stories with them. But we will all carry these things back home with us, and they will always stay with us.
God bless Haiti! Bondye beni Ayiti!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I belive there is a new Haiti coming...
The pastor of the church here in Haiti with whom we are working to rebuild their school spoke with us tonight. Pastor Ronel (sorry for spelling mistakes) - on the left - and the school administrator Carlo (probably mis-spelled) - on the right - answered our questions about Haiti, etc. A wonderful conversation.
In response to our question about "What should we tell people in the US about Hait", Pastor Ronel clearly said "I believe there is a new Haiti coming, and that it will happen through the church and the Christians here". I hope others in our group can and will add their comments about his and Carlo's answers and our discussion.
Pale ak Pastè a
As was suspected, the stone that was dumped at the end of the day yesterday had to find it's way to from the front of the church to the back where the building site. It did so through the use of shovel, wheelbarrow, and some muscle.
The work seemed a little slower pace for most of the day as the material was getting to the building site faster than it could be used. As such there were more rest periods. During this time we spoke with the translators and others. It turns out that one of these times was just as the school let out and so we were instantly surrounded by children and they spent some time touch our hair and arms out of curiosity. K and I were both also given a kiss by a very young (kindergartner I think) girl. Not exactly sure why, but it was cute.
After dinner tonight the pastor of the church that runs the school spent some time talking with us about Haiti. Topics were from politics, economics, religion, and Haiti's future. It was a very interesting conversation and some of it was recorded on video which I will share when I can.
Two things from this conversation that stuck out for me were the importance of education as a driver to help Haiti recover and the Pastor's belief that it important for people to come to Haiti and not just send money. I guess three things actually stood out as the Pastor also stated that Haiti's recovery will not come from the government, which is largely corrupt and not likely to be less so after the elections; nor will it come from organizations such as the UN, which are largely seen as ineffective by the Haitians. Instead the Pastor believed that Haiti's recovery will come from God working through Christians and the church as we care for each other and respect each other.
Haiti is.....
One word many of us feel just begins to describe a bit about Haiti is "contrast". In Haiti, you are bombarded by contrasts. People who's houses are (relatively) nice, people who's houses were damaged but not destroyed, people who's houses are unsafe yet they still live and even work there, people who's houses were destroyed and are still living in these tents in tent cities, and people who's houses are being rebuilt by many organizations and look sound, comfortable, and filled with hope.
People who have jobs - only 10% of the population (meaning 90% effective unemployment), people who get money for food from relatives in other countries, people who resell just about anything you can think of and make a tiny, meager profit, and people who beg, or steal, or do whatever they have to do to eat.
The coolness and relative quiet of the neighborhoods outside the city of Port a Prince in contrast to the stifling heat, humidty, noise and smells of the worst sections of the city.
I'll add more as I/we think of them. I hope this give you some insights into what Haiti is like.
Tom
People who have jobs - only 10% of the population (meaning 90% effective unemployment), people who get money for food from relatives in other countries, people who resell just about anything you can think of and make a tiny, meager profit, and people who beg, or steal, or do whatever they have to do to eat.
The coolness and relative quiet of the neighborhoods outside the city of Port a Prince in contrast to the stifling heat, humidty, noise and smells of the worst sections of the city.
I'll add more as I/we think of them. I hope this give you some insights into what Haiti is like.
Tom
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Two Days - Reality Check
One year ago I was preparing for this very trip, yet I wasn't nervous, because it hadn't become real to me yet. I think it hit me something like 13 hours before I left home. Now, as I'm nearly done with my packing, I'm again getting to that point where it all gets real and settles in. But some things are different this year.
Last year, I had no idea what to expect. No matter how much I read about the trip or about the country, I wasn't able to fathom just what the experience really turned out to be. Now I've been once and I'm rearing to go again, to relive all of last year's moments and to create new ones. Another difference: a year ago, I knew only two people going on the trip, and the three of us were the youngest ones. I'm not a part of ACC or Sterling First Church, but my friends Brittany and Cole told me about the mission and I jumped at the opportunity. However, I formed close bonds with many of the people in our group, and although there are many new people I don't know going with us this year, I look forward to meeting them, as well as reuniting with everyone from last year, who I think of as my Dominican family.
