You may think I'm crazy if you read the last post (I just published it this morning). The internet was being goofy--go figure, I know--and I couldn't post the first part of Great Day, Hard Night, and the website wouldn't let me continue typing either. That's the first part just ends with misspelled words.
So, to pick up where I left off . . .
. . . Wolton caught me on my way upstairs after the "getting ready for bed" chaos, and he begged me to bring the matchbox cars down. I said "No." He asked again. I said "No" again with every excuse running through my mind: I'm tired, the noise will kill me, the kids will get wound up. But, he looked at me with adorable face of his, and I thought "Why not? Will it kill me to give 30 minutes of my time?" I said, "Yes." Pretty soon 15 kids were playing with the cars on the floor. Was it loud? Yes. Was there crying and screaming? Was it worth it? Yes. It really was so easy to spend 30 minutes supervising the chaos and managing who had how many cars and consoling the crying kids who had their car taken from them.
Then came time to go to say prayers and put the cars away. That went okay. But then I had to tell the girls to go out back and sing their prayers. Mimose wouldn't go. No matter what Alix and I said, she refused to move. Even when I told her that if she didn't move I would discipline her, she didn't move (she thought I was joking, not being jerky). I had to follow through on what I said, so I pointed upstairs and said, "Mete sou jenou." --"On your knees." She looked at me in shock, and suddenly the kids behaved. All except Michael--he had been naughty quite a bit. So, both Michael and Mimose went upstairs to kneel.
I have mixed feelings about having the kids kneel as punishment only because they are often left for hours to kneel. Now, they don't kneel that whole time because the person punishing them leaves, does other things, and the kids end up talking and just sitting. I think, though, that 10 minutes of real kneeling would be more of a punishment than hours of just sitting and still being involved in what's going on. I put on my "tough face" and made the kids kneel on the steps facing Gertrude's office (I didn't want them to be able to watch T.V.). I told them 10 minutes and that every time they turned around I would add 1 minute. I then plopped myself down next to them (discipling kids is a pain because you really end up discipling yourself! Yuck.). Mimose understood, served her 10 minutes, and went on her way, albeit a bit slowly at first due to still knees. Michael, however, still thought it was a joke. He kept turning around and smiling or making faces to see what I would do. Thirty minutes later he finally was able to go downstairs!
As an aunt, I've never really had to discipline my nieces and nephew, and even as a teacher when I give kids a detention it's not bad because I would be there anyway and I am able to get work done. This is the first time I was inconvenienced by disciplining children. I wanted to be downstairs and be a part of the prayers because it was my last night there. I wanted to read my book, but if I was doing that I couldn't keep on eye on the kids to make sure they weren't watching T.V. And, sitting on a hard stairs for 30 minutes is the most comfortable.
It's not the way I wanted to spend my last night, but it needed to be done. I don't know that the kids learned much (other than I will now discipline them and follow through on what I say), but I know I learned some stuff. Maybe that was the whole point--for me to learn.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Great Day, Hard Night
I was too tired to post last night, so you're getting it this morning.
Horse therapy was amazing, as always. The kids are doing so much better! I wish I could post some of the video here so that you could see, but I can't figure it out with my iPad. Cade doesn't scream anymore and sits up straight in the saddle. He sits well on the horse, like an actual rider. Rosaline's increased strength is amazing. She sits up without much support, and she continues to smile brightly the entire time she's there.
Yesterday Elizabeth and I fitted the kids with riding boots that she had donated. The kids look pretty snazzy in them! She's also looking for riding pants for them. The push to get them decked out in riding clothes is because as part of the dressage competition she is organizing for the Equestrian Club is a lead-line class for special-needs folks. Cade, Jean-Daniel, and Christina will be a part of that. It will be a great experience for them (as long as Cade doesn't panic with the crowds) and great exposure for the Notre Maison horse therapy. Wouldn't it be great if it could bring in more financial support for the horse therapy???
After therapy Alix, Will, Sony, Roberto, and I went to Croix des Boquets because I had never been there. I bought a couple of small pieces of iron work, but the coolest part for me was listening to the sounds of the artisans tapping at the tin as they worked. You'll have to go to my Facebook site to hear it, though. Can't upload it here. Maybe I'll try to add when I get back to the States. Lunch was some fried plantains and pikliz bought on the street. Good stuff.
