We had a great time out last night. We went first to the Country Club for a drink and did some dancing in our chairs to some throw-back music to the 70's and 80's including Disco Inferno and Bad Girls. We then went to the Latin Corner which did not have a lot of people there, and was quite kitch. There were a lot of black lights so we all glowed. Noel was a great teacher of the Kompa! It is definitely a different style of dancing than in Canada. Jolyane and I, who are considered the young crew, tired more quickly of the evening than the older crew Nath and Karen, I believe they would have stayed out all night!
I slept in a little later and got up at 7 to make up for the later bed time and then got ready for another day up at Kay Kapab. Fresh fruit again for breakfast, and spicy peanut butter for the bananas. There were also pancakes and ham, but I stuck with the bananas, pineapple and watermelon. I think I am only a coffee drinker in Haiti, may have something to do with the added chocolate.
When Jolyane and I arrived at the clinic it was quite empty, but then the therapists arrived with big smiles- more used to us on day 2. We talked a bit about the plan for the day and what their thoughts were etc. They were excited to learn more about OT which is a good sign. I worked with the male therapist and Jolyane worked with the female and we split up to tackle they days clients as teams. I found a translator who said he was at the clinic in case their was work, but that I would have to check with the clinic manager because that is how he would get paid. We could not find Johnny so he stayed and translated anyways. I cannot even tell you what a difference it makes to have a translator! I think I need to take an intense French course so that I can get more done at the clinic ;) I was able to have some bonding time with the tech and get some background about where he is from and how he travels to the clinic (taptap and sometimes motorcycle from Carrefour). Our first client was a 2 year old boy, B, who the tech thought when he started therapy had CP, but then as he progressed believed it to be more of just hemiparesis. Potentially a head injury, hard to say. His mom says he had the weakness for as long as she could remember. He was there with his older brother O, who is 6. Benjamin was such a cutie, he laughed all through his ROM and was quite shy at first but by the end was singing for us. I found out that at home he enjoys playing with the ball, so we got out a soccer ball and I showed mom some fun games to play to help promote bilateral hand use, balance and strength. B had a great time, and I think a great session. Aterwards we looked at the charting and note taking. They find it difficult to do a lot of their charting because they do not have a photocopier for their forms, and usually the printer upstairs is not working. We think they would also find a great difference with an organizing system for all their papers, so all they had to do was go to the wall and grab the items they need for the session. Something to look into for the future.
While we prepared for the next client, Johnny arrived and I told him that I was benefiting from the translator. And it was at this point that we were informed that it was not in the budget to pay him, because he was told the team would have 3 francophones and would therefore manage. We tried to explain that we were much more efficient if we could split up, but undertsandably he did not want to change the plan without the team leaders say...I apologized to the translator, but he said he would stay and help me anyway as a volunteer- a very nice man. Later in the day he mentioned that he sold jewelry and I remembered him having it set out last time as well, so I said we would look at it during the break. I told Jolyane and we decided we would buy some jewelry and then he would get paid for the day :)
Next we had a woman, R-M, who was post CVA with a subluxed R shoulder and flaccid wrist, some tone in the digits. Her program was more PT based, but I showed the daughter how to best fit the sling for optimum comfort and I added some padding to the shoulder strap. We also discussed the use of a splint, but that will be for the P+O clinic. She wore an AFO and practiced weight transfers and mobility. While she worked on the stairs with the tech, the translator and I talked to the daughter about what assistance her mom required at home and we found out that she was not able to complete toileting independently because their set up was a hole in the ground and for mom a bucket. We were able to find a commode for her to take home. When we came around the corner with it, their faces lit up and they laughed because it was a simple idea and a great fix. R-M looked very happy to have that increased independence, and I imagine some dignity returned.
When we finished up there it was close to 1 and they were going on break so we went down to the guest house. The translator displayed his jewelry, I believe it was all made from coconut shells. I bought earrings, Jolyane a necklace and earrings set and Nath a hair clip. Probably a good day for him.
When we went back up to the clinic the place was empty and the techs were having siesta. We talked to them a bit about the forms and they would like us to add some more ADL sections. We asked them if they wanted to do any other teaching or if they had questions, but they were too tired. So we went for a swim instead. Jolyane and I played with our underwater cameras and have deduced that we do not look that good under water :P
For supper we had lambi (conch) and vegetables with a custard like dessert.
