No malaria or cholera!

Just wanted to keep everyone informed. The cholera has spread to this area.  Dr. Robert thinks he has had hios first patient with Cholera. But, the kids at the orphanage were given a hand washing demonstration and told how important it is to drink only treated water.  I'm not too worried because I am staying away from foods that would be washed in water. And I only drink from purified bottled water.

Bye for now....

coming up: updated blog about our swimming weekendPublish Post

No malaria or cholera!

Just wanted to keep everyone informed. The cholera has spread to this area.  Dr. Robert thinks he has had hios first patient with Cholera. But, the kids at the orphanage were given a hand washing demonstration and told how important it is to drink only treated water.  I'm not too worried because I am staying away from foods that would be washed in water. And I only drink from purified bottled water.

Bye for now....

coming up: updated blog about our swimming weekendPublish Post

Note to self: You don't like goat!

THURS/ FRI TO DO

BLOG:

The presidential election is here and you see fliers pasted every where in the city.  The candidates pay people to promote their candidacy. So, they are very creative. On Saturday, while wedding dress shopping with Yvon and his fiance we saw over 40 motorcycles honking their horns, waving their flags,wearing their potential prez’s t-shirt,  and promoting their candidate.

Yesterday in the middle of the street they stopped traffic for another candidate. There is a mixture of 18 candidates, with one woman, and one white man in the race.

Yes, I did go wedding dress shopping in Haiti. It was an interesting experience. The shop we did find was attached to a salon off a side road. The dresses were mostly not on hangers and we had to sift through the piles the shop owner through on the floor. Simoine found some dresses she liked. But, they were a tad expensive at $500 American. I had asked the shop owner before if I could take pictures and she said yes of course. But, when we decided not to take the dress at her price she started a big argument. She said that ‘blanc” took pictures and all and we should at least rent the dress from her. In my typical American demeanor said do you want me to delete the pictures? Good thing she didn’t speak English , becAuse I think I would have been in trouble for that.

False Alarm: Dr. Robert thought I had Malaria. But, blood test came back negative for that. Thank goodness to that! I did stay home on Sunday to rest up. I ate, sleep, and drank liquids, and every few hours i got up to do some work. 

Grandma, Fifi, Auntie, and Pauline were taking care of me. I learned that non verbal communication goes along way and the wrong way. Grandma knew I was sick and she felt my head. Then, she proceed to sit down and pat between her legs and then went to go for that area on me! LOL ... she wanted to make sure I was sick down there?

Flash forward a few hours: While I was working on the computer on the patio, i see a little head pop up over the cement! It was one of my students from the orphanage to surprise me. Five of the boys came back with Dr. Robert to see me. It made my day! They wanted a tour of the house and I took them on the roof. Dr. Robert’s house has a heck of a view of the mountains! We took alot of photos. We listened to music, played games, and broke open a coconut to drink and eat.

My creole is getting polished up! I know how to say I am full: Vat man plan. ( don’t quote me on the spelling)

School: I teach two separate children classes, and a nurse class once a day, and Dr. Robert and his wife after dinner. It keeps me super busy, considering I go to sleep by 8 p.m.The nurses love to play simon says! The kids love the song of the week: This week Black Eyed Peas.

My alarm clock? 4:53 like clock work is a rooster in the backyard.

Fifi‘ s cooking is outstanding but, I have packed on 5 pounds in 2 weeks! So I say FIFI’s (food) manje is gou= big!              

A few notes to self: One if you hear your breakfast  crackling in the pan, it probably is not healthy for you. Two:                                                                                                                   DON’T LIKE GOAT....

My only enemy is Haiti: The biggest cockroach that i met on Tuesday night in the bathroom! 

Saw alot of work for pay and food workers today. They are cleaning up the streets.

This weekend we are taking all the kids to the beach!!!

Miss Max and my family, but everyday when I come to the orphanage I think of the kids and what they have and have not.  One day at a time, myself and my supporters are changing lives one notebook, lesson, song, and laugh at a time.

Taking English lessons to the streets...

Boys class heads to Internet Cafe this week and Class 2 went to super market today! 5 new students to add to the school! 2 truck loads of sand coming in the morning.

Week two is feverish!

Hello Followers!

This week we have reached some milestones. The foundation has been dug at the new site! We have purchased 1 truck full of rocks, 1 of sand, and 1 of gravel! Today we head to shop for re barb to make beams! I'm learning how things are run here in Haiti and you must have alot of patience!

School has started at the original site and the kids are so happy! The school has let other children in who can not afford school elsewhere. We are going to see about buying them textbooks for their new subjects: biology, religion, grammar, math, etc.


Went to visit my old stomping ground in Croix des Bouquets. I had to deliver a letter for someone. It was good to be there. but, I'm enjoying my Haitian experience now!
I've had a fever for about 2 days! They are going to test me for Malaria today. No worries, I am fine but the mosquito's were huge and plentiful last week! The ladies at the house have been taking care of me!

Fun facts for the week: I taught the nurses about inside and outside the body.
The older boys, I have taken them to the supermarket for a lesson for 3 days . They were so excited they took pictures.

I've been driving for the past 2 days. But, had a hiccup yesterday as our battery died at the new site. But, Dr. Robert came to rescue Yvon and myself.

Going dress shopping with Yvon's fiance today Simione. Then we shop for building supplies. Sunday is a day of rest I hope!
hope all is well and would like some updates!

bonnie

Weekend post...finally up!

