Blogs

Haiti Blog Post 7- January 9, 2012

Jimmie….

Jimmie has been the driver for Carmel and Pere Val since at least 2007 when I first came to Haiti.  He is gracious, sweet, and is always looking out for me.  When I went to the mountains of Crochu and had to hike up, he helped me the entire way.

What are the kids' sports leagues like? Catch any good baseball games?

Rod, thank you for your question.  I have actually been concerned about the lack of extra curricular activities that the children here in Haiti have.  There are no sporting events to attend, no sports to play, very few concerts to attend, no movies, and the list goes on and on. 

 Where do most of the clergy study?  Is there a seminary or a school? David Peters 

David, thanks so much for your question.  There is a seminary and we actually got to visit there today.  The interim Dean is an amazing priest and professor.  He was so kind to us and Kellaura and I both just feel in love with him.

 What is the typical day for a school age child? Joan DeGraff

For people in the workforce, what is a typical day like? Are regular hours kept, or are schedules different? What is the societal view of productivity as a "virtue" there (since we work ourselves to death in the US)?     - Nick Johnson

Haiti Blog Post 6- January 7, 2012

In three short days, I have settled in to Haitian life.  My body is covered with mesquite bites, I am enjoying the slower pace, and I am just plain dirty! 

We’re staying in the rectory of St. Simeon’s Episcopal Church in Croix de Bouquets.  St Simeon’s sits within a high wall with its school at the back and the rectory across the parking lot.  I am working on drawing a map of everything inside the wall for you, but it isn’t finished yet.  The wall between the parking lot and the rectory is topped with broken bottles and two guards stand watch over the gates at night. 

Haiti Blog Post 5- January 6, 2012- The Feast Day of Epiphany

Ricardo…

Ricardo was one of the first children in the Nutrition Program.  He is from Crochu, a small, poor town in the Mountains.  Carmel brought his mother, baby sister Crystal and his other siblings to Croix-de-Boutique to try and save his life.  Carmel and her team were very successful and his is thriving!  He is now 10 years old and in the 3^rd grade.  He has befriended Kellaura and they play lots of cards together!

Haiti Blog Post 4- January 5, 2012- the 12th Day of Christmas

We have now been in Haiti for a full 24 hours.  It has been so wonderful to see all of my friends and introduce them to Kellaura.  I just feel comfortable here and very at peace.  The pace is slow, there isn’t an agenda, and even though this is so against my personality, I am just with fine with going with whatever happens.