So the plan was to drive out to Fond Parisien from Port au Prince to finally meet our other Haitian son Dukens. We had driven so very,very close to finally arrive at Love A Child compound where everything first began for my husband Paul and son Andy 5 days after the quake when they came down to Haiti to help. The UN had used this compound as a central fly in area for the injured to be treated and also patients off of the USS Hope ship.
Driving around in Port au Prince is kind of like playing in a video game where you travel back to some wore torn, shelled out, surreal landscape. It honestly almost doesn't seem real. You look out the car windows and you feel like you're in a slow motion movie that can't be real,,,,,but it is. And the movie wasn't shot after the quake either. It was filmed way before that. The only difference between before and after the quake is two things. The rubble used to be delapidated, poorly built structures that were made with too much sand in the cinder blocks.The second is all the people who are now missing limbs. EVERYTHING else has never changed. None of it. Still a corrupt government, still extreme poverty, still women washing their clothes in muddy water in the roads after it rains, still the orange hair, still no school for 67% of the children, still no clean water or proper medicines of any kinds what so ever. I also looked at our orphans school books the other day. Last editions were from 1990, pages missing and torn...
So, when we headed out of Port au Prince and almost directly due East it was actually really beautiful. Yes, the people were still just as poor but they weren't packed in like dogs in caged kennels. I have seen animal shelters that are 50 times better than what is here. People have no running water, they must walk many times very far to pump clean water and always carry it back on their heads.
It was the landscape that is simply amazing. Incredibly beautiful mountains surrounding you and lakes as you drive toward Love A Child. Then, up ahead, we notice large billowing smoke but really don't know what we are looking at. Then, we see young men.Many young angry men carrying machetes and long sticks and they are burning tires. They are completely blocking the road up ahead and there are many large trucks blocked behind them coming into Haiti from the Dominican Republic because we are now so close to the border where Fond Parisien is located.
We immediately all realize something is very wrong and we must quickly turn around in the road and get out of there quickly before something much more dangerous occurs. We do find out from one of our Haitian team members that the buring tires are always a sign of the revolts as well as the machetes and long sticks. The TV crew never had time to shoot it even though they tried but I was squished in the very back of the car with my camera and got only one shot of it before we sped back the way we came. The only time I felt truly concerned, was when we turned around and another Haitian guy, Andy and myself all in the way back of the vehicle, saw the men begin to run faster towards us once they realized we were not one of them. They were probably 40 men sprawling the length and depth of the road with one thing on their minds and wouldn't be stopping for much to vent their anger.
Today, when our medical clinic opened for the first time, Bobby Burnette (the head pastor and missionary with his wife Sherry who founded and run Love A Child)later showed up at our new clinic. I had told the others in the car yesterday I wondered if these riots were connected to Love A Child because it was the first day of them building up to 380 homes on property down the road from their main compound for earthquake victims still there. I remember we had 2 team members coming from our church to go for 1 month to help build these structures and they weren't going to necessarily be using all local Haitians to build them. Sure enough, it was a land dispute riot and those same men had gone to Love A Child and burned up a bunch of their equipment that was to be used for just this very purpose.
So, my eyes were opened to just another facet of all the tragedies and also struggles that exist each and every day here in this beautiful but beaten down and destroyed country called Haiti.Will I get there at all to finally meet Dukens in person and give him his gifts? I guess I will just put that one in God's hands now...
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
I Have Heard About The Orange Hair but Had Not Seen it Until Now
Sunday was the day I would say was so far the hardest for me as a mother...
We had to drive back down to the airport to return the car with the break fluid leak and also pick up another member of our team flying in today. I really didn't want to have to go down into that crowded area again if I didn't need to but had no choice.
I had been warned by some here about what would happen. The children who beg, of which there are way, way too many come not up next to the cars and literally sprawl themselves with their arms spread out wide like an eagle across your side of the windows and their faces are pushed against the glass. They cannot speak anything but Creole but the actions speak for themselves. They take their right hand and make a signal to you toward their mouths and then rub their bellies. Myself and another guy had to wait with the car parked for about 30 minutes while my husband Paul, Michelson and 2 TV crew wanted to go back in with them to the entrance to wait for our incoming team member. You know here to always lock the doors and always keep the windows up.
