Home sweet home?

It is funny how things transpire. Today, I sit from my parents home with a foggy head which feels like a travel hangover. My last few days were amazing and filled with many blessings. I was able to find transport for all the kids and we went to the beach!! A first for all the kids. We loaded up on sodas, juice, and cake and hit the road. It was so unexpected but I had my laptop and made sure that I sat right in the midst of all the kids. They have their favorite songs like, " We are the World" and Dr. Robert's son's song Yo Fin Ale. It was surreal to have a van full of kids singing at the top of their lungs. And it was so right , I was in Haiti and being with the kids. 

Once we reached the beach the kids ran down and just stopped in their tracks. They were just mesmerized by the waves and I said what are you waiting for! I threw off my dress and jumped in! It was a day full of waves, laughs, and just being together for their special day. I could go on for days about the kids running around, photos, and the excitement but I think you all get the jest. I used the rest of my money that was for souvenirs for my family to take the kids. And it was well worth it! This was a once and a life time.

I think back to the first day I got there. I went back to Haiti going in blind not knowing what to expect. But I can tell you all this the English classes, the music we listened to, the soccer games, the Internet dates, the church, the cries, coloring, and food that we shared will be with me forever.  So, I thank you donors, family, and friends for making it special for the children.

These kids are so special to me and I will continue to work for them for a better future. The goodbyes were terribly hard but the tears did not flow as hard, because  I know we will meet again very soon!

What can you do for the Fondation Antoine Robert? You can purchase a t-shirt where all the proceeds go to the orphanage. Save your pennies so that 2011 will be a plentiful one for their education and food expenses. 

to be continued!

Bonnie

the days are dwindling down..

I write to you today from the steps of a copy store. After ten weeks here I discovered they have wireless internet!  The days are dwindling down and I don't know where the time has gone. Well, I do thanks to the kind donations I have been busy at the internet teaching the chilren how to type, digging a foundation for a school, teaching English, learning Creole, and learning about Haitian traditions.

 There are no words for the appreciation I need to give you for the support of the donations, kind words, phone calls, and emails. They have gone a long way and gotten me through some tough days. Even though I am getting ready to come to America, Haiti is my third home. First is America, second is Finland, and then Haiti...well maybe Finland and Haiti have a tie.

 The children have changed my life. This experience was a million times more of what I thought it could be. Beacause I am getting on a airplane does not mean the childrens needs will be forgotten. This morning when I went to the orphanage I saw Sara a 9 year old who was just finishing mopping the floor after a big rain storm last night. This was before she had to take an examination at school. The other children were gathered around for their corn breakfast. Their education has helped them make leaps and bounds. Some of the children I found out had not been in school for 8 years. So, I thank Dr. Robert for the scarifices he has made to keep these children safe, give them an education, and a chance at a childhood. Last week at church the pastors were thanking me for my scarifices for leaving my family, friends, and job. However being able to share 2.5 months of my life with them everyday will last a lifetime for me. The children's lives have forever been changed by one day.
Let's keep this in mind when the smallest thing makes us mad. Let us learn from my experience and my friends that have come down to volunteer.

Speak soon..

Election results: tensions are high

I write to you in Dr. Robert's office at the clinic. As we drove to work today, again the streets were empty. There were no school uniforms and no heavy traffic. This is all do to the fact the election results were read last night on the television. The former First Lady has the lead but people are upset and feel the election was rigged. People took to the streets in PAUP last night and early this morning to rally for their candidates. My friend Emma is working for an organization in the city and she woke up to gun shots and the smell of burning tires. It is quiet here in Bon Repos. I was told today to walk to the orphanage and the clinic and that is it. Here is what I have been told about the elections. People feel that the person came in 3rd place should have won. The numbers were close for 2nd and 3rd place. So, their supporters have taken to the streets to show their anger at the government.

Someone said even though the female candidate won, she cannot be president. I still have to get to the bottom of that?!


Other Updates: We had some set backs at the land late last week. Someone had damaged the site and knocked down both rooms that were completed. Dr. Robert has begun and investigation and work is on hold for the time being. We are grateful nobody was hurt but highly saddened by what took place. Keep your fingers crossed that we can catch the person who did this!

