Since I have been back, the United States has started to feel more like a trap than my home. My house, my town, and my family are comfortable, familiar, and makes me happy, but the United States in general seems like a trap of the enemy.
In Haiti, I really don't care about the clothes that I'm wearing, if I have the latest gadget, or newest technology. My life is simple in Haiti. I thought that after being there for three months that those attitudes would carry over while I was home. Within days of being back in the states, I was already fighting to stay out of the "trap" of the U.S. Stores filled with all the "must haves" of the holiday season and thoughts about what I could "have" if I simply settled down and got a job were hitting me left and right.
Satan has such a powerful and seemingly undetectable stronghold in this country that it is startling. In Haiti, Satan's effects are very obvious: extreme poverty, corruption, violence, etc. In the United States, the problem is harder to see. Satan has decided to use a different tactic here, and I think it is more effective and more harmful. American's lives are so filled with crap (excuse my language): Houses, cars, money, vacations, fancy cell phones, clothes, jewelry, electronics, and the list goes on. Our lives revolve around our jobs, making money, saving money, investing money, etc. All for what? So that we can "provide for our family". I think that statement is another lie from the enemy. I have seen families in Haiti that are perfectly happy and content with very little. A family does not need very much if there is love. Somehow, we Americans use that phrase to justify our need for more stuff.
We think that we are so fortunate, that we are so blessed, that we have so much. Really, I think that all the things that we have are the problem. We are content. We continually fill our lives with things that we don't need. On the outside, we look like we are happy, blessed, rich, and "living the good life". However, on the inside we are broken, poor, beaten down, and hungry for God. We fill our lives with "stuff" in an attempt to fill a God sized void. This quote by Mother Teresa explains it well: "I think that the work of the Church in this developed and rich Western Hemisphere is more difficult than in Calcutta, South Yemen, or other areas where the needs of the people are reduced to the clothes needed to ward off the cold, or a dish of rice to curb their hunger--anything that will show them that someone loves them. In the West, the problems the poor (aka you) have go much deeper; the problems are in the depths of their hearts."
Personally, Satan has been whispering lies to me since I have been home. He says things like: "If you live here, you can get a good job. If you live here you can have so many nice things. If you live here, you will be with your friends and family. Who will want to be with you in Haiti? That place is never going to change. No one wants to go to Haiti. You will be all alone in your mission."
Sometimes those lies come in the form of thoughts that pop into my mind. Other times those lies come from people who think they know what is best.
Instead of choosing to listen to Satan's lies, I am choosing to expose them. I apologize if this sounds rude or blunt...please don't take it personally. For those of you who can't understand a calling from God, here is another reason why I am going back to Haiti: stare into the eyes of a sick child who has no family and YOU try and walk away. For those of you who believe that Haiti is too far gone to be helped, you obviously do not know the same Father that I do. For those of you who think I am stupid for not settling down and getting a job, I have a rich Papa. For those of you who think that I am missing out on something here in the US, you've never met my kids. For those of you who think that this is just a "phase" that I am going through, I told God that he could have my life. He told me to go to Haiti. He has not told me to give up on Haiti. So, I am going back.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Video: Haitian Children Singing
This is a short clip of Haitian children singing at the church I attend in Port au Prince, Quisqueya Chapel.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Undermining (written by Hallie Odell)
The following post was written by a young girl, Hallie Odell. I had the pleasure of meeting Hallie and her family while they were visiting Haiti for a week. I really liked what she wrote, and got her permission to share it here.
For every mission trip I've been on, I've been able to find just one or two words to describe the things I saw, experienced, or learned. This trip I came up with two words: The Undermining. I didn't actually start thinking these words until Sunday, the day before we left. Throughout the week, I had seen generous, devoted people who had dedicated their lives to bringing the Gospel to the Haitians, in order to bring the hope of a better future for the people.
And in the midst of tension, rubble, and rioting, I saw two truly gracious girls and their mother pull up the four chairs they had in their dining room for our family to sit in, because that was their way of thanking our family for helping them. Then, they gave us a tour of their home- which was about the same size as one of our backyard shed- and told us how grateful they were that they had such a nice house to live in (that was sobering). I saw a mother walking her five kids to school- each of them trying to hold her hand and hug her. I saw Haitian nannies cooing over a little, disabled orphan and giving kisses to a little baby with AIDS. I saw a young man walking his grandma gently down the street. I saw a boy about Reed's age come up to him to ask for money, but after talking to him, walked away, happier to have made a new friend than he would be if he had gotten pocket change from Reed. I saw a teenage orphan girl leading a bunch of street kids in the Creole version of 'Jesus loves me.'
