Paige's Haiti Page

Jean Raymond

2011-06-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

He was given the gift of life,

A life lacking ease.
His cross to bare displayed on his face,
for the whole world to see.
He was given the gift of humility,
of tough skin and rose colored glassed.
He was grateful for his being,
so unique and unforgiving.

Miles apart. Generations between.
A doctor prepares to leave.
He was given the gift of a steady hand,
Of brains, of determination, of ease.
Blessed with this gift, he shares it,
with children of lives unforgiving.

With his gift he crossed the seas,
Eager to help a child in need.

A patient hand, a thoughtful word,
He shares with this child.
He was given the gift of life,
a life of normalcy.
His cross no longer exposed and bare,
but a distant memory.
Forever he carries his humility,
his struggles, his memories.
But now he can live happily,
Changed forever by one patient hand.

Many thanks to Smile Train, and the executive director, Tom Flood, who changed Jean Raymond's life.

Great News From Haiti

2011-06-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just received word that finally, after nine months of pushing, begging, and planning... the prisoners (over 15) have had their hernia operations.
The wonderful people of Fond de Blanc have worked hard receiving approval from the Chief of Police, but their hard work paid off.
Last Thursday and Friday, at the General Hospital in Les Cayes, the prisoners and two Espwa members were able to receive their operations.

And while I am giving good news... Let me continue...

Remember Jean Raymond with the cleft lip? He and his mother will be traveling this weekend to receive his operation. We actually had two sponsors for Jean Raymond, so we were able to find another child in need of the same surgery. Because of your generosity, two children's lives will be changed forever.

Photos to come!

Phoenix Zoo.

2011-06-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Adam, Mikey, Wilson, and I went to the Phoenix Zoo last month. It was very nostalgic for me, as I have many fond, fond memories of the zoo with my Mom and sisters when I was young. Wilson thought it was really cool seeing all of different types of animals. But what got to him even more than the animals behind the cages were the wild birds.

"These would not exist in Haiti. They would have been killed. It is obvious that American birds are smarter than Haitian birds... they stay alive."

Dbacks Game.

2011-06-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

Just a couple days after returning to Arizona, my good friend Shaun and our friend Crystal took us to the Diamondbacks Game.

Wilson was in shock with how big the stadium was, and how loud it could get. Though he had a great time, he did admit that baseball is probably not is favorite sport to watch.

Though it was April in Arizona, we both had to wear sweatshirts as the night went on. (Yes, we are wimps.) After being in Haiti, air conditioning is a foreign concept, and cool nights just don't exist. We both had to go out and buy sweatshirts the day after we got back.

Oh, Blog. How I've missed you...

2011-06-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month, and I think I am starting to go through withdraws. With drawls from my blog. Withdraws from telling my stories. Withdraws from Haiti. And most of all... withdraws from the children of Espwa.

Wilson and I have both been in touch with Espwa, and they have recently had some great visitors- especially from OWU, Dr. Cynthia, and Sue. Work has been done on the clinic, the children are growing, the English program is progressing, and though it has been raining a lot, life is good. I heard from Peter today, and both he and Father Marc went to the prison. Jah Roro is still hanging in there, and the prisoners sent their love. I cannot wait to get back, and get back to work.

Though, I have to admit... time here has been a blast.

Tomorrow

2011-04-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I head to Port au Prince, and then back to Arizona on Tuesday.

My heart is heavy because I always hate leaving Espwa, but I am excited to see my family, friends, and finally bring Wilson to see where I am from.

Please keep following my blog. I will still be updating about Haiti, but will also add a twist- A Haitian's first experience of the United States. We have some big plans- camping, Disneyland, San Fran, California, and hopefully a trip to the East Coast as well as Missouri.

Again- keep following. I can't tell you how much I appreciate knowing you are out there.

Mesi.

xoxo

Ezekiel

2011-04-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

I think I saw the worst thing I have ever seen in my life.

On Tuesday, I went with a few visitors up to Tiburon to deliver food to our primary school. There had been word that a sixteen year old former Espwa child had been burned at his home in Tiburon. We investigated the situation.

Ezekiel had been sleeping on the ground while is family was cooking dinner. His father was taking the large pot of boiled beans off the charcoal burner when he tripped. The hot beans spilled. They landed on Ezekiel in one of the worst places imaginable- right below his belt.

By the time we made it to Ezekiel, it had been over a week since the burn. His thigh, lower stomach, and privates had third degree burns. His family tried a home remedy of herbal cream to help with the pain, but still, a layer of charred black skin had grown back. In some areas, there were pussy infections. Ezekiel was wearing his mother's long skirt because he could not stand the feeling of anything on the charred skin.

Ezekiel needed a hospital. We loaded him into the car, along with his mother, and took him on the four hour trek down the bumpy, rainy mountain to the hospital in Les Cayes. I don't know how he did it. My hinny was hurtin' by the end of the trip, I can't imagine if I had to sit and suffer the trip with third degree burns.

After spending the night in the hospital with wet bandages on the charred skin, Father Marc, Brother Robert, Johnny, and I went to check on his status. He and his mother both looked exhausted- she had to sleep on the hospital floor with not even a sheet as a cover. The doctor and a team of student nurses appeared to scrape the charred skin from Ezekiel's body, starting with his leg. Mind you, this process is done in the middle of a large room, stretcher bed, after stretcher bed. Ezekiel is completely exposed. Privacy in Haiti is non-existent.

The doctor proceeds to scrape. Ezekiel squeezes my hand and breathes heavily as layers of char disappear. Black away. First layer of pink gone. Raw, red skin appears. Ezekiel breaths heavily and squeezes harder. The doctor moves from thigh to more sensitive areas. I think my hand will break and tears threaten to slip over the brim of my eyes. I don't know how he isn't screaming. The sensitivity of the area is incomprehensible, and the process is tedious. After what seems like days, all of the charred skin is gone, and all that is left is red, raw skin.

Fast forward to today-

Ezekiel is here at Espwa staying in the Guest House. He has a nurse come and clean his wounds twice a day, while the rest of the day he lays in bed, naked from the waist down, unable to make big movements. The bandaging process everyday consists of scraping off the burn cream from the night before, wetting all the burns with a wet cloth, and then reapplying the cream and bandages. This is going to be a long, painful healing process. I don't know how he smiles. I cringe just seeing his injuries. I guess it is just one more lesson that has been taught to me.

The tolerance of pain and suffering here is unbelievable, but the rate of recovery and determination is unfathomable.

Delince

2011-04-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed because recently I have been working on our new sponsorship program. This program will allow people to sponsor individual children and their needs. I love this idea, and what I love even more is that I am learning things about the children that I never knew in all the years I have known them. For instance, Delince.

Anyone who has been to Espwa in the last year definitely knows Delince, if for nothing else, because he works in the Guest House. He has always been interested in Public Health, loves folklore dancing, and is becoming fluent in English. He is a popular face around Espwa, and has been for the past seven years.

But yesterday, when I was chatting with Delince, I saw Delince in a completely different light. I looked at him with such admiration. Where he is now, with the assistance of Espwa, and where he came from are two completely opposite ends of the spectrum.

Delince is from Camp Perrin. His mother and father were happily married when his father passed away in a car accident. Delince's father tragically left this life leaving his wife, five children, and a new baby in it's nine month about to be born. Delince's mother was at a loss. She couldn't work, couldn't support her children, and had just lost her husband. She had no choice but to give Delince up to be a restevek (child slave) at less than ten years old.

Delince can't remember how long he was a restevek. He was promised schooling and proper care, but those promises were broken. He had lost his father and was separated from his family with the promise of school, but instead turned into a mistreated child servant. After an unknown amount of time, someone brought Delince to Espwa.

This is where Delince was given newfound Hope. This is where Delince blossomed and came to be the Delince we all know and love. And Espwa would not be the same without him.

Many will say this story is not uncommon, and they are right. But though this story is a common one, it is his. It is his reality, and one we should listen to, reflect on, and admire him for overcoming.

Jean Raymond Update

2011-04-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the emails, messages, and interest you have shared regarding Jean Raymond. More than one of you have mentioned the organization Smile Train, and we have successfully made contact with them.

After a 45 minute operation free of charge, Jean Raymond will have a mouth he can feel proud of.

Smile Train will be in Fermathe (which is 45 minutes outside of PaP) in June. Many of you have asked how you can help sponsor Jean Raymond's medical expenses. Since Smile Train gifts the operation, there is no need to sponsor medical expenses, but we do need sponsors for Jean Raymond and his mother's travel expenses.

To sponsor Jean Raymond and his Mother will cost roughly $100 US round trip. This includes: safe transportation, meals, and lodging for the night.

If you would like to sponsor Jean Raymond and his Mother's travel costs, please let us know.

If we receive more than one sponsor, we can find other children like Jean Raymond to receive the same services.

A Ray

2011-04-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Their life changed at 4:35 pm, January 12, 2010. Their hard work, accomplishments, and sunshine disappearing into a cloud of dust. The mementos of their lives spent together, for better and for worse, crumbled into a thousand pieces in a matter of minutes. Only a small ray of sunshine was left- their youngest daughter.

Not only did the Maxine family lose every single one of their material possessions, they lost their two eldest daughters, 12 and 10. A happy family of five turned to a family of three within seconds. The youngest instantly became an only child. Their smiles immediately erased. Their lives changed forever.

What was turning out to be a normal afternoon in Port au Prince ended in tragedy. Father Alabre Maxine had just closed his store for the night, and was headed home. Mother Maxine was out fetching water from the well while two oldest daughters where inside studying- one in the dining room, the other in her bedroom. Youngest daughter was playing in the yard, waiting for Mother to come back with the water to cook dinner and bathe.

Then the ground split open. The family store crumbled to pieces. The house pancaked to the ground. The three children were lost, buried under the rubble. When the ground stopped shaking, they ran. Home. Mr. and Mrs. Maxine were distraught. They screamed out their daughters' names. They clawed at the heavy cement, hoping to hear them. Hoping to see them- catch a glimpse of their long, dark hair. Their pale, beautiful skin. Silence.

They dug and clawed all night. Through the darkness they blindly clung to any glimmer of hope and chance, but they faded as the sun rose. Then they heard a voice. A mouse's cry of salvation under the rubble. In a space no larger than a bucket, their glimmer of sunshine announced her life. She squeezed out of her grave by the grace of God physically unharmed. Her sixth year will be followed by a seventh. They lost everything but one, tiny ray of sunshine.

But now they struggle, still trying to climb out of the ruins of their life. For the past year, Alabre Maxine, his wife, and his only daughter have been sleeping on the floor of kind souls' homes. They left Port au Prince in hopes of starting over in Les Cayes. They can never return to Port au Prince- the thought of it causes the child to panic and cry. She is petrified of Port au Prince, the city that stole her sisters. He tries to find a job, she tries to find a place to stay for the night. Their comfortable life gone. They have been reduced to homeless beggars.

They need assistance. They need support. They need something to get them on their feet again. A new ray of sunshine. Something to help them as they heal and attempt to start over as a family of three. Formerly a family of five.

Finished!!!

2011-04-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

There are thousands and thousands of little feet in Les Cayes and up and down the coast that will be protected from the mud, bugs, and germs. Thank you, TOMS Shoes.

Not only are thousands of children sporting TOMS, EDUplus was able to provide four young men with temporary jobs distributing the shoes.

Let's hope TOMS is as happy as we are and they send us some more. Let me tell you- there is a high demand for TOMS around here.

Something to be said...

2011-04-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

Three things to never ask a woman: her age, her weight, her bra size.
Three things to never ask a man: if a woman is prettier than you, to take out the trash, his "shoe" size.
Three things to just never talk about in general: religion, politics, the health care system.

Not going there...but I am going to make reference- to our health care system.

Take a look at this face. Jean Raymond's face.

Sweet, meek, mild, Jean Raymond came to Espwa today with his Mother asking for medical assistance. Jean Raymond has lived his nine little years with this lip.