Before I left in May, I wanted to get out to the memorial for the mass burial of people who died in the earthquake. I know how to get there and planned to take the motorcycle, but I wasn't sure I wanted to go by myself. Well, Will has a motorcycle, so I asked him he would be willing to go out there with me. He took Alix on the back of his cycle, and I followed on mine. Great time! Traffice was heavy, but fullblown "blokis." It was great practice for me, and I finally go out to the memorial. Riding out on the "highway" wasn't too bad; I was surprised at how the wind blew the bike, but I handled it well. We took a wrong turn on the way back, so we saw a bit more of PAP than anticipated.
It was after supper that the night became a bit more difficult. See, for whatever reason, a number of the nannies didn't come to work. I don't know whether they're sick, need to be at home to take care of their own kids, or didn't come in because they know Gertrude is gone. No matter what the reason, it's hard for two nannies to care for 20+ special-needs kids. Supper was complete chaos! Again, I don't know the reason for this, but supper the last two nights has been cold cereal--corn flakes. The problem is that each child only gets about one cup of cereal. They were all hungry, and the special-needs kids were putting up a fuss. The food grabbers were in full form, and even the other kids were having a hard time not trying to get as much food as they could.
We went from that to getting the kids ready for bed. Oh boy. Ever tried to change the diapers of 10 special-needs kids with a two nine-year-old girls in charge??? Getting the diapers changed was a battle because the kids didn't necessarily want to go to bed. The kids who can walk kept taking off. Cade decided to make a game out of throwing wet diapers at people. Jephte opted to run around butt naked. There was poweder all over the floor. The older boys came in just to watch (we finally told them that if they were going to be in the room they had to change diapers. Yea, they left). Brilner wouldn't stay in bed. Just when I thought we were done, Mimose looked at me at said, "Jamie, poko fini"--"Jamie, we're not finished yet." We still had Alain, Joesph, Woodmeyer, and a couple others to go. I was ready to scream, and I would have if Cade had hit me in the face with a wet diaper! Alix had that privelege.
The kids were finally all freshly diapered and relatively ready for bed. I headed upstairs, but Wolton coucouth
Horse therapy was amazing, as always. The kids are doing so much better! I wish I could post some of the video here so that you could see, but I can't figure it out with my iPad. Cade doesn't scream anymore and sits up straight in the saddle. He sits well on the horse, like an actual rider. Rosaline's increased strength is amazing. She sits up without much support, and she continues to smile brightly the entire time she's there.
Yesterday Elizabeth and I fitted the kids with riding boots that she had donated. The kids look pretty snazzy in them! She's also looking for riding pants for them. The push to get them decked out in riding clothes is because as part of the dressage competition she is organizing for the Equestrian Club is a lead-line class for special-needs folks. Cade, Jean-Daniel, and Christina will be a part of that. It will be a great experience for them (as long as Cade doesn't panic with the crowds) and great exposure for the Notre Maison horse therapy. Wouldn't it be great if it could bring in more financial support for the horse therapy???
After therapy Alix, Will, Sony, Roberto, and I went to Croix des Boquets because I had never been there. I bought a couple of small pieces of iron work, but the coolest part for me was listening to the sounds of the artisans tapping at the tin as they worked. You'll have to go to my Facebook site to hear it, though. Can't upload it here. Maybe I'll try to add when I get back to the States. Lunch was some fried plantains and pikliz bought on the street. Good stuff.
Before I left in May, I wanted to get out to the memorial for the mass burial of people who died in the earthquake. I know how to get there and planned to take the motorcycle, but I wasn't sure I wanted to go by myself. Well, Will has a motorcycle, so I asked him he would be willing to go out there with me. He took Alix on the back of his cycle, and I followed on mine. Great time! Traffice was heavy, but fullblown "blokis." It was great practice for me, and I finally go out to the memorial. Riding out on the "highway" wasn't too bad; I was surprised at how the wind blew the bike, but I handled it well. We took a wrong turn on the way back, so we saw a bit more of PAP than anticipated.
It was after supper that the night became a bit more difficult. See, for whatever reason, a number of the nannies didn't come to work. I don't know whether they're sick, need to be at home to take care of their own kids, or didn't come in because they know Gertrude is gone. No matter what the reason, it's hard for two nannies to care for 20+ special-needs kids. Supper was complete chaos! Again, I don't know the reason for this, but supper the last two nights has been cold cereal--corn flakes. The problem is that each child only gets about one cup of cereal. They were all hungry, and the special-needs kids were putting up a fuss. The food grabbers were in full form, and even the other kids were having a hard time not trying to get as much food as they could.
