TravelStream™ news feed for member larinda on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/larinda en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:06:48 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/larinda/2/1247878794/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/larinda/2/1247878794/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/larinda/2/1247878794/tpod.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:06:48 -0400 Le voyage stupefiant de Larinda en Haiti

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Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

My time in Haiti was so special. The best part of all was spending it with a wonderful group of people! The laughter we shared and the deeds we did will be with me forever.

Make us the hands and feet of Jesus
bringing God's love to others;
Make us the voice of Jesus
speaking words of kindness and acceptance;
Make us the ears of Jesus
listening to those who are suffering
and in need of comfort;
Make us the eyes of Jesus
which see in everyone we meet
the reflection of God.
Make us the messenger of your Good News
bringing your love and life
to whomever we encounter.
Let us be Jesus to others
so that we may proclaim by our actions
the words of Scripture
to act justly
to love tenderly
and walk humbly with God.
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Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States



Upon my return I had some time to think about why Haiti. Why do I feel a strong passion to go there? Why are things so wrong there? Am I accomplishing anything? Having been part of this group for almost three years I have seen real progress take place. I know the people who have been going longer have seen much, much more! After much soul-searching....

Government corruption, waste, and oppressive regulation continue to hinder Haiti’s progress. The web of corruption foils every effort to improve the infrastructure, attract investment, and raise educational standards. We are partnered with a community that is slowly becoming sustainable. By providing jobs and cement floors we have enabled them to provide for themselves. We are in a true partnership with the people of St. Pierre. The money sent through us goes directly to the people there. We hire translators, train area masons, and employ other local workers. Our projects stress volunteerism and community participation. This ensures not only the short-term success but the long-term sustainability. For example, Haitians cut down trees not because they do not want reforestation but because gas costs two months salary. Charcoal is cheaper. However, while we were in St. Pierre, we saw seedlings being planted by men in the community. Although progress is slow, due to the reasons I listed above, it is possible and plausible. Health care is only part of the puzzle. Although it is helpful to work alongside a doctor in the clinic for a week, it is more helpful in the long-term to provide a cement floor. This will keep entire families free of the parasitic worms that plague them. The money that would have to be spent on health care to medically treat such diseases can be spent on food and education. Our small St. John Vianney group provided floors to families. What an amazing impact that will have throughout the upcoming years on their health and dignity!

On a spiritual level, the Bible contains over three hundred verses dedicated to the poor and God’s deep concern for them. Deut. 15:7. If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks. God’s message is simple, help the needy. It is a message that is clear but at the same time feels so hard for us to do. There Bible does not say, help those “when you can” or “once a year“, or “in your own country“. Instead it states; Mt. 5:42. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. I choose to give to the poor locally but also in Haiti as well as it deepens my faith and hope in God. Although it is not easy to take a week out of a busy life I remember;

Deut. 15:10. You shall give generously to [your poor brother], and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. I have been blessed many times over and feel a deep passion to pass these blessings on to others. To serve the poor is to serve Jesus.

Is going to Haiti right for everyone? No! The point is to find a cause you are passionate about and reach out your hand. You can be the change, the difference, the heart of a cause! Haiti inspires me to feel grateful for what I have, to teach my children they need to give back, and to continue my volunteerism all year in other ways. I look forward to my travels there again someday.
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Port-au-Prince, Ouest, Haiti

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." ~Buddha

This morning we awaken to Bill's birthday. We subject him to the usual decoration and song! After a quick breakfast at Hospice we are off to the airport, arriving at around 8:00 AM. Again we make it through the airport quickly. We bid farewell to Maryann as she is off to Colorado on a different flight. Soon we are boarding the plane. Not learning from Tom's experience however, Laurie has left her duty free behind and has to run and retrieve it. Our leaders truly have the patience of saints.

Fantasies of food run rampant especially as we come close to landing in Fort Lauderdale. The dreaded reality, there is only a food court and it is a bad food court at that. We manage to gobble some food down before our next flight. This time we say goodbye to Bill, Dave, and Jane as they are flying to Chicago for a wedding. We nominate John to be in charge of our motley crew. He tries to decline but we won't let him, especially because he gets to sit in first class without us!