When I saw Jean Raymond I immediately thought of my youngest sister. My baby sister was born with a syndrome that blessed her with a pharangyeal flap in the back of her throat instead of showing on her lip. Because she was born in the United States, at age two, she was able to have a surgery to close the pallet, and after speech therapy, she was transformed into a typical little girl. But not Jean Raymond. I can't help but think...

We complain, we make comments, we hate it. But what is the alternative? Nine years of discomfort and people looking at you funny?
So what do we do? We look for a doctor from the good old U-S-of-A to help Jean Raymond out.
A doctor from the healthcare system we complain about, but keeps our children from suffering fixable pains.

Beloved

2011-04-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Esthere and Westerline Bien-aime are sisters who exemplify their name- Beloved.

At four and possibly six, the only stability the two have known is the stability of their Mother’s love. They have never had the stability of a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They have never had the stability of laying their head down on a pillow at night. They have never had the stability of a roof over their heads. Growing up on the streets with their mother, their tiny eyes have seen too much.

Each night they searched out a new shelter- an abandoned lottery stand, a fallen house. Each day they foraged for food. Then they found Espwa. Because of her love for her daughters, Esthere and Westerline’s mother asked Espwa to provide her Beloved with security.

Now, Esthere and Westerline go to school, receive three meals a day, and have a pillow to lay their heads on every night.
Now, they have Hope.

Sweet Mr. President Micky

2011-04-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

The streets were packed. The noise level would blow your eardrums. The stakes raised high. The pink photos flying.

And not a soul wore a frown.

It is still hard to believe that after a year of suffering, pain, and feeling defeated, the people's voices were finally heard. The people finally came out on top. And, man, were they flying.

I found myself driving home in the middle of a Ra-Ra last night, just minutes after the announcement the South has been waiting for was made. The energy was intense. Children and adults alike paraded and celebrated the answer to their prayers. Sweet, Sweet Micky. His music was playing on the radio- the thrill of kompa a soundtrack to the day. It was beautiful.

Not sure how many of you know this... but Martelly and I go way back. My first encounter with him at a Bay Klub concert in Les Cayes a few years ago. My skin color was like a beacon of light attracting the artist to make small talk before his show. Over the years we haven't communicated on a regular basis, but just enough for me to realize that he really does hope to help his country. He and I have spoke of his Foundation and of Pwoje Espwa. Of how we both want to help the South and the children of Haiti.

Well now Martelly, here is your chance. Here is your chance to prove to your people that your song and dance were not just a show- but a foresight into the future. Here is your chance to show your faithful followers, the ones who suffered for you, that you will prevail. Here is your chance to bring your country, the one we all treasure, up out of the rubble. And we will be here to help you. We believe in you. In change. In Haiti.

So, please Sweet Mr. President Micky- call me!

D-Day

2011-04-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today is the day the results for the next President of Haiti will be announced.

Many people assume that because Haiti is a third world country, they lack access to the technology we are so accustomed to in the U.S. and all over the rest of the world. Those assumptions are wrong. Technology has played a huge part in this election process. Along with messages being thrown across the radio and television airwaves, text messages have taken over telephones. Right now, text rumor has it that Madame Manigat won the election 51%.

IF this is the case, and IF these results are given tonight... I am thinking it is going to be deja vu of December.

This morning coming into work I already saw a lot of UN cars and trucks patrolling the city and main road. People that can afford it have been stocking up on goods... just in case. Most schools were closed, though we held classes this morning.

We will see what happens tonight, after dark. Keep Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.

I will update as soon as possible.

Hmm...

2011-03-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

While traveling through La Savanne (The town of misery)
we happened upon this restaurant, Bondye Konn Tout Bagay (God Knows Everything Restaurant).

Speechless?

I am.

28 Years

2011-03-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today I celebrate 28 years of life.

I celebrate the family that gave me life, and has watched me grow for almost three decades. The family that has shaped me into who I am. Has taught me to be independent, strong willed, and compassionate. The family that has gently guided me along my journey. Has shared in my successes, errors, and tears. The family that has given me roots. Grounded me, and will continue to grow with me for decades to come.

Today I celebrate the friends of past, present, and future- the ones who have taken other paths, the ones who still walk beside me, and the ones that wait for me up ahead, to leave an impact on my journey.

Today I celebrate and accept the gifts of life. With open arms I receive the truth. The freshly picked flowers. The birthday wishes wrapped in smiles and hugs. The gift of dance, song, and art. With all the thanks of my being, I receive these gestures. The gestures that cannot be bought, but only given by Him and shared by His children.

Today I celebrate the 28th year of my life in Haiti. I carry the love of my family and friends from home in my heart, and see the love of my family and friends in Haiti in front of me. I feel the strength of the two combined in my soul.

As I look ahead to the next day of my 28th year, I feel secure. Secure in who I am, where I am going, and what the future has in store for me.

Thank you world, for celebrating the past 28 years with me.

Walking in Your Feet

2011-03-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

If I spent the day walking in your feet, what would I see?

Would I struggle?
Through mud, water, and weeds?
Would I feel pain?
From glass, rocks, and debris?
Would my feet become callous?
From cuts too deep, and bruises too fresh?
If I spent the day walking in your feet, what would I see?

If you spent the day walking in my feet, do you know what you would see?
You would see hope.
You would feel comfort.
You would persevere.

But your feet are yours.
And my feet are mine.
I cannot take away your struggle.
I cannot take away your pain.
I cannot remove your callouses.

But take my shoes.
I will walk beside you.

Schweitzer Made It

2011-03-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

I have been convinced that my blog posts are sent out into space and seen by umm.... my Mom... but apparently (and thankfully) I am wrong. I do have a few followers out there some of them being...

Our friends from Missouri (remember the ones that were stuck here during the manifestations in December?) and they safely made it to Espwa a short while ago.

Tonight we will be celebrating their arrival with the ever-popular... Spektak. (Singing, dancing, and guitar playing by our artistic children.)

It is always good to meet new friends, but even better to welcome old friends back.

So.. to the Schweitzer group- welcome home. And to new friends thinking of coming... N'ap tann ou. (We will be waiting.)

Observations

2011-03-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

The following are purely my observations that I have made over the past week in regards to the election-

* Real Men Wear Pink (and are bald)
* 70 year old women like loud rap music as long as it earns votes
* "Subliminal Messages" in order to persuade voters consists of people screaming into megaphones
* Haitians are poetic and can compose more "You need to Vote" jingles than I have fingers and toes
* Candidates had better be photogenic because their face will be posted in obscure places
* When Haitians start to sing and dance, the UN starts to get nervous
* Tear gas does not scare Haitians
* Motorcycle parades can stop traffic
* Election day takes a lot of preparation- don't plan on shopping the day before
* Nobody is above bribery

Election Day Tomorrow.

2011-03-19T06:55:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on March 18, 2011:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is issuing this Warden Message to remind the U.S. Citizen Community in Haiti of the potential for elections-related violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the elections period. Such civil disturbances can erupt quickly anywhere and without warning, and often are associated with the release of elections news. Disturbances may include attacks on government or private facilities, residences, and businesses. Violent acts are often politically motivated and while attacks may target specific people or interests, the potential for bystanders suffering collateral damage can be great. U.S. citizens should have plans for sheltering in place in the event that civil unrest limits their travel and access to transportation links and businesses.

U.S. citizens are advised to use the days leading up to Election Sunday (March 20th) to buy groceries, supplies, and any other necessities to be prepared should civil disturbances disrupt normal travel and commerce. The Embassy also recommends against all non-essential travel and outings on Election Sunday. It is expected that local law enforcement assets will be used to secure polling stations thereby diminishing their response capability for travelers in the event of an emergency. Please monitor your radio, email accounts, and SMS messages for any security announcements.

Election Time.

2011-03-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the day we all have been waiting for is just around the corner.

A week from today, Haitians will vote on their next president. Who will it be? Former first lady, Madame Mirelande Manigat? Or popular international Kompa singer, Michel Martelly (Sweet Micky)? The campaigning has really picked up a notch the past couple weeks, and Ra-Ra's (parades) for preferred candidates have been spotted throughout the streets. One thing is for sure- Martelly is the candidate of choice here in the South. His bright pink "Vote for Me" signs are pasted everywhere from electrical posts to motorcycles to donkeys.

Last night, in an attempt to boost her supporters in the South, 70 year old Manigat threw a concert in Les Cayes... with Haitian Rap Kreyol groups as the performers. She also strategically placed extremely large trucks, sporting extremely large speakers, spreading extremely loud Rap/ Top 20's music until 1 am all over Les Cayes. Did I hear it? You bet I did... Manigat, bless her heart, placed one of said trucks directly across the street from my house... I felt like I was INSIDE of the speakers. (Think she was trying to win over the younger generation?)

Not my best night sleep. If I could, I would vote for "Tet Kale" (The bald guy) just because he did not disturb my beauty sleep.

So who do you think it will be? Madame Manigat- matron of Rap? ... Or #8, Tet Kale (the bald guy) Sweet Micky?

Stay tuned...

Spring is in the Air!

2011-03-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Kind of a silly post... but I couldn't help myself!

This morning a little brown goat came up to greet me while I was drinking my coffee.

"I am going to call you Chocolate!" I told the goat.

Not but thirty seconds later, a little white goat came up to greet me.

"And I am going to call you Vanilla!"

And wouldn't you know it... three seconds after that came the smallest of them all...

"Caramel."

Fery

2011-03-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

A child that holds a special place in my heart and my Mom's- Fery. Mom, this picture was ordered to be sent to you. Your Godchild turns 17 at the end of this month. Can you believe it?

Local TOMS Distribution

2011-03-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

In order to assist with the distribution of THOUSANDS of Kiddy TOMS Shoes, EDUplus has decided to provide four Espwa graduates with an opportunity for a part time job distributing shoes in impoverished neighborhoods in and around Les Cayes.

Directed by Mackentoche, the guys have contacted the local mayors of the cities to gain their approval to distribute TOMS Shoes to children house by house. Every afternoon, the guys take their notebook, shoes, and head out. They are recording the neighborhood in which they distribute, the name of each child from each house, and the size shoe each child receives.

The response has been extremely positive. The community is excited to receive the gifts for the children, the children love their shoes, and the guys feel a sense of pride and responsibility for Espwa and TOMS. It has been great.

Below are a few pictures of the distributions in Fon Fred and Madame Comb.

We hope to continue to build a relationship with TOMS and allow for these four young guys to continue to earn a little bit of money part time. It's amazing the sense of community and togetherness that can be built with something as small as a pair of shoes.

Streets

2011-03-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

I was in town the other day, and, like any other day in town, I was approached by a couple 'street kids'. I had seen them before, well, maybe not their particular eyes and smile, but "them"- the torn clothes that look like rags, the dust covered feet, the empty hand outstretched. "Them". Their presence can feel claustrophobic, their words can fall on deaf ears. Street kids.

When they called out "amingo" (friend in "spanish"), I turned, winked, and kept walking. I was in a bit of a hurry. Again, they did not seem familiar to me, as so many of them have come to be. The first one called out again and held up his rag. The second one told me to "give him one dollar". I shook my head and continued walking. As I walked away, the conversation between the two went something like this-

"Paige said don't ask for money. Paige said if you help someone, like dust off a car or carry a box you will get money. But don't beg. Help."

"Oh."

I guess I had seen those particular eyes and smile before. I guess my words hadn't fallen of deaf ears like their words often fall on others'.

Women's Day

2011-03-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

To some, today means Tuesday. To others, it means Mardi Gras... Fat Tuesday... or Spring Break. In Haiti, today is Women's Day. Today we recognize the women of the world. The mothers, sisters, nieces, and daughters. Today, the women of Espwa celebrated with our sisters in the Les Cayes prison.

