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).
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
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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