There IS beauty in Haiti

 

 

A couple weeks ago when Hope was still here we visited one of my favourite spots in this area of Haiti- the waterfall that comes from the top of the mountain. It is breathtaking- there is beauty in Haiti.

Haitian Mother’s Day, Cake Bonanza & BBQ Bliss

Today was Mother’s Day in Haiti….

In my thoughts today were those mothers around the world eagerly awaiting their Haitian child….

In my thoughts today were all those Haitian women who had made the tough decision to give up their child in hopes of a better life- one they could not provide…

In my thoughts today were all those Haitian mothers, these woman are incredibly hard working, loving and devoted women and today was their day of appreciation.

In my thoughts today were all those mothers who lost their children in the earthquake, today was a very difficult today and I hope they could find strength and comfort in their surrounding friends and family. There are many Haitian women with whom I interact with on a daily basis (GLA staff) that were hurting today over the children they have lost, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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Otherwise, today was a day of rest. I had a lazy morning and headed down to the Main House in the late afternoon to get in some baby loving and to help prepare for our big Sunday BBQ. There was cake made last night for dessert that went relatively untouched, so I decided to treat two of my boys. I brought them down (right before their dinner – opps!), sat them in the highchairs and plopped cake in front of them. It started out on plates but soon ended up on the table, then in the chair and then eventually on the floor. They consumed very little of it- but they enjoyed the special treat :)

Then it was time for our treat… dinner on Sunday is not provided and so we usually piece together something from the cupboard or fridge but today that was not the case! A couple of the staff and long term volunteers decided to have a BBQ with all the trimmings. Although I didn't have a huge hand in the preparation-  I sure did enjoy that taste of home! We even brought up a couple of the babes for dessert- can you tell I have a favourite?

It was such a fun night, we all enjoyed each other’s company and the kids also enjoyed the pyjama party!

Kisses all around ;)

Life goes on in Haiti…..

Hey all! So I have written very short blogs the last couples day, I guess it is about time for an update post. This week was a jumble of happenings, on Monday we lost one volunteer and on Tuesday another and by Thursday it was just down to me here at the one house. Melissa is a permanent staff here so we have been having some relaxing evenings and passing the time just fine. Tuesday and Wednesday I went up to Fort Jacque (the site of the new orphanage) and helped with the last little bit of sorting and organizing of the aid materials that came in my first couples days here. Word is that there are 6 containers waiting at the Haitian customs that are PACKED with aid supplies and have yet to be released to us. There are 6 more on their way from the USA and Canada. These containers carry clothes, food, medical supplies, toys, diapers, baby supplies and other orphanage needs. What isn't needed here at GLA is sorted and distributed to surrounding communities that have yet to receive any aid since the quake. We are eagerly waiting for these 6 containers to be released so that we may start up our string of distributions again as MANY communities are waiting.

Although it is nice to have a break from the balcony for a couple days I really missed my babies, I would walk in at the end of the day either before or after dinner and they would be beaming from ear to ear eagerly awaiting a kiss and a squeeze. I think they were grateful that I was back to normal routine by Thursday and Friday. As I wrote earlier this week they are all making such awesome progress, I am bonding with each and everyone of them on a level that I never expected. JR was not feeling well this week, we developed a routine of a morning nap and snuggle time and we would awake with a little more energy but still not up to his normal behaviour. Friday afternoon we were treated to a lunch at the Mission just up the mountain, just us girls went (the permanent girls and me) as this is ALL that is left here until Monday. It was a rainy day and while we stood on the balcony where we eat we watched the clouds roll into the balcony and we were literally sitting in the clouds. Although I have seen this before up here considering the altitude it does not lose its appeal- it is such an amazing feeling. I have to learn to keep my camera on me more so that I could capture this experience- next time hopefully. Yesterday was the first day I wore my sweatshirt in Haiti, and I was legitimately chilled!