October 10

Church

Washing the clothes

guitar : espanol/creole/ french

neighbor boy 9 

I write today from the back of Dr. Roberts home. Paulina, the cousin is still washing clothes and it is 5:45 and since 3 p.m. she has been at it. I feel a little guilty because I had good intentions of doing my own laundry. But, after mommy, auntie, Paulina, and Fifi said, they could tell I only use a washing machine, the older woman kicked me out of doing my own laundry.

A boy from across the street was here when we got back from church/ orphanage. His name was Jonaton. He was 9 and had a sense of humor! He spoke some English but had fun in not translating for me. He helped me during the washing debacle. We pumped water from the yard and put it in several buckets. Jonaton just came back from a trip from Washington, D.C. to see his mother and was wearing spider man shorts. So , needless to say I am so far away but kids are kids. He said, “ you are funny” Mission accomplished I’m funny in two languages!

Mommy is about 80ish and Auntie is 70ish and boy did they show me up.  They were hauling buckets of water, swishing and scrubbing, and making me feel like an American! So, like an American after I hung my clothes up I took a nap!

Max and I have been able to connect via Skype! Above the bank is an internet cafe and I take my laptop and plug into the internet. Voila, we have a connection.

Someone is knocking on the door. The way the do that here is with a rock and pound on the gate. It has gotten dark within this entry.

Highlights of today: Attending church with the kids under the tent. Two of the boys Robinson and Gillies were on both side of me they are about 3 and 5. Being called on by the pastor and not knowing it, while putting on Gilles shoe! I did not know what to say. So I had Dr. Robert translate for me to thank the man upstairs for bringing me back to them, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Antoine for taking me in their home, and I hope to continue my work for the kids to protect them and educate them. The children have a music teacher and they sand a beautiful song. I could not help but take a photograph.

 Even though I am Jewish, it is easier to say yes I love Jesus then to explain it to the kids.

Construction:  This week we hope to buy the gravel, rocks and sand for the foundation of the building.  I have learned this week that yes, it is difficult to get things done in Haiti. But, with a good team we can build something brick by brick and friendship by friendship.

Signing off from Haiti. Bonnie

Kids in uniforms

It was great to see on the way to the orphanage the streets filled with children in school uniforms. The parents hold their hands or on a mopede with their ribbons and back packs flowing.Today, most kids went back to school. We started five new English classes including the nurses and toddlers. The kids were very excited and loved to be in smaller classes. All the students love the new textbook I brought! But, the problem is I have 5 and we need at least 30!

Did not go to work site today.

Yesterday night highlight: braiding of my hair by Fifi and Paulina.

How do I spend my morning?

I spend my mornings waking up at 5 and staying in bed until 5:30. Eat breakfast with Dr. Robert and his wife. Then Mrs. Antoine, Dr. Robert, cousin Paulina, Fifi the cook, and Auntie pile into the car to head to town. It takes around 20 minutes and the first 10 are on old roads that are not paved. It is much like a roller coaster ride. And yes, today I did close my eyes so I did not get motion sickness.
 While waiting for a tire to be fixed Paulina, Fifi, and I  sat in the back. And they handed me a comb! I went from two small pig tails to taking them out and combing my hair. I was laughing becuase who would have thought my looks counted! They are becoming like family.

Afternoon: the kids were not eager to learn because it is Saturday I think. But we managed to get through some Math and do a lesson on construction.

New Land: 3 days work, sand, rocks, and other supplies to be purchase. I served all the men lunch today rice and beans. They are like my big brothers but I can not communicate with them! There is a man who is in hus 70s that works so hard so I give him extra waves and the men think its so funny!

Tommorow: Church with the kids and a day off!
Publish Post
Until then.

Poem I wrote about the kids in July.

POEM: THEY ARE

They urn for an education

They hold the future of Haiti in their small hands

They are bright

They are loving

They are warm

They are the best huggers

They are fun

They are deserving of an education like any one else

They are growing and in need of enrichment programs to flourish in their societies daily struggles

They are going to be students once again

They are going to succeed

They are going to have a new home

They are going to CHANGE the world

WE can help them build.

Grounds broken

I sit here for a short period with the internet at GRU in PAP. My friend Emma and I met for lunch. I am happy to share that the ground has been broken for the school! Pictures to come. I teach the children during the day and go to the new site in the afternoon.

Yesterday  I worked with abut 20 men. They were happy I was there. It gave them something to talk about! Even though I could not understand them I knew they were making fun of me.

I sleep at Dr. Roberts and his family has spoiled me I must admit. This morning I discovered I ate goat last night for dinner!

Highlights: Children on the first day almost pulled me down with their hugs!
English lessons with Dr. Robert and his wife. In the mornings I ride with them into town. They go to work in the clinic and I go to see the kids.

I made a schedule for them sing a song,English, Geography, Math, and MP3 English lessons! So far so good. The bigger classes start on Monday. That is all for now...waiting for ride.

I am healthy, thinning out, and get work done. I hope the next to weeks cinderblocks, cement, and other materials to be purchased. To be continued!

Love to all. Bonnie

And the journey begins

Podcasts of ESL downloaded, suitcases triple checked, passport,  and courage injection complete!

Architects Without Borders - Seattle

I Have hope that my request for help will be granted by Architects Without Borders - Seattle
. Sometimes in life you have to go for the gold and learn from the experience.