We went from that to getting the kids ready for bed. Oh boy. Ever tried to change the diapers of 10 special-needs kids with a two nine-year-old girls in charge??? Getting the diapers changed was a battle because the kids didn't necessarily want to go to bed. The kids who can walk kept taking off. Cade decided to make a game out of throwing wet diapers at people. Jephte opted to run around butt naked. There was poweder all over the floor. The older boys came in just to watch (we finally told them that if they were going to be in the room they had to change diapers. Yea, they left). Brilner wouldn't stay in bed. Just when I thought we were done, Mimose looked at me at said, "Jamie, poko fini"--"Jamie, we're not finished yet." We still had Alain, Joesph, Woodmeyer, and a couple others to go. I was ready to scream, and I would have if Cade had hit me in the face with a wet diaper! Alix had that privelege.
The kids were finally all freshly diapered and relatively ready for bed. I headed upstairs, but Wolton coucouth
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Afternoon News
If you read the blog from earlier today, you know that I spent the afternoon relaxing at the Caribbean Lodge after swim therapy. It was great. When I returned (I had taken the motorcycle there so that I could stay late), the kids wanted to go to the school. While the playground was open, it was just about time for me to eat, and Mimose gets upset if folks don't eat pretty much as soon as the food is ready. I understand that--the longer I wait to eat, the later she has to wait to clean up! So, we had to nix the playing at the school.
Turns out there was another soccer game across the way tonight--I guess there was a game last night, too. The older boys wanted to know whether they could go again after eating (they went last night with Alix). These boys--Wolton, Jameson, Keloke, and Edson--actually watch the game and are interested in it, so it was no problem to take them. Alx joined us. Soccer's not my favorite game, but it is fun to watch and feel the energy of the crowd. Loud music blares from a jerry-rigged sound system, the crowd stands right on the edges of the field lines, and little boys chase after the balls when they get booted out of the area. Talk about being right in the middle of things!
The big news for the afternoon is the call I received from Elizabeth. Her friend Danielle from the states has taken a HUGE interest in the kids at horse therapy. Well, Elizabeth and the equestrian club have organized a dressage show for August 31. They want to have three of our kids ride in it as a part of the lead-line competition! Danielle is going to arrange for the kids to get riding clothes. In fact, tomorrow, Elizabeth and I will fit the kids with riding boots for the show. The kids will each get a ribbon for participating! I hope somebody from here can go and take pictures so that they can be posted onsite--the more exposure the better! If nothing else, Elizabeth said that they will have somebody taking pictures and shooting video, so I can get images from her.
Elizabeth has another friend who wants to come visit the orphanage to meet the kids and get a better understanding of the kids and their day to day lives. They are going to come on Saturday. I am continually amazed at how the network of folks interested in making the horse therapy a permanent part of these kids lives continues to grow! God is so good.
Turns out there was another soccer game across the way tonight--I guess there was a game last night, too. The older boys wanted to know whether they could go again after eating (they went last night with Alix). These boys--Wolton, Jameson, Keloke, and Edson--actually watch the game and are interested in it, so it was no problem to take them. Alx joined us. Soccer's not my favorite game, but it is fun to watch and feel the energy of the crowd. Loud music blares from a jerry-rigged sound system, the crowd stands right on the edges of the field lines, and little boys chase after the balls when they get booted out of the area. Talk about being right in the middle of things!
The big news for the afternoon is the call I received from Elizabeth. Her friend Danielle from the states has taken a HUGE interest in the kids at horse therapy. Well, Elizabeth and the equestrian club have organized a dressage show for August 31. They want to have three of our kids ride in it as a part of the lead-line competition! Danielle is going to arrange for the kids to get riding clothes. In fact, tomorrow, Elizabeth and I will fit the kids with riding boots for the show. The kids will each get a ribbon for participating! I hope somebody from here can go and take pictures so that they can be posted onsite--the more exposure the better! If nothing else, Elizabeth said that they will have somebody taking pictures and shooting video, so I can get images from her.