Our plane is delayed taking off in Fort Lauderdale, thunderstorms. I'm flashing back to two years prior when we missed our connection. Finally we depart and are due to arrive in Memphis at 6:30 with our next plane leaving at 6:40, from a different terminal! It's going to be close. (Tom thinks it's not going to happen at all.) We land in Memphis only to find there is no available gate. We are stuck on the plane and the time is approaching 6:55. The pilot begins making announcements of different flights that have already departed. Ours is announced last. It has been delayed to 7:05. They are holding it! The pilot nicely asks people to remain seated so anyone flying to Grand Rapids or St. Louis can depart quickly. Strangely everyone gets up anyway, are they all flying to the same place? We sprint through the airport in record time and run into our seats. Thank the Lord, we have made it. As I sit there sweaty, dirty, probably stinky as well, I am so happy to be on the final leg. We get off the plane in Grand Rapids at 10:30, to a large gathering of family. It's so exciting to see all my boys faces. They have a poster and flowers for me. (The next day, Will tells me "Mom, you looked really rough", ahh nice.) We drive home and pick up a pizza on the way. Before I eat I take the first of many showers to come. I'm exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. Falling into bed is like laying on a cloud.
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Haiti, Haiti

"You never really leave a place or person you love, part of them you take with you, leaving a part of yourself behind."

As the rooster crows I am up, 5:00 AM. On our last morning we have fresh eggs, a special treat. They taste wonderful. We load up the trucks and say our goodbyes. Part of my heart will definitely stay with the people there. When my own children are older I would like to bring them here so they can see how special this place is, to have so little and yet so much at the same time! We start our long journey down the mountain. Windows rolled down, dirt flying in our faces (it really doesn't matter at this point), and singing along to music. Our ride is smooth and uneventful. We do have to dodge a couple of tap-taps but no flat tires or mechanical issues. People run along the road waving and calling out to us.

Four hours later, at the bottom of the mountain we take a brief break. There is an orphanage there we visit. It is small now, only eight children, but it will grow bigger. There is a baby there that was abandoned at 5 days old. We stop at the gas station for some junk food snacks and cold drinks at then it is off to Hospice House. We drive through the hot and crowded streets of Port Au Prince and take in the huge UN tanks and trucks. Hospice House is where we will spend the final night. When we arrive, Martin takes us across the street to meet his family which is an honor. His mother runs a boutique (what we would call a convenience store). Our rooms at hospice are comfortable and we are able to take a much stronger shower (not strong enough though-it's going to take some serious power washing to get off this grime). We sit on the porch and decompress. With Internet access we are all able to email our families which is lovely treat. There are mission workers from North Carolina and Florida staying there as well. We are able to eat dinner together which includes macaroni and cheese. We share our experiences, and as they have been working in the city, it is nice to hear a different perspective.

At night we meet for our final reflection. So many meaningful things are shared it would be impossible to put them all down. The people of Haiti are a great source of hope and inspiration. They are vulnerable, poor, and needy. We remember that we are no longer superior as Christ took the lowest place in the world. Jesus gives us unconditional love and it is our duty to pass that along. I know I have received unconditional love in Haiti, from the people and my fellow group members. To all of them, I say THANK YOU!
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Haiti, Haiti

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." ~Edward Everett Hale

Today is my birthday and what a beautiful way to spend it! I hike up the mountain, with Chris after breakfast, to take part in teacher training. The rest of the group is off to more houses. There are 18 teachers here for training (10 K-2nd, 8 3rd-7th). The primary focus is reading and math. They are working on word walls, pattern blocks, and number grids. There are so many challenges facing these teachers. The primary language spoken is Creole, but when they can obtain materials or tests they are usually in French. Also many of them want to learn English too. As I talk to them they tell me they chose teaching because they like to help, and although the income is little, it is steady. Some of the teachers have only a sixth grade education themselves. Students spend an average of 5 hours of day in school and their attendance is good. However, the dropout rate after sixth grade is high. It's hard to afford school, especially when your family is starving. To go to high school, one must travel to Port Au Prince and live with friends or relatives. It's tough to send your children off to such a poor and volatile place. Class sizes average around 40! Oh my, I could go on and on discussing the adversities these people face. These teachers know, however, that with out education, the Haitian people will not be able to help themselves. They are so eager to learn. The 3rd-7th group spends the morning discussing reading strategies using a picture book similar to Chicken Little. It is fun to watch them make the connections.