Bearing gifts of lotion, soap, and sanitary napkins, myself, Linda, our child care director Bernonie, and a team of young college girls from North Carolina loaded up our vehicle to celebrate the life of Woman. Our friend from the UN, Danielle, and a Les Cayes policewoman were able to arrange a small "party"- juice and an hour and a half outside of their cell- to honor the women incarcerated. It was a moment of solidarity. Led by an inmate with the face of an angel, we sang, danced, presented our gifts, and Bernonie gave a speech worth remembering:

"...Today is our day. Today, all women unite. The merchant women in the streets carrying baskets of fruit... The women at home caring for their children... the women working desk jobs... the teachers, the police officers, the prisoners. Today, we are one. Today, we remember our rights. Our rights that allow us to never be defeated. Our rights that give us the power to speak our minds. Our rights that will let nobody take advantage of us. Our right to say no. Today we gather together. Today is our day..."

Today, we weren't American women, Canadian UN women, Haitian policewomen, and Incarcerated women.
Today, we were just women.
Today, we were one.

Dikenson

2011-03-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

This is Dikenson. Dikenson was a "child of Espwa" way back in the day- before I started coming. When he was a teenager, he decided to move to Port au Prince, and then the Dominican Republic. He was doing well in the DR as a plumber's assistant until his accident.

Dikenson's roommate had been fighting with his girlfriend, and as revenge, the girlfriend decided to go to her boyfriend's house and throw battery acid on him... only Dikenson answered the door, not the boyfriend. Thankfully, Dikenson had quick reflexes and turned his head, protecting it from the burn to come. The acid dripped down his neck, back, and shoulder, burning through him. (You can see some of the scarring on his neck.) After a year of surgery, skin graphs, and physical therapy, Dikenson has healed well. He is now back in Les Cayes, frequenting Espwa daily in hopes of finding a job.

He has trouble raising his arm, making physical activity difficult, but he is eager to work. Dikenson came back from the DR scarred and discouraged, and was welcomed by his grandmother and his seven nieces and nephews to take care of. He is struggling to help them, but is feeling defeated. I wish that we could offer him a job, but we are not in a place to do so right now. Sometimes, life here is extremely hard.

Prison

2011-03-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

Got a phone call yesterday from the prison- they were out of food. Thankfully, we have a small amount of food on reserve right now, and I was able to jump in the car with Linda and Jhony to bring them 20 boxes of vitamin-enriched rice. This will last 2 days.

Upon arrival, I spoke to a friend who works with the Canadian UN at the prison. They are there in hopes of providing "training and assistance" to improve the police system in Haiti. Is it working? To quote my friend- "some days we take three steps forward... and then the next day we take four steps back." My friend said that the reason there is no food in the prison is because there are "administrative issues"... what does this mean?

It means that the administration in PaP is behind on their payments for the food and delivery company that delivers food to the prisons. So they are refusing to deliver any more food. The Les Cayes head chief of police went to PaP for a meeting today. He learned that they will not be receiving any more food until PaP decides to pay their outstanding bill.

This is RIDICULOUS!! Who is ultimately suffering here? Not the administrative staff who will go home and have a nice meal of rice and beans. Not the delivery company who will get to go home and sit around a table with their family. But the prisoners- the children, the women, and the men in prison are going to starve to death because of an administrative battle.

My friend from the UN said that even the head of police is purchasing food out of his own pocket to feed the prisoners. The UN is looking into other organizations that would be willing to send food to the prison. But... as we often find... who wants to help prisoners? They deserve to be suffering, right?... They deserve to starve to death in hell, right?...

Does anyone out there know a journalist who needs a story? How about this one- "Haitian Prisoners Starve Until Pockets Filled."

A Little Bit Goes a Long Way

2011-02-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

There are many critiques flying around accusing organizations in Haiti of not quickly spending the funds that were raised after the earthquake last year. I love that I can say that that is not the case here.

A couple days ago I posted on Facebook that two students needed bicycles to make it to school on time. Bikes are very popular here, especially when you have to travel a few miles to and from work/school everyday.

Within the hour of me posted the request for $25 per bike- I got a response. Immediate action was taken.

Thank you, Shelly, for your generosity. Here is Ricardo with his new bike. (I haven't seen Mathias yet.) I wish you could have seen the smile on his face when I brought it out.

He sends a short message- "Thank you, and God bless you. You have given me, and my legs, a huge gift. Many, many thanks."

He rode his bike out of here with such pride (we even got him a lock so he can lock it up at school). And at what cost- $25. Thank you, Shelly.

Carnival... aka Haiti's Version of Mardi Gras

2011-02-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

For those of you that would like to learn a little more about "Haitian Mardi Gras", I found this message from the Embassy pretty interesting. Haven't had much happening here in Les Cayes yet, but this weekend there will be a few concerts to start the kick-off.

The U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on February 22, 2011:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is issuing this Warden Message to inform the U.S. Citizen Community in Haiti that this year’s Carnival celebrations are officially scheduled to take place in Port-au-Prince from March 5 – 8. While these are the “official” dates for Carnival, traditionally festivities begin several weeks prior, running all the way through to the final day. This year is no exception, and Carnival celebrations have already begun on Sunday evenings. It is expected that all the carnival-related inconveniences (traffic, random “Ra-Ra” bands in the streets, road closures, crowds, etc.) will increase as the official dates approach.

RA-RA BANDS

As part of these celebrations Ra-Ra Bands will be out in the streets, with increased frequency on Sunday afternoons and evenings leading up to Carnival. Bands generally remain non-violent, but band members may crowd around vehicles, blocking them in, banging on windows, cracking bull whips, twirling knives and machetes, and making a lot of noise. It can be a potentially dangerous situation.

If while driving you should get caught in a Ra-Ra band, you are advised to do the following:

· Keep windows rolled up and the doors locked
· Put the car in park until the band passes. You will be in the most danger if you attempt to drive through the crowd.

Ra-Ra Bands will continue to be found in various parts of the city and countryside every Sunday through Easter.

GUIDANCE FOR ATTENDANCE AT CARNIVAL

This year’s annual celebration of Carnival is expected to bring tens of thousands of partygoers and observers who aim to partake in the fun these festivities have to offer. Carnival usually means large, raucous, crowds of revelers , many of whom are intoxicated. While Carnival can be a fun, it is also inherently dangerous. To avoid danger, revelers are advised to exercise good judgment and good personal security awareness.

Strong-arm robberies, assaults, and pick pocketing remain the most likely threats against those who are victimized by crime at Carnival.

Special care should be taken if visiting the area around Champ-de-Mars, which is the traditional Carnival area. There and elsewhere, we recommend the following security precautions:

PRECAUTIONS

· American citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of private or “controlled access” viewing stands or vantage points on private property as a means of viewing Carnival parades and festivities, if at all possible.

· When at all possible, avoid walking through, or stopping in the large crowds of people that amass immediately adjacent to, and along the routes of Carnival processions. Stay to the periphery of condensed activity, as these areas are to be considered safer in general.

· Avoid getting swept into “Ra-Ra” band groups. These spontaneous celebrations tend to be especially raucous and are prime opportunities for criminal elements to take advantage of the unsuspecting participant or observer.

· Travel in groups, and stay in groups for the duration of the event. Never leave any person alone in a large crowd with plans to “meet up” later.

· Keep a cell phone at all times at a minimum, with emergency contact numbers programmed. It is also recommended that you carry a flashlight.

· Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry.

· Keep money and wallets in front pocket. Avoid taking purses or other bags, and refrain from putting bags on the ground or hanging loosely from one shoulder.

· Keep your identification on you at all times.

· STAY ON MAIN ROADS. Do not take “shortcuts” when walking to or from the event. Stay on the main roads AT ALL TIMES, even if it is not the most convenient route. Most crimes against persons at events like this occur before or after the event, when people wander onto dark side streets to get back to their vehicle.

· Anticipate gridlock. Ensure that you leave adequate time to return to your residence.

· Avoid confrontations of any type, and quickly move away from any incident of violence or overzealous behavior that might trap you or otherwise risk injury to you. Know your best route of escape and be prepared to move in that direction.

· Have a plan. In the instance your group is separated, have a pre-determined rally point, along with a drop-dead time to meet at the end of the night.

· In the event of emergency, call the local authorities and ACS or the embassy duty officer immediately.

American citizens must clearly understand that security conditions in Port-au-Prince can literally change in a matter of moments. While Carnival is intended to be a fun and positive cultural experience, some inherent threats persist. By adhering to these recommendations, American citizens can mitigate many of these threats, thereby allowing for a much more positive and safe experience in Haiti.

Tears

2011-02-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

This is Jahson.

He is sleeping on a yoga mat on the floor beside me. He has exhausted himself from screaming all morning. He is, at least temporarily, our newest Espwa Child. He doesn't want to be though. He wants to be with his mommy.

To be honest, though we already love him, we would rather him be with his mommy too.

This is one of the hardest parts about living here- seeing the love in the eyes of families, seeing the suffering from lack of care, seeing the pain in the separation, and knowing there is nothing we can do but take him- at least for now.

Jahson's mother was crying when I carried screaming Jahson away. She is young, though she doesn't know exactly her age. She doesn't know Jahson or his siblings' ages either. She doesn't know when her late husband passed away. She is just trying to survive.

Because she loves Jahson and his brother so much, she is begging us to take him. She is not begging us to take him because she doesn't love him. There are a lot of people that don't understand the suffering that Haitian mothers go through. They mistake handing their children over as lack of love, when really, it is the greatest form of love that they know. It is the love and hope that their child will be happy, healthy, safe, and educated. It is not, I repeat, not because they don't care about their child.

I am positive that if you asked all of the mothers in Haiti that have children living in "orphanages", organizations similar to Espwa, or as restaveks, to choose between caring for their child at home with financial assistance, or giving their child up to someone else's care- nine out of ten would choose the former. Because nine out of ten don't want to be separated from their child. Can you blame them?

It bothers me so much to hear about "orphanages" that say that they are "saving children" by taking them away from their families. The last thing Haiti needs is another orphanage. What Haiti needs is assistance to keep families together- not pull them apart.

Espwa is in the process of working on a strong, effective sponsorship program. One that will assist students in need, children that are truly orphaned, and provide assistance to families that want to stay together but just can't afford to. Our goal is to get this program going in the near future.

After all, our reason for being here is to provide the assistance Haiti truly needs.

Say a Prayer

2011-02-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

Fourteen months ago, my friend was arrested. He was arrested because claims were made that he threatened the life of another person. While under the influence of alcohol, he spoke loosely about this other person in a threatening manner. A few days later, the person's car was "shot at". Nobody saw the shooter, nobody saw the gun, nobody was witness to the crime, and nobody else was in the car.

Jah Roro was arrested along with a few other people. The other people were set free. Jah Roro is still a prisoner.

Now, fourteen months later, he still has not stood before a judge to receive his sentence. This is not uncommon. Most of the people in prison do not deserve to be serving the sentences they have received- assuming they have received a sentence.

For the past fourteen months, Jah Roro has been living in a closet sized cell with, at the least crowded times, 30 other "criminals". For the past fourteen months, Jah Roro's skin has become pale and ashy from the lack of sunlight. For the past fourteen months, Jah Roro's eyes have become yellow from malnutrition. For the past fourteen months, Jah Roro has been able to put his face to the sun for a generous hour per week. For the past fourteen months, Jah Roro has slept in shifts due to the lack of space in the cell. He has been stripped of his dignity- toileted in a bucket with no toilet paper. He has bathed out of a bucket, reaching through the bars of his cell to clean his rag and wet his soap. He has passed his urine through the bars in a cup to be dumped outside. For the past fourteen months, Jah Roro has seen an earthquake, hurricane, cholera, and election riots from inside a cell. He has watched prison-mates come and go. Some set free in the physical sense, others sent back to their maker. For the past fourteen months, Jah Roro has been living in hell.