Kids doing well and we have been still typing, playing soccer, listening to music, and just trying to have fun.

My friend Ronald came on Monday to speak to the kids about the earthquake and Cholera. He had the kids laughing, so that was good. He runs a tent city past the new construction site and is in charge of 482 children. Hence, he know how to entertain kids.

I will be heading home in 2 weeks with mixed emotions. The kids are starting to ask alot of questions that I don't have the answers to.

more to come...

updated construction pictures

Post Election Post

Well, the excitement in the air past yesterday as we listened to the radio all day. Their were reports of manifestation in the streets, which  hundreds if not thousands of people walk for their candidate. We chose to stay in for safety concerns. The word around here is that the election is "no good." The first scene of the news last night was a poll center that was broken into and the ballots destroyed. I have a new coffee spot on the street and the people were talking about the election with a-lot of passion.  12 of the 18 candidates called for the election results to be annulled due to fraud. But, the Haitian government called it a success.To be continued..

Post-Turkeyday post

Hi all,

Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving! I was able to celebrate via Skype while my parents had my brother and husband over for dinner.  I was able to catch a glimpse of turkey and green beans. It made me giggle a little bit because it made me think of where I was at this time last year. My sister Daryl has us over and I convinced Max to wake up at  4 a.m. to do our first black friday shopping. I waited in line for hours to try and buy a computer at Best Buy. I saw people who were camping out to get electronic, froze their tushes off, and were so content. My sister asked me yesterday was it worth it and I said heck NO!

My 5 year old niece was excited to tell me one of her teeth is loose and wiggly. She told me that the tooth fairy was going to come. So, I told her how great that was but please don’t let that tooth come out until I come home.... lol! She was a tad confused but she said, I will try!

What am I thankful for? First off, I am thankful for the well wishes and support I have received from everyone while I am here. It really keeps me going! My family has been awesome through the bad phone connections, no electricity, and no computer time to speak. The kids at the orphanage make me grateful everyday and so thankful that none of them have cholera and are out of harms way. 

I write to you today with a little extra time on my hands. An hour of alone time is worth a million dollars. The ministry has cancelled school until mOnday because of the presidential election. They call the angst manifestation and warn people to just stay at home. But, I am in town and have chosen to catch up on the blog, website, and touch base with everyone.

Then, I am off to just be with the kids to color, play, and what ever they may want to do. Last Saturday, it was fun to see them throwing rocks to try and break a mango from a high tree.

Here are some updates: We have two new volunteers  at the orphanage and school. Evie is a french girl whom I met at the internet cafe and she speaks English as well. She has begun working with the smallest kids and they have already are attached to her hip. I’m a tad jealous because she can speak to them! It looks like another language course for me! Her fiance John is a Haitian who speaks perfect English, French, and Creole. He has started to work with me in my classes and the kids love him! He has maybe a tad more energy than me! 

I’ve gone to Pauline and Fifi’s church, which is a tent structure. It was beautiful to see another church and where the ladies spend a lot of time. after the service, a gorgeous little girl who is maybe 5 came up to me a just gave me a hug and wanted to hold my hand! Pics to come!

Education: The highest classes has had two exams and they are passing with flying colors! The kids love learning about fruit and vegetables, especially when I let them try them all!  One of the younger classes is learning the song, “On top of Spaghetti.” My internet dates with the kids are still happening. I work with them on typing and math skills. But, they get too excited and just want to see pictures and want to speak to past volunteers.

I started a new English class at Dr. Robert’s house with Pauline and Fifi! They are doing wonderful! Our last lesson lasted almost 2 hours and it was about filling out a form!

Construction: We have received enough donations to start and complete 4 class rooms before I leave! Thank you donors! Yesterday, we purchases 3 trucks of rocks and sand. The progress is amazing to see every week. There are 2 classrooms almost complete from another volunteer’s work.

Coming Up: Gretchen Stone, a former GVN volunteer and I have been working on a T-shirt to help raise money. I’m so excited with the prototype and we are taking orders already!! It will be on my blog and the foundation’s website soon!!