We then sat around in the living room and did some housekeeping in regards to what needs to be done for the weekend and next week in terms of what equipment we need to bring, who we need to contact and what we need to find. Nath and Karen took a nap and Jolyane is studying for her Yoga instructor course.
Not sure the plans for tonight.
Leave for Jacmel tomorrow am, have already let the staff here know we will be early for breakfast and will not need a bog spread! Also gave them some of my laundry so that I have some clean pants for the week. Karen and I have talked about just wearing our scrubs at Ile a Vache regardless of how dirty they get day to day. Does stink keep bugs away? I doubt it. an A-bomb wouldnt keep the bugs away! I dont know how they find me but at some point between this morning and this afternoon they got my legs right through my pants and I now have some beautiful red spots scattered over the brilliant white.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
The Market
Just an update on our little venture to the market. On our way to the market a bus passed us "Uh, is that a public bus?" as I read the PetionV on the front. The answer: Yes. What! Public busses in Haiti! Mais oui! The government spent 30mil on them and gave them to different groups. Cyril does not think they will last long because they are not well maintained and travel routes that are not "bus friendly" You would be hard pressed to find many bus friendly routes in my opinion.
A la market I got some pringles (so many flavours that we dont have in Canada) and dried mango and coconut. We were the centre of attention and even had people trying to be secretive of taking our picture in the aisles. Jolyane was super impressed with the ergonomic set up of the cashier station, they are all seated and have the cash in front of them with a lift up lid, the screen is also very user friendly. They would not allow her to take a photo however. Oh, and if anyone is curious, the exchange rate is 41.75 gourdes per american dollar; so 20 dollars equals 835 gourdes. My snacks were 190 some gourdes.
I had some haitian ketchup in my hands and considered PB, but I imagine we will have another market trip at some point so I wont have to carry this stuff around in my pack.
A la market I got some pringles (so many flavours that we dont have in Canada) and dried mango and coconut. We were the centre of attention and even had people trying to be secretive of taking our picture in the aisles. Jolyane was super impressed with the ergonomic set up of the cashier station, they are all seated and have the cash in front of them with a lift up lid, the screen is also very user friendly. They would not allow her to take a photo however. Oh, and if anyone is curious, the exchange rate is 41.75 gourdes per american dollar; so 20 dollars equals 835 gourdes. My snacks were 190 some gourdes.
I had some haitian ketchup in my hands and considered PB, but I imagine we will have another market trip at some point so I wont have to carry this stuff around in my pack.
Kay Kapab
I woke fairly early this morning, and had to make myself stay in bed a little longer...that is rare. My earplugs must have worked wonders last night because the girls say the rain woke them through the night crashing down in buckets. I heard nothing. Through the night though I knocked one loose and could hear odd bird screeches, but no rooster.
We took a walk around the property before breakfast, down by the bidonville...it is always so lively there! Music was blaring and you could hear children playing, full of life.
For breakfast we had huge bananas with Haitian peanut butter, great Haitian coffee mixed with their amazing chocolate drink, papayas, watermelon and there was an omelette caserole dish that I did not eat.
Jolyane, Nath and I worked in the clinic today, and Karen worked with a student in the guesthouse who is a keen learner and is becoming a speech assistant. Nath was in the P+O shop, and Jolyane and I worked in the rehab section. We tried to work one on one with the rehab techs there, there were 2 working today. The female was receptive, the male less so :) The male was more interested in us taking clients on our own so he could get through the waiting room faster. So we compromised, because Jolyane is bilingual she observed the therapist, and I took clients on my own. I am getting better at sherades. The clients enjoyed my broken french and quizzical looks, they are all so sweet and patient with me, and all so appreciative of the work we do.
After lunch, Jolyane and I set up workshop on the patio and made a to-do list: so things we would like to work on for the clinic. We noticed that re-assesmment is lacking, and clients get stagnant with minimal progress, they maintain the same treatment program for even over a year! We want to improve that process. Because ultimately our goal here is to have the clinic self sustaining, so that our organization no longer needs to support them. The tech says that they would like to do more re-assessment but often they do not have the paper to record it. So what we did today was put together a re-assessment form that will guide them to ask certain questions and ensure they are being thourough and are understood by their clients in regards to at home exercises.
Tomorrow we will review that with them and walk them through it with some clients, which means we are not going to Wings of Hope- but I will hopefully go there next week.