7-8 boys, maybe 5-10 years old, very thin, dirty kept coming right up beside me pounding on the glass for food and money. God made me a mother and I have my own children, but I also have always loved all children. I sponsor 8 children, I am a Compassion International Advocate. To have these children standing there, pounding on my windows was too much. It was just too much. You learn you must look away. But even then, they keep coming back relentlessly. My instincts are to feed, nuture and love those who have less or who cannot defend themselves. I just kept asking God why must I hold back this way and be so cold? The problem is there are too, too many and it also promotes this behavior. But what other options do they have? None. Absolutely NOTHING...
We also ate at a gas station that had a little side restaurant. I know, I know, be careful what I eat. Well, let's see, the menu had probably 10 things on it. Each time I tried to order something, they don't have, they don't have. 2 things only. The lady at the register laughed at me when I tried to order pizza fron the menu and just shook her head basically saying, "Pizza? Do you know the last time we had pizza here? The menu is a joke". So we go to sit down. We had booths. I was right beside the window. Again, a boy, maybe 12 lays down on the pavement sprawled out right below me, using his right hand motion to his mouth and then rubbing his stomach. His eyes, his eyes were like a looking glass where you can see through to the other side. I could see through his eyes and I will never forget those light brown beautiful eyes just staring into mine asking for food and money. His hair was orange. Not brown but orange. This is a distinct sign of malnutrition.
Again, when we were driving and one of the TV crew wanted to film a boy with his lips pressed against the window. That bothered me honestly. It's too harsh. Please I am thinking. Please stop filming him. He had no expression, bright orange hair and was weak from the lack of food.
We then left there after getting our team member and stopped in front of a tent city. The TV crew wanted to film. Akward, very, very hard to sit their in the car as I looked down the hill at the tents. Standing at the bottom right below us were very small children. Very dirty, no adults anywhere to be seen just wandering and staring up at me in the car. The TV guy got his shot he needed but my heart didn't get what it was looking for. I wanted to run down that hill and take those children into my arms and save them all. Save them from this life which is nothing short of simply existing in a world of corruption and poverty.
I need to mention that here is NO ASSISTANCE here now. It is almost non-existent. What we are told and what is happening are two very, very different things. Yes there are UN cars around, a handful of Columbian soldiers but other than that, it's a lie and the money is no where to be seen except in the high ranking officials pockets.
As we headed back to the clinic, we drove down hilly, bumpy dusty roads. EVERYWHERE you turned, no matter how poor, they would have TV'S set up under tarps somehow watching The World Cup. Usually anywhere between 10-50young boys to men motionless watching their beloved Brazilian team. Our Haitian team member asked then the score. Brazil was playing Cote de Ivoire. Haitians always will love Brazil and Argentina.They are the underdogs and they feel that is just like what they are here in Haiti. They say, "the score is 0-0 but Brazil is winning! LOL!
When we stopped by the clinic, we were standing up on the balcony of the second floor. All of the sudden you could hear a HUGE screaming and applause because Brazil had scored! The tents, the shacks, it didn't matter. They were gathered together as fellow Haitians to route for the guys like them.
We stopped to photograph an area. If you know anything about Haiti, over the years they have stripped all the mountains bare of trees to sell off. That results in mud slides, no wood for building and a lack of charcoal to cook with. There was a mound of dirt with just cut grasses piled up smoking. Michelson told us that it in about 2 days, that pile would become charcoal. I never knew they could do it this way. Houses that had fallen from the quake were now worse. Tents are set up not only in large areas but also in 2-3 tents at a time where there are fewer people around. My son Andy's friend he met last time who translated was living in a tent where we stopped. Andy had bought a pair of shoes and 3 shirts for him. He is gone now we were told and they are not sure where he went...
The rest of the day went more smoothly back here at the orphanage but the next day, Monday changed all our plans in a split second that no one knew was coming....
We had to drive back down to the airport to return the car with the break fluid leak and also pick up another member of our team flying in today. I really didn't want to have to go down into that crowded area again if I didn't need to but had no choice.
I had been warned by some here about what would happen. The children who beg, of which there are way, way too many come not up next to the cars and literally sprawl themselves with their arms spread out wide like an eagle across your side of the windows and their faces are pushed against the glass. They cannot speak anything but Creole but the actions speak for themselves. They take their right hand and make a signal to you toward their mouths and then rub their bellies. Myself and another guy had to wait with the car parked for about 30 minutes while my husband Paul, Michelson and 2 TV crew wanted to go back in with them to the entrance to wait for our incoming team member. You know here to always lock the doors and always keep the windows up.
