"Love Has No Frontier"

A convoy of motorbikes ushered us to our first destination, the first flying the Canadian and Hatiain flags. This morning began at a school in the UDICC ADP. Rows and rows of blue uniforms lined the school grounds awaiting our arrival. The children and parents watched with deep ink brown eyes as we drove in and took our places for introductions. The children sang and raised the flag to being their school day.  It is impossible not to fall in love with these beautiful children.  Although they look timid at first, a smile and a wave breaks wide a full fledged grin.

We were ushered into a school room and then the parents begin filing in.  They have come to meet the people who sponsor their children’s education and health. I was amazed at just how many of them crammed themselves into such a small room.

So much of our communication happens in a look, or a touch to the shoulder.  I caught one Mom looking at me and she nodded. I smiled and she responded with a huge grin, from which another mother, with an adorable baby in toe, gave me a huge smile. I could feel the unspoken connection between us. Something was happening in the room.

The head of education began, “ Love has no frontier. Love brought you here, to a place you didn’t know existed and we thank you.”   He explained to us that just 2 years ago they had aproximately 80 irregular school children.  With the rain and the mud, and most children needing to travel 7-10k on foot to school most were not able to come.  2 years ago this school was built and they now have 600 students and are bursting at the seams.  The parents faces beamed as we applauded their children’s education.

Following the meeting we were able to interact with the children who were all very excited to see us and loved having their pictures taken. Again and again they asked for more pictures of themselves and their friends. L’orange even got in a picture with some of the girls.  The City officials looked on and wondered between themselves what child had drawn a face on the orange. They were very amused to find out it was one of the Canadian women instead.  Soon they were involved tipping the face of the orange for a better picture. It was so much fun to laugh and play with the children.

It was hard to tare ourselves away but we were on the road again to visit another goat project.  Here we learned that over 100 goats have been distributed and over 250 babies born from that. Distribution.  Goats are like money in the bank, good for milk and meat they are also easy to sell in case of emergency money is needed.  Many of the goats have been given to widows.  We followed the workers into the field  to see the Elephant Tree they used to feed the goats, high in protein, and some Sugar cane.  Unfortunatly when we left the field we also left the gate open and within moments the goats were calling to each other and making a beeline for the gate door and all of the elephant tree their little hearts could desire!  We learned that goats round up pretty quickly!

As we approached UDICC I wondered if the brass band would be at the ADP Headquarters to great us as they had in our 2011 visit.  I wondered what the other team members would think of such a high welcome, but again the Haitians surprised me by meeting us just outside of the city with a brass band  and full length banner and then paraded us through the streets to the Mayors office.

I can’t even begin to express the feelings that something like this create, I don’t really think there aren’t adequate words to describe such a moment.  The excitement and buzz in the streets, the upbeat brass music, the people joining in the parade along the way, children walking arm and arm, adults dancing to the music…truly it is surreal.

The tree nursery was next.  This time not so much to show off the nursery itself, which has more than doubled since our last visit, but to talk to the families who have benefited from the program.  I always love hearing these stories, directly from the families and people-they are so inspiring.  After an array of stories we were set loose to check out the nursery.  Most of us ladies chose to interact in our limited way with the women and children instead, again taking their pictures, laughing and joking with them and showing them pictures of our own families.  Mothers called over their daughters to have their picture taken together.  As we showed them the pictures the pride and love for their children is all over their faces as they squeeze them tight. At one point one matriarch/grandmother had us all busting a stitch united in hearty laughter as she attempted to arrange a marriage for her shy on-looking grandson.- Meet your inlaws she gestured, insisting on a family photo as we all laughed on.  These moments are so precious.  As we know each other sister to sister, mother to mother, I feel and learn so much about our world and myself.  This is beautiful.

We are surprised to return to UDICC headquarters for what we think is a meeting about sponsor children. Instead we are surprised by a battle of the bands-Canadian to Haitian (with even Mayor Woodside singing ‘What a Wonderful World’ to their absolute delight!) followed by dance performances, singing, poems and finally gifts from the ADP.  Each one of us was presented with a painting done by one of the children themselves.  The band saw us off with lively renditions of familiar hymns and choruses. 