After we finished our work and discussed tomorrows plans with the staff we jumped into the pool which was very refreshing!
Then for supper we had riz nationale, fried plantains, beef, white fish and pikliz.
Then we all re-showered and worked on updating our friends and family via the internet :)
We are now sitting in the guesthouse with Cyril from Tour Haiti, working out our weekend plans in Jacmel. We are going dancing tonight in Petionville at La esquina latina (the latin corner) which Cyril says is extremely kitch with mirrors on the ceiling and rooms to rent upstairs. Although he swears there are no postitutes :) He says that if you want to dance, and hear haitian music, then it is the place to go. We are trying to get him to tell us the smooth cool place to go for tomorrow. He says latina is very 80's and themey. Should be an event. He is thinking we could get live music tomorrow at the Montana- contemporary jam session, open mics on Thursday night. We are now having a discussion on the pros of paying in Gourdes because they charge you more when they see the american dollars. Also the best and worst places to change your money. Bars are not a good place, the street is even worse.
Oh, impromptu visit to the grocery store!
a bientot!
We took a walk around the property before breakfast, down by the bidonville...it is always so lively there! Music was blaring and you could hear children playing, full of life.
For breakfast we had huge bananas with Haitian peanut butter, great Haitian coffee mixed with their amazing chocolate drink, papayas, watermelon and there was an omelette caserole dish that I did not eat.
Jolyane, Nath and I worked in the clinic today, and Karen worked with a student in the guesthouse who is a keen learner and is becoming a speech assistant. Nath was in the P+O shop, and Jolyane and I worked in the rehab section. We tried to work one on one with the rehab techs there, there were 2 working today. The female was receptive, the male less so :) The male was more interested in us taking clients on our own so he could get through the waiting room faster. So we compromised, because Jolyane is bilingual she observed the therapist, and I took clients on my own. I am getting better at sherades. The clients enjoyed my broken french and quizzical looks, they are all so sweet and patient with me, and all so appreciative of the work we do.
After lunch, Jolyane and I set up workshop on the patio and made a to-do list: so things we would like to work on for the clinic. We noticed that re-assesmment is lacking, and clients get stagnant with minimal progress, they maintain the same treatment program for even over a year! We want to improve that process. Because ultimately our goal here is to have the clinic self sustaining, so that our organization no longer needs to support them. The tech says that they would like to do more re-assessment but often they do not have the paper to record it. So what we did today was put together a re-assessment form that will guide them to ask certain questions and ensure they are being thourough and are understood by their clients in regards to at home exercises.
Tomorrow we will review that with them and walk them through it with some clients, which means we are not going to Wings of Hope- but I will hopefully go there next week.
After we finished our work and discussed tomorrows plans with the staff we jumped into the pool which was very refreshing!
Then for supper we had riz nationale, fried plantains, beef, white fish and pikliz.
Then we all re-showered and worked on updating our friends and family via the internet :)
We are now sitting in the guesthouse with Cyril from Tour Haiti, working out our weekend plans in Jacmel. We are going dancing tonight in Petionville at La esquina latina (the latin corner) which Cyril says is extremely kitch with mirrors on the ceiling and rooms to rent upstairs. Although he swears there are no postitutes :) He says that if you want to dance, and hear haitian music, then it is the place to go. We are trying to get him to tell us the smooth cool place to go for tomorrow. He says latina is very 80's and themey. Should be an event. He is thinking we could get live music tomorrow at the Montana- contemporary jam session, open mics on Thursday night. We are now having a discussion on the pros of paying in Gourdes because they charge you more when they see the american dollars. Also the best and worst places to change your money. Bars are not a good place, the street is even worse.
Oh, impromptu visit to the grocery store!
a bientot!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Nous sommes Arrive!
We are all safe and sound in Port au Prince, tired, dirty and hungry but no worse for the wear. It was a long long day :) You somehow manage to forget what the heat feels like when you step off the plane, but it always hits you like a wall.
We went through the PaP airport fairly smoothly, all our bags arrived and in one piece for the most part. We did have to wait in the parking lot for a while for our driver, but you need to have a few hitches right? Standing there, you quickly remember the yells of BLANC! from the street. I didnt think we stood out quite that much from a distance, but I stand corrected.
We stored our bags in the outside cage and then had supper with Sourette, and now we are just settling down for what I imagine will be an early night! I am too tired to even attempt to translate the french and kreyol around me so a lot of the time I am in my own world with no idea what is going on around me. Until they all laugh and I dont, and then they realize they were speaking French.