7-8 boys, maybe 5-10 years old, very thin, dirty kept coming right up beside me pounding on the glass for food and money. God made me a mother and I have my own children, but I also have always loved all children. I sponsor 8 children, I am a Compassion International Advocate. To have these children standing there, pounding on my windows was too much. It was just too much. You learn you must look away. But even then, they keep coming back relentlessly. My instincts are to feed, nuture and love those who have less or who cannot defend themselves. I just kept asking God why must I hold back this way and be so cold? The problem is there are too, too many and it also promotes this behavior. But what other options do they have? None. Absolutely NOTHING...
We also ate at a gas station that had a little side restaurant. I know, I know, be careful what I eat. Well, let's see, the menu had probably 10 things on it. Each time I tried to order something, they don't have, they don't have. 2 things only. The lady at the register laughed at me when I tried to order pizza fron the menu and just shook her head basically saying, "Pizza? Do you know the last time we had pizza here? The menu is a joke". So we go to sit down. We had booths. I was right beside the window. Again, a boy, maybe 12 lays down on the pavement sprawled out right below me, using his right hand motion to his mouth and then rubbing his stomach. His eyes, his eyes were like a looking glass where you can see through to the other side. I could see through his eyes and I will never forget those light brown beautiful eyes just staring into mine asking for food and money. His hair was orange. Not brown but orange. This is a distinct sign of malnutrition.
Again, when we were driving and one of the TV crew wanted to film a boy with his lips pressed against the window. That bothered me honestly. It's too harsh. Please I am thinking. Please stop filming him. He had no expression, bright orange hair and was weak from the lack of food.
We then left there after getting our team member and stopped in front of a tent city. The TV crew wanted to film. Akward, very, very hard to sit their in the car as I looked down the hill at the tents. Standing at the bottom right below us were very small children. Very dirty, no adults anywhere to be seen just wandering and staring up at me in the car. The TV guy got his shot he needed but my heart didn't get what it was looking for. I wanted to run down that hill and take those children into my arms and save them all. Save them from this life which is nothing short of simply existing in a world of corruption and poverty.
I need to mention that here is NO ASSISTANCE here now. It is almost non-existent. What we are told and what is happening are two very, very different things. Yes there are UN cars around, a handful of Columbian soldiers but other than that, it's a lie and the money is no where to be seen except in the high ranking officials pockets.
As we headed back to the clinic, we drove down hilly, bumpy dusty roads. EVERYWHERE you turned, no matter how poor, they would have TV'S set up under tarps somehow watching The World Cup. Usually anywhere between 10-50young boys to men motionless watching their beloved Brazilian team. Our Haitian team member asked then the score. Brazil was playing Cote de Ivoire. Haitians always will love Brazil and Argentina.They are the underdogs and they feel that is just like what they are here in Haiti. They say, "the score is 0-0 but Brazil is winning! LOL!
When we stopped by the clinic, we were standing up on the balcony of the second floor. All of the sudden you could hear a HUGE screaming and applause because Brazil had scored! The tents, the shacks, it didn't matter. They were gathered together as fellow Haitians to route for the guys like them.
We stopped to photograph an area. If you know anything about Haiti, over the years they have stripped all the mountains bare of trees to sell off. That results in mud slides, no wood for building and a lack of charcoal to cook with. There was a mound of dirt with just cut grasses piled up smoking. Michelson told us that it in about 2 days, that pile would become charcoal. I never knew they could do it this way. Houses that had fallen from the quake were now worse. Tents are set up not only in large areas but also in 2-3 tents at a time where there are fewer people around. My son Andy's friend he met last time who translated was living in a tent where we stopped. Andy had bought a pair of shoes and 3 shirts for him. He is gone now we were told and they are not sure where he went...
The rest of the day went more smoothly back here at the orphanage but the next day, Monday changed all our plans in a split second that no one knew was coming....
Sunday, June 20, 2010
First Day Continued....
Sorry I wasn't able to finish yesterday's thoughts sooner. We are all over the place and if I don't keep up now, I will never be able to remember it all!
So, yesterday, we leave the airport after all the waiting, heat, a rental car with a cracked windshield, broken bumper etc. I know it would be manual transmission but that's ok since Paul and I have driven stick shift before.
The moment you drive out, the extreme poverty hits you like a knife in your heart. It's all about survival here. Plain and simple. Hanoffs of cash are the key to everything. I saw how it works. They do a hand shake like a clasp of their fists and as they let go, there is always cash folded up in a tiny bunch which is then transferred over. That is a unofficial agreement to put them ahead of someone else, do a better job for someone, etc.