In the afternoon I meet up with the rest of the time to visit completed houses. We take pictures and reunite with all the families. We also visit some of the homes that will be completed after we leave. We were able to finish 12 houses in our four days, but have brought materials to cement twenty-five. Over the next week, our fine crew of masons will finish the work. Father Reginald joins us on our journey to visit everyone. We are following a path that would be closed off in America. Just when I think it can't get any worse (rocky, slippery, narrow) it does. Several of us fall, slide, run into our poor helpers. Sure-footed we are not! Meanwhile the Haitians are running up and down these hills, no shoes, with fifty pound baskets of things on their heads. What a treat to get a peek into their world! Again, how can I describe the joy and love of these people. I am so happy for them.

That night we have a final meal with our hosts. We are very excited because we brought spaghetti and sauce. We've been saving it for the whole week. It's a big celebration! People in our group are almost hallucinating over this Prego, that's the level we have sunk to! Laurie graciously tries to help them prepare the food but the sauce is lost in translation. When the spaghetti appears on the table, the noodles are "normal" but the sauce is something else. They obviously doctored it as it's a strange pinkish color with chunks of chicken and jalapeno floating in it. Oh the sad little faces of some of the group! It was so spicy and with so many people with tender stomachs it was not okay for them to eat. We were able to share it with our helpers and they loved it. I actually liked it as well but my stomach felt great all week. After the dinner we pass out the pay and small gifts to all our helpers. There are so many; the girls who take care of the rectory, the cooks, the crew chiefs, etc.. It is a wonderful party with laughter and hugs and tears. Our final treat is popcorn. Maryann and Jane make popcorn over an open fire for us. It is like manna from heaven. I was afraid to put my hand to close to the bowl it was gobbled up so fast. It is bittersweet as we enjoy our last night in St. Pierre together. We have accomplished so much but at the same time everyone is ready to see their family again.
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Haiti, Haiti

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." ~Mother Teresa

Today is John's birthday! We dress him up and sing to him at breakfast. His daughter's goal was for him to be embarrassed and I think it worked! People seem to be feeling somewhat better which is a relief. Our friends from Iowa arrived the night before and are staying at the clinic. Teacher training will start today, with teachers coming from all over the mountainside. Chris heads up the mountain to put in a full days work with them.

As for the rest of us we head out in the opposite direction. The first house is close, so the people who are still feeling under the weather stay there. The rest of us trudge down a hill, through the market, through the river, and up a different mountain. We thought hauling water and rock was hard before, it's even tougher now! I am excited today because we are working on the "4th Grade House". My 4th graders at SJV fund raised enough (plus extra) to cement an entire house. I can not express how proud, and touched, I was by all of them! There are ten people who typically reside in the home, a mother and father and eight children. However the mother, Madeline is organizing things alone because her husband is working in the Dominican Republic. He walks home a couple times a month. Her three oldest children are working in Port Au Prince. They are doing their best to survive. Two of her children, there were ten, have died from disease that would be easily treatable here in the States. Maryann, Bill, and I head even further up the mountain to work on the third house. It is a family of many boys so we have plenty of help hauling materials, whew! Maryann and I spend time hauling buckets of cement to the masons. At first the men of the house don't think we're strong enough to accomplish anything but we prove them wrong! While the masons take a break the lady of the house drags out chairs for us to sit on in the shade. No matter how much we protest, they always offer to serve and cater to us. They are always giving back, giving up what little they have. Their faces shine with happiness! Later we have a small group of children who take us through winding paths to see their houses. At each house we must knock so all the family members can meet us. It is like being a celebrity. Thankfully the children lead us back to the original house because we have taken so many twists and turns I thought we were almost in the Dominican! The group takes a long walk back to the rectory to fill up on water and eat lunch. Some people stay behind because they are physically drained after being ill. On our last house it is just a grandpa and grandma. They haul rock and water right along side us. When we are about to leave I give the grandma my earrings, I notice she has pierced ears. She in turn breaks of a vine from her garden and wants me to eat it. I'm not quite that adventurous so I politely decline. We manage to accomplish four homes today.

After showers back at the rectory, some of us drive up the mountain. (There has not been rain in days so we can drive.) This is my first time meeting the people from Iowa and it is a thrill. Most of them are new to Haiti so they have that wide-eyed look about them. We discuss teacher training and check out all the materials that well be distributed. An 18 month old child was brought to the clinic the night before suffering from malnutrition. He needed to be driven to Port Au Prince and his chances of survival are slim. It reminds me that even saving one life makes this all worth while. There is so much more work that needs to be done but we cannot get discouraged. Of course I have to play with Kenya and her little sister Berland. I've got to get my girl time in!