My bug net is hung from the wall with care, and images of the clinic work tomorrow will soon be dancing in my head...unless we go for a swim first?
We went through the PaP airport fairly smoothly, all our bags arrived and in one piece for the most part. We did have to wait in the parking lot for a while for our driver, but you need to have a few hitches right? Standing there, you quickly remember the yells of BLANC! from the street. I didnt think we stood out quite that much from a distance, but I stand corrected.
We stored our bags in the outside cage and then had supper with Sourette, and now we are just settling down for what I imagine will be an early night! I am too tired to even attempt to translate the french and kreyol around me so a lot of the time I am in my own world with no idea what is going on around me. Until they all laugh and I dont, and then they realize they were speaking French.
My bug net is hung from the wall with care, and images of the clinic work tomorrow will soon be dancing in my head...unless we go for a swim first?
Monday, November 02, 2009
Dreaming of fresh fruit...
It is Monday evening and I am taking a break from packing. Our guest room bed is loaded with rolled up t-shirts, cameras, scrubs etc etc...all just waiting for me to shove them into my hiking pack. My mom is taking me to the airport and she will be here at 2:30 am, luckily my hockey bags are full, but light enough to manage! I just need to keep that streak going with my hiking pack! We had a lot of H1N1 meetings today, and I am really really hoping that we dont go into Pandemic mode while I am away, or I will be coming home to 12 hr night shifts of me answering peoples questions about the flu, instead of playing with my kiddos on the Autism team.
I had my Halloween fundraiser on Saturday and had a pretty poor turnout, despite all the PR and advertising I got for free from local media. I guess the flu scared people away. I hear the trick-or-treater numbers were low as well. We only had 2 kids come to the door during the time we were home inbetween decorating and dancing. Oh and speaking of dancing- I had 19 guests at Haunts for Haiti, and everyone was a dancing machine! That helped a lot, it's much less noticeable that your fundraiser is a flop when people are having a good time! All in all, after paying the DJ and accounting for the cost of the venue, I came out $400 in the red. I wrote a letter to the Town, which runs the venue, asking for their help in the matter, and they are going to meet tomorrow to discuss whether they will waive the fee for me. My fingers are crossed that they will throw me a life preserver because otherwise I will be left treading water until I can have a fundraiser, to pay for my fundraiser. I am not sure what I could have done differently, unless holding it on Halloween night was a bad idea. It worked in Fredericton, but the Organization is more well known, plus it is a university town. I may scrap these huge fundraising ideas for the future, and stick to the bakesales!
I will be in Haiti at around 4pm tomorrow, I am bringing my netbook with the intentions of updating the blog from the road...we'll see how internet access cooperates.
Until next time, this girl is Haiti bound!
I had my Halloween fundraiser on Saturday and had a pretty poor turnout, despite all the PR and advertising I got for free from local media. I guess the flu scared people away. I hear the trick-or-treater numbers were low as well. We only had 2 kids come to the door during the time we were home inbetween decorating and dancing. Oh and speaking of dancing- I had 19 guests at Haunts for Haiti, and everyone was a dancing machine! That helped a lot, it's much less noticeable that your fundraiser is a flop when people are having a good time! All in all, after paying the DJ and accounting for the cost of the venue, I came out $400 in the red. I wrote a letter to the Town, which runs the venue, asking for their help in the matter, and they are going to meet tomorrow to discuss whether they will waive the fee for me. My fingers are crossed that they will throw me a life preserver because otherwise I will be left treading water until I can have a fundraiser, to pay for my fundraiser. I am not sure what I could have done differently, unless holding it on Halloween night was a bad idea. It worked in Fredericton, but the Organization is more well known, plus it is a university town. I may scrap these huge fundraising ideas for the future, and stick to the bakesales!
I will be in Haiti at around 4pm tomorrow, I am bringing my netbook with the intentions of updating the blog from the road...we'll see how internet access cooperates.
Until next time, this girl is Haiti bound!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Fundraising Plans
I attempted to host a charity concert that would highlight local artists with proceeds going to Healing hands...unfortunately I could not get any artists to sign on to this venture with me. Thus, I had to scrap that idea, as much as I loved it. Keeping in track with ideas that seem to be me biting off more than I can chew...I am now planning a halloween party that will be titled Haunts for Haiti on the posters. I am hoping to be abl eto put together a local celebrity judging panel to hand out the costume awards, and if all goes according to plan I will be able to "puppy dog eyes" some local vendors to donate some crowd luring prizes. I have put the feelers out on costs of a DJ, and it will be $500 to rent the venue (Glasgow Square has a special rate for charity functions).
