the HAITI humanitarian

Joy

2011-09-07T04:14:00.000-07:00

This entry was taken from the Blog of Alice @ http://itsawonderlandworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/joy.html

Monday, August 8, 2011

It's a beautiful, muggy morning in Haiti...the electricity went out last night and so our precious fans that are our ac were out too. The 15 minute period seemed like an eternity but boy was it a blessing when the power came back on.

Moments of joy made up my afternoon yesterday. We went to Jimmy Bono's Home for Street Boys. As we pulled into this house, we were immediately swarmed with little hands and arms reaching up to us for hugs. All 50 or so boys live in this one house. Hours and hours passed as we played and learned creole and took over 300 photos. God bless my camera battery....

So many moments jump out as moments of joy. One little boy named Sebastian caught my attention early on. He was quiet and very gentle and very much an observer. He would look on as I talked with the older boys and would smile and look away. Such a flirt! We became fast friends. One of the older boys, Richie, was asking me the regular questions of how old are you, where are you from, do you have a husband, and then do you have babies! Jokingly, I asked 13 year old Richie if he had babies, and he replied with a big grin "yes, Sebastian is my baby...do you want him?" I laughed and asked him if he became a father at 7 since Sebastian is 5...He chuckled and said uh huh...and then admitted it was a lie.. The whole conversation was riddled with laughter and giggles. So much joy...

These same two boys when meal time arrived ended our UNO game and took me back behind the house to wash our hands. Richie picked up the cup of water and poured water over my hands and then handed the cup to me to wash his hands. It reminded me of the beauty of foot washing..a humbling shared gift.

When the boys all sat down to eat, they all squished into a long table and elbow to elbow bowed their heads to pray. A perfectly sacred peaceful moment.

I am so thankful for the joy of these boys, for their attitudes, and for the gift of laughter and love they shared with us. The example of love they shared with us is one I hope to bring home. What would our world look like if everyone was greeted with a hug and a smile? What if everyone no matter who you are, what you look like or how old you are was welcomed with open arms. I hope to do that in my life.

Nothing is impossible

2011-08-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Nothing is impossible

Imagine this....a mobile learning center. What do you think of? A large van painted with cartoon characters blaring fun music and carrying books? Well, think again. For the past two days, we have been the mobile learning center. Both mornings we have packed the pickup truck with three fold up tables, four boxes of laptops and another box of other computer accessories. With this in the bed and at least six people on top of it, we have travelled to three orphanages.

Each orphanage has had a different personality. Jimmy bonos (the one I mentioned in my last post) is crazy, wild, and a frenzy of activity. The foundation for promising children of Haiti is much quieter, smaller and a little more reserved. And pascals is an orphanage for children with special needs.

We brought the mobile learning center to all of these homes. We set up tables with laptops and a crazy amount of extension cords hooked to a traveling generator and also hooked up to some kind of network. Each child then has a log in name and gets to sign on to a fun imagine program. They each have a little set of headphones and watch and play games designed to help them learn to read and speak English! They learn capital letters and are asked to sing if you're happy and you know it in English. The computer even records them singing and plays it back to them. All the children from itty bitty to 13 or 15 are captivated by this.

At the foundation for promising children, it was our first time bringing computers. To see the sheer amazement in the children's eyes was incredible. Grins stretched across their faces as they watched children in America play soccer and say hello and goodbye. As volunteers we got to work along side them teaching them how to use a mouse and what it meant to click something. I got to work with a little boy named blackson. He couldn't have been older than three and he had somehow not been paired up with a volunteer so when I found him he was just sitting at the computer, head phones on, but not quite tall enough to reach the mouse. He was also the last one on our list for the morning. I went over scooped him up and put him on my lap and we started learning the letters A and M. Blackson was enthralled by it. My mouse teaching skills were not too great since he didn't really get the idea of moving the mouse side to side and up and down, but he sure as heck mastered the art of clicking. He clicked away like no man’s business. He also sweetly and incredibly repeated back everything that was said in the program. He sounded out letters and said apple and mask. And of course a huge smile crossed his face when he got to build his own monster!

The mobile learning center is incredible. It’s on a weekly schedule so that the kids have a set time when they know to expect it and it's set up everywhere from the front porch of houses to underneath a tent outside.

I loved teaching and helping these kids. Some of them are phenomenally quick on these computers and fly right through it. Richie, one of my little guys, was so so fast and it made me wonder where he will end up in the future. I hope that incredible potential finds opportunity. The sheer delight in learning was another brilliant moment. How often do I take my education for granted? How often do i take the education my children will one day get for granted? These children do not get to go to school so they literally yearn to learn. And lastly, who would have thought that any of this would have been possible? We had over 12 computer stations set up in the middle of poverty stricken orphanages and we are teaching reading and English in Haiti. Another reminder that the resourcefulness of Haiti is beyond anything I have experienced and another slap in the face reminder that nothing is impossible.

To die alone

2011-08-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Posted by Alice Thursday, August 11, 2011

To die alone

I wonder if any of us have ever worried about dying alone. I think it's a fear for some that we may die and no one would know or no one notice, but have you ever worried that you might struggle with a disease and die slowly by yourself? I know, morbid, and especially this early in the am (it's 7 here) but this what we encountered yesterday.

We spent our morning at Mother Theresa's Home for the Dying. I'm sure many of you know of Mother Theresa's work in Calcutta with the dying and sick. Well, she has came to Haiti to start a similar home in port au prince. She reportedly was at this home on her hands and knees scrubbing the floors in preparation for the people to come.

The home is home to more than 100 people of all ages. They have a men's section and a women's section with rooms with about 25 people. The rooms are small with metal beds closely lined up together. It is warm and muggy, but for the most part there is not a feeling of sorrow or sadness that surrounds it. It's not old people..it's people my age, younger, and only a handful older than my parents..and they are dying with no family, no friends, no loved ones to take care of them.

Our visit started with Rebecca the director prepping us for what to expect. As she talked to us, her boys both said mom and pointed behind us. A person was being carried out on a stretcher, sheet atop their body, dead. A sobering sign of what this home was really about. It was our task, we were told, to give dignity to the dying. And so with a couple of tools in hand, we stepped into there lives.

We knelt on the floor and cut finger nails and toe nails and painted them a beautiful pink. We sat in beds and gave massages gently rubbing their backs, their feet, their hands. We handed out cool baby wipes for them to wipe their faces down and cool off just a little. We hoped to be a source of love, comfort, and care to these women.

Many of the women had children and many were younger than me. It was sobering and completely saddening. Many have illnesses that could easily be cured or life sustained in the US but here they cannot. With no family, no one, they come here. They are gentle and they smile and they are kind, but it saddened me deeply.

My morning ended meeting an elderly emaciated woman and having a chance to comfort her in what I am sure was one of her last days in this world. Nothing can prepare you for the emotion that comes with such an act. A humbling, privileged act of love that I was able to share because she allowed me to and God brought me to.

It was a morning that will go down in the history books of my life as full of moments that I had no choice but to rely on God, to believe that my tears were prayers and signs of grace, and to take a hold of the love that I can give as transformational and sustained by the spirit.