Elizabeth has another friend who wants to come visit the orphanage to meet the kids and get a better understanding of the kids and their day to day lives. They are going to come on Saturday. I am continually amazed at how the network of folks interested in making the horse therapy a permanent part of these kids lives continues to grow! God is so good.
WATER THERAPY
I spent this morning at water therapy. OMG. I can hardly believe how amazing it is. Because of the networking that Alix has done with Healing Hait, 6-7 kids get to go each week: Maxo, Gabrielle, Christine, Alain, Phonsley, Natalie, Wilcia, and sometimes Jude. Arrangements have been made for Healing Haiti meet Akix and the kids at the Caribben Lodge on Tuesday mornings. They now bring all the towels and the flotation devices. Alix is job is to get the kids easy at the orphanage and bring them. She is doing a great job explaining what needs to be done with each child, and it is clear that the kids love it.
This week, a group of kids from Grace Village, an orphanage run by Healing Haiti, came to work with our children. Here's the story of how that developed. One of the long-term missionaries at Grace Village is missing all her fingers on her right hand. When she visited last year, the kids made fun of her. Now, she is staying the long term. One of the children at Grace Village is cognitively fine, but has CP. She said the kids are horrible to this girl. Well, she heard the kids making fun of her, and Kelly just lit into them! But, instead of just yelling, she decided to take advantage of Healing Haiti's relationship with the kids at Notre Maison! She brings some of the older high school age kids into play with the kids at the orphanage, and then those who are capable and comfortable with our children, help some with the water therapy. She wants the teens at Grace Village to have the chance to work with special-needs kids so that they can learn that people are just people. Pretty cool that connections made and relationships built months ago can have an impact on people today!
I could hardly stop smiling this morning as I watched so many kids get over an hour of 1-1 time with someone away from the orphanage. That is a great experience for everyone involved. God has been so good in pulling this all together and getting so many different people involved. What a privilege it is to be a small part of it all.
I opted to stay after everyone else left so that I could hang out at the Caribbean Lodge for a bit. I've had the chance to swim, relax, read, and reflect on my trip so far. It seems weird to be going home on Thursday, but it feels right. I have needed to be here to bring closure to my trip. A the same time, it's helped give me focus for the future. I have two or three things that I want/need to get done in the next couple of weeks, and then I think I will feel as if I have done all that I can for the time being. I know God hasn't finished with me in Haiti, yet, but I feel better about this trip (that means everything from January on).
This week, a group of kids from Grace Village, an orphanage run by Healing Haiti, came to work with our children. Here's the story of how that developed. One of the long-term missionaries at Grace Village is missing all her fingers on her right hand. When she visited last year, the kids made fun of her. Now, she is staying the long term. One of the children at Grace Village is cognitively fine, but has CP. She said the kids are horrible to this girl. Well, she heard the kids making fun of her, and Kelly just lit into them! But, instead of just yelling, she decided to take advantage of Healing Haiti's relationship with the kids at Notre Maison! She brings some of the older high school age kids into play with the kids at the orphanage, and then those who are capable and comfortable with our children, help some with the water therapy. She wants the teens at Grace Village to have the chance to work with special-needs kids so that they can learn that people are just people. Pretty cool that connections made and relationships built months ago can have an impact on people today!
I could hardly stop smiling this morning as I watched so many kids get over an hour of 1-1 time with someone away from the orphanage. That is a great experience for everyone involved. God has been so good in pulling this all together and getting so many different people involved. What a privilege it is to be a small part of it all.
I opted to stay after everyone else left so that I could hang out at the Caribbean Lodge for a bit. I've had the chance to swim, relax, read, and reflect on my trip so far. It seems weird to be going home on Thursday, but it feels right. I have needed to be here to bring closure to my trip. A the same time, it's helped give me focus for the future. I have two or three things that I want/need to get done in the next couple of weeks, and then I think I will feel as if I have done all that I can for the time being. I know God hasn't finished with me in Haiti, yet, but I feel better about this trip (that means everything from January on).
Monday, August 5, 2013
Variety
Did a lot of different stuff today. Alix I planned heading to the Wester Union place at Star 2000 right away this morning, but Louvia, one of the new babies who was burned horribly about 4 months ago, had to go the medical clinic nearby. We went together--I really didn't need to go, but I wanted to see the clinic again. The exam was really short. Really, the doctor didn't examine her at all. He just asked a couple of questions and then prescribed an antibiotic. The quick blood test they did showed she is anemic, and I guess that can give babies a fever. Once she's done with the antibiotic Alix can take her back for medicine that will treat the anemia. They don't want to give Louvia that medicine right now because it will make her diarrhea worse.