Do you remember the baby I posted on Facebook a awhile back that was found alive in the trash? Pastor Ramon said that a man found the baby, knew he was a pastor and told him he could buy her from him. One of the hardest things in the world to face, but he knew he couldn't agree to that because child restaveks are everywhere here. By buying that baby to save her, he would only be promoting child slavery even more.This is life in Haiti.It is not the small percentage guys, it's rampant, truly everywhere you turn.
I only saw 1 traffic light here so far and that was a total joke. It's just about who drives faster, they go on sidewalks to drive around you to your right and also in between 2 way traffic like what would be on our yellow dotted lines. That just becomes a third avenue.
So, then we first go to our clinic. What an amazing place! It will officially be open for the first time since under tarps Tuesday with my husband Paul as the first doctor. The work they have done is beyond belief when you realize how difficult it is to accomplish anything here. The clinic is downstairs and the living quarters are upstairs.They have taken a leased building that is structurally sound and created a reception area, triage, pharmacy and treatment rooms. Now they are building structures outside in the walls where the people can wait in the shade, clean water for them, a playground for the children while they wait and a station for locals to charge their cell phones since they have either no power or very little at all. It is going to change so many lives and it is here to stay no matter what!
Them we drive to a Catholic orphanage for handicapped children. When our teams first found it, the 24 children had soiled diapers they had been wearing for 2 weeks. There was only 1 large bag of rice for their food and there are also 20 some nuns there as well. The Catholic church is not financially supporting them. The only money they receive is from the congregation from another church. We met all the children and all the sweet nuns. Humbling. There are always young guys also with guns at these places as well as at every gas station to keep people from stealing. Those guys were also at the Avis rental place when we had to return our car for another one today because it had a break fluid leak.
So, Paul offered to come back to that orpahanage Friday to treat the nuns and children there. We also have a team from our nondenominational church coming in tomorrow I believe, with special ed teachers to assess the kids and teach the nuns how to properly handle things.
Then, we arrived at our orphanage. Wow! Beautiful, loving, organized, thought out, nurturing,,,,The children are so, so incredible. I am slowing learning each of their personalities. Faith is a priority here and they want to bring these children up to stay here and be able to take over their own country some day to teach others what is right and just. Two fo our children were child slaves as well.
Then,,,after so much sweating and dry, dry dirt roads, the sky turned black and thunder began. It had not rained here in 6 days and they needed the rain. I will tell you, there are very few mosquitos. I have only seen one so far.
The storm brought not only heavy rain but also a true picture as to the kids. They were playing out in the storm in the pouring down rain, thunder and lighting, laughing, running, sticking their heads directly under the down spouts as the water hit their heads, filling buckets and buckets and buckets of water to throw on Andy and Anna. I have great photos which I will try to share with you guys soon.Michelosn got out there too playing basketball with Mackson who is one of our older boys, soaking wet, but having a ball!
Then came dinner, incredible food made by the ladies who work here. Followed by the girls helping Anna and I setting up our mosquitos nets over our air mattress on the floor we are sharing as they are singing in Creole. Awesome stuff!!
I stayed up late talking to Luz until about 11:30pm outside on the benches. We were the last ones up but it was really nice. And when I headed upstairs, Anna and the 4 girls were fast asleep under their nets, some snoring but all content and that was just as it should be :)
So, yesterday, we leave the airport after all the waiting, heat, a rental car with a cracked windshield, broken bumper etc. I know it would be manual transmission but that's ok since Paul and I have driven stick shift before.
The moment you drive out, the extreme poverty hits you like a knife in your heart. It's all about survival here. Plain and simple. Hanoffs of cash are the key to everything. I saw how it works. They do a hand shake like a clasp of their fists and as they let go, there is always cash folded up in a tiny bunch which is then transferred over. That is a unofficial agreement to put them ahead of someone else, do a better job for someone, etc.
Do you remember the baby I posted on Facebook a awhile back that was found alive in the trash? Pastor Ramon said that a man found the baby, knew he was a pastor and told him he could buy her from him. One of the hardest things in the world to face, but he knew he couldn't agree to that because child restaveks are everywhere here. By buying that baby to save her, he would only be promoting child slavery even more.This is life in Haiti.It is not the small percentage guys, it's rampant, truly everywhere you turn.
I only saw 1 traffic light here so far and that was a total joke. It's just about who drives faster, they go on sidewalks to drive around you to your right and also in between 2 way traffic like what would be on our yellow dotted lines. That just becomes a third avenue.