Last year, I had no idea what to expect. No matter how much I read about the trip or about the country, I wasn't able to fathom just what the experience really turned out to be. Now I've been once and I'm rearing to go again, to relive all of last year's moments and to create new ones. Another difference: a year ago, I knew only two people going on the trip, and the three of us were the youngest ones. I'm not a part of ACC or Sterling First Church, but my friends Brittany and Cole told me about the mission and I jumped at the opportunity. However, I formed close bonds with many of the people in our group, and although there are many new people I don't know going with us this year, I look forward to meeting them, as well as reuniting with everyone from last year, who I think of as my Dominican family.
One in Front and Two in Back
We moved more dirt today and I can honestly say that my body is the worse for wear and I am physically exhausted. But, for the most part it was more of the same. Shovel dirt into a wheelbarrow and then haul it out to the street and dump it. The pile is getting quite large out front, but the dirt is basically all removed.
The highlights of the day, for me, where when T and I visited each of the classrooms in the school and took a picture and some video. We were a bit disrupting in all the classrooms but one. In the classroom with the youngest children (there are two kindergarten classes and this was the class with the youngest children) we entered the room with the administrator of the school and the teacher didn't stop as in the other classes. She had about 8 students completely captivated, teaching them how to write numbers and wasn't about to lose their focus because the admin and two people with cameras came in. This was fine with us and we were able to observe how they were being taught which was going throughout the numbers 10 to 20, repeating the phrasing, "How do you write 12, a 1 in front and a 2 in back" in French. It was perfect and quite funny.
The second thing that stood out was our second meeting with the "Easy English Club". This group is really dedicated and they have a really great time. During this meeting, T taught some songs in English, K taught some idioms, and I participated in a role playing exercise.
So while the work is repetitive and my feet are very sore, it was a good day overall. Even if after we thought we had accomplished something by removing all the edit they dumped a truck load of rocks just as the day was ending. Guess what we will be doing tomorrow.
The Rattling of the Bones
We are sitting in the back of a large truck. We are sitting on metal folding chairs. There are 6 chairs on each side of the back of the truck. There are metal strips connecting all 6 of them so they are pretty stable accross the sides of the truck.
BUT, if to spend an hour in a metal folding chair is often enough for us. Picture sitting in the back of a moving truck that has bad springs, going over broken roads for an hour or more. It's a memorable experience :-)
Shantia
BUT, if to spend an hour in a metal folding chair is often enough for us. Picture sitting in the back of a moving truck that has bad springs, going over broken roads for an hour or more. It's a memorable experience :-)
Shantia
Hello Dolly
Yesterday at the medical clinic the medical team
The team was handing out some dolls that we brought for the children. We have posted some pictures if anyone would like to see.
http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/41017041@N07/sets/72157626055090689
The team was handing out some dolls that we brought for the children. We have posted some pictures if anyone would like to see.
http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/41017041@N07/sets/72157626055090689
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Walkabout
Another construction day for half the team, while the other half put on a medical clinic to serve about 130 people.
At the construction site we move more ruble from the building site to the street to make room for construction. Again, all with shovels and wheelbarrows (brouèt ak pèl in Creole). The twist in the plan today was that we were not allowed to walk back with an empty wheelbarrow. Instead, two truckloads of gravel for concrete were dumped in the front so we had a full load both ways.
We did get to look about Port-au-Prince in two ways today. The first was Ken and I going for a walkabout with the translators. We walk from the construction site through their neighborhood and to the sea. They showed us where they lived and we got a better feel for how they lived.
The second chance to look around was after the workday when the whole group took a drive through the heart of Port-au-Prince. We where able to see a lot of the city including the Presidential Palace, National Cathedral, and the market area.
So, today was busy in several ways and tomorrow looks to be just as busy.
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