Soon after we returned from the clinic, Chedner was able to come over for a visit. It was good to see him because we could talk a little bit about the mattresses he wants to buy so that the kids don't have to sleep on the concrete floors anymore. I also mentioned that I wanted to bring a team down over spring break to paint the orphanage . . . he was totally excited about that. So, if any of you want to come to Haiti and do some painting, let me know!
I bought some piklize at the store. I forgot to do it before I left in May, so I'm glad I had this chance. I'll need to learn how to make fried plantains so that I have something to eat it on. It's yummy. Looks like cabbage, but it's hot.
The rest of the afternoon was slow, but fun. After eating lunch I took Cadet for a walk around the block. I loved watching him take in the surroundings. Everyone in awhilehewould just stop and stare at something. Then he'd be ready to walk again. He always stopped when he saw a motorcycle, no matter how far away it was. He wouldn't move on until it had passed us. He also didn't like the goats or the dogs much, but he never freaked out. He sometimes yelled out, "Whoa!" as only Cadet can do. I loved walking with him . . . he behaves beautifully and is a delight to watch. It's cool to see how the 1-1 attention really calms him down.
I took another short break and then went down to play with some of the special-needs on the mats. Phonsley and I practiced doing sit ups (okay, Phonsley did the sit ups, and I cheered him on). He smiled and giggled the whole time. Then later I played some with Wilcia, who laughed uproariously every time I kissed her. Then the other kids started laughing. I then, of course, had to run around kissing all the kids to keep the laughter going. Even Catelan played nicely for a bit; that is, until in excitement, he roped Jean-Daniel around the neck, dragged him to the ground, and banged his head onto the concrete. The blood brought an end to the fun and games. Oh, well.
Still loving every minute here even though it's freakishly hot and I sweat nonstop!
Soon after we returned from the clinic, Chedner was able to come over for a visit. It was good to see him because we could talk a little bit about the mattresses he wants to buy so that the kids don't have to sleep on the concrete floors anymore. I also mentioned that I wanted to bring a team down over spring break to paint the orphanage . . . he was totally excited about that. So, if any of you want to come to Haiti and do some painting, let me know!
I bought some piklize at the store. I forgot to do it before I left in May, so I'm glad I had this chance. I'll need to learn how to make fried plantains so that I have something to eat it on. It's yummy. Looks like cabbage, but it's hot.
The rest of the afternoon was slow, but fun. After eating lunch I took Cadet for a walk around the block. I loved watching him take in the surroundings. Everyone in awhilehewould just stop and stare at something. Then he'd be ready to walk again. He always stopped when he saw a motorcycle, no matter how far away it was. He wouldn't move on until it had passed us. He also didn't like the goats or the dogs much, but he never freaked out. He sometimes yelled out, "Whoa!" as only Cadet can do. I loved walking with him . . . he behaves beautifully and is a delight to watch. It's cool to see how the 1-1 attention really calms him down.
I took another short break and then went down to play with some of the special-needs on the mats. Phonsley and I practiced doing sit ups (okay, Phonsley did the sit ups, and I cheered him on). He smiled and giggled the whole time. Then later I played some with Wilcia, who laughed uproariously every time I kissed her. Then the other kids started laughing. I then, of course, had to run around kissing all the kids to keep the laughter going. Even Catelan played nicely for a bit; that is, until in excitement, he roped Jean-Daniel around the neck, dragged him to the ground, and banged his head onto the concrete. The blood brought an end to the fun and games. Oh, well.
Still loving every minute here even though it's freakishly hot and I sweat nonstop!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Back in the Saddle
I was able to take the motorcycle out today. I first took it for a spin in the neighborhood to make sure that I could still drive it. Once I felt comfortable I drove it to the stables where I planned to meet Elizabeth.
It was so good to so her and Milo. I watched Elizabeth work with some of the horses for a bit, and then we had the afternoon to talk and catch up. She coaches both Milo and another rider so that they can compete in competitions.