So, then we first go to our clinic. What an amazing place! It will officially be open for the first time since under tarps Tuesday with my husband Paul as the first doctor. The work they have done is beyond belief when you realize how difficult it is to accomplish anything here. The clinic is downstairs and the living quarters are upstairs.They have taken a leased building that is structurally sound and created a reception area, triage, pharmacy and treatment rooms. Now they are building structures outside in the walls where the people can wait in the shade, clean water for them, a playground for the children while they wait and a station for locals to charge their cell phones since they have either no power or very little at all. It is going to change so many lives and it is here to stay no matter what!
Them we drive to a Catholic orphanage for handicapped children. When our teams first found it, the 24 children had soiled diapers they had been wearing for 2 weeks. There was only 1 large bag of rice for their food and there are also 20 some nuns there as well. The Catholic church is not financially supporting them. The only money they receive is from the congregation from another church. We met all the children and all the sweet nuns. Humbling. There are always young guys also with guns at these places as well as at every gas station to keep people from stealing. Those guys were also at the Avis rental place when we had to return our car for another one today because it had a break fluid leak.
So, Paul offered to come back to that orpahanage Friday to treat the nuns and children there. We also have a team from our nondenominational church coming in tomorrow I believe, with special ed teachers to assess the kids and teach the nuns how to properly handle things.
Then, we arrived at our orphanage. Wow! Beautiful, loving, organized, thought out, nurturing,,,,The children are so, so incredible. I am slowing learning each of their personalities. Faith is a priority here and they want to bring these children up to stay here and be able to take over their own country some day to teach others what is right and just. Two fo our children were child slaves as well.
Then,,,after so much sweating and dry, dry dirt roads, the sky turned black and thunder began. It had not rained here in 6 days and they needed the rain. I will tell you, there are very few mosquitos. I have only seen one so far.
The storm brought not only heavy rain but also a true picture as to the kids. They were playing out in the storm in the pouring down rain, thunder and lighting, laughing, running, sticking their heads directly under the down spouts as the water hit their heads, filling buckets and buckets and buckets of water to throw on Andy and Anna. I have great photos which I will try to share with you guys soon.Michelosn got out there too playing basketball with Mackson who is one of our older boys, soaking wet, but having a ball!
Then came dinner, incredible food made by the ladies who work here. Followed by the girls helping Anna and I setting up our mosquitos nets over our air mattress on the floor we are sharing as they are singing in Creole. Awesome stuff!!
I stayed up late talking to Luz until about 11:30pm outside on the benches. We were the last ones up but it was really nice. And when I headed upstairs, Anna and the 4 girls were fast asleep under their nets, some snoring but all content and that was just as it should be :)
The Best Thunderstorm Ever!
Hi all, sorry for not posting yesterday. There really just wasn't an opportunity. So much to share in just the first day here! Wow, what stark contrasts as I look around me. When flying into Haiti, the landscape is sooo beautiful! Truly. Incredible mountains surrounding us, lakes, the blue ocean waters with their beaches. As you fly in lower, you begin to see all the tents cities. When I say tent cities, I don't mean like what we see on TV. It is overwhelming how many are living under tents and sleeping on the sides of the dirt streets. I was not able to take any photos coming in because I was advised against it. People can become defensive about it or sometimes even threatening in the very worst of areas. We did not drive through the worst areas by any stretch, they're further away from us.
Let me back track a little, the flight was perfect. Going through customs with over 500 pounds of medicines and all our tiny carry on luggage was a breeze (we had been warned we may have to grease some palms getting it in) but nothing like that occurred. It was when we hit the door coming out of the tiny airport building that I could see the men waiting in droves to help us. I'm used to wheeling and dealing in NYC and getting around as a clothing buyer in my past. I remember flying into Puerto Vallarta Mexico and them waiting to help you to earn money, but the amount of guys desperate for money here surpassed that by ten fold. I honestly was never afraid. I haven't felt that way once since arriving. But us having 10 large army duffles and hard plastic containers was an easy target. And so the circus began! There were approximately 15 men, some amputees, crowding around us and they immediately grab hold of the 3 carts we paid for to haul the stuff. The problem was our friends who were supposed to meet us at the aiport, were no where to be seen. So I decided to make the call to keep moving and get over to the Avis rental car tiny building which meant walking with these carts and all the guys. You can tell them 20 times, fairly firmly no thank you, I'm am ok, we have some one coming, etc. but they are relentless.