And on Sunday, I saw street kids worship God with reckless abandon at their church. All I could think was, “Look at all this hope. This is the future of Haiti, these are the ones God has chosen to make a stand in their communities. All these people this week have been so loving and full of God's love. It's like God is slowly undermining all the bad things and raising up a new generation to carry out his plan for Haiti.”
God has great things in store for the city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. That's what I saw this week.
For every mission trip I've been on, I've been able to find just one or two words to describe the things I saw, experienced, or learned. This trip I came up with two words: The Undermining. I didn't actually start thinking these words until Sunday, the day before we left. Throughout the week, I had seen generous, devoted people who had dedicated their lives to bringing the Gospel to the Haitians, in order to bring the hope of a better future for the people.
And in the midst of tension, rubble, and rioting, I saw two truly gracious girls and their mother pull up the four chairs they had in their dining room for our family to sit in, because that was their way of thanking our family for helping them. Then, they gave us a tour of their home- which was about the same size as one of our backyard shed- and told us how grateful they were that they had such a nice house to live in (that was sobering). I saw a mother walking her five kids to school- each of them trying to hold her hand and hug her. I saw Haitian nannies cooing over a little, disabled orphan and giving kisses to a little baby with AIDS. I saw a young man walking his grandma gently down the street. I saw a boy about Reed's age come up to him to ask for money, but after talking to him, walked away, happier to have made a new friend than he would be if he had gotten pocket change from Reed. I saw a teenage orphan girl leading a bunch of street kids in the Creole version of 'Jesus loves me.'
And on Sunday, I saw street kids worship God with reckless abandon at their church. All I could think was, “Look at all this hope. This is the future of Haiti, these are the ones God has chosen to make a stand in their communities. All these people this week have been so loving and full of God's love. It's like God is slowly undermining all the bad things and raising up a new generation to carry out his plan for Haiti.”
God has great things in store for the city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. That's what I saw this week.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I'm Home!! (at my other home that is)
I arrived home last night around 12:30 AM. I had been exhausted and feel asleep for the car ride home from NYC, but I got my second wind once I got into our house. My initial reactions upon arriving to the states:
1. It is FREEZING here! It was 85 degrees when I left Port au Prince in a skirt and T-shirt and 23 degrees when I landed at JFK.
2.New York City had more lights than I have seen in the past three months. It looked like a giant Christmas tree from the plane.
3. Dad complained about the traffic in NYC, but I hadn't even noticed because I'm so used to sitting in traffic all the time now.
4. I felt like we were going SO FAST when we were driving on the highway to get home.
5. Our cat is like three times fatter than when I left in September.
6. It's entirely too quiet here. Seriously, can I borrow someone's children please???
7. Our Christmas tree is awesome this year (thank you, mom!). She dedicated it to my Haitian kids. She strung it with popcorn because that is their favorite snack. She hand painted ornaments and then put a picture of each of the kids on the ornaments! There are even ornaments for Kez, Dorothy, Stripey and Nala (two of our dogs). She is going to make one for Jake, hehe.
8. I REALLY miss Haiti. My heart is definitely still there. Within 8 hours after I left, Dorothy had already taken in another set of twins. They weigh only 3 pounds each! That means there are now FOUR sets of twins and a total of 38 children at our house! She emailed me and said that my puppy chewed up her phone charger. She let him sleep in her bed with her because he was crying so much last night. I'm glad to hear all is well at my other home.
9. I SEE SNOW FLURRIES!!
10. I just took my first hot shower in three months...IT WAS AMAZING!!!
PS...The internet is SO fast here!!
1. It is FREEZING here! It was 85 degrees when I left Port au Prince in a skirt and T-shirt and 23 degrees when I landed at JFK.
2.New York City had more lights than I have seen in the past three months. It looked like a giant Christmas tree from the plane.
3. Dad complained about the traffic in NYC, but I hadn't even noticed because I'm so used to sitting in traffic all the time now.
4. I felt like we were going SO FAST when we were driving on the highway to get home.
5. Our cat is like three times fatter than when I left in September.
6. It's entirely too quiet here. Seriously, can I borrow someone's children please???
7. Our Christmas tree is awesome this year (thank you, mom!). She dedicated it to my Haitian kids. She strung it with popcorn because that is their favorite snack. She hand painted ornaments and then put a picture of each of the kids on the ornaments! There are even ornaments for Kez, Dorothy, Stripey and Nala (two of our dogs). She is going to make one for Jake, hehe.
8. I REALLY miss Haiti. My heart is definitely still there. Within 8 hours after I left, Dorothy had already taken in another set of twins. They weigh only 3 pounds each! That means there are now FOUR sets of twins and a total of 38 children at our house! She emailed me and said that my puppy chewed up her phone charger. She let him sleep in her bed with her because he was crying so much last night. I'm glad to hear all is well at my other home.