At the rectory that night we have a meal with the Iowa group. They have walked down the mountain to join us. I could've joined them on the walk but decided to hitch a ride while I could. They truly needed to experience Haiti for themselves, right! A few look slightly shell-shocked at the bottom. It is lovely to hear their personal stories and why they wanted to come to Haiti. There is also a meeting in the church with people from town. Dr. Leo, Father, and other representatives are there. Ideas are discussed on improving the community and also helping the people help themselves. The cement floors are a huge hit. Word has spread throughout the community. The demand now is great. They know that just this little improvement to their homes can save lives and improve the quality of life (all for around $250). Of course with an average income of $400 a year, it is out of reach for many of the families without help. That's why I remember the quote from Mother Teresa above!


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Haiti, Haiti

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." ~Mother Teresa


The night before is a rough one for people. I get up to use the bathroom in the night and find them all occupied. Looks like a stomach bug is making its way through some of our group. It's no fun being sick so far from home! Imodium is passed around like candy at breakfast. Once again we are on the road by 6:30. We stop by some of the houses from the day before and see the finished work. It is absolutely beautiful. One of the homes we are helping at today has just two people, an elderly grandpa and his little grandson. We begin the arduous task of hauling rock, sand, and water up the hill. I have to admit to feeling a little stiff this morning. The rest of our group is off at other houses. The work today is much faster. We've learned what to do and what not to do. Also the families are better prepared as we know exactly how much rock, sand, and water is needed. It's fun to see the same faces over and over. I feel like I am getting to know people. Even though there is a language barrier, to work towards the same goal is unifying.

We end work today at 1:00 as the rest of the homes are the opposite direction. The materials need to be transferred there. We have four people feeling under the weather and they need to rest. After another tuna fish lunch, Maryann, Jane, and I hike up the mountain to the clinic. The Internet is up so we are able to send emails to our family, such a blessing! As we hike back down we discuss food and drink. As the days go on we tend to drift towards conversations such as "if you could have anything to eat right now" or "I could really use some ice in my drink". I have a layer of filth and grime on me that could be chiseled off. I manage to get a trickily shower in before dinner. The mood is somber as people are still not feeling back to normal. It's early to bed!
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Haiti, Haiti

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." ~Mahatma Ghandi

So far there has been church, pig roasts, beautiful mountain hikes, and fellowship with the people of St. Pierre. We are all still in one piece and somewhat clean. Doesn't sound too terribly difficult, but don't worry, the back breaking labor is about to begin. Monday begins at 5:30 AM. Breakfast in Haiti is redundant every day, the coffee is definitely the highlight. I say who doesn't enjoy a hot cup of coffee when it's 80 degrees out! We leave the rectory at 6:30 to start our work. Preparing is quite the undertaking as we must all be sprayed down with DEET, slathered in sunscreen, and pack sacks with snacks and water. Crews of local masons come to meet us and off we hike into the mountains to start our first houses. The majority of houses in Haiti are cinder block with some wood trim. The floors are dirt. Most families live in two room homes. Our goal is to lay cement floors to prevent disease. Father Reginald and Dr. Leo have picked the poorest and sickest in the community to receive floors first. All though many of these families are destitute and hungry they have prepared for our arrival by hauling sand and rock to their homes. This is no easy feat as homes are tucked into the mountain side, usually far from water, on treacherous rocky paths that even the most nimble goat would struggle climbing. We are not a graceful group by any stretch of the imagination!

We divide up between three houses and get to work. Our process is five steps:

1. Level floor with shovels and pick axes.
2. Spread medium sized rocks all over the floor.
3. Sift and fill in rocks with gravel.
4. Mix cement. This is done outside on the ground.
5. Stand back and let the masons work.

The first day is a lot of trial and error. We do not have enough rock or sand at any of the houses, so we spend the entire day hauling supplies up and down the paths. There are not enough buckets so we have to get creative (burlap sacks, banana leaves, etc.) At one point John tries to hire a donkey. That's the killer business instinct in him! We also call him the "candy man" as he is very good at bribing children to help pick up the slack. The only water source is the river below so again all the water must be hauled up. It is physical and dirty work! Although it is very demanding we have Haitians helping us at all the homes, even young children. The families, neighbors, and other people in the community (who eventually hope their homes will be done) all pitch in. A man coaxes Laurie and I away from the house we are working on to show us his home. It's large, four rooms, but ten people are living there, including his mother who is crippled and can't walk. He gently pleads with us to consider his house next. This is the heartbreaking situation of not being able to provide for all at this time. I often think of this family and wonder if their house was on the list to be done eventually. When I go back I hope to hike up there and see for myself.