So, we get over to the tiny Avis building and there is one guy working it along with other stands in it like God's cars, Inc. The small TV was on up in the corner and about 10 guys were speechless, maybe would glance at you when you open the door, hopefully breathing, because of their intensity to make sure and watch every single moment of the World Cup going on.
And then the reality of life in Haiti began. One group in front of me,100 degree weather this whole time with no air conditioning and the sweat is pouring down my entire body. The group in front of me were Haitian but now live in NJ. They were very upset because their credit card wouldn't go through. The one woman, very scantily dressed,was definitely in charge (or thought she was) of all the men. The arguing continues for atleast 30 minutes. In the meantime, none of our cell phones are working as Paul is outside with his 15 guys hanging on, trying to call the orphanage and find out where anyone is. I, in the mean time, am negotiating with the guys in that group inside, trying to get the woman to chill out and pay up or move on. Ofcourse after 30 minutes, one of the guys with her guy pulls out a wad of $100 US bills and pays the $1,100 immediately. All I am thinking is couldn't you have done that a little sooner?
Then I get our car. Cracked windshield, bumpers falling off but at this point in this heat after paying off the guys outside several times without realizing it because Paul was giving them too much and they were hitting me up on the side begging since they "helped" me with all the luggage, it was time to just get out of there. Paul had borrowed a Haitian's cell phone and was able to call Luz, our mission pastors wife to come. When she and Michelson and Roberde (one of our orphans) arrived, it was the best site I had seen in several hours!
Then, we leave. The moment we drive out of the airport gates, it hits you, And it hits hard. It's right in your face and you can't avoid it. I wouldn't call it poverty because that would be our term for it in the states. Yes,,, we do have people in our countries who have so little but it cannot compare to what exists here.
I need to go now. Too much to do but I'll continue later tonight hopefully with yesterday's adventures and eye opening visits around the communities. Oh yeah, the thunderstorm,,,just wait and I'll get to that later on. Julie
Let me back track a little, the flight was perfect. Going through customs with over 500 pounds of medicines and all our tiny carry on luggage was a breeze (we had been warned we may have to grease some palms getting it in) but nothing like that occurred. It was when we hit the door coming out of the tiny airport building that I could see the men waiting in droves to help us. I'm used to wheeling and dealing in NYC and getting around as a clothing buyer in my past. I remember flying into Puerto Vallarta Mexico and them waiting to help you to earn money, but the amount of guys desperate for money here surpassed that by ten fold. I honestly was never afraid. I haven't felt that way once since arriving. But us having 10 large army duffles and hard plastic containers was an easy target. And so the circus began! There were approximately 15 men, some amputees, crowding around us and they immediately grab hold of the 3 carts we paid for to haul the stuff. The problem was our friends who were supposed to meet us at the aiport, were no where to be seen. So I decided to make the call to keep moving and get over to the Avis rental car tiny building which meant walking with these carts and all the guys. You can tell them 20 times, fairly firmly no thank you, I'm am ok, we have some one coming, etc. but they are relentless.
So, we get over to the tiny Avis building and there is one guy working it along with other stands in it like God's cars, Inc. The small TV was on up in the corner and about 10 guys were speechless, maybe would glance at you when you open the door, hopefully breathing, because of their intensity to make sure and watch every single moment of the World Cup going on.
And then the reality of life in Haiti began. One group in front of me,100 degree weather this whole time with no air conditioning and the sweat is pouring down my entire body. The group in front of me were Haitian but now live in NJ. They were very upset because their credit card wouldn't go through. The one woman, very scantily dressed,was definitely in charge (or thought she was) of all the men. The arguing continues for atleast 30 minutes. In the meantime, none of our cell phones are working as Paul is outside with his 15 guys hanging on, trying to call the orphanage and find out where anyone is. I, in the mean time, am negotiating with the guys in that group inside, trying to get the woman to chill out and pay up or move on. Ofcourse after 30 minutes, one of the guys with her guy pulls out a wad of $100 US bills and pays the $1,100 immediately. All I am thinking is couldn't you have done that a little sooner?
Then I get our car. Cracked windshield, bumpers falling off but at this point in this heat after paying off the guys outside several times without realizing it because Paul was giving them too much and they were hitting me up on the side begging since they "helped" me with all the luggage, it was time to just get out of there. Paul had borrowed a Haitian's cell phone and was able to call Luz, our mission pastors wife to come. When she and Michelson and Roberde (one of our orphans) arrived, it was the best site I had seen in several hours!