We talked about the chicken project--we're pretty sure that we can do it at the orphanage without a problem. We may need to take out some of the garden that was planted earlier in the spring, but that area of garden wasn't growing anyway. My understanding is that we will need a total of 85 chickens in order for the program to become self-sustaining. And, as soon as the chicks are ready and the coop is built, Gertrude will be in business!
I am so pleased with the way that Elizabeth and Gertrude have connected. Gertrude has had some issues with the Labor Board, and Elizabeth and Thierry were able to help out, and if issues like that come up in the future, Gertrude can count on them to be supportive. Elizabeth also thought there might be a way to take ownership of the land next to the orphanage which would give space to really do some gardening and maybe expand on the chickens.
After returning to the orphanage Alix and I decided to take the kids to play soccer. Well, the "field" across the road has been shut off so that a soccer league can play there. We then walked to the school, but that gate was locked. We had no choice but to come back. I asked the guy at the gate to the "field" what was going on, and he explained that a soccer game would be starting at 5:00. It would cost 5 goudres to get it (that's about 12 cents American). We decided to pay for the kids to go (at least, the kids who could find shoes and who weren't in trouble); they were way excited. Of course, in typical Haitian fashion the game didn't actually start until about 6:00, so first Alix and I had to go back and eat, and then the kids had to go eat. The game had started by the time the kids had to eat, and I swear they were back in 3 minutes! Of course, it doesn't take long to slurp down flour paste. Rosie came, too, and her cousins Kethia and Safi, and then their aunt came along. It was really fun.
So, right now, I'm back up on the roof as I type. A nice breeze is keeping me cool after a hot day. I feel as if I never left. It's different being here this time, though. I'm here more as a guest, not as a worker, so I feel more comfortable taking time for myself and not getting caught up in the day to day functioning of the system. I like that. I didn't realize just how stressful it was to be "on" so much while I was here. I am much more able to relax and reflect.
It was so good to so her and Milo. I watched Elizabeth work with some of the horses for a bit, and then we had the afternoon to talk and catch up. She coaches both Milo and another rider so that they can compete in competitions.
We talked about the chicken project--we're pretty sure that we can do it at the orphanage without a problem. We may need to take out some of the garden that was planted earlier in the spring, but that area of garden wasn't growing anyway. My understanding is that we will need a total of 85 chickens in order for the program to become self-sustaining. And, as soon as the chicks are ready and the coop is built, Gertrude will be in business!
I am so pleased with the way that Elizabeth and Gertrude have connected. Gertrude has had some issues with the Labor Board, and Elizabeth and Thierry were able to help out, and if issues like that come up in the future, Gertrude can count on them to be supportive. Elizabeth also thought there might be a way to take ownership of the land next to the orphanage which would give space to really do some gardening and maybe expand on the chickens.
After returning to the orphanage Alix and I decided to take the kids to play soccer. Well, the "field" across the road has been shut off so that a soccer league can play there. We then walked to the school, but that gate was locked. We had no choice but to come back. I asked the guy at the gate to the "field" what was going on, and he explained that a soccer game would be starting at 5:00. It would cost 5 goudres to get it (that's about 12 cents American). We decided to pay for the kids to go (at least, the kids who could find shoes and who weren't in trouble); they were way excited. Of course, in typical Haitian fashion the game didn't actually start until about 6:00, so first Alix and I had to go back and eat, and then the kids had to go eat. The game had started by the time the kids had to eat, and I swear they were back in 3 minutes! Of course, it doesn't take long to slurp down flour paste. Rosie came, too, and her cousins Kethia and Safi, and then their aunt came along. It was really fun.
So, right now, I'm back up on the roof as I type. A nice breeze is keeping me cool after a hot day. I feel as if I never left. It's different being here this time, though. I'm here more as a guest, not as a worker, so I feel more comfortable taking time for myself and not getting caught up in the day to day functioning of the system. I like that. I didn't realize just how stressful it was to be "on" so much while I was here. I am much more able to relax and reflect.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Busy, Busy, Busy
It was a great day! I started with helping Alix with some of the therapy with the babies and the special-needs kids. I got to work with Phonsley again which was awesome.
Meal times were okay. The nannies let Brilner feed himself a bit, but they get impatient and finish for him. I don't think they really let any of the other kids that I worked with feeding on try to eat by themselves. I'm disappointed, but I also understand. It takes lots of time to help kids learn how to feed themselves.