Glasgow Square has been great, and I'm lucky enough that my friend's brother has been hired to try and arrange for the community to use the venue for events just like this. It's a nice space that isn't being used to it's full potential, so he is happy to help me arrange a party that may spark others' interest.
I can sell 200 tickets for the space, so to make a good donation for Healing Hands it would be ideal if I could find some corporate sponsors to cover the cost of the venue, the DJ, the advertising (which I know will be a key factor) and of course...spooky decorations!
I'll keep you update...I am so hopeful that this is a success.
And that it sets precedent...perhaps even become a yearly event!
Residents of Jacmel participating in Kanaval
photo from Getty Images
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
And we're off...again
image curtesy of usaid.orgMaybe this year I will be more "bloggy" about our Healing Hands adventures, and to put the ball in motion I will commmence with this post and exclaim "WE BOOKED OUR TICKETS!"
I just received confirmation that I will be flying out of Halifax on November 3rd for 2 glorious weeks in Haiti! I am so excited I wiggle in my seat. Karen M. (SLP) and I decided in May (probably as we sipped prestige poolside) that we were FOR SURE going to have to go to Haiti in November, and to add a little spice and thrill, we would stay longer than the main group and do a little exploring and treatment on our own in the South.
Here's why we made this decision.
Team Canada Healing Hands is related to Healing Hands for Haiti, a not-for-profit org. based in the USA. Our team leader extraordinaire Colleen began volunteering with them before Team Canada existed, and it is why we do exist today. She received enough experiential training to form her own team and make trips to Haiti, and called us Team/Equipe Canada. Colleen left out the "for Haiti" because she always had the dream that we would branch out and serve whatever developing nation had a need for us (and were open to us filling that need). Colleen has worldly experience when it comes to rehab training and programming, and I agree with her that it would be tough to limit yourself to one country. So, long story short, that dream is coming true next March with a planned initial trip to set up similar programming in Belize!! I am hoping to be a part of this ground breaking, but we'll save that for later. With this exciting news comes a tinge of sadness, because if we are planning a trip in the Spring of 2010 to Belize, we are unable to travel to Haiti in the same time frame...thus, if Karen and I wanted a taste of Haiti before November 2010 then we had to act quick and get on the next team for 2009. Once you have been to Haiti you will understand how this country gets under your skin and begins oozing through your veins...the thought of having to wait that long was almost unbearable (especially when you are having those thoughts in the midst of Haiti allure). We told Colleen our thoughts and "plans" and she gave us the thumbs up and a grin, and the assurance of Healing Hands Staff as we set up shop in Jacmel (necessities such as a driver, I am not sure if we will have a translator as Karen is bilingual).
So, our latest news is that Karen and I picked our dates and booked our tickets before the price jumped (it jumps tomorrow actually) and we made a rough draft of an itinerary that has us both tingling with excitement. We are still waiting to hear if Caryn (PT from my first trip) and her friend, as well as Nath (P+O from my first trip) will be joining us for the full 2 week jaunt; it would be so much fun if they jumped on board! As for the rest of the November team, they will be traveling between the 6ish to the 16th and I hear rumours of a cross border mission to the DR! So mant wonderful things are shaping up, and I cant wait to let you all know what happens next!
Our rough draft itinerary includes trips to Indigo, Jacmel and Ile a Vache...so you know it's going to be good :)
Side note: Chris had thought he would be able to join me this year to help with construction/engineering projects; but because we moved to new jobs he does not have the vacation time (or flexible manager as I have) to take the time off and also travel home for Christmas...so he had to make his priorities. I worked this trip into my terms for accepting the job, because I refused to give up working for this organization that means so much to me. I was really hoping Chris would be able to come on this trip, because of how much Haiti means to me, and how much Chris means to me...I wanted them to be able to meet and fall in love as well. Maybe in 2010
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Return from Haiti
Bonjou!
