So, I forgot to mention in my last few blogs that Michel Jean was on our flight from Montreal to Haiti with her daughter but I wasn't able to see her at the airport because it took me so long to get my baggage out of the overhead bin. As usual, upon landing in Haiti, every Haitian clapped and thanked Jesus for our safe arrival. It always makes me laugh at the way some things are done in the carribean. Another thing that makes me giggle, is the odd food combinations you get. For example, this morning we had eggs, with hot dog weiners and spaghetti. The team let off some steam last night and we all drank a bit too much, so needless to say none of us were moving too quickly this morning and reamining upright for more than 15 min at a time to pack was a challenge. While we giggled our way through our hangovers, we prepared to say good bye to the kids at Sr. Flora's orphanage and to Ile a Veche.
Sr. Flora came to this island - originally from Quebec- about 28 years ago. She has 22 special needs children and over 70 other children living with her. Some of the older kids go to school in Les Cayes, crossing the sea on Monday and return Friday, boarding during the week. Some of the others go to school on the Island. There are about 450 kids on the island that go to school on the island.
The children have been so wonderful and happy to greet us each day. Damian gave us a tour today and showed us the work that Soul of Haiti has been doing. They have a building which he hopes will be a 24-hour clinic within the next year and we got to see the Cholera centre just outside the gates of the orphanage. Had it not been for this clinic, hundreds on the island would have died. When Cholera hit the mainland, everyone on the island thought that Cholera would not reach them, but becuase so many travel between the mainland and the island, it took the lives of five of the beautiful children who lived with Sr. Flora. Damian also showed us the schools that have been built. One for Catholic and one for Protestant children. He showed us water stations where the locals are given discs and they put their disc into the pump and it will dispense water. As well, he was telling us that there are hopes to create solar handwashing stations. These stations would be powered by the sun and would be sensored so that when someone puts their hands under the water it would allow the person to wash their hands. It was very inspring to see what great work other organizations are doing.
Some of the childern were not happy that we were leaving. Enrico, unfortunately, gave Karen huge crocodile tears and then proceeded to stick out his bottom lip and turned his head away from her. After only my first visit, I can understand why it is so difficult for my teammates who have been here before to leave.
The ride to Les Cayes, was great. Caryn, would not have the same story. She spent half the trip hanging off the back of the boat throwing up. Once we arrived back on the mainland, we loaded our awaiting van and headed to Jacmel, a 4 hour car ride away.
I will write more once arriving at Jacmel. The internet is better there and I will be able to blog more often. Until my next post, I am going to go and count the number of mosquito bites I have. At last count, I had over 35 on my right leg.
Next post to follow soon.
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