After eight hours we are done for the day. Our work must stop by mid-afternoon due to the tropical rains. The masons are all staying near the clinic so they must hike over a mile to get home. We have accomplished three houses today, although that doesn't seem like much, we have learned quite a bit! The masons are perfectionists and their work is top-notch. The families are so excited and are able to move in that evening! My body feels like a limp noodle. My toe is screaming after being shoved in a shoe for the first time in 9 days. When we arrive back at the rectory people collapse on the porch. You can see the dust rise up off their clothes! After showers and a simple meal we reflect on what called us to Haiti. Everyone has different and moving reasons. Bill leads us in a discussion of Oscar Romero and his life works. To end the evening we watch a slide show of the pictures taken in the past few days. It is truly the good, the bad and the ugly (I could use a little more makeup and a good hair brushing)!

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Haiti, Haiti

We spent an evening discussing the works of Oscar Romero. If you are not familiar with his inspiring story I've included a link.


http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2009/02/oscar-romero-bishop-poor


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Haiti, Ouest, Haiti

"Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him." ~Albert Schweitzer

Rise and Shine! Compared to the past two days this is sleeping in, up at 6:00 AM! Just like at home, I head straight for the coffee. We bask in the warm sun on the porch till breakfast at 8:00. Typical rectory breakfast-bananas, corn flakes, boxed milk, and Laughing Cow cheese. I spread my cheese on a roll that is similar to a stale hot dog bun. Although it's easy to complain about the food, we must remember we truly eat like kings compared to the rest of the Haitians.

Church starts around 9:00. We dress up, long pants for the men, dresses for the ladies. We get the honor of sitting in the front row. Despite the poverty and conditions, everyone dresses very nicely! The youth group arrives dressed in their uniforms. The choir is beautifully outfitted as well in blue shirts and black skirts. Being selected for the choir is an honor, most of the women are looked up to as role models in the community. Dr. Leo plans to train them as service workers (think informal social work). The singing is the highlight of the Mass as the voices are uplifting! Although the Mass is in French we are able to follow along well. It's beautiful and speaks to tradition that we are able to understand although we do not speak the language. After Mass, three people from the community get up and speak at length (and here we complain about a measly few announcements taking up our time). In total the service lasts over two hours. Afterwords we wander out into the community. We are a curiosity for sure. The atmosphere is joyous with almost a mini-festival feel. This is a day of worship and community fellowship.

Half our group is going to get the bags of cement which is at the top of the mountain. Four of us girls decide to head up to the clinic. There is always something to say or do there! About a quarter of the way up the mountain we are roadblocked. A truck has run out of gas and is blocking the road. At a 40% grade they are rolling backwards, rock by rock. We gingerly tip-toe around praying to not be rolled over or have to jump off the side. I am no stunt double! I am glad I worked out quite a bit before I left, the huffing and puffing in 100% humidity is not too bad!

There is a second floor on the clinic. It's beautiful and provides much needed space. There are six malnourished children living there, several of them have the burrowing worms the cement floors will hopefully prevent! I am reunited with Kenya who was there two years prior. Although she is still somewhat malnourished she looks much healthier. Her sister, Berland, is staying there as well. It is just not possible for their mother to feed them. She hopes they will be adopted. During the waiting game of red tape the clinic staff takes care of them. Mary Ann and I take them on a walk outside. We come across a raucous rooster fight (the Haitian equivalent of Bingo) but are shooed away. We hitch a ride back down the mountain with the bags of cement. It is pig roast time!

The pig roast is a way for us to thank all the Haitian people who help us during the week. Unfortnately the power is out so we are unable to boil water for side dishes, so pringles and crackers will have to do. They have so much fun, and gobble up the food we provide. It is such a small way to say thank you for all they do for us. The joy in their faces reminds me to be grateful for the little things in life. We then play simple games with the children like thumbwar, paper, scissors, rock, etc., etc.. Finally we end the night reflecting and playing the "three things" game within our own group. By now we all know everything about everyone else!
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