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...