As we drove out of the city and back to the hotel we are amazed at the children and adults who will wave and smile to us as we pass by.  Dust kicks up as we travel the roads, covering cactus made fences, clothing, houses and everything in it’s path.  Bikes have 3 and sometimes 4 people riding teach one to and from town. Mules carry heavy loads long distances, women are weighted down with baskets on their heads loaded with supplies, children play in the streets and chase after pigs, cows and goats, young boys lead their horses with supplies back to their homes, doorways are crowded with neighbors sharing their day. This world is different than my every day reality. Yet the president of the school this morning was right  “Love has no frontier.”

Tonight at supper we laugh until we cry attempting to prepare for another potential battle of the bands at our COBOCOL sponsor party.  Tomorrow will surely be another impossible day to explain.

" You Put Haiti in Your Heart"

I may actually be too tired to make myself stay up and write about the day today, but what a great day it was!

Morose met us in the parking lot today.  It is always so wonderful to  spend time with him and I cherish the relationship we have begun to develop.  My face lit up to see him and he hurried over to give me a hug and ask how his “ pastor friend” and our kids were doing.

We began the morning in Hinche.  I thought we were on our way to COBOCOL ADP, so when we stopped at a road barricade in Hinche and I saw the police in the street I quickly put my camera away to ensure a low profile.  Next I knew I saw a brass bad, balloons and dignitaries in the street. Once again, they had surprised us with an amazing welcome.  First they played the Haiti National Anthem, followed by the Canadian National Anthem.  This was very moving again for Bernie and I and wonderful to watch the others experience it for the first time.

The Mayor of Hinche was absolutely beaming. His captivating smile and address to Hinche city officials as well as us, the guests was indicative of the emotion, excitement and pride he felt to have us, and Mayor Woodside here with him.  He presented with Mayor Woodside to the keys to his city, thankful and appreciative that our Mayor would come spend time away from his city, with his people.  It was a wonderful start to the morning.

From there we did go to the ADP where we met the staff and once again had the brass band perform for us.  They refer to us as the Canadian Delegate and treat us with such high esteem it is surprising.  Morose begins staff introductions by addressing Freddylink “You wanted to put Haiti in your agenda’s but you have also put Haiti in your hearts, for this we thank you.”

The staff took us on a tour of the ADP, Technology Centre, Library, Sewing and Textile Centre, Woodworking and Corn Mill.  We were excited to brainstorm other possibilities for projects to continue the partnership and further development within COBOCOL.  One woman thanked us for our support explaining that for some young people, unable to further their education, they are able to train vocationally and make their own clothes or woodwork as well as sell for added income.

We had the exciting opportunity to hear from the ADP’s first Medical Student training to be a Doctor.  It is exciting to see the sponsor children growing up and being given the opportunities to further their education and then also come back to to use their skills to further develop their communities.

The spread of Haitian food at lunch was wonderful.  From Rice and Beans to Goat, Chicken and Fish, Spicy Potatoes, plantain, lasagna…it was certainly a cultural treat and no one left hungry.

The Administrative Assistant at the ADP was busy helping clean up the food and I put my hand on her back to thank her.  I mentioned that she might not remember me but I remembered her from our last visit (we had had a nice connection point and conversation last visit, she is one of those personalities that simply glow.  She turned around and hugged me “Oh I remember you and pray for you every day!” –these connections mean so much.

On the road again for the Goat project it was wonderful to see the team members hear of the project operations and ask questions of the managers directly.  Goats are a huge resource to the Haitians.  Morose explained, that a healthy goat is like money in the bank.  If an emergency arises, you can sell your goat to money to care for yourself and your family. 

From there we went to the Mothers Club.  Last visit this was one of the highlights of our trip for me, I felt such solidarity with the women.  This time was no different.  The women indicated that most had families larger than 8.  One woman had 13 children and stood to say thanks to the help of World Vision, her 13 children would not be having as many children of their own.  It is obvious the hardship of providing for so many, yet the love for their children is prominent.  As they expressed their hopes and desires for the children’s futures, the hardships and challenges that they face, once again we were reminded that we are all the same, with the same hopes and dreams for our children and their future, perhaps different difficulties, but the same heart for our children. 

As they closed the meeting, one woman came forward and offered us the gift of a song expressing their love and appreciation for the support and love we give their children for a better tomorrow. We had fun following the meeting to connect with the mothers and some of their children, taking pictures, holding babies and just loving the children.  It is true isn’t it?  Regardless of culture or where you are in the world, a mother can see and feel when someone truly cares for their child, and it breaks down walls and barriers.  I honestly could have stayed with them all day long and been quite content to listen to their stories and play with their babies.

We stopped in at the Tree Nursery on the way home.  From Mangoes to avocado, coffee and garlic, tress are being harvested to give and proper train families on their care, maintance and usage. Deforestation is such a tremendous problem in Haiti. 

It has been a long day, packed full of information and meetings, but what remains true is that each one of us shares the same sky, we are brothers and sisters with the same heart beat for our families and future and watching this one community make large strides forward into a better tomorrow is very inspiring.

" You put Haiti in your heart"

I may actually be too tired to make myself stay up and write about the day today, but what a great day it was!

Morose met us in the parking lot today.  It is always so wonderful to  spend time with him and I cherish the relationship we have begun to develop.  My face lit up to see him and he hurried over to give me a hug and ask how his “ pastor friend” and our kids were doing.

We began the morning in Hinche.  I thought we were on our way to COBOCOL ADP, so when we stopped at a road barricade in Hinche and I saw the police in the street I quickly put my camera away to ensure a low profile.  Next I knew I saw a brass bad, balloons and dignitaries in the street. Once again, they had surprised us with an amazing welcome.  First they played the Haiti National Anthem, followed by the Canadian National Anthem.  This was very moving again for Bernie and I and wonderful to watch the others experience it for the first time.

The Mayor of Hinche was absolutely beaming. His captivating smile and address to Hinche city officials as well as us, the guests was indicative of the emotion, excitement and pride he felt to have us, and Mayor Woodside here with him.  He presented with Mayor Woodside to the keys to his city, thankful and appreciative that our Mayor would come spend time away from his city, with his people.  It was a wonderful start to the morning.

From there we did go to the ADP where we met the staff and once again had the brass band perform for us.  They refer to us as the Canadian Delegate and treat us with such high esteem it is surprising.  Morose begins staff introductions by addressing Freddylink “You wanted to put Haiti in your agenda’s but you have also put Haiti in your hearts, for this we thank you.”

The staff took us on a tour of the ADP, Technology Centre, Library, Sewing and Textile Centre, Woodworking and Corn Mill.  We were excited to brainstorm other possibilities for projects to continue the partnership and further development within COBOCOL.  One woman thanked us for our support explaining that for some young people, unable to further their education, they are able to train vocationally and make their own clothes or woodwork as well as sell for added income.

We had the exciting opportunity to hear from the ADP’s first Medical Student training to be a Doctor.  It is exciting to see the sponsor children growing up and being given the opportunities to further their education and then also come back to to use their skills to further develop their communities.

The spread of Haitian food at lunch was wonderful.  From Rice and Beans to Goat, Chicken and Fish, Spicy Potatoes, plantain, lasagna…it was certainly a cultural treat and no one left hungry.

The Administrative Assistant at the ADP was busy helping clean up the food and I put my hand on her back to thank her.  I mentioned that she might not remember me but I remembered her from our last visit (we had had a nice connection point and conversation last visit, she is one of those personalities that simply glow.  She turned around and hugged me “Oh I remember you and pray for you every day!” –these connections mean so much.

On the road again for the Goat project it was wonderful to see the team members hear of the project operations and ask questions of the managers directly.  Goats are a huge resource to the Haitians.  Morose explained, that a healthy goat is like money in the bank.  If an emergency arises, you can sell your goat to money to care for yourself and your family. 

From there we went to the Mothers Club.  Last visit this was one of the highlights of our trip for me, I felt such solidarity with the women.  This time was no different.  The women indicated that most had families larger than 8.  One woman had 13 children and stood to say thanks to the help of World Vision, her 13 children would not be having as many children of their own.  It is obvious the hardship of providing for so many, yet the love for their children is prominent.  As they expressed their hopes and desires for the children’s futures, the hardships and challenges that they face, once again we were reminded that we are all the same, with the same hopes and dreams for our children and their future, perhaps different difficulties, but the same heart for our children. 

As they closed the meeting, one woman came forward and offered us the gift of a song expressing their love and appreciation for the support and love we give their children for a better tomorrow. We had fun following the meeting to connect with the mothers and some of their children, taking pictures, holding babies and just loving the children.  It is true isn’t it?  Regardless of culture or where you are in the world, a mother can see and feel when someone truly cares for their child, and it breaks down walls and barriers.  I honestly could have stayed with them all day long and been quite content to listen to their stories and play with their babies.

We stopped in at the Tree Nursery on the way home.  From Mangoes to avocado, coffee and garlic, tress are being harvested to give and proper train families on their care, maintance and usage. Deforestation is such a tremendous problem in Haiti. 

It has been a long day, packed full of information and meetings, but what remains true is that each one of us shares the same sky, we are brothers and sisters with the same heart beat for our families and future and watching this one community make large strides forward into a better tomorrow is very inspiring.

to the central plateau!

A great day, filled with lots of laughter and hope.

Unfortunately my phone clock and alarm were not accurate this morning making me think I had an extra hour of prep time I didn’t have before we left the hotel. It was a good thing Lori stopped by my room to see why I didn’t come down for breakfast! So needless to say my granola bar came in handy for breakfast. What a beautiful hotel!

The streets were busier today, but Bernie and I both remained so excited to see all of the clean up in the streets the piles and piles of rubble and garbage from 2011’s visit are gone and the rows and rows of tent cities have decreased significantly.  It does seem that everyone in Haiti is trying to sell something and the streets are lined with lots to look at as our drivers weave their way through the streets. I am reminded of how overwhelming the rows and rows and layers upon layers of housing up the mountain side can be.

We arrived at World Vision Headquarters to be addressed by some of the staff.  It seems they think us Canadians need it cold and the air conditioning has all of us just shivering. We find it funny as we all search our suitcases for big heavy sweaters in Haiti!  There are three excellent presentations, one concerning their Child Protection Policies, another from an absolutely hilarious Russian Security guard., he assured us that regardless of where we were, or what was going on “ I will get you out”.  I believed him!  As he described the layout of the city and the areas of extreme violence, precautions and restrictions on drivers and staff I felt I had a better appreciation for the justoposition we’ve seen between the media’s portrayal of  Port au Prince, vs the reality we are exposed to.  The poverty is very obvious, but the violence and carnality described by the media has just not been what we have seen. Now I understand the severity of different areas in the city, as opposed to others.  I am now kicking myself that I didn’t get a picture of him!  He said to us beginning his presentation “ I need you to know I have been married for 25 years, so I am used to interruptions.”  I could have listened to him for hours talk about the many areas including Afghanistan, that he has been posted to Direct peace over the years. The National Director Jean Claude joined us to answer some questions we had and make introduction and the every friendly face Paul-Emile entered the room.

When we were in the earthquake we wondered if World Vision staff knew where we were, or could even get to us, we wondered for 24 hours how long we would wait before someone found us, and then 24 hrs after the earthquake we saw Paul Emile’s beaming face come through the court yard, after walking over an hour through the city to try to get to us.  “ You are alive! You are well!”  His smile and hugs are forever etched in my mind.  To see him coming through the door today brought that moment back.  He has such a beautiful spirit and I will forever pray for him and his family.

The team wanted him to relay his experience in the earthquake.  As Paul-Emile told his story I was brought to tears.  But what is most moving is the hope that he has for his country and people and his faith in God. He talked about how there are 3 types of people after a tragedy: those who never move forward, those who deny what happened and those who find healing and hope for tomorrow. He talked about knowing each kind.  His faith in God working through such tragedy is overwhelming and beautiful.

From Headquarters we went to lunch and shared many laughs. Some team members prove to have quite a sense of humor!  Our translator Ingrid is in stiches much of the time listening to us talk and interact., taking pictures of the massive 1 glass pop bottles , gekos etc. She is fun to join our convoy.

We begin the long convoy to the Central Plateau, but this time in very comfortable vehicles with seatbelts even! Bernie and I joke that this group is getting royal treatment.

We arrive at our hotel close to 5:30pm and are immediately struck by the huge expansion they are working on.  We joke if we will get a choice between the rooms with the goats or roosters for back ground soundtrack. I have an upstairs room this time and am thrilled to see that the massive spiders seem to be abiding some where other than my room.

Supper has more laughs, this is a fun team to travel with and I look forward to getting to know them all a little more. As we begin to discuss tomorrow’s adventures I am ready to put all of the travel behind us and begin to see how the projects have developed and talk to the people.  As I sit here quietly tonight and think on the day I am reminded again at what an outstanding organization World Vision is, and how they truly are assisting communities to be self sustaining with a better future and hope for tomorrow. These people are so beautiful, I wish everyone had the opportunity I have had to meet them and fall in love with them.

Unfortunately a dinosaur grasshopper creature awaited me on my bed when I got back from supper.  I explained to him I really did not want to share my bed with a stranger but he appeared not to care.  Thankfully Bernie was passing by my open door as I discussed what to do about our disagreement and carried the massive creature outside.  I do notice my geko roommate at the ceiling and pray he will stay there the night.

Tonight I wish to kiss my Nathaniel’ s sweet cheeks and snuggle my baby girls.

To tomorrow….

Travel to Port au Prince

What a full day.  It always amazes me how quickly one can adapt to a new environment, “ …and now I’m here.” 

It was an early start with a 3:45am alarm sounding and a 6am flight out of Fredericton.  I was am totally in awe of God today!  Unfortunately since the Earthquake in 2010, I have not done well in small spaces, particularly planes.  The lining up to get in, waiting to leave part has just been panic inducing. So many of my friends were praying this trip, and I was certain that I wouldn’t medicate myself out of this one, God is not a God of fear and I had faith (although it may at times have been small) that he would get me through the fear for this trip.  Seriously, he surprised me, not only did I get through the fear for this trip but I just didn’t have it. I was calm and at peace the entire process. God is a God of peace and he was travelling with me today.

I was reminded of my friend Sue’s prayer with me yesterday as she prayed and got this image of God and I, daughter and father, on an adventure trip together. I felt his presence with me all day as we travelled. Barry & Jasmine prayed God’s peace over every aspect of this trip, indeed, amazing peace I had.  I have not been able to adequately explain the anxiety flying had become for me, the change today was so intense and wonderful!

A close second to flying, I can honestly say the Port au Prince airport was not high on my list of fun things to do.  In my previous two visits the airport was aggressive and stressful. I was shocked at the newly renovated aiport, it was calm and organized and even enjoyable. I kept waiting for that moment when things got intense and chaotic, and instead-peace…

Bernie and I were both so excited to see the positive changes in the city since our last vist! Much rubble, garbage and debris have been cleaned up it truly is so hopeful.  Driving through the city was also peaceful today, unheard of usually, a huge soccer game has crowds gathered around small outside tv’s along the sides of the streets.

We arrived at our hotel for the night and I was in awe of the beautiful patio we had supper on.  We are so high above the city, it is like it was laid out before us as we ate-breathtaking.

Tomorrow we head to World Vision Headquarters in Port au Prince for a visit before travelling out to the central plateau. Another busy travel day ahead.

Sue left me with this Scripture yesterday  Isaiah 59:19-21

In the west, people will respect the name of the Lord;in the east, they will glorify him.For he will come like a raging flood tide driven by the breath of the Lord.^[a]20 “The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins,”^[b] says the Lord. 21“And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!

Haiti bound in 9hrs

It's hard to believe but in 9hrs I will be in the air, bound for Haiti for the third time. I can't wait to see what God is up to this time!