Amanda came up with Melissa and I last night and we had a sleep over, watched a movie and chatted until the wee hours of the morning. It felt so “normal” it was nice :)

This morning we made French Toast and Bacon == YUM! and then headed down to the main house. We caught a ride up with the boys and had lunch out AGAIN at the mission- We were spoiled! And if you have ever been here before you know that you can not go to the Mission without getting ice cream (it is the closest you get to diary around here) so my stomach is not liking me very much tonight as I am lactose intolerant and have been really pushing it the last couple days haha.

We had an afternoon of board games and card games, we laughed until our stomach hurt and some of us sustained injuries from a game of Spoons gone TOO far. BUT all in all it has been an awesome week. Tomorrow should be another relaxing day.

I am thinking about everyone at home today and missing you all SO much.

All the best! More soon…..

Rain Rain Go Away!

It is rainy season in Haiti right now, we usually get a morning of sunshine and heat and then an afternoon and evening of wind and rain- today it rained ALL day! 

You know you have been in Haiti when you are freezing at 26 degrees Celsius… the babes found it chilly to and JR decided being wrapped up in blankets was how he was going to spend his morning.

Gosh I love this kid.

POOL PARTY!

Although this is a regular occurrence  on the balcony I thought I would share a couple snapshots of the babes in water :)

 

They LOVE splashing water EVERYWHERE, they also enjoy having the water poured over their heads- we get such a laugh out of pool time!

We usually try and scrub ‘em up when we have them in there too!

Although it is often a struggle to get them OUT of the water, Miss W was happy to snuggle in her towel :)

 

Although B didn’t make it into the pool with the big kids he didn’t mind lounging out with us ;)

Told YA he was getting big !!!!

More soon….

The Gang

Hi Everyone- My Name is E!

I turned 1 at the beginning of this month, I am a super fun loving kind of guy, I enjoy my time on the balcony especially if it involves climbing up and down Brittnei! Recently I have been trying REALLY hard to start walking, I am standing all on my own and clap everytime to make sure that everyone sees me doing it. I think I can take a few steps before Brittnei leaves to go home! This week Brittnei has been working up at the new property where our new orphanage is being built, I know she is doing important work there but we miss her around here. When I see her walk into the nursery at the end of the day for short visit before her dinner I light right up and offer up a couple giggles too – we have really become buddies. I am looking forward to some balcony time tomorrow. It was really great meeting you all, I will try to send more updates soon (maybe I will be walking by that point!!!)

 

HEY ALL- My name is W!

Don’t let me fool you with this sly grin, I have perfected the gummy smile :) I am turning 1 in just a couple days (I am SO excited for the party which I hear involves chocolate pudding?!) I am such a sweet little girl- take it from me, I enjoy a good snuggle but I am also taking some time to grow and develop with the help of my new friend Brittnei. Brittnei is the longest volunteer I have had- and I am SO thankful, I reward her with big smiles and giggles when she walks into the nursery- but I also tend to throw a fit when she brings me back (just to remind her how much I like it up there!). Soon I will be walking just like all those other guys, I have finally relented to practicing my standing and in no time at all I will be able to do it all on my own. I hope you will check in soon so I can update you on my progress, very nice meeting you :)

 

HOWDY! I’m JR….

You have heard all about me I’m sure…. don't believe anything they are saying ;) I am already one and I am MOVING.. with just a couple days with Brittnei I decided it was about time to get  these little legs moving…. and now I am unstoppable! I am a little mischievous but easy to love, I enjoy a good laugh (at another’s expense if necessary) but I also schedule in some cuddle time. The last couple days I haven’t been feeling 100% so I have awarded Brittnei just a little more cuddle time. I really enjoy it when Brittnei brings me for walks outside the orphanage gates, one time she sat me on this green stuff and it was soft, tickly and a little prickly at the same time- although I pitched a fit in the beginning I grew to enjoy it and we watched a good soccer match sitting on what she tells me is “grass”. Me and Brittnei have really grown tight over the weeks, I am sure going to miss her around here when she leaves, she always makes an effort to give me a kiss or a squeeze even if it isn’t my turn up on the balcony. I am excited for tomorrow when she is here ALL day which means I might get a couple hours in ;) Nice to meet you all… more soon!

 

Hello Hello, my name is B!

 

I am about 2.5 months now and I am growing fast…. just this afternoon Brittnei called me fat in front of all the other girls… I would prefer pleasantly plump :) I am not just a snuggle bug anymore, in fact if I am awake I don't enjoy cuddling at all! I have grown to like the swing, I even have some fun sitting in the Bumbo seat with a couple bright toys in front of me- I can see so many new colours and designs these days its fabulous. Sadly, the other day the nurse told me I had scabies….. but thankfully that didn't scare my new friend away (although I think I  heard her praying that she doesn't get them)- but just so you know I am good as new after a little treatment!! I am excited to spend some more time with Brittnei over these next couple weeks, I am growing so fast and learning new things it is fun to share these with someone special who is all my own. Very nice to meet you!

Brittnei here… I thought I would let the little guys tell you a little something about themselves since they have become such a big part of my life. They are truly AMAZING children and I am growing to love them more and more everyday, I am excited to share more with you soon so you can share in some of the joy they give me everyday.

More soon!

On the upside….

On the upside….. my kids smile at me the minute I walk into the nursery and grapple at my feet to be the first one out!

On the upside…. E is standing on his own and could quite possibly be walking before I return home :)

On the upside…. W is FINALLY standing with help without resistance and whining… we are making progress!

On the upside…. B is looking healthier everyday and also gaining a little bit of chub :)

On the upside… Mr. JR has become my little buddy no matter who mischievous  he can be!

On the upside… I had a day away from the nursery today to help with sorting and organizing at the new property before the new container of supplies arrives…. and my children were elated to see me walk in before dinner. I sat on the floor and immediately had 7 children climbing and pushing for a squeeze and a ti bou (little kiss). (ON the downside someone's dirty diaper exploded on my pants – GROSS)

On the upside…. I have had some incredible connections with friends and family at home that have totally lifted my spirit an reminded me how incredibly lucky I am to have these people in my life.

On the upside… I have seen some amazing volunteers return home knowing that it was not goodbye…. that I have just established lasting friendships :)

Today was on the upside :)

More soon …..

Struggling

Today I am struggling with homesickness- it is not the comforts of home I miss, it is not even the normalcy of N. American life… it is my relationships, my friends, my family our daily conversations and my independence. I do find comfort in the children with whom I work, I find happiness in the progress I am making with them and I enjoy my surroundings but I struggle being alone. Many of the volunteers are wonderful as are many of the permanent staff but I struggle with the lack of consistency, I don’t have a sounding board- no matter how trivial my thoughts may be, and no matter how many people I am surrounded by I feel alone. And then on the flip side I frustrate myself because WHY am I dwelling on these feelings… when I am at home I count down the days until my return—

why this time do I feel so torn?

I know there is no easy explanation- it could be a combination of things. It could be the point in time considering a new and exciting transition is awaiting me at home, it could be that I have simply exhausted my possibilities here and I am drained or it could be that I am just in a mood – either way I am struggling with this today. I know tomorrow will bring cute baby smiles and snuggle and I will be A-OK but today I needed to vent.

Today I am thankful for the amazing support networks I have at home, my parents, my brothers, my grandma and my friends. I know I make them anxious when I express anything other than bliss because they feel as though there is nothing they can do, but know that I find comfort in your support.

More tomorrow… hopefully on a brighter note.

Distribution in Calebasse

100 Bags filled with clothing, hygiene products, first aid items and baby supplies…

The mayor of the community had distributed tickets to those most in need, the lined up orderly waiting eagerly….. they had yet to see ANY aid since the quake….

Elderly Haitians tell a story with every expression- I am forever humbled.

Grins Galore

I Saw What I Saw…..

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

 

Something  on the road, cut me to the soul
Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
(what I am made of)
and what I know of love

we've done what we've done and we can't erase it
we are what we are and it's more than enough
we have what we have but it's no substitution
Something on the road, touched my very soul
I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction
Something on the road, changed my world