Yesterday, Jah Roro felt his first glimmer of home in over a year. Yesterday, Linda and I met with a friend of hers who is a lawyer. He generously dropped his Friday afternoon workload, went to speak with Jah Roro in prison, and has agreed to meet with a criminal justice judge on Monday morning. Hopefully to set him free.

Until then, we pray. To whomever you pray to or find your peace in, please dedicate one of those moments to Jah Roro. Pray that he will be released from hell.

Espwa Boys

2011-02-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

Farrah's Family

2011-02-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Remember Farrah from Father Marc's blog? Our newest little girl? Well, this is her family, as well as reality.

Farrah became an Espwa Child after Farrah's mother begged us to take her. She begged us to take Farrah, not because she was being a bad mother- but because she was being a good one. Farrah's "stepfather" (the man that employed Farrah's mother) became abusive. But only abusive towards Farrah, a child not of his blood. The three year old has two younger sisters, both products of the "stepfather", or more accurately, the Farrah's mother's employer.

Farrah's mother, age 33, is now homeless. She and her two youngest daughters left the man after Farrah became an Espwa Child. They are now living on the floor of a good samaritan in Les Cayes. She is desperate to find a job, rent a small space of her own, and get her life back on track.

It would be ideal if we could assist Farrah's mother from home, so her family would not be broken. But unfortunately, the ideal is oftentimes not the reality.

Beatrice Judith

2011-02-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Beatrice Judith was born on Tuesday, February 8 at 3 am.

Her parents asked Father Marc and myself to name her. Father Marc chose "Beatrice"- it sounds beautiful when said in Creole. I chose "Judith"- after my Grandmother.

I saw her today, her fourth day of life, and she is a healthy little one! She must not weigh more than 6 pounds, but boy does she like to "dance".

Welcome to the world, Beatrice Judith!

A Mother's Battle

2011-02-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

Tears roll down her cheeks as she hands over the birth certificate. Singular because one is missing. According to the records, one child doesn't exist. But the child's four (maybe, she doesn't quite remember) young years say otherwise. She hugs the little angels in white dresses tightly as she speaks. She speaks of her struggles. Her losses. In her thirty five years she has been abandoned by a husband, buried her sixteen year old daughter, given up another child to a "godparent", and now struggles to hand over her two babies.

The little girls smile up at her as she hugs them while she continues to give him information. She wipes away a tear, but the love in her eyes remains. She hears the littlest' tummy rumble. The mother tries to remember the last time they ate. She can't. She stretches her neck. They slept on the ground last night. The roof almost covered their heads. But the rain didn't fall- something to be thankful for.

He sets down his pencil and says he will give her an answer shortly. The proper steps must be taken, though everyone can see this situation is desperate. The child's tummy rumbles again. He shakes her hand- the hand not wiping away a tear. She thanks him, and says she will be waiting for a response.

As she leaves her head and her heart battle one another. If she leaves them, they will have a bed to sleep in. But she won't be able to kiss them goodnight. If she leaves them, they will receive medicine when they are sick. But she won't be able to hug away the pain. If she leaves them, they will eat three times a day. But she won't be able to say grace with them. If she leaves them, they will go to school. But she won't be able to celebrate their success. Her head and her heart battle one another.

She knows that in order for them to have a better life, she must give the Hope. But giving them Hope will leave her with loneliness.

Dylan DeLisle

2011-02-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things in the world is to hear about how Espwa makes other people feel.

Back in October, Dylan DeLisle visited Pwoje Espwa with her mother, cousin, and a wonderful group of friends. Dylan fit right into Espwa, and did a wonderful job leading CPR classes with her mother, Shelly, painting the girls nails, playing soccer with the boys, and possibly more important than everything else I listed- helped me take care of Snoopy. (If you look back on my blog in October you can see some of the pictures.)

Dylan recently sent me an email with a poem she wrote about Espwa, and I thought I would share it with you!

(Yes, that is Snoopy... and no, he is not still that small.... he is about 4 times that big now. He's my big, athletic dog.)

HOPE

Sunlight pooled
Around the faded blue walls,
Making them look like
An oasis.

Children scrambled
Over the gravel stones,
Their textured feet giving
Them grip on
The jagged terrain.

Nearby a goat bleated
Fluttered about.

Green and yellow
Cement buildings stood
Surrounded by a high
Wall; barracks of
Brightly colored concrete.

Inside the walls,
More young ones
Sang as they
Jumped rope,
Their beaded string
Clicking the beat
Of their tune
Smoke pooled out
Of the kitchen
Into the bright
November sky,
Bringing the scent
Of roasted meat
To the gravel
Courtyard.

Sights and sounds
Carried a sense of
Wonder
And to the
Newcomer,
This place was absolutely
Splendid.

Happiness
Rang like a bell
Filling the surrounding
Structures with
Sweet music.

The establishment truly
Lived up to its name:
Hope.

Pwoje Espwa.
Project Hope.

Preval's Last Day

2011-02-07T13:20:00.001-08:00

Today is supposed to be Preval's last day...

This is how people are reacting in PaP and other areas. (Les Cayes is calm)

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to inform the U.S. citizen community that there are reports of barricades and demonstrators on Route de Freres between the Petionville Cemetery and Delmas 95. Stones are being thrown at passing motorists. There are demonstrations and burning barricades also occurring in the following locations: downtown Port-au-Prince; Artibonite Department, on Rte. Nationale#1, in the area of L’Estere between St. Marc & Gonaives; and Northern Department, in the city of Cap-Haitien, on the bridge leading to the airport. These are areas the Embassy is aware of at the moment. However, U.S. citizens should be aware that protests and demonstrations may occur in other areas without warning.

Happy Sunday

2011-02-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

Whether it be God, Buddha, the spirit within you, or the a star in the sky...

may the day bring you peace and joy.

xoxo

Tiburon

2011-02-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

Tiburon is located about four hours from Les Cayes, along the western coast. It is a small community tucked into the base of a mountain. To me, Tiburon is the "Park City, UT" of Haiti. It's cobblestone streets and town square give it a quaint, friendly feel.

Currently, there are hundreds affected by cholera. It is hard for treatment to reach the small city because of the road condition. Once in the city, there are many, many small communities that can only be reached by foot making it difficult to mobilize the people that are suffering. At this point in time, the closest CTC (Cholera Treatment Center) is in Les Anglais, which is about two hours away via good vehicle on a dirt road.

Though the situation is beginning to stabilize, it is still sad. The last time I went to Tiburon, about two and a half weeks ago, we only had one third of our students in school. Their families were either scared to send their children to school, there is a family member that has cholera, or the child himself has cholera.

We have been attempting to work with an organization to get some immediate help to Tiburon for those in need. Hopefully I will have an update for you soon.

Again... really?

2011-02-02T13:54:00.001-08:00

Warden Message No. 141
Potential for Elections-Related Violence

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on February 2, 2011:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to remind U.S. citizens of the potential for elections-related violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the elections period. Such civil disturbances can erupt quickly anywhere and without warning, and often are associated with the release of elections news. Dates that could be flashpoints for public protests include February 2 and 7. On these and other dates related to the electoral process and the upcoming second round of elections, disturbances may include attacks on government or private facilities, residences, and businesses. Violent acts are often politically motivated and while attacks may target specific people or interests, the potential for bystanders suffering collateral damage can be great.

EDUplus English Class Party

2011-02-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

We recently celebrated one successful semester for the EDUplus English Class by throwing a small party. (The party was supposed to be in December, but had to be delayed due to the manifestations.)

The director and teachers planned the affair, complete with two homemade cakes and music. It was a nice way for the teachers to spend time with their students on an informal level, congratulating them for their hard work. Thanks to EDUplus donors for making this event a huge success!

Director and teachers happily serving pate, juice, and cake to their students.
From left to right: Director Sonson, Teachers Kens, Judex, Enock, Machentoche, Biondy, and Junior

The teachers singing and dancing with the students.

Building Codes in Haiti

2011-01-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

This came up in my email from the State Department, and then I also was talking to some people here about how there is a new "building code book" in Haiti. The book mentions requirements that buildings will have in order to ensure the structures are safe.

Now the question is... Will people follow them? I know we will at Espwa.

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on January 28, 2011:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to inform the U.S. citizen community in Haiti that it is difficult to verify if buildings here are constructed to U.S. or other international standards. Further, the resource capability of the Haitian Government to certify structural standards and to otherwise enforce particular building codes is very limited. Generally, the public must rely upon certifications by the builders and architects themselves, or third party engineering consultants.

Following the earthquake, the Department of State’s Overseas Building Office (OBO) performed limited visual inspections of certain private structures frequented by official and non-official Americans, to observe the condition of buildings following the earthquake and of any subsequent repairs undertaken by the owners. These visits were observational only and cannot be used to substitute for a formal structural evaluation process.

Neither the Embassy nor OBO has made an official determination that any school in Haiti meets or does not meet U.S. or international building standards. OBO is not able to make official determinations about the safety of foreign schools. In Haiti, as at other posts worldwide, OBO relies upon the owners of private structures, including schools, to certify the seismic and structural integrity of their buildings.

TOMS for Consolation Center

2011-01-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

Long time friend, Edy Constant started his own girls orphanage not too long ago. We partner with him as often as we can. We share food, clothing, and offer assistance in other areas when we can, and Edy does the same. Recently, we were able to provide his younger girls with TOMS Shoes.

Nancy, Sandey and I had such a great time with the girls. Nancy painted nails while Sandey and I "fit feet."

It's funny because there are so many people so eager to help Haiti, and yet, nobody wants to collaborate. Being here as long as I have, I have met many, many people, all with good intentions and hopes for Haiti. I have met people wanting to start a business in Haiti to boost the economy, I have met people wanting to work on the agriculture in Haiti, and I have met people wanting to start their own orphanages in Haiti. All of these people have big hearts, otherwise they wouldn't be here.

Unfortunately, the majority of these groups want to be THE group that saves Haiti. Unfortunately, the majority of these groups think they know what is best for the country and people of Haiti without really spending time learning about the culture, other than what they see and hear in the news or their short visits. Unfortunately, ego gets in the way of many of these groups, and eventually they fall.

The thing I love about visiting Edy and his girls is that he has vision. He works with the people in his community, as well as in the greater Les Cayes area, trying to connect others and collaborate. Much like Father Marc and Espwa, he doesn't have ego. He doesn't try to "save Haiti". He does what he can do as he can do it. And that is why he is successful.

"tet ansamn, n'ap rive." Heads together and we will prosper. That is what Haiti, and all well intentioned people need to remember.

New Website

2011-01-26T13:09:00.001-08:00

Check out the new Free the Kids website, and see these two little beauties and more!

www.freethekids.org

A Day Trip With Friends

2011-01-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

This day trip is making it onto the blog a little late... but better late than never, right?

While Nancy and Sandey were here, we took a day trip with our Espwa Children up the coast to Aux Coteaux. The trip was to celebrate a job well done for our children that participated in the Espwa Nan Nwel Christmas Show. It was such a great day, and something that we are not able to do very often with the children. My favorite part about this trip (being that I am a teacher, so by default a natural learner) is that we didn't take the children on a field trip to the beach to play and sunbathe, we took them on a field trip to educate them.

Aux Coteaux is up the western coast, about an hour and a half away from Les Cayes. The city is relatively small, but one of the larger in that area. There is a monument there called the "500 mach"- the Five Hundred Steps. This monument is literally 500 steps built into the side of the mountain that leads up to a statue of Mary and Jesus on the cross. Along the way are signs with religious "food for thought".

Once we finally reached the top... Nancy and I were a little slower than Sandey and the boys... the view was unbelievably beautiful and peaceful.

I am also happy to announce that though they are not pictured, all of our Children and Chaperones made it to the top as well. Some of the little ones even ran up barefoot! (When I asked them why barefoot they said it was because they didn't have the shoes to hold them back... whatever.)

To celebrate making it to the top of 500 steps, we had a huge soccer match/cook out at a local school yard- complete with DJ Tigre (our driver). Some of the older guys decided to take on the "locals"... and of course won!