On May 1, 2009 I returned to Haiti with Team Canada Healing Hands and spent ten glorious days doing what I love: playing with children and taking pictures. I have completely fallen in love with Haiti, I think the re-visit was the clincher. I had such an amazing time and am so distraught by the idea that it could be over a year until I am able to return as there will be no spring trip in 2010, that I am signing up to go in November 2009, and possibly staying on for an extra week if all goes swimmingly.
On this trip I went to three orphanages that I had not visited last year, and re-visited one. I did not make it up to Wings of Hope this year and really missed the drive up the mountain. I worked in the clinic one morning and actually ran into Dorothy, who remembered when I had visited Peace, Love, Hope: Infant Rescue last April; she gave me a thourough update of all the kiddos I missed out on seeing this year! I feel like our trip was very very productive, we put together so many seating systems it would make your head whirl (so much more productive than waiting for DSD approval here!)
It seemed as though, that by having that first experience out of the way, you could really come into your own in Haiti. Having a better idea of the processes definitely helped with my direction on each visit, and it helped to have an underlying sense of comfort...having done it all before. I am really looking forward to returning in November. I find that it is extremely difficult to stop thinking about the children I worked with in the orphanages, constantly wondering how they are doing and what more could be done for them. It makes the adjustment back to your regular job that much more difficult, when your mind is often in other places. It is nice to know that the people I work with and treat are very understanding and supportive of the work we do with this group. I had a client today, who actually remarked, "and to think I was complaining about being able to grip my kayak paddle!" after viewing some of my photos
(in particular this one, a young boy who walks on his hands because of knee contractures)
But, for now, I must return to my Kreyol lessons with visions of the beautiful side of Haiti on my mind. Bonswa!
On May 1, 2009 I returned to Haiti with Team Canada Healing Hands and spent ten glorious days doing what I love: playing with children and taking pictures. I have completely fallen in love with Haiti, I think the re-visit was the clincher. I had such an amazing time and am so distraught by the idea that it could be over a year until I am able to return as there will be no spring trip in 2010, that I am signing up to go in November 2009, and possibly staying on for an extra week if all goes swimmingly.
On this trip I went to three orphanages that I had not visited last year, and re-visited one. I did not make it up to Wings of Hope this year and really missed the drive up the mountain. I worked in the clinic one morning and actually ran into Dorothy, who remembered when I had visited Peace, Love, Hope: Infant Rescue last April; she gave me a thourough update of all the kiddos I missed out on seeing this year! I feel like our trip was very very productive, we put together so many seating systems it would make your head whirl (so much more productive than waiting for DSD approval here!)
It seemed as though, that by having that first experience out of the way, you could really come into your own in Haiti. Having a better idea of the processes definitely helped with my direction on each visit, and it helped to have an underlying sense of comfort...having done it all before. I am really looking forward to returning in November. I find that it is extremely difficult to stop thinking about the children I worked with in the orphanages, constantly wondering how they are doing and what more could be done for them. It makes the adjustment back to your regular job that much more difficult, when your mind is often in other places. It is nice to know that the people I work with and treat are very understanding and supportive of the work we do with this group. I had a client today, who actually remarked, "and to think I was complaining about being able to grip my kayak paddle!" after viewing some of my photos
(in particular this one, a young boy who walks on his hands because of knee contractures)
That is precisely the side- effect that I have difficulty dealing with upon each return, re-finding the empathy for people who seem to be complaining about something trivial (in comparison). A clerk at the Health Centre said to me today, I wouldnt be able to do it, but I am glad that there are people like you, that can do it for me. Sometimes I am surprised at how well I do handle it. There are certainly moments when I am standing in an orphanage, just barely holding everything together, with tears welled up in my eyes...but more often than not...they are tears of joy and hope. I cant describe the feeling of being a part of helping someone move about their world on their own for the first time, or watching someone discovering the art of effective communication, or teaching a skill that will allow for increased independence- in a region where perhaps hope is often lacking. But that I believe is completely false, for hope is something in Haiti that always surprises me. That, and how they always look so immaculately clean and put together! No matter where you go, down the street in Port-au-Prince, into an orphanage, or a small village in rural Haiti...you hear laughter, you see smiles, and you get a big hug. I believe that is part of the charm of Haiti that really draws you in.
Each year I make memories that will stay with me forever. And, it never seems to fail; at each orphanage there is always that one (or more in my case) child that stands out to you and grabs right onto your heart strings!
But, for now, I must return to my Kreyol lessons with visions of the beautiful side of Haiti on my mind. Bonswa!
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