Then, we leave. The moment we drive out of the airport gates, it hits you, And it hits hard. It's right in your face and you can't avoid it. I wouldn't call it poverty because that would be our term for it in the states. Yes,,, we do have people in our countries who have so little but it cannot compare to what exists here.
I need to go now. Too much to do but I'll continue later tonight hopefully with yesterday's adventures and eye opening visits around the communities. Oh yeah, the thunderstorm,,,just wait and I'll get to that later on. Julie
Friday, June 18, 2010
Why so Calm?
Well, thanks to my sweet friend Michelle,I now have an official blog up and running! Thank you Michelle for helping me in the midst of trying to get so many other things ready before we leave on this medical and educational missions trip of a lifetime :)
I really don't remember ever feeling so at peace about travelling before. We've been to lots of countries but never one that compares to Haiti. I know that there are not enough photos or shared stories from others to ever prepare me for what lies ahead.But I do truly feel this sense of peace in my heart about the journey which will begin tomorrow morning at 3am.
I have grown so close simply through emails and Skype and Facebook to our 2 "sons" in Haiti. Some of you may think that we have 3, but I will explain that at another time.
First there is Michel-son, almost 25. Paul and Andy first met him when they were there 5 days after the quake. Michel-son provided translation to our medical team and almost immediately, Paul knew he was someone very special. Very bright, polite and a true gentleman. When Paul returned the first time, he quickly told me all about how Michel-son was in his first year of his masters program in college until he lost everything. The university is gone now and all of Michel-son's hopes and dreams to continue in Environmental Chemistry and be able to clean up the water in Haiti for his people had been stolen from him. Paul was determined to help him find a college here in the states to allow him to continue this dream he had. Unfortunately, as of this writing, not one college will help. A very sad statement about how we view things here sometimes. Anyway, in the mean time, Michel-son and I have become like son and mom. I call him my Haitian son from another mother! We always joke about it and he loves his mom very much, but there is this special bond that we have formed. Sharing about girl questions (his girlfriend Geralda is sooo sweet), things about growing up, talking about politics, our faith, you name it.Before the quake, Michel-son did not have a drivers license. Most don't there. It is extremely expensive by Haitian or US standards for that matter. $250.00 US dollars! That would take the average Haitian YEARS AND YEARS to accumulate, if that. So my son Andy stepped up and decided he needed to help out. He paid the fee and now Michel-son has his license. No car, but a license. One step closer to a sense of security, accomplishment, a job.
Then, my other "son" Dukens. Just turned 20.How can I ever begin to tell you about Dukens...My son Andy first got to know Dukens while staying at a compound there in Haiti where people were being shipped in from all over to be treated by my husband and others. You know how we all have multiple aspects of our personalities? Some people we connect with because we may share a sense of humor and we like to mentor? That would be Michel-son. With Dukens, it's our love for art and my deep inner pain I feel knowing of his past but also realizing how not only resiliant but also tender he really is. Dukens came from a troubled past but none of which was his fault. He was given up by his mom when he was 6 and until the age of 17, suffered tremendous abuse and hurt beyond belief. He was street smart and figured out a way to run away from that horrendous "orphanage" if you wish to call it that. He was later found by a couple who took him in and he currently lives with them on this compound in Haiti. You could never find a more sweet spirit than Dukens. He has been so broken over the years, but they didn't manage to take away his faith or his love for beauty all around him. Dukens also has the most soft and tender voice when he speaks. It is that way because for too long, others tried to steal his own voice from him and with it, attempted to take away any self esteem along with it.
You know, when the abuse was so bad, the only refuge Dukens had in his life was his art. He paints. Sadly, when he fled from that orphanage, he also had to leave behind all his beautiful artwork which was truly a part of him. It was never to be seen again because the American woman who ran that orphanage, fled from Haiti immediately after the quake back into Florida somewhere never be seen again. Proscecuted? Guess again. This is rampant in Haiti and beyond belief what goes on.
So, all the stories of fear in Haiti, bring em on! I guess God has armored me with his grace and protection? I'm not sure. All I can tell you is I am ready and willing to go serve the beautiful and brave people of Haiti. We are going to do medical work at our church's clinic that is just now opening in a real building instead of under tarps. And, we are going to share fun ways to learn with our orphans in the church's orphanage down the street. My daughter Anna and I will stay at the orphanage and my husband Paul and son Andy will stay at the clinic. I am not going to "teach" others already there because I know that is not my place. I believe that once I arrive, they will be the ones teaching me and I just need to sit back and thank God for the opportunity to observe and open my heart to the wonders around me. This country called Haiti may be substandard to ours as far as political, environmental and educational but what it provides in faith and bravery far exceeds any of us by a long shot!
So, I will try if able, to blog each evening. Can't promise anything but I will do my best. Miss you guys already but know that each of you, just like me, can and will be able to do these things if you want it badly enough ;)
I really don't remember ever feeling so at peace about travelling before. We've been to lots of countries but never one that compares to Haiti. I know that there are not enough photos or shared stories from others to ever prepare me for what lies ahead.But I do truly feel this sense of peace in my heart about the journey which will begin tomorrow morning at 3am.
I have grown so close simply through emails and Skype and Facebook to our 2 "sons" in Haiti. Some of you may think that we have 3, but I will explain that at another time.
First there is Michel-son, almost 25. Paul and Andy first met him when they were there 5 days after the quake. Michel-son provided translation to our medical team and almost immediately, Paul knew he was someone very special. Very bright, polite and a true gentleman. When Paul returned the first time, he quickly told me all about how Michel-son was in his first year of his masters program in college until he lost everything. The university is gone now and all of Michel-son's hopes and dreams to continue in Environmental Chemistry and be able to clean up the water in Haiti for his people had been stolen from him. Paul was determined to help him find a college here in the states to allow him to continue this dream he had. Unfortunately, as of this writing, not one college will help. A very sad statement about how we view things here sometimes. Anyway, in the mean time, Michel-son and I have become like son and mom. I call him my Haitian son from another mother! We always joke about it and he loves his mom very much, but there is this special bond that we have formed. Sharing about girl questions (his girlfriend Geralda is sooo sweet), things about growing up, talking about politics, our faith, you name it.Before the quake, Michel-son did not have a drivers license. Most don't there. It is extremely expensive by Haitian or US standards for that matter. $250.00 US dollars! That would take the average Haitian YEARS AND YEARS to accumulate, if that. So my son Andy stepped up and decided he needed to help out. He paid the fee and now Michel-son has his license. No car, but a license. One step closer to a sense of security, accomplishment, a job.
Then, my other "son" Dukens. Just turned 20.How can I ever begin to tell you about Dukens...My son Andy first got to know Dukens while staying at a compound there in Haiti where people were being shipped in from all over to be treated by my husband and others. You know how we all have multiple aspects of our personalities? Some people we connect with because we may share a sense of humor and we like to mentor? That would be Michel-son. With Dukens, it's our love for art and my deep inner pain I feel knowing of his past but also realizing how not only resiliant but also tender he really is. Dukens came from a troubled past but none of which was his fault. He was given up by his mom when he was 6 and until the age of 17, suffered tremendous abuse and hurt beyond belief. He was street smart and figured out a way to run away from that horrendous "orphanage" if you wish to call it that. He was later found by a couple who took him in and he currently lives with them on this compound in Haiti. You could never find a more sweet spirit than Dukens. He has been so broken over the years, but they didn't manage to take away his faith or his love for beauty all around him. Dukens also has the most soft and tender voice when he speaks. It is that way because for too long, others tried to steal his own voice from him and with it, attempted to take away any self esteem along with it.
You know, when the abuse was so bad, the only refuge Dukens had in his life was his art. He paints. Sadly, when he fled from that orphanage, he also had to leave behind all his beautiful artwork which was truly a part of him. It was never to be seen again because the American woman who ran that orphanage, fled from Haiti immediately after the quake back into Florida somewhere never be seen again. Proscecuted? Guess again. This is rampant in Haiti and beyond belief what goes on.
So, all the stories of fear in Haiti, bring em on! I guess God has armored me with his grace and protection? I'm not sure. All I can tell you is I am ready and willing to go serve the beautiful and brave people of Haiti. We are going to do medical work at our church's clinic that is just now opening in a real building instead of under tarps. And, we are going to share fun ways to learn with our orphans in the church's orphanage down the street. My daughter Anna and I will stay at the orphanage and my husband Paul and son Andy will stay at the clinic. I am not going to "teach" others already there because I know that is not my place. I believe that once I arrive, they will be the ones teaching me and I just need to sit back and thank God for the opportunity to observe and open my heart to the wonders around me. This country called Haiti may be substandard to ours as far as political, environmental and educational but what it provides in faith and bravery far exceeds any of us by a long shot!
So, I will try if able, to blog each evening. Can't promise anything but I will do my best. Miss you guys already but know that each of you, just like me, can and will be able to do these things if you want it badly enough ;)
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