Overall, and I don't think Nancy and Sandey will argue, it was a really, really great day.

In a Good Mood

2011-01-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

I'm in such a good mood, and haven't been able to figure out why...
I just realized... wouldn't you be in a good mood if you got to see these little faces every day?
Sandey, Farrah and Gerda miss you!

Our Little Superstar

2011-01-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

If you don't recognize this face- WAKE UP!!

This is Platel. Our little superstar singer/songwriter. He is 11, and wrote an absolutely beautiful song about his country. It is on YouTube, so check it out if you haven't. (I would attach it but the Internet won't let me.)

Platel has so much talent that he has even turned a few heads in the States. My dear friend Mikey is working on teaching his music students his song, and also composed the music to go with the song. We are trying to get his song to turn some major heads... Usher? Wyclef?...

My only requirement for this to happen- he is not allowed to become a child pop star and forget about the country he wrote about.

Copy and Paste this link to see his video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8crkfR5fNg

Website Update

2011-01-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

Many of you know, and some of you don't...

Amanda and I started our own non-profit organization last year- EDUplus Inc.
Our main purpose is to assist Pwoje Espwa Sud, especially in the areas of education and transitional youth.
We are still small, and hope to stay that way for the time being, but we are proud of it.
We have some amazing friends, and friends of friends, that are supporting our cause and helping us launch our new endeavor.

I updated the website today- please check it out, and make a donation if you wish. ALL of the money goes to support the organization we know and love- Pwoje Espwa Sud.

www.eduplushaiti.com

xoxo

Unwanted.

2011-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

I am going to take a minute to piggy back off of Sandey's latest blog post (www.sandratenutoblog.com) about the prison and Baby Doc.

Honestly, I am confused... and I don't think I am the only one. I am confused about why Baby Doc is back in the country. I am confused about why he decided to come now. I am confused about the positive reaction he is receiving from some people. And I am confused about the non-reaction he is receiving from even more people.

Like Sandey said, there are thousands of prisoners right now rotting away inhumanely in the prisons all over the country, serving an unknown sentence for crimes that don't even compare to his, and Mr. Baby Doc just waltzes right back into the country like Haiti actually missed him... and the thing is... some people act like they have! I don't get it.

Take a look at the picture above. Look at the beauty Sandey captured in setting sun in Haiti. Think about the beauty in the setting sun right outside your own door. Imagine if someone took that away from you. Took away the simple pleasure in enjoying the fresh air and the sunset. Or what about the sunrise? Imagine someone took that away from you. Baby Doc did that to tens of thousands of people during his regime. He took away the sunrise and the sunset. He took away life. And life is still being taken away right now, as we speak, while the prisoners slowly die inside a box.

I love Haiti. I love the people. I love the countryside. I love the food. The music. The work. But sometimes, I just don't understand it.

But it doesn't mean I won't stop trying to understand.

Upcyclin'

2011-01-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

Want to help these guys... (pretend I'm not in the picture)

transform these containers...

into housing for our young adults? Make a donation at www.eduplushaiti.com and 100% of your donation will go to the Upcycle Living Container Houses at Pwoje Espwa Sud.

Jason and Ashton, business partners in Upcycle Living have committed to building permanent housing for our young adults at Pwoje Espwa Sud. They just spent the past few days here surveying the land, getting to know the children and Pwoje Espwa, and are excited to get the process rolling! I will keep you posted on progress.

TOMS at Espwa!

2011-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Lots and lots of happy little feet this past week.

We finally launched our distribution of TOMS Shoes here at Pwoje Espwa Sud. Close to 400 Espwa preschoolers (residents and outside students) received a new pair of school shoes. This is a huge gift, as many of you know from past posts, because shoes are a very costly expense, and not all of our children own a pair of shoes. With this wonderful gift, children are guaranteed to at least have a pair of shoes to wear to school.

This was a family effort- distributing to the Espwa preschool.

Here is Father Marc finding just the right fit for one of our little guys.

Berthony, our Executive Director, puts a new pair of TOMS on Estanley.

Here I am trying to get one of our neighbor girls properly fitted.

Gifts from the Heart

2011-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

Oftentimes the most meaningful gifts are not extravagant, expensive, and they can fit in the palm of your hand. But they are the most meaningful because they come from the heart.

When I was in college I taught preschool at a little center in Ahwatukee, Arizona. I made quite a few little friends there, but over the years, through no fault of our own, we lost touch. Well, while I was home for Christmas, I was so blessed to be able to reconnect with a couple of my little students- who are not so little anymore. Emily and Claire were 3 and 1 when I last saw them, and now they are 10 and 8, and have become even more beautiful and thoughtful over the years.

Over dinner with the Caviolo family, we talked about Haiti, and my new little friends. Emily and Claire were both so moved by the fact that our little girls here don't really have any toys to play with. They both jumped out of their chairs, ran to their rooms, and returned with handfuls of "Squeenkies" (the next Beanie-Baby I am told). They insisted that I take their cherished Squeenkies (even a couple sparkly ones) back with me to the Espwa girls. They assured me they would be a hit. They were right.

The joy our little ladies felt when they got their small little pets was priceless, and what made it even more special was that they came from little friends in Arizona.

Thank you, Emily and Claire. I promise you your Squeenkies are in good hands. :)

January 12, 2011

2011-01-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

On January 12, 2010 I was in Arizona, but my heart was in Haiti, breaking alongside the rest of the country.

One year later, both me and my heart were in Haiti, grieving, remembering, and celebrating the trials, tribulations, and successes of the past year.

Unlike 2010, January 12, 2011 passed with family and friends gathered close to one another praying and giving thanks to the life we, the human race, have. Yes, we cried. How could we not? Haiti as we knew it forever changed one year ago on that day. Lives were lost, lives were changed, and hearts were broken. But life went on.

Not one person was left untouched by the day that put Haiti on the map. And not one person has forgotten the suffering felt in the months that followed. Still, our brothers and sisters suffer.

But they also live. We all do. And we forever carry the tragedy with us. But even as we carry that tragic burden on our backs- we grow.

On January 12, 2011, Pwoje Espwa Sud gathered as one. We grieved and celebrated together. We felt the spirits and prayers of our loved ones lost, our friends and families around the world, and Him with us all together in that room as one. We were all moved to tears.

As the years go on, and we continue to grow and live, we will never forget that first anniversary of the day that changed Haiti.

Nou pap jamn bliye'w.

Photos beautifully done by Sandey Tenuto.

Made it home

2010-12-22T21:00:00.001-08:00

Yes, I was able to safely make it home for Christmas... unfortunately, my computer did not have the same luck and decided to ker-plewy on me. Thankfully, the guys at Mac were fabulous, and able to help my poor, overworked computer out.

I go back to Haiti on January 1, but will be doing some uploading of videos and things I was not able to do during my last crazy week in Haiti.

As of now- things are relatively calm. PaP is calm, and so is Les Cayes. There are still random road blocks and barriers along the main highway from PaP to Les Cayes. I would not recommend driving to anyone traveling. I got this report of roadblocks last night.

The message below was sent to me last week- even though things are scheduled to be quiet for the holidays, things are still extremely tense, and precautions need to take place.

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on December 17, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to remind U.S. citizens of the potential for additional elections-related civil unrest in Port-au-Prince and throughout Haiti, particularly in connection with major announcements. Demonstrations (including violent protests) have resulted in barricades and road closures, making travel hazardous and even impossible. They have also caused the shut-down of airports and roads to the Dominican Republic, making it impossible for Americans wishing to depart Haiti to do so.

U.S. citizens in Haiti should consider stocking up on essential provisions – drinking water, food, fuel for generators, etc. – to be well prepared should civil unrest require them to shelter in place. They should also ensure they have all necessary medicines. U.S. citizens planning travel are advised to contact their airline directly for up-to-date flight status and availability and consider travelling earlier in the event airports are closed.

In the event of civil unrest, U.S. citizens in affected areas are advised to remain indoors and to seek safe havens in their current areas. They should not attempt to “run” roadblocks or work their way through areas of unrest; doing so may put their lives at immediate risk. The Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise special caution and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place or crowds are forming and to maintain a low profile. The Embassy does not have the capacity or infrastructure to evacuate U.S. citizens and relies on the Haitian National Police to provide assistance. They, with support from UN Police, are responsible for keeping peace in Haiti and rendering assistance during times of civil unrest. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Haiti is 114.

On the Ground.

2010-12-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Was able to get 5 of the 16 American visitors out. Two live in PaP, and the rest will be headed to the DR tomorrow morning, and then back to the States tomorrow afternoon.

They said that PaP "was on fire". There were road blocks every 20 ft in some places, and much had been "torched." However, it is peaceful right now.

American Airlines has cancelled flights through Monday. This poses problems for all of those who have been trying to get in and out of the country the past three days, and two days to come.

Les Cayes still has a lot of tension. UN helicopters were patrolling all day. We could see and hear them from Espwa, and the people coming in from town said the UN was everywhere.

Let's hope that tonight is another relatively peaceful night, and things start to get back to normal. With all of the stores and banks closed, people have to be getting hungry and nervous.

I'm exhausted. Until tomorrow...

Update

2010-12-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Espwa is safe. The children are safe. We have 16 visitors here that are staying with us until Sunday. American Airlines has cancelled flights until at least tomorrow.

The tensions are still high. Lots of rumors are being thrown around. We are getting updates from friends and from radio, but it is hard to say what is true unless someone sees it with their own eyes.

What we do know:

Roads are blocked. Nobody in or out of the city by anything motorized. By foot- maybe you can get through if you are Haitian.

Tires are burning and give off a gross smell.

The marketplace has been burned down... and we are thinking we are going to have to get real creative in how we serve rice.

We are running low on toilet paper. (Scary.)

The quad is a safe place, but we are all going a little stir crazy.

and finally...

If Sweet Micky were put back into the running for president- all of this would stop and we could get on with our lives.

Please keep praying.

Not Good News.

2010-12-08T17:42:00.001-08:00

Warden Message No. 136
Elections-Related Demonstrations
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on December 08, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of numerous elections-related demonstrations throughout Port-au-Prince and in other parts of Haiti and reminds U.S. citizens of the potential for violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the electoral period. Demonstrators have barricaded roads in many parts of Port-au-Prince making movement around the city difficult and dangerous. U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes and shelter in place until conditions stabilize.

Port-au-Prince’s international airport is closed until further notice and all scheduled flights are canceled. The airport at Cap-Haitien is also closed, and demonstrations and barricaded roads have made movement around that city unsafe. Additionally, American Airlines has canceled all of its flights to and from Port-au-Prince on Thursday, December 9. While border crossings with the Dominican Republic remain open at present, travel to the border and throughout Haiti may be hazardous due to barricaded roads and demonstrations and Americans are advised against taking any further risks.

Election Results

2010-12-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

Things are volatile. Check Father Marc's blog, he has most appropriately and eloquently stated the situation at hand. I don't have the words right now.

http://pwojeespwa.blogspot.com

Like he said, please keep Haiti in your prayers.

Schweitzer UMC

2010-12-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

We have a wonderful group of people donating their time this week at Pwoje Espwa Sud.

Please check out their blog at...

I am really enjoying reading it and seeing Espwa through their eyes.

Message From the Embassy

2010-12-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Warden Message No. 135
Potential for Elections-Related Violence
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on
December 07, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to
alert U.S. citizens that there continues to exist the potential for
violence throughout Haiti for the duration of the electoral period.
Such civil disturbances can erupt quickly anywhere and without warning,
and may be associated with electoral or cholera issues. Disturbances
may include attacks on government or private facilities, residences, and
businesses such as hotels. While violent acts may be politically
motivated and hence may target specific people or interests, the
potential for bystanders suffering collateral damage can be great.

Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of these disturbances,
U.S. citizens are urged to remain especially vigilant and avoid areas
where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming. U.S. citizens
in Haiti should continue to monitor radio, television and other media
and should register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

The U.S. Embassy's ability to provide direct assistance in the event of
violent demonstrations is limited and is normally dependent on Haitian
National Police and UN Police.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's
website the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs'
website www.travel.state.gov , where the
current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country
Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S.
citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which
includes valuable security information for those both living and
traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers
may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and
Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

TOMS Shoes

2010-12-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

Surprise Truck brought us a great surprise yesterday- THOUSANDS of pairs of TOMS Shoes. (www.toms.com)

Boxes and boxes of shoes were unloaded into our depot to be organized for distribution. Thankfully, Pastor Lori is here with a group of 10 volunteers eager to help.

TOMS Shoes will be distributed to the children in all of our primary schools, and to orphanages, schools, and families in need along the western coast. I will be updating you along the way.

We are working to build a long term relationship with TOMS. TOMS Shoes has a One for One (TM) plan meaning- for every pair of shoes you buy, a pair goes to a child in need. So, for all of you that have purchased a pair of TOMS shoes...

our children's feet thank you!

Information

2010-12-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

"According to the MSPP director for the southern department, Dr. Louissaint: since Nov 23, 271 known cases in department, 8 or 10 deaths. Les Anglais(2), Port au Piment (8), and Aquin have all have had cases. Currently (Dec 2) 36 patients in Les Cayes CTU at HIC(general hospital). CTU is run by International Medical Corps (IMC) in association with MSPP. According to IMC and MSF visiting team, not possible to continue more than one week at this cramped location, several other sites being considered. Strong community opposition to proposed site for waste disposal and burial. MSPP director seeks group to open CTU or CTC in Port a Piment (La Cote du Sud). CTU operating in Aquin."

EDUplus English Teacher Training

2010-12-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of my English teachers.

This week we had "professional development" meaning:

Each day was spent in the classroom of one teacher so we could watch how they executed their class. The teachers took notes on compliments, suggestions, and ideas of what they would like to bring back to their own classroom.

It was a huge success.

Today we met, discussed all of our thoughts, commented on the different teaching styles, and made suggestions for how we would like to proceed with the second half of the school year. They were so professional and had some amazing suggestions for how they would like to proceed for the rest of the year, and I am so excited!

Little Girls

2010-12-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sugar and Spice

And everything nice.

That's what little girls are made of.

Message From the Embassy

2010-11-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

Warden Message No. 134

Demonstrations in Port-au-Prince and Provinces

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on November 30, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of numerous protests throughout Port-au-Prince and in provincial areas of Haiti. In the upcoming days additional protests are expected in Port-au-Prince in Juvenat (near the Karibé Hotel), in Petionville (near the CEP), and in lower Delmas, as well as in the downtown area near the state university campuses, Champ de Mars, the National Palace, and the Prime Minister’s office, among other areas. Protests have also been reported in several provincial cities, including Cap Haitien, Gonaives, Saint Marc, Port-de-Paix, Ti Goave, Leogane, and Les Cayes. These protests are expected to continue sporadically and may occur unannounced in additional areas in Port au Prince and the provinces in the coming days and weeks.

Such protests are often unpredictable, can quickly turn from nonviolent to violent, and do not remain in static locations. U.S. citizens are advised to remain especially vigilant and continue to monitor radio, television and other media.

Election Day

2010-11-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Warden Message No. 133

Border to Close during Elections

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on November 26, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that the Government of Haiti has announced it will close the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 27, and that the border will remain closed until it reopens at 6 a.m. Monday, November 29. The Government of Haiti made the announcement November 26 and advised the border would be closed as a precaution during the elections. U.S. citizens are advised to defer travel across the border during these times.

The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid non-essential travel on Election Sunday (Nov 28th) and utilize the days leading up to Election Sunday to buy groceries, supplies, and anything else needed for Election Sunday. While there is no specific threat information at this time, historically elections in Haiti have been marked by violence. U.S. citizens in Haiti are advised to monitor media coverage and avoid areas where demonstrations have occurred. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide direct assistance in the event of violent demonstrations is limited.

I am Thankful for...

2010-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the simple pleasures in life, like decorating the Christmas tree with a child...

And receiving "help" from Snoopy.

I am thankful for the child who reminds me the importance of perseverance as he tries to untangle the Christmas lights...

And completing the task with a friend.

I am thankful for the food that fills my belly...

And for the hands that prepare it.

I am thankful for the day that reminds us of the blessings we often take for granted...

And sharing this day with a family of friends.

...And Snoopy too.

Espwa

2010-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

Lespri fe viv.
Hope makes one live.

Youn bon zanmi pi bon pase fre.
A good friend is better than a brother.

Vwazinaj se fanmi.
Neighborhood is family.

Bondye bon.
God is good.

Okay nan Nwel...

2010-11-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

aka Haiti's version of American Idol... Christmas style!

Almost as viral as American Idol, Okay Nan Nwel is definitely all it is made out to be.

Sponsored by Digicel and a car place (I forget the name), the winner of Okay Nan Nwel gets to take home a car!

Last night, Wilson and I went to Okay Nan Nwel which is held at a local church auditorium. The TV station was there (to broadcast live on your local TV station) and so were the lights, mics, judges, and peeps. For the small fee of two dollars US a person, we were able to participate in this sacred event that only happens once a year. Last night was the final round of the preliminaries... meaning, starting this upcoming Friday, contestants start to get eliminated. Intense.

Typical to the preliminary rounds in American Idol, there were the performers there hoping to find there 5 minutes of fame by making fools of themselves... dancing around with straw hats, grabbing themselves, making weird girrating motions with their hips. (why is it always the guys that make fools of themselves?)

Also typical to the preliminary rounds and more prominent than the "fool makers" were the people that think their voices are angelic, but really they are just kidding themselves... a few times I wished I had ear plugs.

For one hour we saw approximately 15 performances, and one performance that was disqualified after a countdown from 10-1 by the audience when he failed to show up. We got to hear the theme song to Okay Nan Nwel approximately 472,043,284,039 times, and learn the hand motions to do when we were being broadcasted-live-on-your-local-TV-station. And we got to see women go bonkers with their screaming when a Haitian Justin Bieber came on stage to sing his Christmas song...I really wished I had ear plugs.

Overall, I give the night a 10, and I am DEFINITELY going back on Friday to see who gets eliminated... and hopefully hear the Okay Nan Nwel song a bazillion more times.

Prison

2010-11-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

Father Marc received a phone call this morning that Jah Roro caught cholera and had gone to the hospital.

All of the Les Cayes prisoners had spent over a week in the PaP prison due to TS Tomas. While the prisoners were there, or so they told me, six people caught cholera and died. Two of those six were from Les Cayes. When the prisoners came back, they were two less than when they left for PaP.

Knowing this, and being who I am, I went to check on Jah Roro.

The guards greeted me with, "Did you hear Jah Roro was sick?" and opened the gate to let me in.

He seemed weak, but not horribly sick. He said that the cholera was a false alarm (thank God) and he had just gotten a fever and case of diaherra.

More serious than Jah Roro was Jonas-

The guards only let me take this picture because I told them I wanted to show the color of his eyes to Dr. Jerry, our visiting doctor from Alaska.

Jonas is 17 and was brought back from PaP with the other prisoners. Every morning Jonas pees blood, and has abdominal pain. Dr. Jerry says it sounds/looks like hepatitis. I was able to bring a small dose of meds prescribed by Dr. Jerry that will hopefully help.

He is in a lot of pain. I cannot even imagine being sick with something so serious and being in these inhumane conditions at the same time.

Please pray for him and all of the prisoners.

Roche-Jabouin

2010-11-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

By far the most distressed and devastating village I have been to thus far, Roche-Jabouin is located directly on the ocean in between Port Salut and St. Jean.

An hour of up and down red dirt mountains ended against the rocky water's edge and in the center of devastation itself.

The children of Roche-Jabouin are suffering. Most walk with bare bottoms and bare feet. By majority, the homes are made of sticks, very few seem strong enough to withstand forceful winds. They are surrounded by water, but the village is dry. They have no clean drinking water- the small well in the center of town has been contaminated since TS Tomas. They are hungry.

This small, forgotten town is like nothing I have ever seen.

The people were friendly enough to me, tired feeling. I didn't spend much time, half an hour at most. Daylight was fading, and we still had the long ride back.

I don't like making promises. I don't like promising homes, food, medical, clothing, sandals. I don't. Because, truth is, I don't know if I can fulfill them. Will I try? Of course. Will I spread the word? You bet. But for now, the most I can say...

M'ap vini.

I will be back.

The glass is half full, and washed with treated water.

2010-11-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

I think the last I heard, the deaths by cholera had reached a head count of 1,000. Tragic and unnecessary.

What has come out of these deaths?

Well, yesterday I went up to Port a Piment, and on the way back we stopped to eat at a little restaurant. Unlike any time I have ever been in a restaurant- the server brought over a bowl of water, bar of soap, and towel to dry our hands.

In order to prevent cholera.

Also, you can't turn on the radio right now without hearing two things- 1. presidential campaigns. and 2. cholera prevention techniques.

Now, I know it is not a big step, but it is a step in the right direction.

What do you get...

2010-11-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

when you combine a hurricane, cholera epidemic, hunger, and upcoming presidential elections?

On-Going Demonstrations in Port-au-Prince
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on November 18, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of demonstrations in downtown Port Au Prince on the Champ-de-Mars, and in Nazon and Lalue. Roads are being blocked, tires set on fire, and rocks are being thrown at passing vehicles. The Haitian National Police have deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd several times. The crowd continues to move in this area and regroup. All travel to this area should be avoided.

U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.

Oh, Haiti.

Page Jean

2010-11-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

This adorable little girl showed up today. Know who she is?

My goddaughter, Page Jean! She will be three on January 2, and she is turning into a beautiful little girl, isn't she?

Here we are in our first picture together back in January 2008. So cute!

Quilts and Coloring

2010-11-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Aunt Dee is here with a group from Minnesota. The spent the afternoon coloring with our little girls, and each girl was given the gift of a beautiful hand made quilt- a nice treat since the nights here have been cold for Haiti!

Tomas Took it All

2010-11-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, we were able to take a day trip along the coast. We were only able to make it as far as Les Anglais because TS Tomas decided to leave the rivers overflowing, and stole some of the roads. Our purpose of this journey was to deliver emergency food to those in dire straights, but I quickly came to realize that a box of vitamin enriched food was really a joke compared to the real need.

As we made our way up the coast, the scene became more devastating. When we reached Roche a Bateau, I couldn't really believe what I was seeing. I had just been up the coast a couple weeks earlier, and the foliage was lush, green, and felt like the Caribbean. On this day, the landscape was the opposite. TS Tomas had beaten the trees to death. Literally. All of the leaves were brown, garbage covered the coast, and the lush feeling had washed out to sea.

Most of the homes along the coast in Roche a Bateau suffered from flooding. The general response to flooding is, "Ok, well that is not that bad. The water dries up." Wrong. I met a woman who was inside her home when the flooding began. "At 4:30 am, the water started to rise, and the wind started to blow. It got higher and higher, so high that someone had to swim into our home to save me and my children. We swam out and up to safety. When the water had gone down, we went back into our home. Everything was gone. Everything. We still have a roof, thank God, but we have no beds, pots, pans, clothes. My children lost their school books. Everything."

Even further up the coast in Chardonierre, the city before Les Anglais, things got worse.

This is Lajoie Osner and his home. He now has nothing but the thatched roof to his home. He is living in the local hospital.

This is Emilienne Flerjein standing in the doorway to her home- notice the cacti barrier in the foreground. The force of the rain and wind blew the barrier over completely.

This is Marise Lajoie and her home. The winds and flooding tore half of her home, and all of her belongings away. She and her two grandchildren are now living in the nearby hospital which has become a shelter to the recent homeless.

