Maisons du Enfantes Handicapes (MEH)

I woke up early this morning despite being startled awake at 3am to gunfire that sounded very close. We asked Noel later in the day why there would be gunfire at that time and he stated it was probably due to a warning shot from the guard towards someone who got too close.  Karen got eaten alive last night and we all think it is because she didn't have enough alcohol in her system.

Karen, Bernice and I went off to MEH ( Maision du Enfantes Handicapes). We saw eight children and each took some time to do an assessment. Afterward, we gave out a few toys and played with the children before getting picked up and headed to the co-op for a quick shopping trip. The orphanage was located in downtown Port-au-Prince and it was the first time that I felt a bit uneasy in the van. When we were leaving we had to stand outside the gates for about 5 min waiting for Joel to pick us up. I truely showed my "vigin" colours when I walked out forgettng that my camera was still hanging from my shoulder and Karen noticed people staring at me. I put it away and then tried to stand with my back to the gate. It was the first time people were looking at us as "blancs" and it made me realize how much more careful I need to be.

We are a small group today. Carlie and Karen went to Cap-Haitian, Lynn and Delyn went to Il-a-Veche and and Todd (our new member who is a deaf IT engineer ........... and quite handsome) joined the group last night. Karen, Dee and Todd Ryan and Erin all headed out the the deaf camp today. It was a camp initiated to protect the deaf and their family from being robbed or taken advantage of.

Team meeting tonight, Ryan announced that he got a partnership with Habitat For Humanity that will begin in January 2011. This is a huge deal for EPHAS.

We had goat for dinner with creamed corn and vegetables and we topped up the Prestige beer. We will be staying home tonight as we have sent the drivers home and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot going. The music outside has started, I have a Prestige by my side and the warm air coming through the shutters on my back, life couldn't be more simple and perfect.

A few photos from today!