An older woman sat patiently beside her husband and gently wiped a cold cloth across his forehead. He sighed deeply and smiled at her as though there wasn’t a single other person in the room. For a brief moment it seemed as though he had forgotten about the pins protruding from his left leg and the cast that held his right. This is the Baptist Mission Hospital. Twelve or more beds are crammed into each of the three tiny rooms that hold only earthquake survivors. Some are seriously injured, while others are on the road to recovery, most are missing limbs and all are suffering from extreme pain. It is a harsh and painful reality that is difficult to comprehend and even harder to stand by and watch.
Long pew-like benches line the halls of the hospital where people who are waiting admission anxiously sit. Volunteer doctors and nurses scurry between rooms, grabbing meds, taking temperatures, changing dressings, prepping for surgery and cleaning the odd accident. It is a constant flurry of activity.
I had gone to the hospital with the intention of being an extra set of hands and not just an extra body in the way. Timidly I sat back for probably the first hour, doing my best to give a smile to a suffering patient or stumble my way through Creole with a family member. I was shy, timid and completely out of my element.
In the process of running prescriptions, getting blankets and doing any other kind of errand that needed to be done I received so much encouragement from the medical staff. I readily admitted to not having any medical background in which they replied, “that’s wonderful, we need people like you!” Definitely not the response I expected.
Before long patients were starting to call me by name. Some just wanted to hold my hand or play with my hair. There were many times throughout the day where I just thanked God that he had saved these people physically and prayed that they would be saved spiritually.
Samaritans Purse plays a big part in the Baptist Mission Hospital. Volunteers from that organization are often found in the halls and by the bedsides of patients. I was doing my best to comfort a young woman while her pain medication kicked in when a couple stopped at the bed beside me. An older woman spoke softly to the Haitian pastor that stood next to her, both clutching their bibles looking intently down at the man in bed. It was obvious that his leg was a casualty of the quake, being that it was removed just above the knee. He was a smaller, quiet man who I hadn’t really noticed up to this point. He had been sleeping most of the morning and had no visitors that I could recall. When I had taken his temperature earlier in the day, he sat with his eyes closed, almost as if to block out the reality that was going on around him. Now the older woman asked in English if she could speak to him for a little bit. The Haitian Pastor at her side translated and they were both invited to sit down. I was doing my best to not eavesdrop but my curiosity kept getting the best of me. Every so often I would look over to see what it was they were talking about. It took me a while to figure out that the older woman was quietly telling this man about Jesus Christ. I wasn’t certain as to whether or not this man was a believer but could tell that the words this woman spoke were ones of comfort and hope. After about a half an hour I heard her ask him if he wanted to ask Jesus in his heart. Before the Haitian Pastor even finished translating, this man who had been bed ridden for weeks emphatically said in English “Yes!” It was there in the room that held 11 other patients and a slew of other strangers that this man gave his life over to Christ. As he followed along in prayer my eyes started to fill up with tears. As I looked around the room, patients nearby closed their eyes and lifted their hands saying quietly “Mesi Jezi”, Thank you Jesus! Even in their own pain and sorrow they knew they were witness to another life saved. Mesi Jezi!
I have to tell you about a woman at the hospital named Mimi. She is an 87 year old woman who shows up to work as a nurses aid every day. She truly is an inspiration and a real witness to what love and sacrifice really are. I would be surprised if Mimi stood over 5 feet tall and weighed more than 110 pounds. Throughout the entire day she stayed busy changing bedding, pushing wheelchairs, and feeding anyone that was unable to do it themselves. She would catch my eye and give me a grin that literally stretched from ear to ear. If she spoke English she didn’t let me know but instead would whisper words of encouragement in Creole to me or a nearby patient. By the age of 87 most people feel that they have served their time and that it is their turn to be waited on. Not this Haitian lady. I caught her lifting an older gentleman clear out of his wheelchair and into his bed. This man was almost twice her size, had both of his legs in casts and was completely unable to assist her in anyway. I would never have even asked this frail, grey haired woman to hold a gallon of water for me, let alone pick up and place this crippled man into bed. Before I could get over to where she was, she had set him down and was proceeding to change the gentlemans soiled underpants. At this point she was attempting to lift him with one arm and shimmy his clothing on with the other. It was like nothing I had ever seen. Had I not been there I have no doubt in my mind that she would have completed the entire task successfully and without complaint. Even with my help she insisted that she lift the man while I dealt with his clothes. I smile just thinking about her and marvel at her unending energy. I hope that my retirement looks a little more like Mimis and a little less like golf courses and margaritas.
When I left the hospital I felt like I was leaving behind family and friends. There wasn’t a single nurse, doctor or patient who hadn’t embraced me, whether it was physically or emotionally. Everyone there was so focused and willing to work together for a common cause. Most had come as strangers from all over the world but ended up leaving as family. They are all in the business of saving lives and were willing to work around the clock to do so. It was an incredible experience that I will hold in my heart forever.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Streetlights
The entire neighborhood started clapping and shouting for joy. I couldn’t figure it out, was there a soccer game on or something? What was I missing? I followed what some of the children were doing and poked my head over the wall at the Toddler house. For the first time since the earthquake you could see little points of light stretch out for miles. Public electricity had been restored. Something we take for granted had caused this entire neighborhood to dance and sing in pure happiness. We turned and looked at one another and smiles broke out on each and every face. Excitement filled the air! I have been witness to so many little moments that they start to all blend together. That in itself is a shame. I don’t ever want to forget the magic I felt standing on my tip toes smiling at the streetlights.
We have spent days sorting through the various supplies and donations that have come back from the States with us. So far we have created packets for each Haitian staff member of GLA that contains a tarp, a lantern, a hygiene kit, 2 towels, 2 blankets, 2 packets of rice and a tent. We have also taken any excess that we have and created packets for any visitors or families that come to our door. It fills my heart to know that donations are going directly to families that need it instead of sitting in a warehouse somewhere while people continue to live in sheet houses.
I haven’t been down to Port Au Prince since taking the Canadian children home so I cant say if there has been any progress. We have been told that there is a ninety percent chance that Haiti will feel another earthquake larger than a 5.0 so I am not sure if it is statistics like these that continue to prevent people from returning home. Things up in the mountains of Kenscoff feel as though they are slowly returning to normal. Even up at the Baptist Mission the street vendors have put up their paintings and carefully displayed their sculptures although I am not sure how much business they would be getting.
We received a container down at the Ports in Port Au Prince that had been shipped prior to the earthquake. The container was ¼ full of donations for GLA. So a truck was hired and the supplies were picked up. We are full at both the Main House and at the Toddler House and have run completely out of storage space. This left one other option…Ft Jacques.
There is a beautiful piece of property up the mountain in Ft Jacques that has been purchased by Gods Littlest Angels as the future home to the orphanage. This piece of land currently contains a large stone wall that surrounds the property as well as a depot and garage. As money continues to be raised you will eventually see a 3 story building that will allow the main and toddler houses to be combined. This project will take at least one million dollars to complete but I cant even begin to explain what a blessing that would be.
So with this truck en route we climbed into the vehicles and headed up to Ft. Jacques to unload. I don’t think I have ever seen so much baby food, diapers or toilet paper in my life. The truck was full. We received at least 2 pallets stacked with baby food! It was absolutely incredible. To think that this has been in the shipping process for quite a while and was delivered now when it is most needed is amazing. It took 20 of us a couple hours to unload the truck and briefly sort through what was there. Talk about team work. I am not sure what the plan is for distribution but I do know that GLA is ready for any child that comes their way. If only they would start coming….
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray and support Gods Littlest Angels. In bible study this week Yvonne talked about how we have to make a conscious choice. We either choose to live in fear or we choose to live in faith. The staff at GLA I believe has chosen to live in faith. Slowly but surely their hearts are starting to heal and happiness is starting to seep back into their lives. We are an organization that is thankful and amazed at what God can and continues to do.
We have spent days sorting through the various supplies and donations that have come back from the States with us. So far we have created packets for each Haitian staff member of GLA that contains a tarp, a lantern, a hygiene kit, 2 towels, 2 blankets, 2 packets of rice and a tent. We have also taken any excess that we have and created packets for any visitors or families that come to our door. It fills my heart to know that donations are going directly to families that need it instead of sitting in a warehouse somewhere while people continue to live in sheet houses.
I haven’t been down to Port Au Prince since taking the Canadian children home so I cant say if there has been any progress. We have been told that there is a ninety percent chance that Haiti will feel another earthquake larger than a 5.0 so I am not sure if it is statistics like these that continue to prevent people from returning home. Things up in the mountains of Kenscoff feel as though they are slowly returning to normal. Even up at the Baptist Mission the street vendors have put up their paintings and carefully displayed their sculptures although I am not sure how much business they would be getting.
We received a container down at the Ports in Port Au Prince that had been shipped prior to the earthquake. The container was ¼ full of donations for GLA. So a truck was hired and the supplies were picked up. We are full at both the Main House and at the Toddler House and have run completely out of storage space. This left one other option…Ft Jacques.
There is a beautiful piece of property up the mountain in Ft Jacques that has been purchased by Gods Littlest Angels as the future home to the orphanage. This piece of land currently contains a large stone wall that surrounds the property as well as a depot and garage. As money continues to be raised you will eventually see a 3 story building that will allow the main and toddler houses to be combined. This project will take at least one million dollars to complete but I cant even begin to explain what a blessing that would be.
So with this truck en route we climbed into the vehicles and headed up to Ft. Jacques to unload. I don’t think I have ever seen so much baby food, diapers or toilet paper in my life. The truck was full. We received at least 2 pallets stacked with baby food! It was absolutely incredible. To think that this has been in the shipping process for quite a while and was delivered now when it is most needed is amazing. It took 20 of us a couple hours to unload the truck and briefly sort through what was there. Talk about team work. I am not sure what the plan is for distribution but I do know that GLA is ready for any child that comes their way. If only they would start coming….
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray and support Gods Littlest Angels. In bible study this week Yvonne talked about how we have to make a conscious choice. We either choose to live in fear or we choose to live in faith. The staff at GLA I believe has chosen to live in faith. Slowly but surely their hearts are starting to heal and happiness is starting to seep back into their lives. We are an organization that is thankful and amazed at what God can and continues to do.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Today We Eat
Seven flights in one week. I am a nerd for counting but 7 flights in one week has got to be a record, and being a pilot doesn’t count. I have flown from Calgary to Toronto to Miami to Port au Prince to Ottawa to Toronto to Miami back to Port au Prince. If there was ever a time where I was afraid to fly I cant remember it. It almost seems weird that I am not hurrying through customs, crossing my fingers through baggage check and waiting anxiously to take off or land.
I am so blessed to be working with this organization. I was lucky enough to spend the days between dropping the kids off in Ottawa and our flight out of Miami with some of the staff from GLA. As hard as this transition has been for them, they remain upbeat, positive and are simply a pleasure to be around. Everything they do, they do with a smile on their face and prove to me everyday what it truly means to be a servant of God. Whatever needs to be done they tackle it, so often seeing the bigger picture that I tend to miss.
Staying in Miami with our group of 6 girls we did some serious shopping. Knowing that we would have room to take supplies back with us we went to work in the aisles of Target, Walmart and even drove half the city of Miami searching for the Super Walmart. We loaded shopping cart after shopping cart with blankets, tarps, tents, and lanterns. We cleared the store shelves completely before heading to the checkout counter where people would literally stop and stare. I don’t think there is a single Rubbermaid container left in the whole state of Florida. Beans, rice and cooking oil were also on the list of essentials to bring back with us. We filled up the huge 8 passenger van we rented at least 3 times with items we had purchased.
Clearing the shelves was the easy part. It’s the loading, unloading, hauling up to the 7th floor, sorting, packing, loading, taking down to the 1st floor and filling up the shuttle busses that was hard. In order to have the room we needed to sort, divide and pack we literally took over the entire 7th floor of the Marriott hotel. We lined Rubbermaid containers along the walls in the hallway and went to work packing all 30 of them. To get out of their rooms, guests had to crawl over 50 lbs bags of rice, weave between the stacks of blankets and try not to trip on the kneeling girls. Not sure how popular we were so we offered both smiles and apologies to anyone who dared to leave the safety of their rooms.
Its never ceases to amaze me how willing people are to lend a hand. You hear the expression to give the clothes off your back but when have you ever witnessed such a thing? As we were well into our sorting and packing process a man and his wife stopped to ask us what we were doing. A valid question considering we were virtually blocking the entrance to his room. One of the staff members explained who we were and why we had created such a mess. As she was speaking I could literally see the mans face light up. He asked when we were leaving and if we would be willing to take anything that he had to give. Within minutes he had come back with his and his wife’s winter coats. He sheepishly asked if they could be used in Haiti and explained that he would give us so much more, but it was the only two articles he had that didn’t need to be washed. This man was ready and willing to give the clothes off his back but felt that the Haitian people deserved more than his unwashed laundry. So instead he brought us what he could saying that he had been looking for an opportunity to help. In a split second this gentleman had chosen to part with something of his in order for it to be blessing for someone else. Please keep this selfless couple in your prayers.
It wasn’t long before I was back in Concourse G at the Miami International Airport. It took two shuttle busses and a truck crammed full in order to get all of our supplies to the airport. I would imagine that the same guy who had tagged all 10 thousand pounds last week, was not too happy to see me again. Despite the task ahead he managed to give me a smile and a wave. This time we knew what to expect and the process went sooo much smoother. We were on the airplane and circling Port Au Prince before we knew it.
The language of love is a powerful one that I am blessed to be learning each and every day. The world may be weeping for Haiti but the people here are resilient. We had a visitor at dinner explain that she had started to cry at one of the hospitals, overwhelmed with a feeling of helplessness. She told me that a young man had come over to her to try and comfort her. He asked her gently why she was crying. Through her tears she explained that she was crying for him and for all the people of Haiti. He responded to her, “Miss, don’t cry for us. Today was a good day. Today we got to eat.”
There are so many examples of why this country holds my heart. Please pray for the people of Haiti that they would continue to smile and continue to hold on to that positive attitude. May they be blessed for their endurance and strength!
I am so blessed to be working with this organization. I was lucky enough to spend the days between dropping the kids off in Ottawa and our flight out of Miami with some of the staff from GLA. As hard as this transition has been for them, they remain upbeat, positive and are simply a pleasure to be around. Everything they do, they do with a smile on their face and prove to me everyday what it truly means to be a servant of God. Whatever needs to be done they tackle it, so often seeing the bigger picture that I tend to miss.
Staying in Miami with our group of 6 girls we did some serious shopping. Knowing that we would have room to take supplies back with us we went to work in the aisles of Target, Walmart and even drove half the city of Miami searching for the Super Walmart. We loaded shopping cart after shopping cart with blankets, tarps, tents, and lanterns. We cleared the store shelves completely before heading to the checkout counter where people would literally stop and stare. I don’t think there is a single Rubbermaid container left in the whole state of Florida. Beans, rice and cooking oil were also on the list of essentials to bring back with us. We filled up the huge 8 passenger van we rented at least 3 times with items we had purchased.
Clearing the shelves was the easy part. It’s the loading, unloading, hauling up to the 7th floor, sorting, packing, loading, taking down to the 1st floor and filling up the shuttle busses that was hard. In order to have the room we needed to sort, divide and pack we literally took over the entire 7th floor of the Marriott hotel. We lined Rubbermaid containers along the walls in the hallway and went to work packing all 30 of them. To get out of their rooms, guests had to crawl over 50 lbs bags of rice, weave between the stacks of blankets and try not to trip on the kneeling girls. Not sure how popular we were so we offered both smiles and apologies to anyone who dared to leave the safety of their rooms.
Its never ceases to amaze me how willing people are to lend a hand. You hear the expression to give the clothes off your back but when have you ever witnessed such a thing? As we were well into our sorting and packing process a man and his wife stopped to ask us what we were doing. A valid question considering we were virtually blocking the entrance to his room. One of the staff members explained who we were and why we had created such a mess. As she was speaking I could literally see the mans face light up. He asked when we were leaving and if we would be willing to take anything that he had to give. Within minutes he had come back with his and his wife’s winter coats. He sheepishly asked if they could be used in Haiti and explained that he would give us so much more, but it was the only two articles he had that didn’t need to be washed. This man was ready and willing to give the clothes off his back but felt that the Haitian people deserved more than his unwashed laundry. So instead he brought us what he could saying that he had been looking for an opportunity to help. In a split second this gentleman had chosen to part with something of his in order for it to be blessing for someone else. Please keep this selfless couple in your prayers.
It wasn’t long before I was back in Concourse G at the Miami International Airport. It took two shuttle busses and a truck crammed full in order to get all of our supplies to the airport. I would imagine that the same guy who had tagged all 10 thousand pounds last week, was not too happy to see me again. Despite the task ahead he managed to give me a smile and a wave. This time we knew what to expect and the process went sooo much smoother. We were on the airplane and circling Port Au Prince before we knew it.
The language of love is a powerful one that I am blessed to be learning each and every day. The world may be weeping for Haiti but the people here are resilient. We had a visitor at dinner explain that she had started to cry at one of the hospitals, overwhelmed with a feeling of helplessness. She told me that a young man had come over to her to try and comfort her. He asked her gently why she was crying. Through her tears she explained that she was crying for him and for all the people of Haiti. He responded to her, “Miss, don’t cry for us. Today was a good day. Today we got to eat.”
There are so many examples of why this country holds my heart. Please pray for the people of Haiti that they would continue to smile and continue to hold on to that positive attitude. May they be blessed for their endurance and strength!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Did you bring anything special back with you?
"Would you like a coffee?" such a simple gesture from a Red Cross volunteer, yet the act of kindness was enough to make me break. "Here you go ma'am. We have chili if you would like also" I could barely answer the man that stood their dumbfounded wondering why the girl he was trying to give a cup of coffee to was choking back tears. I am thankful that the package I blindly grabbed was sugar and not salt as I frantically tried to blink back the tears.
3:30 Tuesday we received a call from the Canadian Embassy telling us that arrangements had been made to allow our Canadian kids to go home. The flight was scheduled through an Air Transat plane and was scheduled to depart 9am wednesday. Unlike both our Dutch and US evacuations, the Canadian government felt it was best if they helped see the entire process through. According to them in order to do that it was necessary and feasible to pack up all 20 children, drive them down and check them into the Canadian Embassy by 5pm on Tuesday. Oh and yes, all 20 children along with their escorts would be expected to spend the night at the Embassy in anticipation for the flight the next morning.
You wouldnt believe how quickly the staff at GLA can get clothes, diapers, formula, snacks, sandwiches, juice, pajamas, paperwork and all the other necessities needed to care for that many children ready. It really is something to see, I had a hard enough time packing up my own personal belongings let alone having to worry about the kids. Within an hour and a half the vehicles were loaded and we were on our way.
The Canadian Embassy was not exempt from the destruction of the earthquake. In fact we were told that they are only able to operate out of 1\4 of the building as the rest of it has been condemed. So with the small amount of room that they had they managed to squeeze in our party of 20 kids plus volunteers. They were kind enough to feed us and lay foam mattresses on the floor for the kids. They brought us blankets and did their best to make us as comfortable as possible. Thankfully most of the children didnt have any problems falling asleep. The adults were another story. We had people sleeping in chairs, snuggled into any open mattress space, and curled up on the cold tile floors. We had everything from poopy diapers, to crying babies, to hands, heads, and feet sprawled all over the place. We were a sight to see.
I dont think a single adult was able to get more than 1 hour of sleep at a time so when the sun came up we were anxious to get on with the day. We changed the kids, some multiple times, fed them and loaded them onto the bus that would take us from the Embassy to the airport. I knew that we were in for a long day but you could literally feel the excitement in the air. The older kids knew that today was the day they would meet their families and I couldnt help but burst with excitement for the younger ones who would finally be showered with all the love and attention they deserved.
Everytime I have gone down to the airport we have taken a different route, which means everytime I get a little bit more of a picture as to the actual devastation the earthquake caused. Signs litter the streets asking for help, people are lined up blocks long waiting for what I can only imagine is food or water. What were once huge buildings have now been reduced to piles of rubble. It still amazes me that 35 seconds has changed this country so dramatically.
As hard as it was trying to get that many people ready in an hour and a half, spending the night on the Canadian Embassys floor and then waking up at 5 the next morning, it was worth it when we pulled directly up to the Air Transat plane. There was no waiting, no keeping the kids entertained, we simply had to get off the bus and climb the stairs to the plane.
Through this whole ordeal there has been a ton of media coverage. As the bus pulled up to the plane I have to admit that I started to get nervous as the cameras started flashing. Air Transat provided a plane full of volunteers that were ready and willing to help us off the bus and onto the plane. The first couple minutes were a whirlwind of activity. There were people everywhere and in the confusion our luggage never made it as carry ons. So for us that meant that all of our diapers, wipes, snacks, and winter clothes were sitting in the belly of the plane. Luckily for us, the volunteers were totally prepared. We were given food, diapers, bottles and virtually everything else you can think of.
The Transat volunteers explained that they had virtually as much notice as we did. They hopped on the plane and flew down to Port Au Prince solely to be another set of hands to help. They each took a child and prepared to turn around and fly right back. How cool is that?
The flight was 4 hours which translated to one meal, 3 snacks, 2 naps and 8 diaper changes. If that seems long just remember that I have sat in traffic in Calgary for longer. As we prepared to land we were told that there had been a change of plans and we would have to step out onto the tarmac rather than pull right up to the airport. I looked around and every child that we had on board was dressed in short sleeves, shorts and skirts. Again the Air Transat volunteers came to the rescue. They brought around boxes of boots, toques, scarves, and jackets. In no time we had kids dressed and ready for Canadian winter.
When I walked off the plane, we were greeted by Red Cross volunteers who draped us in blankets and helped us off the plane. I thought there were a lot of cameras in Port Au Prince but they had nothing on Ottawa. Camera crews took up the entire length of the hanger. I couldnt help but reprimand myself for not at least trying to fix my hair or put a little makeup on. I guess some things are just more important.
I am sure my eyes grew two sizes bigger as I walked into the hangar and saw all the people. The Adoptive families had been allowed to come in to greet us in order to take their children through Immigration. This was an unexpected suprise. The first person I spoke to was another Red Cross volunteer that asked the name of the child I was holding. She then went to work zig zagging through the crowd in order to unite us with her family. At Gods Littlest Angels each child has a box that is filled with personal belongings that their families send them that more often than not includes a photo album. As I weaved through the crowd I was begining to recognize the faces of excited family members, anxiously waiting for their children.
Finally I was able to see the couple I was looking for. My eyes filled up with tears as I presented them their daughter. I have never been a part of something so incredibly special. She never even hesitated as I passed her from my arms right into her Mothers. I watched as this beautiful couple clung to their little girl, so much worry and anxiety washing away in that very moment. Words dont even describe the joy that I felt as I looked around the room and saw children continued to be reunited with their Forever Families.
Immigration for me was drastically different from what the families had to go through. As I stood there and passed my passport to the nearest immigration officer, I wiped away a tear. He looked at my declaration card, then looked me straight in the eyes. "Did you bring anything special back with you today?" I answered grinning from ear to ear...."You bet I did!"
3:30 Tuesday we received a call from the Canadian Embassy telling us that arrangements had been made to allow our Canadian kids to go home. The flight was scheduled through an Air Transat plane and was scheduled to depart 9am wednesday. Unlike both our Dutch and US evacuations, the Canadian government felt it was best if they helped see the entire process through. According to them in order to do that it was necessary and feasible to pack up all 20 children, drive them down and check them into the Canadian Embassy by 5pm on Tuesday. Oh and yes, all 20 children along with their escorts would be expected to spend the night at the Embassy in anticipation for the flight the next morning.
You wouldnt believe how quickly the staff at GLA can get clothes, diapers, formula, snacks, sandwiches, juice, pajamas, paperwork and all the other necessities needed to care for that many children ready. It really is something to see, I had a hard enough time packing up my own personal belongings let alone having to worry about the kids. Within an hour and a half the vehicles were loaded and we were on our way.
The Canadian Embassy was not exempt from the destruction of the earthquake. In fact we were told that they are only able to operate out of 1\4 of the building as the rest of it has been condemed. So with the small amount of room that they had they managed to squeeze in our party of 20 kids plus volunteers. They were kind enough to feed us and lay foam mattresses on the floor for the kids. They brought us blankets and did their best to make us as comfortable as possible. Thankfully most of the children didnt have any problems falling asleep. The adults were another story. We had people sleeping in chairs, snuggled into any open mattress space, and curled up on the cold tile floors. We had everything from poopy diapers, to crying babies, to hands, heads, and feet sprawled all over the place. We were a sight to see.
I dont think a single adult was able to get more than 1 hour of sleep at a time so when the sun came up we were anxious to get on with the day. We changed the kids, some multiple times, fed them and loaded them onto the bus that would take us from the Embassy to the airport. I knew that we were in for a long day but you could literally feel the excitement in the air. The older kids knew that today was the day they would meet their families and I couldnt help but burst with excitement for the younger ones who would finally be showered with all the love and attention they deserved.
Everytime I have gone down to the airport we have taken a different route, which means everytime I get a little bit more of a picture as to the actual devastation the earthquake caused. Signs litter the streets asking for help, people are lined up blocks long waiting for what I can only imagine is food or water. What were once huge buildings have now been reduced to piles of rubble. It still amazes me that 35 seconds has changed this country so dramatically.
As hard as it was trying to get that many people ready in an hour and a half, spending the night on the Canadian Embassys floor and then waking up at 5 the next morning, it was worth it when we pulled directly up to the Air Transat plane. There was no waiting, no keeping the kids entertained, we simply had to get off the bus and climb the stairs to the plane.
Through this whole ordeal there has been a ton of media coverage. As the bus pulled up to the plane I have to admit that I started to get nervous as the cameras started flashing. Air Transat provided a plane full of volunteers that were ready and willing to help us off the bus and onto the plane. The first couple minutes were a whirlwind of activity. There were people everywhere and in the confusion our luggage never made it as carry ons. So for us that meant that all of our diapers, wipes, snacks, and winter clothes were sitting in the belly of the plane. Luckily for us, the volunteers were totally prepared. We were given food, diapers, bottles and virtually everything else you can think of.
The Transat volunteers explained that they had virtually as much notice as we did. They hopped on the plane and flew down to Port Au Prince solely to be another set of hands to help. They each took a child and prepared to turn around and fly right back. How cool is that?
The flight was 4 hours which translated to one meal, 3 snacks, 2 naps and 8 diaper changes. If that seems long just remember that I have sat in traffic in Calgary for longer. As we prepared to land we were told that there had been a change of plans and we would have to step out onto the tarmac rather than pull right up to the airport. I looked around and every child that we had on board was dressed in short sleeves, shorts and skirts. Again the Air Transat volunteers came to the rescue. They brought around boxes of boots, toques, scarves, and jackets. In no time we had kids dressed and ready for Canadian winter.
When I walked off the plane, we were greeted by Red Cross volunteers who draped us in blankets and helped us off the plane. I thought there were a lot of cameras in Port Au Prince but they had nothing on Ottawa. Camera crews took up the entire length of the hanger. I couldnt help but reprimand myself for not at least trying to fix my hair or put a little makeup on. I guess some things are just more important.
I am sure my eyes grew two sizes bigger as I walked into the hangar and saw all the people. The Adoptive families had been allowed to come in to greet us in order to take their children through Immigration. This was an unexpected suprise. The first person I spoke to was another Red Cross volunteer that asked the name of the child I was holding. She then went to work zig zagging through the crowd in order to unite us with her family. At Gods Littlest Angels each child has a box that is filled with personal belongings that their families send them that more often than not includes a photo album. As I weaved through the crowd I was begining to recognize the faces of excited family members, anxiously waiting for their children.
Finally I was able to see the couple I was looking for. My eyes filled up with tears as I presented them their daughter. I have never been a part of something so incredibly special. She never even hesitated as I passed her from my arms right into her Mothers. I watched as this beautiful couple clung to their little girl, so much worry and anxiety washing away in that very moment. Words dont even describe the joy that I felt as I looked around the room and saw children continued to be reunited with their Forever Families.
Immigration for me was drastically different from what the families had to go through. As I stood there and passed my passport to the nearest immigration officer, I wiped away a tear. He looked at my declaration card, then looked me straight in the eyes. "Did you bring anything special back with you today?" I answered grinning from ear to ear...."You bet I did!"
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Misery eats Itself
Kelvin touched my heart. I would guess that the young man was probably 12 years old and spoke English very well. Like most Haitians the earthquake had not been good to his home. He explained it to us as being cracked. I can only assume that his home crumbled as he mentioned that he and the rest of his family were sleeping outside. This intelligent young man met us on the walk from the Toddler house to the Baby house. He proceeded to ask us if we knew Madame Brad, he was convinced that if he could speak to Madame Brad he would be able to have food for his family for the day. He told us that no one in Haiti has work and since the earthquake things have only gotten worse. He said that his family has no money and if you have no money then you have no food. It broke my heart when he told me "In Haiti, if you have no money your misery eats itself."
Another man stopped us on the street and asked if we could help his family. Kelvin translated for us as we heard of the 5 children that passed and the 7 he had yet to care for. He told us of his wifes pregnancy and explained to us that he was worried for her and the kids. He had no money and his home had been damaged in the quake.
Another young man told us of his house collapsing and that he had nothing but sheets draped on trees for shelter. He told me that he prayed every night that God would keep the rain from falling so that they could continue to sleep outside.
Everyone has a story... everyone carries sadness....everyone needs love.
Its hard knowing that when I go home, I will leave the death and destruction behind. I get to go back to my nice comfortable life where I have a roof over my head, money in my account and food on my table. It doesnt seem fair! I am not sure why this happened and but I do know that through the pain and the suffering God has and will continue to emerge triumphant. What a loving God that we have that would use this tragedy to send this entire orphanage to their Forever Families.
We are finally in the talks with the Canadian embassy to get the canadian children sent home. It also sounds as though all the Canadian volunteers will be escorting them. I still dont have too many details about this but I am looking forward to seeing the faces of the expectant families waiting for their children.
I thank God everyday that he has allowed me to be a part of this extraordinary miracle. Even though we encounter sadness, more often than not we encounter hope.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for praying that God would heal these people, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The world is pulling for this beautiful country of Haiti.
Another man stopped us on the street and asked if we could help his family. Kelvin translated for us as we heard of the 5 children that passed and the 7 he had yet to care for. He told us of his wifes pregnancy and explained to us that he was worried for her and the kids. He had no money and his home had been damaged in the quake.
Another young man told us of his house collapsing and that he had nothing but sheets draped on trees for shelter. He told me that he prayed every night that God would keep the rain from falling so that they could continue to sleep outside.
Everyone has a story... everyone carries sadness....everyone needs love.
Its hard knowing that when I go home, I will leave the death and destruction behind. I get to go back to my nice comfortable life where I have a roof over my head, money in my account and food on my table. It doesnt seem fair! I am not sure why this happened and but I do know that through the pain and the suffering God has and will continue to emerge triumphant. What a loving God that we have that would use this tragedy to send this entire orphanage to their Forever Families.
We are finally in the talks with the Canadian embassy to get the canadian children sent home. It also sounds as though all the Canadian volunteers will be escorting them. I still dont have too many details about this but I am looking forward to seeing the faces of the expectant families waiting for their children.
I thank God everyday that he has allowed me to be a part of this extraordinary miracle. Even though we encounter sadness, more often than not we encounter hope.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for praying that God would heal these people, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The world is pulling for this beautiful country of Haiti.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Land of the Free
81 American kids went home. Can you believe that? Its incredible to think that within two days 118 Forever Families got to hold their new son or daughter. What a awesome thing to be a part of.
The aftershocks havent stopped. I felt another one up on the balcony and this one made the whole building start to shudder. My heart instantly started pounding even though it probably only lasted 5 seconds. Good thing I wasnt really awake for the 6.1 cause this 4.9 was good enough for me. Let me tell you that it is a whole different experience when you arent half asleep in bed. There is a website that volunteers have been checking out to see how strong the earthquakes are and it said that since the big 7.0 earthquake the country has felt 52 aftershocks. No wonder people are scared to go back into their homes. Sure enough after the shock the Nannies were trying to push the kids back outside. Their fear is still very present.
I am still amazed at the destruction. Driving through Port Au Prince and down Delmas Street the damage really is overwhelming. Forget the talk about riots and looting...people are suffering. There is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel as this time there were a few more street vendors that were selling food and the paintings were slowly starting to line the fences again. It is a wierd thing to witness, the normal against the backdrop of devastation.
Today things were planned a little bit better in that we didnt head for the airport quite as early. We did what we could in preparation of sending home over 80 kids. Because this was going to be a chartered flight with only GLA kids on it we didnt have to label them quite to the extent that we did with the Dutch. With them we had their names and birthdays written on their clothing, a piece of yellow construction paper taped to their clothes (this helped identify that they were from GLA) and their first and last name written in permanant marker on their arms. We were determined to make sure these kids were properly identified. Thankfully with the US kids we didnt have to go to the same extremes.
A couple of the girls put together bundles of clothes for the kids. Each child had two outfits, a pair of socks and a pair of shoes. The ladies were clever and taped each bundle together and wrote the kids names on each. A couple of others made over 100 sandwiches for the trip and then the nurses made sure that all necessary medicines were packed and ready to go.
Instead of a huge bus like we took for the dutch kids we piled into probably 5 microbuses (the size of a large mini vans) and began our trip down to the airport. You would think that transporting that many children we would have a real challenge on our hands but I can say with pride, our kids were amazing. They all behaved so well. When we arrived, the US base didnt provide us with the same luxuries as the Dutch. We didnt have a tent only an area of grass where we could sit with all the kids. Let me tell you it is quite the sight to see 80 plus Haitian children just hanging out in front of the US Air Force camps (I am very specific at recognizing that these were airman as a girl here made the mistake of calling them army members, we were quickly and sternly corrected). It wasnt long before we drew a crowd and we had just as many airman holding kids as we did volunteers and staff. That was really cool to see. The kids loved being that close to the helicopters that kept taking off and landing not to mention the HUGE US and Canada military cargo planes.
We were there for a couple hours before we loaded back on the bus to head over to the tarmac. At this point it was becoming emotional again. So many volunteers and staff were heading out on this flight that it was hard for the few of us that were left behind. We watched as child after child was hauled up the stairs and onto the flight that would take them home.
The most encouraging thing I had heard since arriving in Haiti came from one of our volunteers, Mary Jo who said, "Everytime I come down here I pray to God that he would let me take one of these beautiful children home with me. Today God is answering that prayer. Not in the way I expected but on a much larger scale, only the way God can".
Its blows me away to think how many people God has used to make this all come together. So many prayers have been answered!
The aftershocks havent stopped. I felt another one up on the balcony and this one made the whole building start to shudder. My heart instantly started pounding even though it probably only lasted 5 seconds. Good thing I wasnt really awake for the 6.1 cause this 4.9 was good enough for me. Let me tell you that it is a whole different experience when you arent half asleep in bed. There is a website that volunteers have been checking out to see how strong the earthquakes are and it said that since the big 7.0 earthquake the country has felt 52 aftershocks. No wonder people are scared to go back into their homes. Sure enough after the shock the Nannies were trying to push the kids back outside. Their fear is still very present.
I am still amazed at the destruction. Driving through Port Au Prince and down Delmas Street the damage really is overwhelming. Forget the talk about riots and looting...people are suffering. There is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel as this time there were a few more street vendors that were selling food and the paintings were slowly starting to line the fences again. It is a wierd thing to witness, the normal against the backdrop of devastation.
Today things were planned a little bit better in that we didnt head for the airport quite as early. We did what we could in preparation of sending home over 80 kids. Because this was going to be a chartered flight with only GLA kids on it we didnt have to label them quite to the extent that we did with the Dutch. With them we had their names and birthdays written on their clothing, a piece of yellow construction paper taped to their clothes (this helped identify that they were from GLA) and their first and last name written in permanant marker on their arms. We were determined to make sure these kids were properly identified. Thankfully with the US kids we didnt have to go to the same extremes.
A couple of the girls put together bundles of clothes for the kids. Each child had two outfits, a pair of socks and a pair of shoes. The ladies were clever and taped each bundle together and wrote the kids names on each. A couple of others made over 100 sandwiches for the trip and then the nurses made sure that all necessary medicines were packed and ready to go.
Instead of a huge bus like we took for the dutch kids we piled into probably 5 microbuses (the size of a large mini vans) and began our trip down to the airport. You would think that transporting that many children we would have a real challenge on our hands but I can say with pride, our kids were amazing. They all behaved so well. When we arrived, the US base didnt provide us with the same luxuries as the Dutch. We didnt have a tent only an area of grass where we could sit with all the kids. Let me tell you it is quite the sight to see 80 plus Haitian children just hanging out in front of the US Air Force camps (I am very specific at recognizing that these were airman as a girl here made the mistake of calling them army members, we were quickly and sternly corrected). It wasnt long before we drew a crowd and we had just as many airman holding kids as we did volunteers and staff. That was really cool to see. The kids loved being that close to the helicopters that kept taking off and landing not to mention the HUGE US and Canada military cargo planes.
We were there for a couple hours before we loaded back on the bus to head over to the tarmac. At this point it was becoming emotional again. So many volunteers and staff were heading out on this flight that it was hard for the few of us that were left behind. We watched as child after child was hauled up the stairs and onto the flight that would take them home.
The most encouraging thing I had heard since arriving in Haiti came from one of our volunteers, Mary Jo who said, "Everytime I come down here I pray to God that he would let me take one of these beautiful children home with me. Today God is answering that prayer. Not in the way I expected but on a much larger scale, only the way God can".
Its blows me away to think how many people God has used to make this all come together. So many prayers have been answered!
Friday, January 22, 2010
37 Dutch Down
There is no time for sleep, especially when you wake up to a 6.1 earthquake. Not aftershock but earthquake. The epicenter on this was one was quite bit farther away but that still didnt stop it from violently shaking my bed. I could lie and say that it was terrifying and that I was scared for my life but the truth is that I was so tired from the last couple of days that I was annoyed that the ground would dare shake and wake me up. I litterally groaned and turned over in my bed, trying to get in those few extra minutes of sleep. The night had been a rough one to begin with, dogs barking, roosters crowing (apparently no one has explained to them that crowing is for when the sun rises)and sadly enough you could here the community mourning. Lots of crying and sadness, and I am pretty sure at one point I heard gun shots. Cant say for sure as it seems very unlikely considering the neighborhood we are living in. And then to wake up to an earthquake... I knew what had happened but didnt have the energy to even care. That was definitely not the case for the Nannies. When we arrived at the Main House at 8am, the Nannies had the kids sitting outside in the driveway on blankets. I dont think you could have paid them a thousand dollars to go back in the house after that. They basically set up camp for the day right there on the cement, laying out blankets and stringing tarps above them for some shade. The boarded the perimeter with a few cribs and amazingly managed to keep the kids together and entertained.
We were told that the Dutch and Luxenburg kids were being evacuated today and that all hands would be needed. It started by seperating these kids from the main group, dressing them, labelling them, and getting them ready for the long journey ahead.
We left for the airport with 37 kids at just after 11am. The Main house is located at the bottom of quite a steep hill so we had to pile into GLA vehicles and drive to the top. It was here where we met with a team of Dutch Search and Rescue members who were waiting to escort us to the airport. It was here that we piled into a shuttle bus and each adult sat with a minimum of two kids on their laps. Seat belts and car seats are foreign concepts in Haiti, so we made due with every inch of space that we had and headed towards the airport.
When I had originally driven up to GLA with our convoy it was dark and we took a more secure route. This meant bypassing the majority of the devastation. It was much different this time. It was early morning so there were people everywhere. Nothing seemed out of place at first until we hit Delmas street. The devastation there is indescribable. Building after building was pancaked, rubble and garbage had rolled into the street. A make shift body bag that exposed the feet and the head of a woman was lying in plain view on the side of the road. A man pushing a wheelbarrow held a body wrapped in potato sacks as he powered down the street. This was not the Haiti I remembered. Thankfully the kids were too young or too occupied to see or notice what was going on.
The Dutch Search and Rescue team was amazing. They were singing, handing out cookies and keeping the kids, and the adults throughly entertained. I overheard them saying quite a few times throughout the day that it was these kids that made the trip worthwhile.
I dont think I have ever sweat so much in my life as I did sitting on that bus. For the last mile until we reached the airport we were at a traffic standstill. We were barely inching along with the sun beating in through the windows. All the windows were open but the air was so stagnant that you couldnt help but sweat. The two girls that were sitting on me had fallen asleep and had quickly sweat through their clothes as well as my own. It was pouring off my face and rolling down my back. There was just no relief.
When we finally made it to the airport we drove straight to the Dutch camp. It was there that we were given our very own tent and were able to allow the kids to play. The Dutch Rescue team was joined with their air force and together we created a lot of attention. They all clapped as we walked off the bus and it wasnt long before each adult had a baby in their arms. It was great to see how much joy these kids were bringing to all the soliders and airmen.
Then the wait started. It was a little before 2 when we got there and our flight wasnt arriving until 7:40 pm. I will be honest in saying that 5 hours does not go by quickly with 37 children in a military tent. We played games, we changed diapers, we fed them, we changed more diapers and we waited.
The send off was very bitter sweet. As exciting as it is knowing that these kids get to go home to their forever families the selfish part of me was sad to see them go. Even in that short amount of time you can create a solid bond and the thought of never seeing them again is admittedly upsetting. This was the first time I had been emotional the whole trip. I couldnt seem to hold back the tears for these kids. A mixture of sadness, relief and amazement that I get to see and be a part of Gods work being done.
It was wierd the way they took the kids to the plane though. They needed to call each kid out by name, check them off the list and then send them with the Search and Rescue team to board the bus and the eventually board the plane. As GLA Staff and Volunteers we literally had to hand these children off to total strangers. For some of them it was exciting and fun, to others it was scary and then of course there was the group of children that were far too tired to care. It may not have been the best way to get the kids checked and loaded but in the end the goal was accomplished. About 10 hours since leaving the orphanage, the tears were flowing as we waved goodbye to 37 kids.
The same bus that brought us in took us home. You might not think that that is worth mentioning but this same bus that would have easily held over 50 people was now barrelling through the streets of Port Au Prince at 60 miles an hour with less than 10 people on board. We made it from the airport to the GLA drop off point in 32 minutes. This was only possible due to the constant horn honking, red light running and eratic driving that only a Haitian bus driver can do. It was impressive, not necessary, but impressive.
37 kids gone and a 32 minute bus ride....life is good.
We were told that the Dutch and Luxenburg kids were being evacuated today and that all hands would be needed. It started by seperating these kids from the main group, dressing them, labelling them, and getting them ready for the long journey ahead.
We left for the airport with 37 kids at just after 11am. The Main house is located at the bottom of quite a steep hill so we had to pile into GLA vehicles and drive to the top. It was here where we met with a team of Dutch Search and Rescue members who were waiting to escort us to the airport. It was here that we piled into a shuttle bus and each adult sat with a minimum of two kids on their laps. Seat belts and car seats are foreign concepts in Haiti, so we made due with every inch of space that we had and headed towards the airport.
When I had originally driven up to GLA with our convoy it was dark and we took a more secure route. This meant bypassing the majority of the devastation. It was much different this time. It was early morning so there were people everywhere. Nothing seemed out of place at first until we hit Delmas street. The devastation there is indescribable. Building after building was pancaked, rubble and garbage had rolled into the street. A make shift body bag that exposed the feet and the head of a woman was lying in plain view on the side of the road. A man pushing a wheelbarrow held a body wrapped in potato sacks as he powered down the street. This was not the Haiti I remembered. Thankfully the kids were too young or too occupied to see or notice what was going on.
The Dutch Search and Rescue team was amazing. They were singing, handing out cookies and keeping the kids, and the adults throughly entertained. I overheard them saying quite a few times throughout the day that it was these kids that made the trip worthwhile.
I dont think I have ever sweat so much in my life as I did sitting on that bus. For the last mile until we reached the airport we were at a traffic standstill. We were barely inching along with the sun beating in through the windows. All the windows were open but the air was so stagnant that you couldnt help but sweat. The two girls that were sitting on me had fallen asleep and had quickly sweat through their clothes as well as my own. It was pouring off my face and rolling down my back. There was just no relief.
When we finally made it to the airport we drove straight to the Dutch camp. It was there that we were given our very own tent and were able to allow the kids to play. The Dutch Rescue team was joined with their air force and together we created a lot of attention. They all clapped as we walked off the bus and it wasnt long before each adult had a baby in their arms. It was great to see how much joy these kids were bringing to all the soliders and airmen.
Then the wait started. It was a little before 2 when we got there and our flight wasnt arriving until 7:40 pm. I will be honest in saying that 5 hours does not go by quickly with 37 children in a military tent. We played games, we changed diapers, we fed them, we changed more diapers and we waited.
The send off was very bitter sweet. As exciting as it is knowing that these kids get to go home to their forever families the selfish part of me was sad to see them go. Even in that short amount of time you can create a solid bond and the thought of never seeing them again is admittedly upsetting. This was the first time I had been emotional the whole trip. I couldnt seem to hold back the tears for these kids. A mixture of sadness, relief and amazement that I get to see and be a part of Gods work being done.
It was wierd the way they took the kids to the plane though. They needed to call each kid out by name, check them off the list and then send them with the Search and Rescue team to board the bus and the eventually board the plane. As GLA Staff and Volunteers we literally had to hand these children off to total strangers. For some of them it was exciting and fun, to others it was scary and then of course there was the group of children that were far too tired to care. It may not have been the best way to get the kids checked and loaded but in the end the goal was accomplished. About 10 hours since leaving the orphanage, the tears were flowing as we waved goodbye to 37 kids.
The same bus that brought us in took us home. You might not think that that is worth mentioning but this same bus that would have easily held over 50 people was now barrelling through the streets of Port Au Prince at 60 miles an hour with less than 10 people on board. We made it from the airport to the GLA drop off point in 32 minutes. This was only possible due to the constant horn honking, red light running and eratic driving that only a Haitian bus driver can do. It was impressive, not necessary, but impressive.
37 kids gone and a 32 minute bus ride....life is good.
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