After our minimal relief service- a mere box of uncooked rice- we continued up the coast. When we reached Les Anglais, we were greeted by a rushing river of brown. Like many, our vehicle was not equipped to cross. The current process to receive goods on the other side of the river is to cross by foot, wait for another vehicle to pick up the goods, and then transport them. Unless the water goes down, people are going to start to go hungry.

We were hoping to make it all the way up to Tiburon. Unfortunately, that did not happen. From speaking to the people in the various towns along the coast, we determined that close to 1000 homes were damaged and/or destroyed.

ACCURATE INFORMATION

2010-11-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

The four cases of cholera in Les Cayes are from the SAME family that are from St. Louis du Sud. They came to receive health care in Les Cayes.

Cholera has not spread to Les Cayes water. Cholera was imported by a family.

The Ravine

2010-11-08T02:24:00.000-08:00

Here is the main river that we pass to get in and out of Les Cayes. It is stories higher than normal, and at least eight times wider. Homes along the waters coast suffered some damage due to flooding.

We have family of our children that lost everything in Tiburon. Crops, homes, livestock- gone. We have heard that all of the homes along the coast around Les Anglais have been destroyed- meaning they are unlivable due to a loss of roof, wall, or flattened completely. We know of at least 250 homes that no longer exist. That is 250 new homes. 250 new families without a place to live.

I am hearing that reports are being given that only a small number of homes were destroyed, and that the damage should not be over exaggerated.

Let me ask you this- if your home even had a leak in the roof, or if your window broke, would it be considered an emergency? Let's put things into perspective people.

TS Tomas Hits

2010-11-08T01:58:00.000-08:00

This post is unfortunately going up later than I would have liked. This is due to a combination of things. Either way, it is a story that is too good to not post.

The morning after Tomas, Mami Pompe showed up with her two grandchildren soaked to the bone. Bobby and Shekele both attend our preschool, and Mami's unfinished house is located right off our property. During the night, the force of the wind was so strong that it blew the roof right off of Mami's house. We took Bobby and Shekele, gave them warm "baths", fed them, and put them in warm clothes. Mami insisted on returning to her house in the pouring rain because she did not want her belongings stolen.

After the boys were happy and dry, and the rain had decided to give a slight reprieve, Mami came back for her boys. We drove them back to the house with the intention of talking her into letting us keep the boys for the next few days until the rain and wind was completely gone. This is what I saw when I walked into her house-

Of course the rain started up at this point. In the top picture, you can see Bobby looking up towards the sky as the rain starts to drench the inside of their house again. Her mattresses, chickens, clothing, pots, pans, and table were wet. Their dirt floor had turned to mud. I could not let them stay like this.

Tigre drove us back to the Quad where Sam from Shelter2Home was waiting with an umbrella. "Sam- can your guys PLEASE help Mami. They have no roof whatsoever."

Sam and I ran out to collect his team of "home builders". After listening to me explain the situation, Fritznel jumped up, obviously ready to take on the mission and shouted, "We work for Shelter. We work for all!"

The boys, with tarp and rebar, raced across the muddy field to Mami's rescue.

After about a half hour, the boys had rigged a roof that will last for now. Mami took my face in her hands and said, "God will repay you for this."

Really, I was just the voice that brought the problem to light. The Shelter2Home boys were the ones that did all of the work. I have talked about Haitian Hospitality in my past posts. There is also another thing called Haitian Camaraderie.

Sam, nice job sharpening the Camaraderie that exists in them. You should be proud of them. I definitely was.

Slumber Party

2010-11-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

I went to the primary school to check on our kiddos.

To our younger ones, tonight is going to be a slumber party, and they are already getting started.

To our teens, they are NOT looking forward to being stuck in the primary school with the little guys.

I told our house mothers that we should have bought them all earplugs... either that or some grown up beverages...

On the Bright Side...

2010-11-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

Sam gets to use the rain as his personal shower.

And Zanmi gets to wear a jacket hood to stay warm and dry.

Rain

2010-11-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

The clouds are getting darker, and the rain is coming down sideways.

Around 11 this morning, we had a lull in the rain, so I took the opportunity to go to the prison to bring them emergency hurricane relief food. We have 25% of our food set aside for emergency relief purposes. Today we brought two weeks worth of vitamin enriched rice as well as cooking oil.

When I got there it was already flooded in the central courtyard. I walked around to each cell and told everyone about the high chance of strong winds and rains starting this evening. I reminded them to stay towards the back of the cell, and that we will all be praying for them. We will be stopping by next week to see how they faired in the storm. I feel like I am in prison being cooped up in the quad right now- I cannot even begin to imagine how they feel.

On the way back from town it started raining harder. We saw people begin to pack up their storefronts. The streets started to clear. The water at the main bridge has started to swell, and I worry about the homes along the shore. I have seen them flood before.

We are getting wetter and wetter out here at Espwa. Again, all emergency precautions have been taken, and we will be sure to keep everyone as safe (and dry) as possible.

Keep praying for those less fortunate than us. Those that are living in tents. Those that have no shelter whatsoever.

Update on Tropical Storm Tomas

2010-11-04T09:10:00.001-07:00

We are safe. The children have been moved to the second story of the secondary school with a standby nurse, our house mothers, and some kitchen staff, and emergency food and medical supplies.

The quad is a circus...

We have 3 of our boys who work in the quad: Sam, Delince, and Gedna. 2 of our guys that live in the quad: Sonson and Enock. Wilson, Sam, and Fery. Nathalie. Her toddler, November. His babysitter, Gina. Me. Our director, Berthony. Dogs: Natalio and Snoopy. Cats: Patches, Batman, and Robin....

and a partridge in a pear tree.

I am not so much worried about the storm anymore... now it is whether or not we kill each other from living in such close, wet living quarters for the next 48 hours.

Wish us luck.

Keep the families in tents in your prayers.

Update on Jean Camy

2010-11-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went with Jean Camy to verify his story. He had said he was living on the streets, and sleeping in a bus by the ocean. He also had said a family would give him food when he was hungry.

His story checked out.

Below is a picture of the inside of the bus Jean Camy was sleeping in, along with the family that took care of him by giving him bits of food.

When we told them that Espwa was going to start helping him, they were overjoyed. "He has been like a family member. We are happy you will be helping him out now."

I asked Jean Camy if he was going to miss his bus-house and he said, "No. Now I have a real home."

After we returned, Jean Camy attended our literacy class we hold in the afternoons for staff that never had the opportunity to go to school to learn to read and write. He was thrilled- it was his first day of formal education.

After class, he stopped by to show me his very own book, notebook and pencil. His homework was to practice writing the numbers 0-9. He was so excited. I am going to be tutoring him so that we can see if we can catch him up and place him in a typical classroom setting in the near future.

Jean Camy

2010-11-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

This is Jean Camy. I found him waiting to talk to me (with the ultimate goal of talking to Father Marc) outside of the quad this afternoon. I brought him in, sat him down, and listened to his story.

Mind you- my first instinct was to heave a sigh of exhaustion and tell him I was too busy. Every day I hear a story of a hungry child, a family in need of a home, a student that needs to go to school. Sometime I field them from Father Marc, sometimes he sends them to me, and sometimes we hear the stories together. In any case, no matter how tired I am (and today I was tired and grouchy) I have to remember- this is why I live in Haiti: to lend and ear and be a voice for those that have lost theirs.
On this particular day, I am glad I heaved that sigh and decided to sit down and listen.

Jean Camy is an orphan. He became an orphan after multiple tragedies. He is 17 years old, and has nothing: no home, no family, no birth certificate, no education. Nothing. A couple years ago, when Gonaive was hit by a hurricane his father and older brother drown. His mother, older sister, and another older brother moved to Port au Prince. Jean Camy’s family is from the poorest of the poor. His mother had to give him and his siblings up to become restaveks in hopes that they would find food and better living conditions. She stayed a beggar in the streets.

On January 12, after already losing his father to a natural disaster, Jean Camy lost his mother, older sister, and older brother. His other older brother lost both of his legs after a block fell on him while he was helping someone out of a building. They were lucky enough to find someone who gave his older brother a wheelchair, and Jean Camy became his brother’s chauffer. They remained children of the streets in Port au Prince until a month ago when a bus gave them a ride to Les Cayes gratis.
Upon arriving in Les Cayes, Jean Camy and his brother found that the streets of the south didn’t greatly differ from Port au Prince. The other street children beat them if they didn’t hand over their money they earned while begging. The shop owners beat them if they got too close to the store fronts for fear they would steal. And the civilians looked down on them, and if they were lucky gave them a bit of food or money.

Two days ago, a bus passed by the boys and stopped. A man told Jean Camy that there was a doctor in an unknown location that could help his brother with no legs. The scooped him up, put him in the bus, and “as the bus drove away we waved goodbye and cried.” Jean Camy has no idea where his brother is or if he will ever hear from him again.

Jean Camy sleeps in a broken down car by the ocean. A neighbor gave him a sheet to sleep with, but when Jean Camy’s clothes get dirty he washes them in the ocean and then wears them wet- they are his only possessions. He begged a taxi driver to help him, and the taxi driver took him to the entrance of Espwa. “If you want to find help- this is where you need to go.”

At this point, I am touched and a little skeptical. My heart is telling me that Jean Camy’s story is true, but my head is remembering all the times Espwa has been lied to in order to receive assistance.

“What do you want in life?” I ask Jean Camy.

“To go to school. All the children get to learn and go to school, and I am in the streets. I can write the letter “A” and the number “3” only. I can’t write my name. I don’t know my birthday. I know nothing. I sit outside of schools in the sun hoping to listen to the teacher and not be seen. When they see me they close the door and shoo me away like a dog. I want to go to school to learn.”

“What about a house? What about food? School is all you need in life?”

“If I can go to school I can learn something for tomorrow. I don’t mind sleeping in the streets if I can go to school.”

It sounds really cliché, but my eyes were watering. Jean Camy moved me. His entire demeanor is one that makes me think he is honest in what he is saying. I take him to our director to see if we can help him.

Now, we are in a pickle. Our rules now state at Espwa that at the age of 18 the children need to go back to their families… but what if they have no family?

We have a good relationship with Social Services, so we call them up and they come out to talk to Jean Camy. Like all of our children, we received authorization through Social Services to care for Jean Camy. Weather approving, he will start the first grade tomorrow.

Like I said earlier, I was tired when Jean Camy came up to speak to me. I had already talked to a mother with a starving infant and given her food, I had spoken to a young man who needed assistance with school, and I had dealt with the countless demands from our own kiddos for soccer balls. At that point, the only thing I wanted to do was catch up on computer work and make preparations for Hurricane Tomas.

But I am glad I sat down to listen. I am glad I was not a cynic, and I am glad I remembered that even though the stories sound the same, they are most likely true. The starvation, the homelessness, the lack of education, all of these things that get so exhausting to hear are why Haiti is broken itself. Even though each of these stories sound the same- the faces are different. The faces are what I have to remember and are why I am here.

Message From the Embassy

2010-10-31T14:48:00.002-07:00

Warden Message No. 121: Hurricane Tomas
Sunday, October 31, 2010
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on October 31, 2010:

This Warden Message is being issued to notify U.S. citizens residing in and traveling to Haiti that there is a high probability that Hurricane Tomas will bring hurricane force winds and heavy rains to Haiti in the coming week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports Hurricane Tomas is currently a Category I hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 90 MPH and hurricane force winds extending outward up to 40 miles. The hurricane’s general west-northwest motion at 9 mph is expected to continue through Sunday night followed by a turn to the west on Monday. Tomas is forecast to move across the eastern Caribbean Sea during the next couple of days.

Following the current NOAA tracking model, the hurricane eye is not expected to make landfall in Haiti earlier than Wednesday. However, tropical storm winds can extend outward up to 175 miles. U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor hurricane status via the NOAA website at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.