Gertrude and I walked over to see the land where we might raise the chickens. It's a nice piece of property. I would like to see the chicken project happen there, but Gertrude really wants to do it at the orphanage. I don't know what is best, but I will follow Gertrude's lead on this one. It would be much easier for the kids to learn how to take care of them if the chickens were onsite.
After taking a bit of break in the early afternoon, my friend Oriol was able to come over. We went out to Kokoye for a bite to eat. It was so good to see him again! He was really surprised when I left because he had forgotten that I was leaving at the end of May, so he never really felt as if he had the chance to say good-bye.
As I write this, it doesn't as if I did a whole lot, but the day flew by and I felt busy all the time. Hmm. Wonder what that's about.
One of the coolest things to see was that Christina can actually pull herself up using core muscles! She could never have done that months ago. And, she never would have wanted to! Alix has made great progress with her.
I'm bummed. I just tried to download pictures from from iPad to this blog, but I can't figure out how to do it. It won't let me. I wanted you all to see pictures of the kids today.
I hope to figure it out later so that you can see pictures and not just have to read about my trip. I want you to be able see parts of my trip.
Meal times were okay. The nannies let Brilner feed himself a bit, but they get impatient and finish for him. I don't think they really let any of the other kids that I worked with feeding on try to eat by themselves. I'm disappointed, but I also understand. It takes lots of time to help kids learn how to feed themselves.
Gertrude and I walked over to see the land where we might raise the chickens. It's a nice piece of property. I would like to see the chicken project happen there, but Gertrude really wants to do it at the orphanage. I don't know what is best, but I will follow Gertrude's lead on this one. It would be much easier for the kids to learn how to take care of them if the chickens were onsite.
After taking a bit of break in the early afternoon, my friend Oriol was able to come over. We went out to Kokoye for a bite to eat. It was so good to see him again! He was really surprised when I left because he had forgotten that I was leaving at the end of May, so he never really felt as if he had the chance to say good-bye.
As I write this, it doesn't as if I did a whole lot, but the day flew by and I felt busy all the time. Hmm. Wonder what that's about.
One of the coolest things to see was that Christina can actually pull herself up using core muscles! She could never have done that months ago. And, she never would have wanted to! Alix has made great progress with her.
I'm bummed. I just tried to download pictures from from iPad to this blog, but I can't figure out how to do it. It won't let me. I wanted you all to see pictures of the kids today.
I hope to figure it out later so that you can see pictures and not just have to read about my trip. I want you to be able see parts of my trip.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Homecoming
I'm back! It feels so good to be back with the kids and my friends here in Port-au-Prince. Getting off the plane in PAP felt like coming home. No worries. No anxieties. Just a feeling of comfort that I was where I belonged.
We pulled into the gate of the orphanage, the kids saw me, and came running! The hugs cheered me up so much!
You see, when I left in May, I really didn't say good-bye. The kids and staff knew I was leaving, but I never said a real good-bye. I never sat with each of the kids and held them, told them I would miss them, or anything. I just left that last morning. I thought it would be easier that way. I didn't want to say good-bye . . . I thought it would be too hard and I wouldn't have the words to say all that I wanted. So I just didn't say anything.
Leaving like that didn't make anything easier. In fact, it made it worse. It made going back to the States harder. It made the adjustment to life in the States harder because there was still unfinished business in Hait. But, God has given me a chance to say good-bye again. He has given me the chance to come back and tell the kids, staff, and my friends how much I love them and how much I will miss them when I leave. This time, I will say good-bye.
We pulled into the gate of the orphanage, the kids saw me, and came running! The hugs cheered me up so much!
You see, when I left in May, I really didn't say good-bye. The kids and staff knew I was leaving, but I never said a real good-bye. I never sat with each of the kids and held them, told them I would miss them, or anything. I just left that last morning. I thought it would be easier that way. I didn't want to say good-bye . . . I thought it would be too hard and I wouldn't have the words to say all that I wanted. So I just didn't say anything.
Leaving like that didn't make anything easier. In fact, it made it worse. It made going back to the States harder. It made the adjustment to life in the States harder because there was still unfinished business in Hait. But, God has given me a chance to say good-bye again. He has given me the chance to come back and tell the kids, staff, and my friends how much I love them and how much I will miss them when I leave. This time, I will say good-bye.
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