2011-07-20T03:58:00.001-07:00

We have had an amazing week in Haiti, and the time is going by so fast! It is hot,humid and sticky,and the mosquitos are biting! But the love and joy that we are experiencing easily overcomes those uncomfortable feelings. We've held starving children, cleaned hideous wounds, played with orphans and brought moments of joy into their lives.

Yesterday was the big day! Yesterday we saw the library and mobile learning unit in action! We were welcomed by 60 excited street boys, who were anxious to dig right in and learn! We gave each boy their very own picture library card! They were so proud to wear something that had their own identity to it. It was as if they were being noticed, and they were special. Boys from 3 to 16 years of age checked out books and went to their own shady area to read. Many of us sat down with them and read along. While some were reading, others were doing their English computer module. It was truly inspiring to see these boys yearn for knowledge. In their free time they begged us to do math facts! They are hungry to learn! As I was watching them read and work on their computers, I tried to look deep into their faces. Many of them have scars that likely tell horrible stories from their life on the street. They never dreamed of getting the opportunity to learn! Suddenly, they were given an opening to a whole new world! And they were embracing the opportunity!

Can you imagine what a young orphan can do with knowledge? An education will give these young boys a future! Progress will be slow. But, a commitment to consistent education for the street boys of Haiti could change a generation.

We only have two days left. We are missing our families back home but don't want to leave. There is a quote from Robert Frost hanging up in the house. "The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."

More like home than home

2011-07-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Day 2: Today we went to Jimmy bono’s. It was by far my favorite. Jimmy is an amazing man because of what he’s doing for these kids. The kids there were just special. When we arrived they were happy to see us and welcomed us into their home and played with us and we all had a great time. I’m so excited to go back to the “Street Kids”. Haiti feels more like home than home does. The people here are nice. I mean; sure you find those party poopers, but there are always those kind of people. Also the volunteers that came on this trip are all really awesome people. I can’t ask for better volunteers to be with this week.

Levi (15 yrs)

God Bless you, I will forever Thank you

2011-07-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

To everyone reading this blog,

The moment i stepped off the plane in Haiti i new i would never look at this crazy world the same. I have felt every emotion my body knows how to feel. i've felt devestated, guilt, sadness, hope, joy, humbled, blessed, and most important forever changed. It all started with rose. She was the first six month old little girl that i held. I don't know if she'll live tomorrow, or if she's alive today, or if she'll be alive in a year. But i do know she will go knowing what it was like to have someone love her and think she was the most beautiful thing she has ever seen, because that's what i felt.

Next was the wound clinic. I hope to be a doctor one day and so i thought this will be right up my ally. The second i walked in i felt pain, i smelt pain, i heard pain...i let myself cry and feel fear, only inside, for ten seconds and then for the next five hours i devoted myself to these people the best i could. I had one boy or man tell me "god bless you, i will forever thank you". What i did for him will never compare to what that man did for me. We're not the one's helping these people so much..they're helping us. They're helping us see what living is. what this crazy life is actually about. how intimate we should be with everyone surrounding us. We have so much to learn from them. We went to Jimmy Bono's home for street boys. We had brought finger nail polish for the few girls that we're staying there. One boy grabbed neon pink nail polish and asked if he could paint my nails. i will never get another mainicure again. his will always be the best. I am so thankful for this expierience. i am so thankful for these beautiful people surrounding me and i am so thankful for rebecca. She talks a lot about mother teresa but i hope she knows that to me she is my mother teresa...

Kristin

Santo Domingo

2011-07-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

Early this morning Patrick, Bethany and I left for Santo Domingo. There is this very strange problem that has developed for many NGO's working in Haiti. Right after the earthquake, there were no businesses open. Many organizations were coming to Haiti to help, but it is pretty difficult if you don't have any truck. The big organizations snatched up all of the rental trucks. They just leased them for 1-5 years right off the bat. That left no options for the little guy. So, many of us bought trucks from the Dominican Republic and drove them over to Haiti. At the time the border was open. There was no problem going in or out, and, there was no problem driving a vehicle from the DR. Now, fast forward 3 to 6 months after the earthquake and I discovered that we had an almost impossible time of buying new tires for our truck. All the NGO's with their leased trucks were snatching up all the tires! Then, just about a year later---guess what? All of the registrations and insurance for the many DR trucks were expiring. Haiti now is demanding huge fees to matriculate the trucks. For example, for the Toyota that was donated to us--they want over $12,000! I decided that I wasn't going to pay that much. We will keep it registered as a Dominican truck. Now, in order for us to drive the truck in Haiti we have to pay for authorization which is $300/month. Uhggg... Anyway, to make a long story short--I have to do the title transfer and get insurance here in the Dominican Republic. So here we are... having an adventure. None of us are Spanish speakers but we are getting along. Rebecca

Longing faces

2011-07-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

As I have previously posted, FFCIN had its first computer lab on Thursday. We actually had two sessions. The first was at Jimmy B's home for former Street Kids. It was kind of hectic at first, but the kids were respectful. I asked them to clean the area where we were going to set up the computers before we began. The kids kicked into gear and washed tables, swept the cement and removed chickens and roosters! Then we made a barrier with ropes and asked all of the kids to stay out of the area where the computers were being set up.

As you can imagine, there was extreme interest in all of these computers being set up! We called out the names of the first "class". There were 10 new students including Jimmy and his wife. It took us a little while to register them into the Imagine Learning program. The Imagine Learning Tech - Evelio, was right there with us giving us guidance. He told me that it was the first time that he was able to actually observe the program (in a foreign country) implemented after doing the training. It had to be especially satisfying for him to see.

Most of the first session was spent on a placement test. It was a little confusing for the students because they didn't really understand what was going on. However, the program is so cute that they even enjoyed the placement test. I learned a lesson though. And that is that we will just start all of the student from the beginning of the course and not worry about placement. It will be beneficial for everyone regardless of whether it is too easy or not.

Now, I wish that I could convey a detailed visual. The "chosen" students were mesmerized. They were seeing graphics and learning in a way that was completely new and actually fun. The un-chosen ones were sitting right next to the rope barrier. It was like a crowded theatre. They sat in the sun just watching with these longing faces. They were so hopeful that they were going to get a turn. It was tolerable for me because I know what is to come! They will soon be on the program themselves. Won't that be so cool?

Our next stop was out in Marin area. We did the same routine over with the kids having just as much wonder and excitement as the Street Kids. We are looking forward to developing our program further to bless the lives of as many as we can.

Thank you to all that are helping this dream become a reality!
Rebecca

Thank you from a "first-timer"

2011-07-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

I am having an amazing experience here in Haiti. I have never been on a mission trip before and was very nervous about traveling to a third world country. Our gracious hosts have definitely eased my fears and really made me feel at home! It is great having someone who can direct and connect you to so many wonderful orphanages and centers that truly do hold the children of Haiti dear to their hearts. I have been truely blessed to have been able to meet and interact with such wonderful people! Thank you Rebecca and family for opening your home to us!! May God Bless you and protect you!

Love you all!

Susan Mollnow

Two snap shots

2011-07-01T04:16:00.001-07:00

As my team and I prepare to go home I wanted to reflect on two snap shots from the week. The first snap shot and lesson I learned was from my favorite place in Haiti Mother Theresa's Home for the dying. It was one of the first places I wanted to come back to when I heard I was getting the chance to go Haiti again. We were on the way over and we were told we may not even be able to get in but when we arrived the gates opened right before us and we were welcomed in. I went up into the room for women and walked into girls braiding each other's hair and going about living. I sat down with a group of teenage girls and just talked and laughed with them. They started singing a song I knew by Rihanna I sang along with them and we just laughed and laughed. I could not believe that moments before I had been praying with a woman as a nurse was laying a sheet over the woman in the bed next to her to declare that she had passed. It was amazing for me to see that in the midst of all this death there was still life and joy. We all have moments of pain and of fear of what is next, but with God's love we can live a life full of joy no matter what comes are way.

The second snap shot is seeing the FFCIN Mobile Reading Center in action. It was amazing pulling up to Pascal's with the mobile reading center and seeing all the children running out to the truck because we were an 1 1/2 late. They wanted for 90 minutes to learn more English and Math. I do not think as a child that I would wait 90 minutes to learn anything. But these children love it. They cannot get enough of it, even when we are trying to go they hand us papers to correct and try to keep us for a longer time. It is going to be a great addition to FFCIN and it is a project that has so much more potential.

It was a great week in Haiti and my team and I left so much but are taking even more home to New York.

New Perspective

2011-06-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been 12 months since we first visited Haiti, and excitedly, we made the journey again. So blessed to see Rebecca and the boys again. Her efforts impact so many. I bet when we all get to Heaven, Rebecca is one of those who God saves a special spot for at the front of the line. The Haitian spirit of joy and faith continues to endure for many, despite the challenges of daily life. Visiting Pascal's, Jimmy Bono's, and Mother Teresa's Nutrition Center quickly brought back fond memories of last time, but also new perspective as I watch our new team digest each challenge and blessing. Mother Teresa's Home for the Dying, and the children at Lesly's are my favorite opportunities to make connections. Even though clean up and rebuild efforts seem to be moving forward, there will never be a shortage of those who need love, hope, and faith. Praying for Rebecca's continued safety, strength, wisdom, and vision. God Bless!

Mark Tooker

Wednesday Night Blog Post :)

2011-06-29T19:50:00.001-07:00

One of the places that had the greatest impact on me during this trip to Haiti was Lesley's orphanage. The moment started for me the day before, on Tuesday. There was a little boy who spilled his bubbles on the ground and was crying. I picked him up and held him for the remainder of the day. On Wednesday as we arrived he immediately ran over to me and I held him almost the whole day. All he did was lay against me. He didn't move a muscle. He didn't even lift is head to look at the action that was going on around him. He could barely clap his hands. It was like all the life was drained out of him. The other children finally told me that he was sick. It then hit me like a ton of bricks that he had no mommy to hold him and hug him and kiss his face and tell him he would be okay. Something so comforting, that I took for granted all the time, was something that he may never know. I got to be that for him today.

As we were on our way back to Rebecca's house after our visit to the orphanage, it dawned on me that this is what Jesus wants to do for us, for our pain and suffering. He wants to hold us and comfort us, tell us everything will be alright. He wants to heal our pain & suffering. He wants to love on us and for us to receive it.

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord appeared to us in the past saying: "I have loved you with and everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."

In the Grip of His Grace,

Erin

Haiti Mission

2011-06-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

Today we went to our church's sponsored orphanage. Our team brought in trucks of fill in order to divert pooling water which was bringing mosquitos. One of the kids gave me a baby boy and a bottle of juice to feed him with. The baby's name was Kelvans. He was plumb and cuddly the way a baby should be. Most of the babies we had seen a few days before at Mother Teresa's Nutrition Center were much too thin especially in their limbs.

I met a girl named Waseejka. She is twelve years old and spoke very good English. She told me that her mother is dead and that her mom from Kentucky sends money so she can learn English. She is going to be adopted and move to Kentucky.

The girl who stole my heart was CarolynD. She is a beautiful eight year old girl with a big bright smile. She was very attached to me and wanted to be near or sit with me at all times.

I met another girl whose name was Misha. Misha seemed very sad and she welled up in tears now and again. She took the bubbles that were given to all but she did not play with them. We had trouble communicating as I tried to determine what was wrong. She overheard me asking Waseejka about her Kentucky mom and Misha told me that her mother is dead and her father is dead. She seemed to want comforting and I kept her close and at times she laid her head in my lap and sometimes seemed to be asleep for a few minutes. I asked Waseejka why she cried and Waseejka asked Misha what was wrong. She told me that her head hurts and pointed out to me that Misha had a big lump on her forehead between the eyes. I asked one of our interpreter/guide to inquire about her to see if she might need some medical attention. He determined that about a year ago Misha had suffered an accident and that since then she gets very painful headaches from time to time. I was sad that she will likely continue to suffer and wished I'd had some children's tylenol to help ease her pain.

These girls were around the ages of my two nieces who are very near and dear to my heart. I thought about how much better lives they enjoy-simple comforts and love everyday.

Lesley's Orphanage

2011-06-28T16:35:00.001-07:00

This morning our team went to Lesley's Orphanage to find mounds of dirt ready to be spread along the ground. I raked with the team for about 40 minutes until I needed a break. I went over to get my water and made my way over to the bench to sit down and have my haired braided by my new friend Chantel. She spent a good long time on my hair and at one point bent forward and asked me, "Lidia, do you love me?'' I replied, "yes Chantel, I love you." She got me thinking about the one thing all humans desire...to be loved and special to someone. Our Pastor back home in New York has been preaching for months about the only thing that matters, "Love God, Love Others." This young girl already knows what the most important thing in life is. LOVE! May we show the love of Jesus to every single child, woman, & man. Jezi remen ou!

She told me she loved me

2011-06-26T19:25:00.001-07:00

We went to Lesly's orphanage today. A lot more children then I expected. The one thing I did notice is the connection the children had with us. They had so much life in them and were happy. I connected with a little girl named Crystala. She was around three years old. Beautiful, big eyes and smile. She laughed at the smallest things. We had some bubbles with us and she thought it was fun to chase them. She was talking a lot but I did not know what she was saying so I found someone to interpret, turns out she was saying "I Love You". That just about broke my heart. I told her I loved her and that God loves her. It made it all seem clear to me why I was brought here. I was not going to fix everything in Haiti or in that orphanage, but I was there to tell Crystala that someone loved her today.

June 26, 2011

Denise Zumbo

New York

Used for his Glory

2011-06-26T19:02:00.001-07:00

It's day three here and Haiti and I'm still trying to process everything. It has been so amazing to see the Joy on the faces of the Haitian orphans. My perspective on this trip has completely changed in such a short time. I believed I was the one going to come to Haiti and make a difference, be it small, but a difference. What I'm finding along this journey is that they are the ones making a difference in my life. One story that has really impacted me is the one of Jimmy Bono. I have struggled a lot with my past and the choices I have made during a period of my life. I believed for the longest time that part of my life was a waste. Through Jimmy's story I am learning that God can take everything and use it for his glory. Jimmy was a street kid. They are considered the poorest of poor, outcasts of society. One would believe that was the life he was destined to have forever. God had other plans. He took one man's life and is using it to change and transform the lives of hundreds of kids. Jimmy now owns a home for street kids. Kids that would otherwise grow up just the way he did. Kids that society has discarded and left for dead. The experiences in his life, the struggles that he has been through, God is using for his Glory to help transform the lives of these kids. I am sure during the time in Jimmy's life while he was a street kid he never imagined that God would use him in the way he has. I now realize that if I allow him, God can use that time in my life, that I consider wasted, to minister and help change lives of people who maybe are going through the same things that I struggle with. I now really can put a face to the verse what the Enemy Meant for destruction God can use for his glory. " For I know that plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Thank you Haiti for forever changing my life!

Love ,

Jenilee

Blessings Abound

2011-06-25T20:24:00.001-07:00

Blessings abound! I came to Haiti to give, serve, and be a blessing to others but the reverse has happened - and disproportionately so!! Our day began with a visit to a small, remote orphanage. As we entered through the gate we heard children singing. We later learned that it was an impromptu church service led by a 13 year old girl. The children were dressed in their best clothes - boys in suits, girls in beautiful dresses. They sang energetically as they praised the Lord within their small concrete classroom. How precious to see them worshipping our God, not because an adult told them to do so, but because they are joyful and grateful for what they do have.

God's timing was all over this visit. We were supposed to go to a different orphanage first, but we showed up too early. So we continued on to this one. As we handed out specially prepared gifts to the children, I thought, how beautiful it is that we could be Jesus' hands - blessing the children with gifts as they sang and praised their Heavenly Father. And, in turn, we were blessed as we admired their emphatic love of the Lord despite all of their daily challenges of survival. God placed our group with those children at a very special moment in time. Everyone in that room was blessed by unexpected circumstances. Our God is a great God!

Beth Tooker

First day of Library

2011-06-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Throughout the years I have learned that if I ever want to do anything or accomplish anything there is a time for planning and then a time to jump in. For the first FFCIN Mobile Learning Center or “MLC” that time came Tuesday of last week. Several teams had worked on cataloguing books, marking them, making pockets and cards etc. Although we don’t have the computers ready for the computer learning part of our program, I decided that we would just start with the very first FFCIN library!

So, we loaded up our makeshift stanchions, foldable tables, a few chairs, books and volunteers and headed out to a small orphanage in the Carfour Marin area. This orphanage although small sponsors a school for the area’s children. We had already registered the children and made their library cards. On the way there it started to rain. It was not looking good for our first library session. I told everyone that it didn’t really matter if many children came or not because it was a good time to figure out the logistics of setting up. Remember, conditions are always rough and one must make do with what is available. So, in the rain we unloaded all of our supplies and set up under a large tent that the kids have school class under. We arranged the stanchions such that the kids came in the front gate and immediately had to go into a line where their cards were handed out and they were allowed “entrance”. We then had benches and tables with the books on them, a check out desk and more benches to sit and read.

Our starting time was 2 p.m. At 2:15 only a few children from the orphanage itself were in the library. A few children then started to peek through the gate and decided to see what this was all about. They were confused. This “activity” looked different than anything we had ever done before. In the past, when the “blancs” visit it was with games, art projects or just playing. This, was different. Some of the kids even showed a little fear as they were made to stand in a line. At first, they were perplexed when faced with hundreds of books laid out on the tables. The kids were told that they could choose a book and look at it. The kids hurriedly chose and went to the checkout table where they were asked their name. The card inside the book was taken out and their name was written on it! Soon the looks of confusion turned into looks of pride. They sensed that they were able to do something special.

As the minutes went by, more and more children showed up! The rain had stopped and the kids poured in. All were orderly, all were looking at books and asking questions! The boys, Patrick, Bony and Jimmy were very busy teaching the children how to take care of books, reading with them and explaining things. It was the coolest thing ever.

At one point, the orphanage had an obviously educated and well respected woman visitor whom asked some of the volunteers what we were doing. She ended up asking me how she could register with our organization to give” her kids” at “her schools” this same opportunity. She was so impressed and said to me “Our Haitian children are eager to learn”. Come to find out she is the Director of a large Haitian organization and a Senator’s wife. We will be meeting later this week.

After this first experience of introducing the Haitian children to the wonderful world of books, I was overcome with knowing that we are on track. What a joy to see the joy in their young faces!

How heavy is your load?

2011-06-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Remember; Your burdens just may not be as heavy as the next guys!

From Dominic Weiss

2011-06-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

I like Haiti a lot because it gives you an opportunity to see everything that
third-world countries and corrupt countries go through. It opens your
eyes and relieves stress with American troubles that bother you, but you
realize it is worst in Haiti. The kids there really enjoy your visits
and they are blessed that you visit them. One kid about 6 years old
stopped dead in his tracks the other day when we were doing math, he
got the chills and had a breath of release and said God Bless, and
that stuck out to me because they uplift God even though they have
nothing.
Dominic

blog

2011-06-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

What I want to blog about is how this experience has changed me in different way. Lesly's was the greatest change for me. I realized that people go through worse times than me and I realized that the world does not revolve around me. What his me the most was the nights me and Jimmy stayed up on the roof and talked. I now know a lot about him; like his dreams and goals. That is what hit me the most.

Dylan

A dollar a day

2011-06-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

It is sometimes hard to comprehend just how expensive it is here in Haiti. I am always shocked at how much I have to spend just to feed those of us at our home. Many times the food in the markets are even more!

Update on Flooding

2011-06-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

It continues to be very wet and rainy. And, Lesly's is still flooded. Thanks to you, we will be able to provide 7 to 10 large dump trucks of gravel. And possibly a lot more when our groups come! Our first group of the season will be here tomorrow. I am anxious to welcome them here!!

The boys and I have been very busy arranging books. Thanks to Cara and Abby, we got most of the books catalogued, now we are figuring out logistics. We are almost there and I do believe that we will be ready to rock and roll this next week. The Imagine Learning Technician should be here between July 1 and July 11th. They will let me know soon. He/she will come and set up our 15 computers with their premier ESL childrens' computer program. They will then train us. It is all very exciting!

I will post pictures as soon as we get the gravel and supplies for Lesly and as soon as we start our library.
Rebecca

Pictures of flooding at Lesly's

2011-06-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Water, mosquitoes and frustration

2011-06-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Water, Mosquitoes and frustration

I had a chance to visit Infants of Jesus Orphanage (Lesly's place) yesterday. It has been raining a lot but I was still surprised at how much water they have on the ground. On our way in, we followed a large dump truck filled with gravel. I wondered outloud to Patrick if the truck was going to Lesly's. Sure enough, we followed it right in. As soon as we went through the gate, I could see why they needed that gravel. The yard was a swamp. The only ones that are happy are the ducks! The kids and workers are consigned to a small area of ground. Two large tents have been destroyed and there is a makeshift covering over the kitchen area. I had an appointment with Lesly, but he was not there. So, we visited for awhile. Soon the mosquitoes started to attack. The kids surrounded me and took it as their personal mission to keep the mosquitoes off of me. Little hands were swatting me. As soon as they would squish a mosquito, they had to show me the blood. It was so uncomfortable that I decided to go and meet with Lesly another day. Besides, I had another appointment. It happened that we saw Lesly riding home on a tap-tap. He saw us too. We stopped, he jumped off the tap-tap and we had our meeting in the truck on the side of the road. Lesly was very tense and displayed a lot of frustration. I think that in his view, a lot of people come to "observe" the orphanage, take pictures, give vague promises and then leave. After a somewhat combative meeting we finally worked things out and both of us ended up friendly.

The orphanage desperately needs to build up the living areas with gravel so that they aren't living in the swamp throughout the season. If you would like to help, please go to the web page and donate any amount towards "gravel". It sure would be appreciated! Have a great day everyone and may God Bless you in all of your endeavors for good.
Rebecca

Wind Storm Damage in Haiti

2011-04-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

This is a recent message that I got from Patrick. The challenges seem continual.

From Patrick:

"Last night we had a wind storm in Port-au-prince a lot of desaster specially at lesly orphanage i went this morning on tap tap to find out.

All the tin roof at the kitchen are fly over on the air.all the class room are flat all the tents are damage and also the yard is floated will lots of water. lesly told me he will put it on facebook.

love you mom."

Patrick

Lessons from Haiti: Peace

2011-04-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Recent Tweet: Lessons from Haiti: Peace comes by living according to your core beliefs. Sometimes it is an adventure discovering what your real beliefs are. Rebecca @FFCINhaiti

look at that smile!

2011-03-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

we went to Mother Theresa's home for the sick and dying a couple days ago and held and loved babies who were so sick and tiny and wanting affection. i noticed after a while of holding them, they would show bits of their personality. my heartbreak was that i didn't have 80 arms to smile at them and hold them and give them all attention at the same time the whole day long.
it really is amazing what love and affection can do for someone. those babies need so much love, and at the same time have so much love to give.
yesterday we went to Gertude's orphanage for children with special needs. i really felt immediately at ease when i walked in there. children with special needs have such a sweet spirit. they have no boundaries which i love. they smiled a lot and some were loud and vocal and there was such a great energy there. we showed them Sesame Street with a projector and it was very fun to watch the kids, watch the show. a little boy that one of the volunteers was holding, smiled from ear to ear the entire time and clapped and sang.
when i have heard others talk about doing volunteer work here in Haiti, you can tell there is a lot they can't explain. Now that I am here, i think that will be the case when i return home. certain emotions i feel here when i'm in a certain situation are so hard to describe because it's rarely just one emotion. it's a combination of sadness, hope, amusement, soberness, love, and fifty others all at one time.
i'm looking forward to today, and the rest of the days here and already feeling sad about leaving. i'm realizing how important it is to take in every moment i'm here because it's short lived. guess i'll just have to keep coming back. :)
-laura

We need them more...

2011-03-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
We have had a great couple of days. Yesterday, we rented a tour bus and took almost 30 street kids to the Historic Park near Aristides' house. It was kind of interesting because they were all so serious. You all know how boistrous they are when we visit them. Well, they were all very quiet and serious. On the bus I was told that they all looked out the windows with very little emotion. During the tour, they all stayed in line and listened to the whole tour. Kids in the U.S. would never have behaved so nicely.

The park was very professional, clean and beautiful! It showed what the slaves went through and how they made sugar from the abundant sugar cane here in Haiti. It was quite fun learning about it.

Today, Sunday we all went to church and then headed back over to the Street Kids. Jimmy gave a Bible lesson to the kids and then we let them look at pictures of themselves. They played games and just had fun. As Americans or Canadians, we naturally assume that those in poorer countries need us. However, so many times we are humbled when we realize how much we have recieved from those that we think we are serving. I wonder whom needs whom more? I'm quickly gaining the opinion that we need them more.

To top the day off we had devotional and then we played the skittle game. The Skittle game is a wild game of teams trying to blow a Skittle off the opposite side of the table. It was a great day!

The Three Librarians

2011-03-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Today was a great day. We started the day by organizing and delivering food to an orphanage that we don't get to very often. I haven't been there for quite awhile and was pleasantly surprised with the improvements. All the kids were all dressed up in school uniforms and were in school when we arrived.

We took pictures of all of the students and staff. The pictures will be used for their new library cards. Each child will be able to check out a book when our mobile learning center visits. We will stay for about 2 hours. During those two hours they can check out books. We are hoping to give a lesson tomorrow on how to take care of books.

I am so excited to start! I will be even more excited when we have our center opened and also when we have computers and the internet!

Then the team spent the afternoon finishing the cataloging the books, making the pockets in the cover and organizing the math worksheets.

The only downer of the day was when we ran over an old computer monitor and ruined our tire. I hated to have to sink $200 for a tire that wasn't old! Bummer.

Events of the week

2010-08-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

We have had a rewarding and most fulfilling week in Haiti. This week we attended a graduation ceremony for five of the orphans at Lesly's orphanage. We have worked with young and old, from orphans to the elderly at the Home for the Dying. This week has also been special as we have had the opportunity to be a part of a new mission...working with street kids. One of the best memories we all share from this week is the faces of the street boys as they learned to play donated recorders and as also when they competed in a difficult math challenge.

The love we have shared and shown to others this week has been tremendous. Truly, this has been a blessed week!

My Welcome Back

2010-05-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

My welcome back
I chuckle as I think of my first day back to Haiti. First, I really couldn't believe that I was moving back. I didn't anticipate that I would do this again, even for just a summer. But, as I was on the plane I found myself getting excited to get back and "get my hands dirty." Well, Haiti welcomed me back in all her glory. As I stepped out of the terminal into the blazing heat, I was greeted first by Jimmy. He was allowed to come past the guards to find me. We hugged and proceeded to make our way to the street. Once out of the gate, I saw Michelet and Bony. We were truly happy to see each other. To get to the street is no small feat. You have to shout at and swat all of the men that are trying to get a tip by putting their hands on your luggage cart. And then, there are large holes that you are trying to navigate you cart over and through. The temporary terminal area is directly next to the street and there is absolutely no room. Wall to wall
people and cars make it difficult to move. I tried to suggest that instead of pushing the cart, it may easier for the 3 boys to each carry a bag to the truck. All looked at me with blank stares. It just is not done that way was the silent message. So, I trailed behind as they pushed the cart on the rocky dirt side and in between cars in the road. They pushed several hundred yards down the street to where the truck was parked. Tips were paid and greetings to Patrick were said. The luggage was loaded in the back of the truck. As I was preparing to get into the truck, Patrick explained to me that the Truck was broken down. The Alternator was falling out and loose. He showed me where a bolt had fallen out and all of the belts were loose. He said the mechanic was on the way. Well, I know what that means, so I said that I would get a tap-tap to the house. We were only able to get a Van tap-tap. (Which was always the worst!) I climbed in over the people and
sat on a small ledge with my back up against the driver staring at the van full of people. I smiled and greeted those in front of me. Bony, Jimmy and I chatted as we caught up. My recurring thoughts were "I love this!" and "Welcome Home".

Thank you!

2010-04-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers, Volunteers and Contributors,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your generous donations to our efforts in Haiti. It has been a hectic 3 months! During the months after the earthquake I have been busy with

1st: Responding to the immediate needs of the orphanages that we serve as well as homeless youth. Then, we completed a security wall for the Infants of Jesus orphanage, delivered much needed food and supplies and are employing several of the homeless youth that we know of.

2nd: We have paid for a years rent of a "Mission House", and are in the process of buying beds and furniture so that mission groups can have a safe and comfortable place to stay while serving the people of Haiti.

Now, after a short visit back here in the States, I am leaving for Haiti for the summer. My time there will be spent giving consistant support to several orphanages. I will assess their food and supply needs and the general conditions that they are living with. In addition, I will be setting up a teaching program for our volunteers to participate in. We will be concentrating on teaching English, health issues and gardening. I am also setting up a highschool program for the group of homeless boys that are now living and working with me.

I would like to invite each and every one of you to come visit us in Haiti! We would love to have you come and participate in our Haiti efforts! Check out our trip dates. I have found that once you make a decision and commit, God opens all kinds of doors for getting the funds and the time.

Once I am in Haiti, I am going to take a few minutes to write about my experiences right after the earthquake. I hope that my experiences will inspire each of you because let me tell you, the good in people is alive and well!

Thank you again!
Love,
Rebecca

The Security Wall is Finished!

2010-03-02T22:06:00.000-08:00

First, a BIG THANK YOU to the construction crew that worked so hard. You guys are so awesome!

Here's the latest email update from Jack with some interesting details about the past week:

"Almost right up to the last moment when the U.S. workers and their local volunteers quit working at four o'clock on Saturday, we were never without the logistical nightmare of getting materials to the men so they would not be delayed in their progress. Somehow, however, we managed it with the help of many people and especially Leslie (the Director of the Orphanage) who would jump in at the last minute with some magic solution if we did not have one. Some glaring examples included the drama with the concrete blocks we purchased from one vendor in the city. He told up up front when we ordered and paid for 3000 blocks from him that they were not his best blocks and he even gave us a significant discount for the purchase. I was leery from the first about this matter but I had one of the masons with me who physically inspected the blocks and said they were good, so we went ahead with the purchase. When the first 1000 of them arrived most of them broke and were completely unsuitable for use. We had already received blocks from another vendor that were very high quality, so when I learned about the broken ones, I had to rush into action to attempt to stop the vendor from shipping the last of the bad blocks and get out money back so we could buy more from the second vendor. Well, you can imagine how that cut into our day, with your mom running around with the only vehicle we had and me scrambling to get her back so we could go to the first vendor to get our money back and order some more blocks from the other manufacturer. We managed it just as the crews were about to run out of blocks.

There were unnumbered other cases like that then we were about to run out of sand and another time when our cement was running low. Late yesterday (Saturday) when I thought we had everything covered, the men who were mixing the mortar for the blocks had been using Lemon Joy dish soap as a stabilizer for the mix (they had brought along a large container from the U.S.) when the man handling that operation announced to me that he needed some more and that nothing else but Lemon Joy in his opinion would do. So with a second car that your mom had rented so I could get around while she ran other errands, I took off down town for the needed dish soap. Three hours later after battling traffic and searching a variety of small and large grocery stores and convenience shops along with a few street vendors, I finally returned with a bottle of dish soap (not Lemon Joy), worried that it wouldn't be good enough quality, and the guy accepted it just as his supply was about to run out. It worked fine, he told me later--a new lesson for him that all dish soaps may be the same after all.

The workers continued to press on through the week with that one goal in mind of completing the wall before 4PM on Saturday, as that was the time the Director of the Orphanage announced that he wanted to start with a "Thank-you" celebration that would include all of us properly clean and dressed up. Late afternoon Friday, looking at that deadline, Matt Ray, the appointed leader of the U.S. work group announced that they were going to work until dark. They did that and by Saturday morning the project looked very positive for being complete by the four o'clock deadline. As the group wound up things at 4:30 on Saturday and passed out their give-away tools to the local workers, three sides of this massive eight foot high wall was completed and there remained what the workers claimed, was only two more hours work for the local masons to do to complete the last wall. I had only one course of blocks to lay in a section about 75 feet long. Those men really cranked those last few hours, and when we loaded into the two vehicles to get ready to return to the hotel so the men could clean up and return to the celebration, their spirits were higher than I had seen them all week.

I didn't do much real physical labor or help the men on their jobs, other than running for this or that to keep them supplied with goods, so I had a lot of time to observe the U.S. workers on the job and when they took their frequent water breaks. It was impressive alone watching them work, but more so was their interaction with the children. Not one of them would return to the water dispenser without picking up their favorite child and playing for a few moments before they went back to work. It was obvious they were loving every moment of these not so frequent breaks, and were especially slow getting into the vehicles when we returned to the hotel at night. These guys were magnificent giants as they held and loved these tiny children and played toss ball or succor with the older ones. I can say how admirable it was to watch these interactions, and to in some way be a part of the process.

I'm sure it was good for the children too, as I heard some of the stories of their various demises, I was feeling that same compassion I believe the men were feeling as they loved and hugged these infants. I choked up myself on more than one occasion when I heard the stories of why some of these children were at the orphanage, and I am sure most of the workers felt the same at times. I was curious, for example, about one little 11 year old girl that especially bonded with me during the days I was there. So I got one of the boys who spoke English to ask her about her family. She it turned out was a new-comer to the orphanage, having been delivered there by an American who found her wandering alone in one of the Tent Cities. Both her parents had died in the quake and somehow she had gotten out or had been rescued unscathed from the rubble. I could hardly believe this story as I saw her smiling as she told her story, and the details were related to me. Her dimpled face and perfect bright teeth showed no signs of what she had gone through only a little over a month ago."

Progress on the wall and more exciting news!

2010-02-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

Jack Williams sent this message today:

"The crew got the wall up to 7'4" today on the front 120 feet of the wall, and started more on the left side. More concrete came today, so the crew can continue tomorrow. The volunteers from the states (masons and general contractors) are a wonderful bunch of guys that are really pouring their hearts into this project.

Another part of the good news for the orphanage. This morning early, a group showed up from the Brazilian Embassy with a truck load of tents and mattresses for the children. There were about ten men with the two embassy people who were from the Brazilian Navy who spent most of the day putting up the tents (ten of them). They said they also brought a lot of food, but I didn't see what they brought.
We've had the normal logistical problems that you know well from all developing countries, but we've done marvelous considering."

Rebuilding Has Begun

2010-02-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

It has been quite awhile since we posted an update. Let's see, where to start?? The security wall. Thanks to "Poppinga Pay it Forward Fund" (Brady and Brooke Poppinga) and Jeremy Johnson and a few other donors we raised enough to build the security wall around IOJ orphanage and rent a house to open up the "Poppinga Guest Home" for our volunteers going to Haiti, as well as other relief groups. Most of the hotels and guest houses in Port-au-Prince were destroyed in the earthquake so it has been a challenge for volunteers to find safe places to stay. We are happy that we will be able to assist others in their efforts as well as our own.

Rebecca went back to Haiti about a week ago with Jack Williams. Jack has a background in engineering and extensive experience overseeing construction projects in developing countries. They were able to successfully locate and arrange for all the building materials to be delivered to the orphanage in preparation for the construction crew. The crew of 12 volunteers from Utah (and one from Seattle) arrived to Haiti yesterday morning and have already made a lot of progress.

Rebecca also enlisted the help of the U.S. military. She went over to the base the other day and asked to speak to a "higher up" (I don't know the rankings in the military :) ) She told him about our project and asked if some of the men would be interested in assisting. To her surprise he was VERY interested and a group of 4 men, including the chaplain, went to the orphanage to check things out. Once they saw the conditions they were 100% on board. Today they showed up with 25 men and heavy machinery... isn't that awesome?!

One last thing. About a week ago a little newborn baby named Schneider was dropped off at the orphanage. His story of survival is remarkable. Schneider was born an hour after the earthquake. His mother was barried in the rubble and she gave birth to him while she was trapped. Tragically she did not survive, but the father was able to dig out this new little baby boy. The new daddy tried his best to take care of Schneider for several weeks, but just couldn't do it and so he brought him to IOJ orphanage. There are several other babies that have been dropped off recently.

Thank you all so much for your support!

Videos of Children and Orphanages

2010-02-01T20:19:00.001-08:00

Rebuild Haiti's Orphanages from Ryan H on Vimeo.

HAITI from Ryan H on Vimeo.

Thank you so much to Amber Media (Ryan Haldeman and Johnny Hall) for putting these together.

In the weeks to come...

2010-01-30T22:16:00.000-08:00

Rebecca will be heading back to Haiti around February 5 (by herself this time) to continue distributing needed food and supplies and to look for a house to rent for our volunteer groups going to Haiti.

Volunteers play such an important role in our success, both in Haiti and here in the U.S. We appreciate your help! Those of you interested in going to volunteer in Haiti, details (dates, cost, etc) will soon be emailed to all of you. Thanks for your patience.

We are still working on raising the $20,000 USD we will need to rebuild the security wall around Infants of Jesus Orphanage. As soon as we have the funds, we have a wonderful group of construction workers ready to go down to build.

Support disaster relief for the children of Haiti

2010-01-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

While Rebecca was in Haiti she assisted at a medical clinic where she met James Schwartz, a trauma nurse. They became friends and after learning about FFCIN's mission to help Haiti's children (immediately and long-term) he wrote the following:

Here in Haiti the needs are endless, teams of doctors and nurses are treating patients. The UN, the US, and international programs are delivering food and water. Long term however the needs will continue and the issues will change.

As all the world knows almost every structure in Haiti as either collapsed or is unsafe. Rebuilding will be a long and difficult process both due to logistics as well as materials. Building supplies have already begun to skyrocket in price and equipment to move supplies is limited.

One of the most at risk populations in Haiti right now are the children, only the fittest survive, and grown men are not above stealing from children and mothers. The children need a safe place to receive the most basic of care... food, water, and a soft touch to comfort them and ease their pain as they deal with the trauma of one of the most horrific tragedies in human history.

Imagine surviving a deadly natural disaster only to learn your mother, father, brothers, sisters have not survived. They wander aimlessly looking for food water shelter... no one to care for them and make sure they are safe.

As we try to create areas of safety for the children, native orphanages are a critical piece to a child’s ability to heal physically and psychologically, without a roof over their heads, food and water, and a caring touch these children will either not survive or grow up into the future bandits or gangsters of Haiti.

With just the most basic of resources, not only can we heal the children of today but impact the children of Haiti for years to come. When these children have someone to set an example for them, care for them, and raise them to be good stewards of the community, they will not end up angry and full of hatred, only displaying the survival skills by tormenting the future generations of Haiti.

Please find the hope in your hearts, and the money in your wallets to help the children of Haiti become the future leaders of a resilient people. Won't you join us in leading the children to the Promised Land, rather than feeding them to the wolves of bandits and gangs on the street? Logistics and materials can be obtained and organized, but only people can mobilize to help a country.

Written by James Schwartz, R.N.
Emergency Medical Relief Team, PAP Haiti

Another News Article

2010-01-26T08:06:00.001-08:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705361016/Deseret-News-in-Haiti-Haitian-street-boys-rely-on-help-nurse-from-St-George.html?pg=2

Deseret News Article about Infants of Jesus Orphanage

2010-01-25T19:21:00.001-08:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705360782/Deseret-News-in-Haiti-Adoption-not-an-option-for-some-Haitian-orphans.html

Thank you Carl

2010-01-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

Carl left today. He was such a HUGE help!Thanks Carl! Rebecca, Chad, Ryan and Kevin will most likely leave on Tuesday. We are happy to report that all of the orphans we work with are doing okay. Another orphanage we were asked to assist, but never made it to, is also fine. I spoke to the adoption coordinator for that orphanage yesterday and she said they were able to get all of the children that were close to adoption to the U.S. a few days ago.

Since the earthquake we (with the help of God and all of you) have been able to assist the orphanages with food and water. Today Rebecca arranged for a port-a-potty to be delivered to Infants of Jesus Orphanage (IOJ). Right now the children are going to the bathroom in a bucket and dumping it in a nearby field.

Our plans for rebuilding are already underway. Our first priority is to build a cinder block wall around the IOJ property. This is really important for the children's safety. Our plans also include rebuilding the orphanage in the coming months. The orphanage building, which was only 2 small bedrooms to begin with, is still standing however will have to be torn down due to extensive damage.

I'm sure Rebecca will have a lot more to tell when she returns in a few days. We'll continue to keep you all updated. Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

Delivering supplies to orphanages

2010-01-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

ksl.com - Utahns working to save lives in Haiti

2010-01-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

ksl.com - Utahns working to save lives in Haiti

Chad, Ryan, Kevin, the truck and the supplies made it Port-au-Prince!

2010-01-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

They made it safely...phew! Here are emails Rebecca and Ryan Haldeman just sent:

"We are doing great. We got the guys from the border. They got lost and showed up late but it was all cool. We got back right as it was getting dark and we immediately got them busy at the makeshift hospital. They are spending the night helping with recovering patients. They are jumping right into it! I am so thankful to everyone that is helping. I wish that I could convey how important each role is. It truly does take a community"
-- Rebecca Maesato

"We took off early this morning for Haiti. Our navigation was not too great and it took us quite a while to reach the border. The truck stopped once but luckily it was the gas (the gauge doesn't work). We were able to refuel and were on our way. We finally met up with Rebecca, Carl, and Patrick on the DR side of the border. I gave them all hugs and gave Patrick a few. He lost his father in the quake and had to dig him out himself in order to avoid him being buried in a mass grave. He is my age, 26, and has gone through so much in his life. We were able to cross into Haiti without even showing our passports, they are allowing Haitians and Dominicans (and everyone for that matter) to travel both ways without any problem. I don't know how long it will last but it was nice. On the drive into Haiti towards Port Au Prince you could see the damage as it got worse and worse. I couldn't hold back my tears, especially with Patrick sitting right next to me and thinking about what he had gone through in the last few days.

We got to the house where we are staying just after sunset. It is owned by an American family and they have invited any volunteer workers who want to stay there to find a place and sleep wherever and eat whatever. There are lots of volunteer doctors here, most people (especially the Haitians) sleep outside or near the doors. I'll probably sleep on the floor in the room Carl is in or on the balcony, there are just too many people. We had a quick bite and then went to a nearby makeshift clinic only about 3 blocks away. It was dark and they needed patients moved from the beds to a nearby rest center. We carried cots with patients or some just in our arms and put them in pick up trucks to be moved. One man had his ring finger amputated, another girl about 17 years old had burns all down her back, we also learned that she had lost her mother, father, and sister in the quake. When we brought them to the rest center it was just a piece of land with sleeping pads and cots strewn about. We laid them anywhere we could and tried to make them comfortable. Most people are beyond personal space right now, going to the bathroom in front of strangers, being dressed and undressed in front of others, they just want help.

Tomorrow our tentative plan is to head to one of the orphanages we had visited with about 50 children. I have been wanting to see them since I left Haiti and cannot wait to hold them. Especially one little girl I bonded with named Deborah. We're also going to see the guest house in which we previously stayed which is now collapsed. We're also planning on going to the most destroyed part of Port Au Prince which neither Rebecca or Carl have even been to yet. Plans change so I expect these to change also. I am safe and so happy to be here and of some small service. There is still so much need here and I only hope the efforts overseas do not wane as news coverage and the shock does.

One of our goals is to secure a location for volunteer workers to come and stay at for future visits as there will be many. We are brainstorming our options right now. It may be anything from tents, to a house, we don't know what we're going to do yet.
Some doctors are arriving back now. They have been working around the clock. We may head to the clinic tonight and help with the 21 patients that they currently have."

--Ryan Haldeman (our camera guy)

Some photos of Infants of Jesus Orphanage

2010-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

Our progress so far

2010-01-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

We have been touched by all of the caring people that have contacted us with a desire to help with our relief efforts in Haiti since the earthquake. Your contributions are making miracles happen!

Up to this point Rebecca Maesato (our Director) and Carl Dempsey (past volunteer and interpreter) have been able to make it to Port-au-Prince and check on four orphanages so far. We are happy to report that the children are all okay. The buildings are a different story, however and they are desperate for food and water. Rebecca and Carl have given some food and water to the orphanages already and are making arrangements to get them more.

Chad Ferguson, Ryan Haldeman and Kevin Wright (volunteers) have been invaluable in helping arrange the purchase of supplies and a truck in the Dominican Republic. Chad and his colleagues donated the money for the truck...thanks guys! Chad, Ryan and Kevin are currently en route to PAP with food, water and supplies. Rebecca and a bunch of our Haitian friends (big strong men) are meeting them at the border and acting as security to make it to PAP safely.

Below are emails Rebecca and Carl have been sending to us from Haiti the past couple of days.

Jan 20th
“We are all doing well, and the earthquake/aftershock this morning was rather shocking. I was awoken by the howling of the dogs in the neighborhood about 5 minutes before the quake, and was actually angry they were being so loud at 5:45ish in the morning! BUT a blessing in disguise, as I was able to sprint out the door with all the others to the open front yard within seconds. It was over quickly, but it was a bit frightening to say the least.
About an hour later we got a call from Gertrude, who said she was desperate for food at her orphanage. So we got Patrick to meet us with Lesly and his car and we headed out. It took us awhile to find decent rice and when we did it was almost triple the price. Rebecca and I have found it amazing how so much has been donated by the international community, but good are just not getting out to the neighborhoods and especially not to orphanages without a means to find a potential distribution spot. We have thought of about 5 different ways things could be done differently, like utilizing organizations like FFCIN to get things directly to a location in need. However, we are seeing trucks out transporting goods for the first time since we've been here, so maybe they are getting it together. We even went to a large NGO here, known for distributing good
We were able to make it to the orphanage with the handicapped children. All are fine, but the building has some damage, and as you may remember was in great need of help before the earthquake. They were bombarded with people from the community, and ended up giving out bags and bags of rice to the hundreds that were at their door. This is another great opportunity to do some good, but will take some great resources.
We made it to the orphanage that was visited by half the group on the first day (Sarah, John, Rebecca, Dallin, were in that group). The place is in ok shape, but had part of a side wall fall over with this morning’s earthquake.
I think I can speak for both Rebecca and I in saying that there have been many miracles happening here. MANY. The kids are all alive and we keep meeting amazing people that will be involved in future activities we do. And a MASSIVE thank you to all of you for getting donations and spreading the word so other will. These donations are making everything possible, and it is so appreciated.

At the orphanage with the special needs children, the back outer wall has fallen, leaving the rear of the compound open and exposed, the small building/shed where the generator and pump were for the water system was damaged and does not function which means no water, the generator doesn't work so they are using candles at night, the sewage system is shot, and the inside is just plain dirty. I threw the comment out to Rebecca that it is probably a better idea for them to just relocate. The money to get that back to a good condition would be better used for a whole new place. Maybe that's not feasible, and if it is, probably is ways down the road, but it's just in real bad shape. The immediate need would be a generator, so electricity can power the lights and pump for them to have water.

Carl

Jan 18
“I am sitting here with Frentz and Rebecca. We want to give you an update and send you some photos, because I know you are anxious to see and hear how things are going. You have surely seen the photos on cnn and other news stations, but you can connect with these. It is shocking and leaves us speechless, almost looking at each other trying to find the words. Often we have been brought to tears as we find Gertrude, Patrick, Michelet, Jimmy, Bonny and all the orphans that are alive and well. We have been to a few of the orphanages that we were able to access, and have brought food and other supplies. As you can see we found the orphanage that was a bit out there, with all the land, all the kids are alive and well. Unfortunately, all the walls have crumbled and the standing buildings have cracked. The orphanage that part of the group went to on the first day, with all the donald duck paintings, is still standing. It is amazing, since it is right in the heart of the major damage. All those kids are alive, but have been moved to another safer location. I will leave the description of the guesthouse to the photos. I can't find the words to describe it. One incredible thing is that we found out Gertrude was sleeping in the BASEMENT!! I don't know how on earth she was left unharmed.

If anyone knows how we can easily upload video clips to youtube, like Jesse's clip, let us know! We can post them and put in a plug for the organization since we NEED FUNDING!”

Much Love,
Carl, Rebeccca, Frentz

Jan 17
"We got a flight in to PAP this morning with a few other randoms that were looking for a way also. Some journalists from South Africa and Denmark. we met up with some folks from our church that were actually at the airport treating some people. We then went around to the different spots looking for Gertrude and all the guys. We saw the guesthouse...I lack words to describe the sight. It was haunting. The neighbors to the left, 5 died of which 4 bodies were still in there, and the one across the street had about as many. I will avoid too much of the bad, but needless to say i'm speechless. We ran in to Michelet at that little food stop near the airport. Just randomly saw him there. He took us to the others who are all fine. Will update you when we can. Oh and we also found the orphanage that had all the donald duck paintings...all of the kids lived and are ok. Amazing because houses right around that orphanage are destroyed."

Carl

"Carl and I are safe here in PAP. It has been a long trip. We stood on the tarmac for a long time trying to figure what to do. Patients all around. Wounded being evacuated, UN and military all around. We were just dropped off with a "good luck". Spent all day looking for everyone. I had to rent a driver and tap-tap and spent a fortune. Everyone is out for a buck now. Anyway, gas has risen to about $13/gallon. At the end of the day I finally found Michelet. He cried and hugged me. Then we went and found Jimmy and Bony. They were so happy to see us. They took me down in some of the neighborhoods. It was so sad. So many homes destroyed. It was hard to see the guesthouse destroyed. I still can't find Frentz, Gertrude or Patrick, but I left messages for them. We will try to get in touch with Lesly tomorrow. We went to Delma 19 orphanage today. All the kids are in a tent city. They need food and water. Wall's guest house is also gone. I will try to find another tap-tap tomorrow."

Rebecca

ksl.com - Utahns relay firsthand accounts of rescue effort in Haiti

2010-01-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

ksl.com - Utahns relay firsthand accounts of rescue effort in Haiti