9. I SEE SNOW FLURRIES!!
10. I just took my first hot shower in three months...IT WAS AMAZING!!!
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| Our Haiti Christmas tree |
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| Mom made Chacha the whale because "He sure knows how to tell a whale of a tale!" hahaha! |
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| Johnny |
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| Mich and Chacha |
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| And of course, Mama Dorothy! |
Thursday, December 16, 2010
It's not goodbye, It's "M'ap vini"
I have been thinking about my return trip to the United States for quite some time now. In fact, I have thought about it since I got here. On days when I was sick of rice beans, I wished that I could go to the U.S. for a slice of OIP pizza or some ice cream. On days when life here was just too hard to understand or too heartbreaking, I wished that I could go to the U.S. to forget about the realities of how most of the world lives. On days when the kids were just too cute I could hardly stand it, I wished that I could go to the U.S. to show/tell everyone about them. On days when I just simply missed my friends and family, I wished that I could go to the U.S. for a nice conversation and big hug. Yes, although I love Haiti, there have been days when I have wanted to go home. Today is not that day.
Recently, I have been really looking forward to a break in the states. Life here can be so intense, raw, heartbreaking, difficult, and exhausting. Today as I am about to get on a plane and go home, all I can think about are the wonderful parts of life here (which greatly outnumber the bad): Hugs and kisses from the kids, smiling faces calling my name, giggling babies, singing and dancing with the kids, getting to know the nannies, learning Creole, learning to drive here, making new friends, building relationships, establishing trust, growing in faith, and the list goes on and on. Today, I will have to say goodbye to my Haitian friends, my Haiti mama/grandma/friend, Dorothy, and most importantly my children.
I've been trying not to think about leaving them because it is too hard and it hurts too much. I am dreading the lonely plane ride home because I know the kids will be on my mind the whole time. Once I am home, I know that I will be overjoyed to see my family, but until then it is just plain hard. I know that I may sound as if I'm being dramatic about it, and I apologize. But, over the past three months, I have taken on the role of a parent to these kids. I knew that with that choice would come difficulties since I am not actually their “legal parent”. I thought about it before deciding to fully open up my heart to them and working with them to open their heart to me. One of those difficulties is having to say goodbye. I have never been good at goodbyes. In Haiti instead of saying, “I'll be back” when you leave, you say “M'ap vini.” In English, this translates to, “I'm coming.” So, today instead of goodbye, I will say to my children “M'ap vini, ti moun yo. Mwen renmen ou.”
I'm going to miss this:
**Even though I will be back in the states, I will probably continue to write from time to time. This blog has become a nice outlet for my thoughts and feelings, and I'm sure that I will have lots of emotions/reflections to write about when I'm home. Also, I will be sure and post any news that I hear from Dorothy about Haiti and our kids.
Recently, I have been really looking forward to a break in the states. Life here can be so intense, raw, heartbreaking, difficult, and exhausting. Today as I am about to get on a plane and go home, all I can think about are the wonderful parts of life here (which greatly outnumber the bad): Hugs and kisses from the kids, smiling faces calling my name, giggling babies, singing and dancing with the kids, getting to know the nannies, learning Creole, learning to drive here, making new friends, building relationships, establishing trust, growing in faith, and the list goes on and on. Today, I will have to say goodbye to my Haitian friends, my Haiti mama/grandma/friend, Dorothy, and most importantly my children.
I've been trying not to think about leaving them because it is too hard and it hurts too much. I am dreading the lonely plane ride home because I know the kids will be on my mind the whole time. Once I am home, I know that I will be overjoyed to see my family, but until then it is just plain hard. I know that I may sound as if I'm being dramatic about it, and I apologize. But, over the past three months, I have taken on the role of a parent to these kids. I knew that with that choice would come difficulties since I am not actually their “legal parent”. I thought about it before deciding to fully open up my heart to them and working with them to open their heart to me. One of those difficulties is having to say goodbye. I have never been good at goodbyes. In Haiti instead of saying, “I'll be back” when you leave, you say “M'ap vini.” In English, this translates to, “I'm coming.” So, today instead of goodbye, I will say to my children “M'ap vini, ti moun yo. Mwen renmen ou.”