The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor Hurricane Tomas’ track, and will issue updated messages. U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents at all time (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) or secure them in safe, waterproof locations. The Embassy also suggests that U.S. citizens contact friends and family in the United States with updates about their whereabouts.

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found on the Department of State’s “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” webpage, and on the “Natural Disasters” page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Updated information on travel in the Haiti may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s website at http://haiti.usembassy.gov/service.html for updated information. Please consult the Country Specific Information for Haiti, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Message From the Embassy

2010-10-31T14:48:00.001-07:00

Message From the Embassy

2010-10-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Seriously?..

2010-10-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Let's all hope that Hurricane Tomas changes his mind and decides to give Haiti a break. I think we can all agree that enough disasters have hit Haiti for one year.

Haitian Hospitality

2010-10-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

Through the IFRP food distribution grant I am able to travel all over the southern part of the country delivering food to our schools and earthquake relief families. Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling to a small village outside of Camp Perrin called Tibi.

Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go. Literally.

Tigre, our driver knows Tibi very well- he grew up there. After our food delivery, we stopped by his grandmother's house. She welcomed us with open arms, kissed our cheeks and quickly gathered chairs for us to sit on. She directed a young boy to collect coconuts from her tree, and he quickly sliced them open with a machete so we could drink the coconut milk. As we finished she brought us freshly brewed coffee to drink on the blazingly hot afternoon.

She apologized for not being able to offer us more.

Tigre's mother left him after he was born to pursue a better life in Port au Prince. Tigre's grandmother raised him, which is why he chooses to call her "Mami" instead of "Grandma".

When we finished both of our beverages, she led us to her well where she presented us with soap and a towel to rinse our hands and faces before we made our journey back down the mountain.

She reluctantly kissed us good-bye and told us she will be waiting for us to return.

Whether announced or unannounced, visitors are always treated with respect and grace. It is the Haitian way.

A Question of Humanity.

2010-10-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

The living conditions in Haiti are said to be inhumane. Families are homeless. Children go hungry. The health care is less than lacking. Natural disasters have left an already broken country in even more pain. Recent cholera outbreaks have left the country's residents fearing water and seafood. Can it get any worse?

Yes it can.

Beyond all the inhumanity society sees and hears about in the news is the inhumanity that lies within four inexplicably small walls.

Prison.

I have had the honor and horror of visiting the Les Cayes prison over the years. The first time I visited, I sat down to write about my experience afterwards, and the words wouldn't come. I couldn't bring myself to recount the inhumanity that lies within those walls. Now, a few years and many visits later, I have found the words.

This is Jah Roro. We have been friends for six years. Jah Roro is like a brother to me. We hung out together, worked together, gave each other advice, and fought like siblings do. Now we see each other with bars in between us and guards above us holding guns. Jah Roro has been incarcerated for over a year.

His crime?

One person's word against his own. Is he innocent? Not completely. Does he deserve to be locked up for over a year with 41 other cellmates in an 8x12 cell? Definitely not.

Inhumane.

There are 443 incarcerated persons in Les Cayes. Right now, 13 of them are under the age of 18 (pictured above). Close to 30 of them are female. If they are lucky, they are only locked up 23 hours a day. If they are lucky, they have family and they may receive more than one small serving a day. If they are lucky, they know why they are in prison, and if they are really lucky, they know when they will be released.

Pwoje Espwa Sud has had a longstanding relationship with the prison. We have established a tailor program for the long-term inmates, providing them with a trade and a pastime while they are in. After the earthquake, we provided 25% of our food program to the inmates since the prison food truck was not making it down to Les Cayes. Over the years we make regular trips to pick up prescriptions given to the inmates for various sicknesses, but have no way of purchasing the medication they need. We have given them mattresses, soap, and clothing. Currently, I am working with the Prison Director to temporarily release an inmate who has been suffering from a hernia for over a year.

Thankfully, because of the relationship Pwoje Espwa has with the prison, I have the rare honor of visiting the inmates whenever I can. Unlike their families, I don't have to wait in an extremely long line on Sunday and Wednesday to talk through a small box for 5 minutes to my loved one.

The question- where do we draw the line between punishment and inhumanity?

Pwoje Espwa Sud Fundraiser in Phoenix!

2010-10-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I will not be able to be there, but please show your support!

Lucky Little Feet

2010-10-23T09:17:00.001-07:00

Contrary to what some may think- not all Espwa children own a pair of shoes, let alone sneakers.

Thanks to the generosity of our Wisconsin friends, a handful of our youngest now own a brand spankin' new pair of sneakers.

Shoes are a luxury. They are also a huge expense. For those of you that have been to Pwoje Espwa, you noticed that 7 out of 10 children run around barefoot. This is because most don't own a pair of play sandals, and even more don't own a pair of play sneakers. The shoes the children do own are saved for church and school.

Owning a pair of shoes prevents disease and sickness. Owning a pair of shoes provides more than sole support, it boosts self esteem. Especially when the children reach preteen age, not owning a pair of shoes is humiliating. They don't want their picture taken, they definitely can't go to town, they don't even want to step foot into church on Sunday.

So to the wonderful donors from Wisconsin- thank you. You have given a greater gift than you even realize.

CPR/First Aid Training

2010-10-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Trained firefighter and EMT from Wisconsin, Shelly and her daughter Dylan spent two days training a group of secondary students and a group of primary students in the first aid and CPR. Each student left with a first aid kit and knowledge that could one day save a life. Thank you for this priceless gift.

Don't Worry- I'm being cautious.

2010-10-23T07:04:00.001-07:00

Warden Message No. 120
Cholera Outbreak in the Artibonite Alert on October 22, 2010

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on October 22, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that The Ministry of Health in Haiti has issued a statement that the diarrhea outbreak in the Artibonite region is due to cholera. Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. The infection is generally mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe. Common symptoms may include watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. The most important treatment is rehydration, which can almost always be accomplished with oral rehydration.

Dehydration can be corrected with any fluid, and a patient should drink any available appropriate fluid while oral rehydration fluid is sought. In cases where vomiting is also prominent, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) were designed to be rapidly absorbed from the intestine. If ORS is thought to be indicated, many stores and pharmacies carry ORS. Travelers to remote areas should carry their own ORS packets, which can be added to boiled or treated water.

Standard World Health Organization (WHO) ORS tastes salty and is often unpalatable to travelers. Flavored rice-based ORS (Ceralyte) is also available and may be more palatable. Solution held at room temperature should be consumed or thrown away within 12 hours. If it has been kept refrigerated, it must be discarded after 24 hours. If commercial ORS is not readily available, the replacement solution can be made by drinking alternating glasses of fluid. Glass #1: drink 8 oz. fruit juice plus ½ tsp corn syrup or honey or sugar plus a pinch of salt. Glass #2: drink 8 oz. boiled water plus ¼ tsp baking soda.

There is no cholera vaccine currently available in the USA, and vaccination is not generally recommended. Antibiotics are generally not indicated. Although diarrhea can be dramatic, leading to dehydration and shock, the U.S. Government has not experienced any significant cholera illnesses despite our people being stationed in endemic areas, e.g., Bangladesh.

A person can become infected with cholera by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Since the source of contamination is usually feces of an infected person, the disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.

PREVENTION: FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRECAUTIONS
Cholera is caused by spread by contaminated food and water. Risk can be minimized by following the guidelines below.

Food Precautions
Recommendations:
· Eat at establishments that are known to cater to foreigners or that are specifically known by other foreigners to be safe.
· Eat foods that are well-cooked and served steaming hot.
· Eat breads, tortillas, crackers, biscuits, and other baked goods.
· Eat fruits, nuts, and vegetables with thick skins, peels, or shells that you remove yourself.
· Eat canned foods.
· Always wash your hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet.
DO NOT:
· Eat any food from street vendors or market stalls.
· Eat leafy or uncooked vegetables and salads.
· Eat undercooked, raw, or cold meat, seafood, and fish.
· Eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk. Be particularly wary of ice cream and other frozen confections that may have been made or stored in contaminated containers.
· Eat cold sauces such as mayonnaise, salad dressing, chutneys, or salsas, which are usually raw and made by hand.
· Eat buffet foods such as lasagna, casseroles, and quiches—unless you know they are fresh (not reheated) and have been kept steaming hot. Avoid buffets where there are no food covers or fly controls.
· Eat creamy desserts, custards, or sauces that may not have been adequately refrigerated.

Beverage Precautions
No tap water should be considered safe to drink.
Recommendations:
· Use sealed bottled water or chemically treated, filtered, or boiled water for drinking and for brushing teeth.
· Drink beverages made only with boiled water whenever possible (such as hot tea and coffee). Water boiled for any length of time (even 1 minute), at any altitude, is safe to drink.
· Drink canned, boxed, or commercially bottled carbonated water and drinks. International brands are safest. Beware of unsealed containers that may have been re-filled.
· Safely drink beer and wine; however, alcohol added to beverages does not render them safe.
· Carry safe water with you if you are going out for the day and where availability of safe water is not assured.
· Breast-feeding is the safest food source for infants who are still nursing. If formula is used, it must be prepared with boiled water and sterilized containers.
DO NOT:
· Drink tap water.
· Rinse toothbrush in tap water.
· Use ice unless it is made from boiled, bottled, or purified water. Freezing does not reliably kill organisms that cause diarrhea.
· Drink from wet cans or bottles—the water on them may be contaminated. Dry wet cans/bottles before opening and clean all surfaces that will have contact with the mouth.
· Drink fruit juice unless it comes directly from a sealed container; otherwise it may have been diluted with tap water.

Additional information on news of the diarrhea outbreak, confirmation of Cholera, the Haitian Government’s response, the on-going outbreak investigation, the areas affected in the Artibonite and Central Plateau departments, and the U.S. Government’s response to control the outbreak and prevent further infection, and recommended treatment can be found at the U.S. Embassy’s website: http://haiti.usembassy.gov/

American citizens are advised to avoid this area and should monitor media coverage to stay abreast of the situation as it develops. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy.

Nail Polish Extravaganza!

2010-10-22T09:15:00.001-07:00

I have been M.I.A for the past week because I was staying busy with a group of 7 fabulous visitors from Wisconsin. We had soccer tournaments, CPR/First Aid training, Klinik "cleaning", clothing organization, prison visits, and much more.

Below is a little glimpse of one of our afternoon activities. Not going to lie, being surrounded by boys 95% of the time, it was nice to have a little "girl time".

All of our little girlies patiently waiting for their turn to be pampered.

Shelly working on a pedi. Shelly speaks French, so she was a huge hit, and quickly made friends.

Shelly's daughter Dylan was also much loved by the little girlies. (I think the feeling was mutual.)

Me with my little lovies. Nancy had a cut toe, so she chose a mani instead of a pedi.

Marian working on a pedicure. She was a kick, and loved dancing with the kids.

message From the Embassy

2010-10-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

Warden Message No. 119
On-Going Demonstrations in Downtown Port-au-Prince

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on October 22, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are on-going demonstration in the downtown Port-au-Prince area. Demonstrators have gathered at a church on MLK Blvd. (Nazon) for the funeral of the teacher who was killed on October 8, 2010. The protesters have erected burning barricades, and are expected to march through the streets of Port-au-Prince to Rue Dr. Audin in front of the Ministry of Education.

Message From the Embassy

2010-10-20T12:52:00.001-07:00

Warden Message No. 116
Rains Forecasted and Flood Alerts Through Thursday, October 21, 2010

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on October 19th, 2010:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that steady rains flooded portions of the Haitian capital over the weekend, turning streets into rivers and leaving at least 12 people dead. The Centre National de Meteorologie (CNM) forecasts rain for today and until Thursday, October 21, 2010. The CNM and the Direction Protection Civil (DPC) have issued an alert for people residing in the West, Center, Artibonite, South-East, Grand Anse, and North-West departments to be careful during thunderstorms, to watch for mudslides, and not to cross rivers during this time.

American citizens are advised to avoid these areas and should monitor media coverage to stay abreast of the situation as it develops. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy.