Everyone said that coming to Haiti would change my life, and it has. But yesterday was definitely a tipping point for me. Until yesterday I have just seen the kids as kids. Children who are HIV positive, and yes they're orphans, But they seemed...Just kids to me. I loved them, but I don't think I was taking in the full extent of this virus.
Meeting my first AIDS patient hit me. It was all finally so real for me in a way that it hadn't been before. A fifteen year old girl suffering from a syndrome that no one should ever have to face. And how lucky am I? Healthy and privileged, and with the ability to make the choice to be here. I'm here, and I want to help, and I can. But first I need to understand.
I know that I will never understand what it like to grow up in an orphanage, to spend three months in a hospital being treated for AIDS when I am only fifteen.
I wonder if when she came home from the orphanage, did she feel like she was coming home? Or did she want to be somewhere else?
So many questions that she won't be able to answer because she's too tired to talk.
And yet she found the strength to share her beautiful smile with me.
And though I know she is hurting, and I know that I can' understand, and that we are so different, just sitting with her in the shade in the courtyard felt peaceful.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
HIV vs AIDS. And Michele.
I met Michele today. I'll tell you about that later.
But first...
HIV vs AIDS. You should know the difference.
HIV is a virus, and AIDS is a condition. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
HIV compromises your immune system and makes it very difficult to fight off disease.
AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection.
It is not guaranteed that is you have HIV you will contract AIDS. Once a person has AIDS, if they do not take their medication they will likely live only about three years. If they do take medication it is possible to have a nearly normal lifespan.
There you go, I hope that helps.
So this morning I was sitting in the courtyard at CHOAIDS when I saw someone walking out of the house. I'd never seen her before, and I knew this immediately because she is one of the thinnest people I have ever met. This is Michele. She has AIDS. She is fifteen.
Nancy, a woman who works at CHOIADS, was helping her walk down the steps into the courtyard. She was having a hard time balancing and kept bracing herself on the wall. Nancy sat her down in a chair near me (we have four chairs now) and I didn't know whether to stare, or avert my eyes. Both seemed equally conspicuous. So I smiled at her and said "Bon Jour." She murmured something in reply.
So we sat there, sneaking glances at each other for about ten minutes. Then she started to try to stand up. I paused, and then rushed over to her and asked if I could help. Of course she didn't know what I said, but she reached out and grasped my hand. I helped her to another chair that was more in the shade. Careful step after careful step, inching our way along. She sat down, and I pulled a chair over to her, and we just sat together.
I had all of these thoughts running through my mind. Like how she is at least six inches shorter than me, and how prominent her cheekbones are, and how incredibly vane it is that my society focuses so heavily on being thin.
We would smile at each other. I told her my name and she nodded.
I later found out that she had been at the orphanage for several years, but had spent the last three months in the hospital. I don't know why she has been released.
She was too tired to speak, but she would gesture at me if she needed something, like water.
At one point she needed to use the bathroom. It's a ways away from where we were sitting. I Wrapped my arm around her ribs, and wrapped my other hand around hers. We walked there together. It took a long time. She would stumble and looked panicked. And I just kept repeating "I won't let you fall." As if she could understand, but a part of me thinks she could.
This is how I spent my morning. After awhile Michele went to bed.
I bought the kids a soccer ball today. They were ecstatic.
But first...
HIV vs AIDS. You should know the difference.
HIV is a virus, and AIDS is a condition. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
HIV compromises your immune system and makes it very difficult to fight off disease.
AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection.
It is not guaranteed that is you have HIV you will contract AIDS. Once a person has AIDS, if they do not take their medication they will likely live only about three years. If they do take medication it is possible to have a nearly normal lifespan.
There you go, I hope that helps.
So this morning I was sitting in the courtyard at CHOAIDS when I saw someone walking out of the house. I'd never seen her before, and I knew this immediately because she is one of the thinnest people I have ever met. This is Michele. She has AIDS. She is fifteen.
Nancy, a woman who works at CHOIADS, was helping her walk down the steps into the courtyard. She was having a hard time balancing and kept bracing herself on the wall. Nancy sat her down in a chair near me (we have four chairs now) and I didn't know whether to stare, or avert my eyes. Both seemed equally conspicuous. So I smiled at her and said "Bon Jour." She murmured something in reply.
So we sat there, sneaking glances at each other for about ten minutes. Then she started to try to stand up. I paused, and then rushed over to her and asked if I could help. Of course she didn't know what I said, but she reached out and grasped my hand. I helped her to another chair that was more in the shade. Careful step after careful step, inching our way along. She sat down, and I pulled a chair over to her, and we just sat together.
I had all of these thoughts running through my mind. Like how she is at least six inches shorter than me, and how prominent her cheekbones are, and how incredibly vane it is that my society focuses so heavily on being thin.
We would smile at each other. I told her my name and she nodded.
I later found out that she had been at the orphanage for several years, but had spent the last three months in the hospital. I don't know why she has been released.
She was too tired to speak, but she would gesture at me if she needed something, like water.
At one point she needed to use the bathroom. It's a ways away from where we were sitting. I Wrapped my arm around her ribs, and wrapped my other hand around hers. We walked there together. It took a long time. She would stumble and looked panicked. And I just kept repeating "I won't let you fall." As if she could understand, but a part of me thinks she could.
This is how I spent my morning. After awhile Michele went to bed.
I bought the kids a soccer ball today. They were ecstatic.
How to negotiate traffic in Port au Prince
I'm sorry I didn't blog the last few days. Internet connection has been really spotty. Actually that's a poor excuse. I was preoccupied walking to the store for cookies, and then eating them all.
There, I said it.
So yeah, Michael and I went to the store yesterday. It's about a 45 minute walk. There was a lot of traffic, and I'm getting very used to just wondering through the middle of the traffic jams. Lightly placing my hand on the hoods of the cars that try to run me over. Like I could actually somehow fend them off.
I had spaghetti for breakfast the other morning. One of my favs. You have the choice of mayo or ketchup as your sauce. I go for ketchup.
I challenge everyone to try eating one of the foods I've listed for breakfast. Spaghetti or breakfast soup (which I think is just lumpy cream of wheat). Your choice.
Things have been really calm. They don't announce the new president until the third I think. So riots shouldn't start unless people get so frustrated that it's taking way longer than it's supposed to.
On Saturday I'm going to Cite Soleil, the biggest slum in Port au Prince. It means "City of the Sun" which is kind of weird. We're going with a guide, which makes it relatively safe. If you don't go with someone who knows the layout...well then you're just a complete moron. I'll try to get pictures.
I'm going to the orphanage soon. I haven't been in several days because we were worried about the elections---I've got to move, the mosquitos are eating me alive.
That's better. I swear, after this lemon/eucalyptus oil concoction runs out, I'm buying Deet.
I find joy in spraying the mosquitos with my bug spray and watching them die. I know, I'm a terrible person.
I had to lie down again yesterday. The weird heat fatigue thing comes and goes in waves. I'm really grateful to be feeling better now.
Anyway, I think I'll prepare to leave for CHOAIDS. I'll try to write again when I'm home with stories about the kids.
There, I said it.
So yeah, Michael and I went to the store yesterday. It's about a 45 minute walk. There was a lot of traffic, and I'm getting very used to just wondering through the middle of the traffic jams. Lightly placing my hand on the hoods of the cars that try to run me over. Like I could actually somehow fend them off.
I had spaghetti for breakfast the other morning. One of my favs. You have the choice of mayo or ketchup as your sauce. I go for ketchup.
I challenge everyone to try eating one of the foods I've listed for breakfast. Spaghetti or breakfast soup (which I think is just lumpy cream of wheat). Your choice.
Things have been really calm. They don't announce the new president until the third I think. So riots shouldn't start unless people get so frustrated that it's taking way longer than it's supposed to.
On Saturday I'm going to Cite Soleil, the biggest slum in Port au Prince. It means "City of the Sun" which is kind of weird. We're going with a guide, which makes it relatively safe. If you don't go with someone who knows the layout...well then you're just a complete moron. I'll try to get pictures.
I'm going to the orphanage soon. I haven't been in several days because we were worried about the elections---I've got to move, the mosquitos are eating me alive.
That's better. I swear, after this lemon/eucalyptus oil concoction runs out, I'm buying Deet.
I find joy in spraying the mosquitos with my bug spray and watching them die. I know, I'm a terrible person.
I had to lie down again yesterday. The weird heat fatigue thing comes and goes in waves. I'm really grateful to be feeling better now.
Anyway, I think I'll prepare to leave for CHOAIDS. I'll try to write again when I'm home with stories about the kids.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Mosquitos
I hate mosquitos
I hate mosquitos
I hate mosquitos
I hate mosquitos
It's my new meditation mantra.
I washed clothes today. I actually don't mind it. The trick is to wait until you literally have nothing left to wear and then spend two hours sloshing your clothing around in a bucket of water that gets progressively more dirty. And then you get new water and start over. Yeeeeeeee what fun!!!
Michael and I went to the store and to lunch yesterday. The streets were surprisingly calm, but the election is today so let's see how that goes.
Last night I needed some duct tape to fix my fan so I asked Michael. He came back with a thin piece of sheet metal that was incredibly sticky on one side. I asked what on earth it was and he said "It's industrial grade airline tape." Or something like that. Of course he would have that.
I sliced my finger open at the orphanage the other day. I ran into the office and bandaged it up, but the thing was I had sliced it open on my hair clip. I have no idea how. I was trying to readjust the clip and then my finger was bleeding. So Katly (one of the women who works there) sat me down in the chair, took away my clip, and cornrowed my hair. It was quite beautiful. Felt great not having all that hair. The result of injuring yourself.
Anyway, I'll go check my laundry, see if it's drying.
Glad to be alive.
--S
I hate mosquitos
I hate mosquitos
I hate mosquitos
It's my new meditation mantra.
I washed clothes today. I actually don't mind it. The trick is to wait until you literally have nothing left to wear and then spend two hours sloshing your clothing around in a bucket of water that gets progressively more dirty. And then you get new water and start over. Yeeeeeeee what fun!!!
Michael and I went to the store and to lunch yesterday. The streets were surprisingly calm, but the election is today so let's see how that goes.
Last night I needed some duct tape to fix my fan so I asked Michael. He came back with a thin piece of sheet metal that was incredibly sticky on one side. I asked what on earth it was and he said "It's industrial grade airline tape." Or something like that. Of course he would have that.
I sliced my finger open at the orphanage the other day. I ran into the office and bandaged it up, but the thing was I had sliced it open on my hair clip. I have no idea how. I was trying to readjust the clip and then my finger was bleeding. So Katly (one of the women who works there) sat me down in the chair, took away my clip, and cornrowed my hair. It was quite beautiful. Felt great not having all that hair. The result of injuring yourself.
Anyway, I'll go check my laundry, see if it's drying.
Glad to be alive.
--S
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Wake up call
At the moment I am eating this thing that I don't know what it is. It's the breakfast that the hostel is providing me with. The only way I can explain it is sweet breakfast soup. It's not that bad.
So yesterday I had a pretty scary experience. I went out with some friends to hang out with them where they live. Their house is about 30 minutes from mine, and in a much nicer part of town, so I was excited. We had a great time. They have a beautiful view and we were caught in an amazing lightning storm. Gorgeous.
I just found a chunk in my breakfast soup.
At midnight they decided to go to another party. I didn't really feel like it, so I decided to go home. They said the roads were surely dry enough to put me on a moto.
I've now just been bit my a mosquito on the bottom of my foot. How?
And there is a hair in my soup.
I guess I'll wait till lunch to eat. Gracious.
Sorry, I'm not meaning to complain, just tired.
So my friend Patrick interrogates several moto drivers to make sure we get a trustworthy one. Eric gives me his jacket, they pay the moto ahead of time, and I'm on my way. We're driving along when I realize that we haven't taken the usual turn to my hostel. It's a thirty minute ride, and I wondered if he had some sort of shortcut. Then we headed out of town. Like lights were disappearing and all I could see was the beginning of the countryside. This is when I realized that I was surely being abducted.
I had a small keychain knife in my pocket, and some money, but no phone. I had expected to be with Pat until I went home.
The moto driver only spoke creole.
I began yelling "Jedco! Jedoc!" Which is a place everyone knows that is right across the street from my hostel. We kept on, getting farther and farther away. I yelled again and he yelled in creole.
I was surely going to die.
Just them he pulled over and found a man standing on the road with another moto.
This was it, I was being sold for ransom.
They blabbered away. The man had a women with him too. I wondered if we could escape together using my knife and amazing self defense skills.
Then they got on a separate moto and we began following them.
Yep, I'm a goner.
Then we turned around. "Jedco? Okay?"
"Okay. Jedco."
Turns out he had gotten lost. We followed the other couple all the way back into town, all the way past everything that had been our wrong turn, and then I was walking through the gates of the hostel. I could barely breathe. Just so happens that I was supposed to be the only person in the compound tonight besides the guard. There were no guests and everyone else had gone out for the weekend to avoid the chaos of the city.
Did I mention that on the way to our friend's house Pat and I got caught in such horrible traffic that we had to get off the moto and actually run through the traffic jam trying not to be hit.
So I headed for my room to the hostel, and there in the hall was Michael. He had been gone on a trip for a few days and had just returned that night. We were relieved to see each other, thinking that we had each been the only ones at the hostel.
It was such a comfort.
Let me tell you about him: He is somewhere between being a father figure and a fantastic friend. He has a wonderful British accent and great taste in food. I'd really been missing him.
We stayed up, standing in the hall, past midnight talking about our experiences that day. He had lost most of his important possessions and his vehicle was stopped in traffic where he was threatened to have his head smashed in with a rock.
The rioting has begun.
We decided to stay here for the next week.
I am still on a rush of adrenaline.
I'm sure he is too.
We're going to lunch today at a rich hotel right around the corner. Safest place to venture. If the streets aren't flooded with thousands of people (literally). In which case we will be stuck there for awhile, but it's still one of the safest places in this area.
I'm excited about that. I'll feel safe.
Got a good night sleep, might take a calming nap in a bit.
Alright, enough of this.
Goodbye.
So yesterday I had a pretty scary experience. I went out with some friends to hang out with them where they live. Their house is about 30 minutes from mine, and in a much nicer part of town, so I was excited. We had a great time. They have a beautiful view and we were caught in an amazing lightning storm. Gorgeous.
I just found a chunk in my breakfast soup.
At midnight they decided to go to another party. I didn't really feel like it, so I decided to go home. They said the roads were surely dry enough to put me on a moto.
I've now just been bit my a mosquito on the bottom of my foot. How?
And there is a hair in my soup.
I guess I'll wait till lunch to eat. Gracious.
Sorry, I'm not meaning to complain, just tired.
So my friend Patrick interrogates several moto drivers to make sure we get a trustworthy one. Eric gives me his jacket, they pay the moto ahead of time, and I'm on my way. We're driving along when I realize that we haven't taken the usual turn to my hostel. It's a thirty minute ride, and I wondered if he had some sort of shortcut. Then we headed out of town. Like lights were disappearing and all I could see was the beginning of the countryside. This is when I realized that I was surely being abducted.
I had a small keychain knife in my pocket, and some money, but no phone. I had expected to be with Pat until I went home.
The moto driver only spoke creole.
I began yelling "Jedco! Jedoc!" Which is a place everyone knows that is right across the street from my hostel. We kept on, getting farther and farther away. I yelled again and he yelled in creole.
I was surely going to die.
Just them he pulled over and found a man standing on the road with another moto.
This was it, I was being sold for ransom.
They blabbered away. The man had a women with him too. I wondered if we could escape together using my knife and amazing self defense skills.
Then they got on a separate moto and we began following them.
Yep, I'm a goner.
Then we turned around. "Jedco? Okay?"
"Okay. Jedco."
Turns out he had gotten lost. We followed the other couple all the way back into town, all the way past everything that had been our wrong turn, and then I was walking through the gates of the hostel. I could barely breathe. Just so happens that I was supposed to be the only person in the compound tonight besides the guard. There were no guests and everyone else had gone out for the weekend to avoid the chaos of the city.
Did I mention that on the way to our friend's house Pat and I got caught in such horrible traffic that we had to get off the moto and actually run through the traffic jam trying not to be hit.
So I headed for my room to the hostel, and there in the hall was Michael. He had been gone on a trip for a few days and had just returned that night. We were relieved to see each other, thinking that we had each been the only ones at the hostel.
It was such a comfort.
Let me tell you about him: He is somewhere between being a father figure and a fantastic friend. He has a wonderful British accent and great taste in food. I'd really been missing him.
We stayed up, standing in the hall, past midnight talking about our experiences that day. He had lost most of his important possessions and his vehicle was stopped in traffic where he was threatened to have his head smashed in with a rock.
The rioting has begun.
We decided to stay here for the next week.
I am still on a rush of adrenaline.
I'm sure he is too.
We're going to lunch today at a rich hotel right around the corner. Safest place to venture. If the streets aren't flooded with thousands of people (literally). In which case we will be stuck there for awhile, but it's still one of the safest places in this area.
I'm excited about that. I'll feel safe.
Got a good night sleep, might take a calming nap in a bit.
Alright, enough of this.
Goodbye.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Not clubbing
Today the kids and I had another drawing session, only this time I brought crayons. Samuel gave me an entire bag of them and the kids were so excited. I was excited too. I spilled them all over the floor. We drew for at least an hour. Then we took some videos which I will FaceBook for you.
I wore a dress on a motorcycle today. Yes I know, I'm very skilled/hardcore.
Today is Samuel's birthday so we might go clubbing. And when I say clubbing I don't mean getting half naked and wasted. I mean having a beer and listening to live music with your friends.
Speaking of clubbing, Jason and I went to a club last night. We could only find one moto driver, so we both hopped on. Jason is very tall and we didn't really fit. Of course I was smooshed in the middle thinking about how if we fell off would I be able to protect my head. Brains are the consistency of butter you know.
I have a lot of pictures, but not a lot to say. It was a rather mundane day.
Also, the peanut butter here isn't sweet like in the states. It has cayenne mixed in. Yum. For real.
I wore a dress on a motorcycle today. Yes I know, I'm very skilled/hardcore.
Today is Samuel's birthday so we might go clubbing. And when I say clubbing I don't mean getting half naked and wasted. I mean having a beer and listening to live music with your friends.
Speaking of clubbing, Jason and I went to a club last night. We could only find one moto driver, so we both hopped on. Jason is very tall and we didn't really fit. Of course I was smooshed in the middle thinking about how if we fell off would I be able to protect my head. Brains are the consistency of butter you know.
I have a lot of pictures, but not a lot to say. It was a rather mundane day.
Also, the peanut butter here isn't sweet like in the states. It has cayenne mixed in. Yum. For real.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Bedtime stories. For me.
Before I go to bed I tell myself a story. Helps me fall asleep. While in Haiti my stories have been two. My room here is small, its walls are cracked and the door does not close properly.
So the first story is that I am a prisoner of war. But they know that I would hold up under torture so well that they can't risk it. My information is too valuable, and if I should die they would surely lose their advantage over the other side. I am dearly wanted back by my comrades, so I am being kept for ransom, living off of nothing but rats I catch through a hole I dug with my own hairpin. I eventually die of rabies. Both fighting sides are beside themselves with grief.
(Okay just so you know, there are absolutely no rats in my room here. Let's get that straight.)
My room here is also complete with a very nice mosquito net, and a fantastic fan. Not to mention a beautiful, decorative rug. So my other story is that I am a princess. The fan is my servant boy waving a palm leaf. And upon waking I am fed chilled orange slices. I marry a rich sultan and live a long, beautiful life. Even after I die, they say that I am the most beautiful queen our kingdom ever had.
I'm now considering melding the two stories together.
A princess, captured by her father's enemy, but far too beautiful to kill. So I am kept in a perfect room at the top of a tower, with a view of the entire city. My father's enemy, a great king, has fallen madly in love with me and has asked for my hand in marriage. I refuse, and spend the rest of eternity gazing over the city that could have been mine.
Something to that effect.
I'll head over to CHOAIDS in about an hour and visit with the kidlets.
It's been slightly cooler at nights lately. Last night the power went out and my fan stopped. I didn't even notice.
I've been feeling much better. The cool(ish) air is doing me good.
We've all been keeping track of the on goings in the slum. Trying to assess when it will be unsafe to leave the compound aka hostel. We're guarded here 24/7 and have a seven foot wall topped with razor wire. The gate is a giant metal thing with a tiny peep hole so you can spy on people outside before you left them in.
Okay I just itched a bug bite until my skin was raw. That was really dumb. Better put on some long pants.
I'll write again this afternoon.
--S
So the first story is that I am a prisoner of war. But they know that I would hold up under torture so well that they can't risk it. My information is too valuable, and if I should die they would surely lose their advantage over the other side. I am dearly wanted back by my comrades, so I am being kept for ransom, living off of nothing but rats I catch through a hole I dug with my own hairpin. I eventually die of rabies. Both fighting sides are beside themselves with grief.
(Okay just so you know, there are absolutely no rats in my room here. Let's get that straight.)