I'm going to miss this:
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| My new friends |
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| The beautiful country |
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| My special girl Rosa |
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| All my precious babies |
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| The kids freezing in 75 degree weather |
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| Toothless smiles |
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| My beautiful twin girls |
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| Baby smiles and laughter |
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| Crafts with the kids |
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| Goofing off |
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| Simply being with my kids. |
**Even though I will be back in the states, I will probably continue to write from time to time. This blog has become a nice outlet for my thoughts and feelings, and I'm sure that I will have lots of emotions/reflections to write about when I'm home. Also, I will be sure and post any news that I hear from Dorothy about Haiti and our kids.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Puppy Love
The children are learning a lot from my new baby, Jake. I often talk about how I found Jake in the middle of the road all alone with no one to care for him. I mention that his mommy and daddy didn't take care of him and did not want him. I tell the kids that some people might have even tried to hurt him, but that we should never try to hurt others. I tell the children that I loved Jake as soon as I saw him and I brought him home with me so that I could care for him. I tell them that even though some people don't love him, God does and I do, too. I tell the kids that he is sick and hurt now, but one day he will be big, strong, and very smart.
May of our children are or once were a lot like Jake: orphans, abandoned, neglected, unwanted, sick, or unloved. Some of our children push those memories from their minds, some of our children have trust issues, some of our children don't like to see what they once looked like, some of our children shy away from affection. When I talk to them about Jake, I can see shimmers of understanding in their eyes. That they too were once sick, hurt, left alone, or unwanted by their family but now they are loved by a special kind of family here at our house.
With Jake's help, the kids are learning that when we see someone in need, it is our job to take care of them and to love them. They are learning how to provide and care for his needs. They are learning to be gentle, patient and forgiving. They are learning how to apologize for wrong-doings. They are learning that despite what their culture teaches, God created and loves ALL creatures.
**A side note, please say some extra prayers for me tomorrow as I have to say goodbye to all the kids. I'm really dreading it. :(
May of our children are or once were a lot like Jake: orphans, abandoned, neglected, unwanted, sick, or unloved. Some of our children push those memories from their minds, some of our children have trust issues, some of our children don't like to see what they once looked like, some of our children shy away from affection. When I talk to them about Jake, I can see shimmers of understanding in their eyes. That they too were once sick, hurt, left alone, or unwanted by their family but now they are loved by a special kind of family here at our house.
With Jake's help, the kids are learning that when we see someone in need, it is our job to take care of them and to love them. They are learning how to provide and care for his needs. They are learning to be gentle, patient and forgiving. They are learning how to apologize for wrong-doings. They are learning that despite what their culture teaches, God created and loves ALL creatures.
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| Chacha loves Jake! |
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| Just two guys hangin' out |
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| Nala (half Great Dane half Haitian mutt) checking out our newest addition. She looks like a horse next to him! |
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| The kids giving Jake a bath |
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| I woke up to find that he had dragged everything he could find on the floor into his bed (coin container, syringe, and Chacha's school paper) |
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| I'm going to miss my little guy! |
**A side note, please say some extra prayers for me tomorrow as I have to say goodbye to all the kids. I'm really dreading it. :(
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Fox News Video
I apologize for not writing last night. Our internet connection has been bad for the past couple of days and I was unable to connect.
Things have been pretty laid back here. It has been dreary and rainy for the past two days. School has opened back up again for our kids so the house is a little quieter now. Things seem normal on the streets of PAP. No announcements have been make about the ballot recount. I have just been keeping busy around the house helping the nannies and playing with the kids. This afternoon, some people are bringing the little boy that had cholera to our house because he is finally stable.
I am packed and ready to come home on Thursday. So, I hope that American Airlines opens soon!
Here is the Fox News video clip from Sarah Palin and Franklin Graham's trip to Haiti. You can actually see Dorothy and I at the very end of the video. As Gretta is interviewing Franklin Graham, Dorothy and I are standing off to the right in the background. You can't miss my blue skirt, ha! Click here to watch it!
Things have been pretty laid back here. It has been dreary and rainy for the past two days. School has opened back up again for our kids so the house is a little quieter now. Things seem normal on the streets of PAP. No announcements have been make about the ballot recount. I have just been keeping busy around the house helping the nannies and playing with the kids. This afternoon, some people are bringing the little boy that had cholera to our house because he is finally stable.
I am packed and ready to come home on Thursday. So, I hope that American Airlines opens soon!
Here is the Fox News video clip from Sarah Palin and Franklin Graham's trip to Haiti. You can actually see Dorothy and I at the very end of the video. As Gretta is interviewing Franklin Graham, Dorothy and I are standing off to the right in the background. You can't miss my blue skirt, ha! Click here to watch it!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Greater things are still to be done in this city...
Today was an average Sunday. In the morning I took the children to church and taught my Sunday school class. We were warned to stock up on basic foods and supplies because it is unsure what things will be like this coming week. We have lots of mouths to feed!! To give you an example: we bought 100 pounds of beans, 225 pounds of rice, 3 bags of dog food, 3 bottles of vanilla, 6 containers of salt, 4 bags of sugar, a case of macarroni and cheese, a case of tomato sauce, two cases of spaghetti, 12 loaves of bread, and the list goes on. With this many children to feed, a few days with stores closed makes things difficult. We are much better prepared this time. We hope that those supplies will last us for about two weeks if need be.
We are really unsure of what will happen in the coming days. Things may be pretty calm if Martelly is put on the runoff ballot. However, if the results are announced the same (Celestin vs. Manigat), I have a feeling the city is going to be burning again. Again, I want to make sure that you understand we are quite safe at our house. I have never felt in danger since I have been here.
I have faith that there can be change here. I know many people push this country from their minds: It is too bad, too corrupt, too poor, the land is too bad, there is no hope, why bother trying. The list of reasons could go on forever. Yes, it is true Haiti has more complex problems that I can even try to comprehend. However, we can and do have hope. In Romans 8:24 it says, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
We have NOTHING but hope here. Just when we think that Haiti has hit rock bottom, it falls further still. The incredible thing about being at rock bottom is that all you can do is look up to our Papa in heaven. At church today, we sang a perfect song for the city of Port au Prince and the nation of Haiti.
God of this City by Chris Tomlin
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
We are really unsure of what will happen in the coming days. Things may be pretty calm if Martelly is put on the runoff ballot. However, if the results are announced the same (Celestin vs. Manigat), I have a feeling the city is going to be burning again. Again, I want to make sure that you understand we are quite safe at our house. I have never felt in danger since I have been here.
I have faith that there can be change here. I know many people push this country from their minds: It is too bad, too corrupt, too poor, the land is too bad, there is no hope, why bother trying. The list of reasons could go on forever. Yes, it is true Haiti has more complex problems that I can even try to comprehend. However, we can and do have hope. In Romans 8:24 it says, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
We have NOTHING but hope here. Just when we think that Haiti has hit rock bottom, it falls further still. The incredible thing about being at rock bottom is that all you can do is look up to our Papa in heaven. At church today, we sang a perfect song for the city of Port au Prince and the nation of Haiti.
God of this City by Chris Tomlin
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Saturday, December 11, 2010
I met Sarah Palin today!
As usual, today was filled with completely unusual and unexpected events. In the morning, we assumed it was just going to be a usual day. We managed to get out and get to the grocery store. It was insane and packed with people. We got some of the essentials since we expect the protesting to start up again soon.
As soon as we got home, Dorothy got a phone call from friends of her's in Bercy (about an hour away). There is a cholera treatment clinic there and they had an 8 month old boy that needed help. He had just gotten over cholera, his mother had died in November, and his father couldn't take care of him anymore. So, we agreed to drive out and see/possibly get the baby.
It just so happens that Franklin Graham, Sarah Palin, and her family were planning to arrive at the orphanage/clinic around the same time. Sure enough about twenty minutes after we got there, their convoy of SUV's pulled into the compound. They were here with Samaritan’s Purse to give out Christmas gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
So, we were able to hear Rev. Graham pray for the children and see them present the children with their gifts. It was kind of funny to see a political figure just breeze right into our dusty dirty country, pass some gifts out, smile for the camera, and then head out to their next stop. None the less, it was interesting and kind of exciting for all the Americans that happened to be there.
After they were finished with the children, they hung around for a little while to do a Fox News interview and talk with some of us. I got the opportunity to talk with Sarah Palin for a little while. She was interested in we are doing here in Haiti. Of course, I got a few pictures, too.
Afterward we went over to the cholera tent to see the little boy. He was not doing very well and they agreed to keep him for us for a few more days until he is a little bit better. While we were there we also saw a few cholera patients being carried in.
Like I've said before, you just never know what is going to happen in Haiti!
As soon as we got home, Dorothy got a phone call from friends of her's in Bercy (about an hour away). There is a cholera treatment clinic there and they had an 8 month old boy that needed help. He had just gotten over cholera, his mother had died in November, and his father couldn't take care of him anymore. So, we agreed to drive out and see/possibly get the baby.
It just so happens that Franklin Graham, Sarah Palin, and her family were planning to arrive at the orphanage/clinic around the same time. Sure enough about twenty minutes after we got there, their convoy of SUV's pulled into the compound. They were here with Samaritan’s Purse to give out Christmas gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
So, we were able to hear Rev. Graham pray for the children and see them present the children with their gifts. It was kind of funny to see a political figure just breeze right into our dusty dirty country, pass some gifts out, smile for the camera, and then head out to their next stop. None the less, it was interesting and kind of exciting for all the Americans that happened to be there.
After they were finished with the children, they hung around for a little while to do a Fox News interview and talk with some of us. I got the opportunity to talk with Sarah Palin for a little while. She was interested in we are doing here in Haiti. Of course, I got a few pictures, too.
Afterward we went over to the cholera tent to see the little boy. He was not doing very well and they agreed to keep him for us for a few more days until he is a little bit better. While we were there we also saw a few cholera patients being carried in.
Like I've said before, you just never know what is going to happen in Haiti!
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| The local kids coming into the compound to get their gifts. |
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| Sarah, her husband, and her daughter |
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| Franklin Graham and his translator speaking to the kids |
Friday, December 10, 2010
God's Miracle of Provision!
Today was yet another day that I was able to witness God's incredible and awesome miracle of provision for his children! As of this morning, angry crowds were still on the streets, no water trucks were out, and stores/businesses were still closed. Our water supply was quickly dwindling and we had no idea when we would get more. Dorothy seemed relatively calm about it, but I could tell as time passed she was getting a little worried. In a situation like that, we had nothing to do but trust God, have faith, and pray.
Sometime around 11 AM, Dorothy got a phone call from our Haitian friend, Alex. He has been keeping us updated as to the word on the street/radio. He said they had just made the announcement to take a three day break from rioting/protesting to let the ballot recount take place. It suddenly felt like Christmas morning! Dorothy looked and me and we both got huge smiles...Let's go out!
We put a few of our empty water jugs into the backseat of the truck in hopes that some place would be open. I drove us to the gas station where we usually get our fuel and water. Still closed. Dorothy was out of Haitian currency and only had a little bit of US dollars that she was hoping to exchange. She got out of the truck to see if she could exchange her money. While she was gone, her cell phone rang. I answered and it was Pastor Carl, the former pastor of our church. He had heard that we were in need of water and fuel. He told us to bring a fuel tank and meet him at the church. So, off we went!!
The church has it's own diesel tank on the property (I did not know that until today) and he filled our plastic fuel can for us! THANK YOU, LORD! Dorothy and I had no idea that the church also has a water filtration system set up on the grounds. Their cistern was still full and they had plenty of water to share. They use it to give our free clean drinking water to people in the neighborhood. Pastor Carl laughed and said, “You live in the neighborhood! Bring some of your jugs and I will fill them for you!” So, we filled two of our big Culligan bottles. THANK YOU, GOD! Then, on top of that he explained about a ministry that he is now involved in. They distribute a water filtration systems all over Haiti. He had several hundred of them at the church. He showed us how to use them and then gave us two. It uses a five gallon bucket with a small filter attached, and supposedly it will even filter water from a puddle and make it run clear and remove all the bacteria. THANK YOU, GOD! We drove home to drop off the water and filter. Shortly after, the water truck came to fill our cistern! THANK YOU, GOD! We serve an amazing and powerful Papa!
Then, we ventured out of our neighborhood to see if we could find propane and a few other needs. I was the one driving today so I did not get to take any photos (sorry). I know I have said this often, but things just keep getting worse. Dorothy and I decided that the only way to really describe how the city looks is that it looks like a war zone. Although there were no large crowds or demonstrations going on, we still did not see much traffic. We only saw a few tap-taps (Haitian taxis). We saw one grocery store that was open in Petionville, but it was FILLED with people scrambling to stock up on food. There were few other businesses open. The roads and sidewalks are completely stained black with charred remains. It looks as if whole roads were set on fire. It was much much worse than we expected. Vehicles are overturned and burned, windows are smashed out of buildings, and fences are torn down. At one place along Delmas, a metal fence that was covered in Celestin campaign posters had been ripped to shreds and the metal was thrown all over the street. While I was driving, we passed several huge UN tanks with soldiers armed and at the ready. It was so surreal. It felt like a bad dream...that I could not possibly be driving through a city burned and in shambles.
Because there were still no stores open, our “shopping trip” turned into a tour of the wreckage. From what we have heard, our favorite amazing grocery store is possibly going to open tomorrow morning for a short time. So, we are planning on getting up and going first thing in the morning. From what we have been told, the citizens are not planning rioting until they hear the results of the recount. It is wonderful news to know that we are getting a break. Unfortunately, I am very scared for what is going to happen after the recount. My worse fears (and many other's worst fears) are that the government has already tampered with the ballots before starting the recount. If the recount does not produce the results that the Haitian people are expecting, things are going to be even worse. Much, much worse. I've heard that the Haitians are trying to get the whole city shut down. Who can blame them? They have no other voice in their own country. I hate to be negative, but if I know Haiti, all of the presidential candidates are corrupt. I just want the results to be what the people chose, not what the government makes it to be. Even if it is a wrong choice, the people still need to make their own choice for a leader. I have heard the rumor that the airport is going to try and reopen on Sunday or Monday. However, if things get even worse, I don't see that happening. So, maybe I will make it home as planned or maybe not. We just can't tell.
PS...for those of you who are wondering, Jake is doing fine. He is eating and much more alert. He actually jumped out of his cardboard box today while I was gone. Tonight he went potty outside for the first time. Before bed, Claudine, Rosa, Chacha, and Mich all took turns holding him in their laps. They were all a little unsure of it at first (except Chacha). They are learning to get past the cultural teaching that animals are bad and worthless.
Sometime around 11 AM, Dorothy got a phone call from our Haitian friend, Alex. He has been keeping us updated as to the word on the street/radio. He said they had just made the announcement to take a three day break from rioting/protesting to let the ballot recount take place. It suddenly felt like Christmas morning! Dorothy looked and me and we both got huge smiles...Let's go out!
We put a few of our empty water jugs into the backseat of the truck in hopes that some place would be open. I drove us to the gas station where we usually get our fuel and water. Still closed. Dorothy was out of Haitian currency and only had a little bit of US dollars that she was hoping to exchange. She got out of the truck to see if she could exchange her money. While she was gone, her cell phone rang. I answered and it was Pastor Carl, the former pastor of our church. He had heard that we were in need of water and fuel. He told us to bring a fuel tank and meet him at the church. So, off we went!!
The church has it's own diesel tank on the property (I did not know that until today) and he filled our plastic fuel can for us! THANK YOU, LORD! Dorothy and I had no idea that the church also has a water filtration system set up on the grounds. Their cistern was still full and they had plenty of water to share. They use it to give our free clean drinking water to people in the neighborhood. Pastor Carl laughed and said, “You live in the neighborhood! Bring some of your jugs and I will fill them for you!” So, we filled two of our big Culligan bottles. THANK YOU, GOD! Then, on top of that he explained about a ministry that he is now involved in. They distribute a water filtration systems all over Haiti. He had several hundred of them at the church. He showed us how to use them and then gave us two. It uses a five gallon bucket with a small filter attached, and supposedly it will even filter water from a puddle and make it run clear and remove all the bacteria. THANK YOU, GOD! We drove home to drop off the water and filter. Shortly after, the water truck came to fill our cistern! THANK YOU, GOD! We serve an amazing and powerful Papa!
Then, we ventured out of our neighborhood to see if we could find propane and a few other needs. I was the one driving today so I did not get to take any photos (sorry). I know I have said this often, but things just keep getting worse. Dorothy and I decided that the only way to really describe how the city looks is that it looks like a war zone. Although there were no large crowds or demonstrations going on, we still did not see much traffic. We only saw a few tap-taps (Haitian taxis). We saw one grocery store that was open in Petionville, but it was FILLED with people scrambling to stock up on food. There were few other businesses open. The roads and sidewalks are completely stained black with charred remains. It looks as if whole roads were set on fire. It was much much worse than we expected. Vehicles are overturned and burned, windows are smashed out of buildings, and fences are torn down. At one place along Delmas, a metal fence that was covered in Celestin campaign posters had been ripped to shreds and the metal was thrown all over the street. While I was driving, we passed several huge UN tanks with soldiers armed and at the ready. It was so surreal. It felt like a bad dream...that I could not possibly be driving through a city burned and in shambles.
Because there were still no stores open, our “shopping trip” turned into a tour of the wreckage. From what we have heard, our favorite amazing grocery store is possibly going to open tomorrow morning for a short time. So, we are planning on getting up and going first thing in the morning. From what we have been told, the citizens are not planning rioting until they hear the results of the recount. It is wonderful news to know that we are getting a break. Unfortunately, I am very scared for what is going to happen after the recount. My worse fears (and many other's worst fears) are that the government has already tampered with the ballots before starting the recount. If the recount does not produce the results that the Haitian people are expecting, things are going to be even worse. Much, much worse. I've heard that the Haitians are trying to get the whole city shut down. Who can blame them? They have no other voice in their own country. I hate to be negative, but if I know Haiti, all of the presidential candidates are corrupt. I just want the results to be what the people chose, not what the government makes it to be. Even if it is a wrong choice, the people still need to make their own choice for a leader. I have heard the rumor that the airport is going to try and reopen on Sunday or Monday. However, if things get even worse, I don't see that happening. So, maybe I will make it home as planned or maybe not. We just can't tell.
PS...for those of you who are wondering, Jake is doing fine. He is eating and much more alert. He actually jumped out of his cardboard box today while I was gone. Tonight he went potty outside for the first time. Before bed, Claudine, Rosa, Chacha, and Mich all took turns holding him in their laps. They were all a little unsure of it at first (except Chacha). They are learning to get past the cultural teaching that animals are bad and worthless.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
We rescue all kinds of God's creatures!
Mid-morning, one of our nannies called us and asked us to meet her halfway to the house for a ride. So, Dorothy and I ventured out. It was a scary sight. On a good day, Port-au-Prince looks terrible, I won't lie. But now, it is even worse. The streets are littered with trash, charred remains, and anything that can be drug out into the streets. I saw a toilet in the middle of one road, an overturned car in another, and a refrigerator on yet another. Although the streets were lined with people, we were one of the only vehicles out driving.
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| Haitian police trucks. |
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| A refrigerator in the middle of the road along with other junk |
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| An over-turned truck in our way...U-turn! |
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| Trash, furniture, and the remains of burned tires |
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| It doesn't look like it in the picture but this dumpster was moved into the road |
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| A main road....no cars at all...So eerie and creepy looking to those of us who know what it is usually like. You can see burnt tires here |
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| The road blocks did not stop the pigs from roaming freely as usual |
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| One of the busiest roads in PAP totally empty of cars...except for the two crazy white ladies that is! |
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| main Delmas is usually backed up with car after car |
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| approaching a large road block that was being set up |
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| They were waving us to come through, but we opted to do a U-turn instead, ha! |
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| preparing a roadblock |
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| typically this intersection is very busy |
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| I know it is hard to see in this picture, but this boy is playing with a homemade toy car. It is made of a juice bottle with four plastic bottle caps as wheels! |
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| a better look at the toy car. The kids here make toys out of all kids of trash |
On our way home from picking up the nanny we had to drive through a tent city to get back to the house. For the past couple of weeks, we have seen a litter of tiny puppies playing along side the road and joked about taking one home with us. Today when we went by, Dorothy slowed so we could take a picture and watch them playing.
What we did not notice was that laying in the middle of the road (just outside of the photo above) was another puppy. As soon as we saw him curled up in the road with cars passing by, Dorothy said he must be dead. She was too afraid to get out and see for fear that he was dead. So, I went. As I got closer and touched him, he opened his eyes the tiniest bit. His ear was bloody and I could see that one of his front paws was scraped raw, swollen, and bleeding.
What else are two animal/child lovers supposed to do but to rescue him? So, I walked back to the truck and grabbed a cloth diaper to use as a blanket. As I scooped him off the road and wrapped him up, every Haitian on the street burst out in laughter, pointed, and jeered at the crazy white girl saving the dying puppy. Haitians hate dogs and are usually afraid of them. On more than one occasion, I have seen them throw rocks at them for no reason. All I could do was hold the puppy close as I climbed into the truck glaring at the men and woman laughing at us. How is it that the same people I love so much can make me so angry at times?
Leonne, the nanny that was in the truck with us, just laughed as I sat down in the front seat with out new very smelly puppy. Dorothy and I explained to her that he is a baby too and we are here to rescue babies. We love all God's creatures not just humans! When we got home, Leonne announced to the other nannies that we have a new baby. They all peered in my direction with curiosity at the bundle I was carrying. When they realized what I had, they shook their heads and laughed at us. Dorothy and I just further our "crazy white woman" status more and more each day, ha!
The kids were not as excited about the new puppy as you would think. Claudine kept saying, "Yuck! Yuck! I don't like it! Is it dead?" Rosa and Mich just watched me with curiosity. I explained to them that he is a sick hurt baby just like all the other babies we bring to our house. I told them that we need to love him and take care of him. I also kept telling them that I love him very much. After repeating that many times and modeling how to gently care for him, they started to catch on. After a little while, Claudine even joined in to help Dorothy and I bathe him. He was TEEMING with mites and fleas. I've never seen so many in my life. His skin looked like it was moving. He was so filthy that it took three through bathes and a rinse to get him somewhat clean. He will be getting at least one more tomorrow. We cleaned his wounds, fed him some softened dog food, gave him some antibiotics, and tucked him into a little cardboard box bed in my room. And in case you are wondering, I named him Jake.
Meet our newest addition to the family!
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| His fur is really thin and his skin is raw and scabby from all the fleas and mites. |
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| Jake's swollen and injured paw :( |
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| He's so tiny and precious...only 2 pounds. |
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| You can see how many bugs were on him. There were so many that they were literally just falling off of him and onto the blanket. |
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| bath time! |
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| Claudine decided to help bathe Jake. |
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| Mama Dorothy telling the kids about how we need to love and care for the animals of the world. |
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| He's all clean and his paw is all bandaged up. |
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