My room here is also complete with a very nice mosquito net, and a fantastic fan. Not to mention a beautiful, decorative rug. So my other story is that I am a princess. The fan is my servant boy waving a palm leaf. And upon waking I am fed chilled orange slices. I marry a rich sultan and live a long, beautiful life. Even after I die, they say that I am the most beautiful queen our kingdom ever had.
I'm now considering melding the two stories together.
A princess, captured by her father's enemy, but far too beautiful to kill. So I am kept in a perfect room at the top of a tower, with a view of the entire city. My father's enemy, a great king, has fallen madly in love with me and has asked for my hand in marriage. I refuse, and spend the rest of eternity gazing over the city that could have been mine.
Something to that effect.
I'll head over to CHOAIDS in about an hour and visit with the kidlets.
It's been slightly cooler at nights lately. Last night the power went out and my fan stopped. I didn't even notice.
I've been feeling much better. The cool(ish) air is doing me good.
We've all been keeping track of the on goings in the slum. Trying to assess when it will be unsafe to leave the compound aka hostel. We're guarded here 24/7 and have a seven foot wall topped with razor wire. The gate is a giant metal thing with a tiny peep hole so you can spy on people outside before you left them in.
Okay I just itched a bug bite until my skin was raw. That was really dumb. Better put on some long pants.
I'll write again this afternoon.
--S
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
I fell out of a chair.
I fell out of the chair in the courtyard today. I was talking to the baby and had sort of turned sideways when suddenly I just went over backwards. I tried to stop it, flailing about and all, but there was nothing to be done. Luckily a cinderblock caught my fall. And also luckily no one but Richardson saw it.
Richardson was coughing all day which worries me. If you didn't already know, HIV really compromises your immune system. I will wait and see if I should take him for a check up at the doctor.
The kids were happy to see me, and I was happy to see them as usual.
I had something stolen out of my room here at the hostel on Sunday. It really bothers me because it means that someone was actually in my room. So now I lock it even if I am simply walking around the corner.
Michael and I went to the hotel for the better wifi yesterday and on the way back, upon entering the hostel a HUGE spider came out of nowhere. It was about the size of my hand. I leapt into the air with a shriek of surprise and then quickly told Michael not to hurt it, but to no avail. The next ten seconds were interesting. The spider running in circles around the room, me running in circles around the room screaming hysterically with my hands waving above my head, and Michael attempting to stomp it. He did stomp it, and I yelled at him. He then explained to me that spiders were not allowed in the hostel because if a guest is bit we don't have a good way of getting them to the hospital. I decided not to point out that tarantula venom has never killed anyone, ever. It's true. I own four tarantulas, I'd know.
That's about all I've got. We're expecting some chaos to start soon, but thus far have seen no burning tires in the roads, which is a sure sign that it's starting.
Got a flat on the moto today and I thought we were going down for sure, but Daniel saved it. We had to walk the rest of the way to the hostel.
I'll write tomorrow with hopefully more interesting things to say.
Bye!
Richardson was coughing all day which worries me. If you didn't already know, HIV really compromises your immune system. I will wait and see if I should take him for a check up at the doctor.
The kids were happy to see me, and I was happy to see them as usual.
I had something stolen out of my room here at the hostel on Sunday. It really bothers me because it means that someone was actually in my room. So now I lock it even if I am simply walking around the corner.
Michael and I went to the hotel for the better wifi yesterday and on the way back, upon entering the hostel a HUGE spider came out of nowhere. It was about the size of my hand. I leapt into the air with a shriek of surprise and then quickly told Michael not to hurt it, but to no avail. The next ten seconds were interesting. The spider running in circles around the room, me running in circles around the room screaming hysterically with my hands waving above my head, and Michael attempting to stomp it. He did stomp it, and I yelled at him. He then explained to me that spiders were not allowed in the hostel because if a guest is bit we don't have a good way of getting them to the hospital. I decided not to point out that tarantula venom has never killed anyone, ever. It's true. I own four tarantulas, I'd know.
That's about all I've got. We're expecting some chaos to start soon, but thus far have seen no burning tires in the roads, which is a sure sign that it's starting.
Got a flat on the moto today and I thought we were going down for sure, but Daniel saved it. We had to walk the rest of the way to the hostel.
I'll write tomorrow with hopefully more interesting things to say.
Bye!
Monday, October 19, 2015
Thunder storms and elections
So it is almost guaranteed that if I stay in a tropical climate for more than a week I will get some sort of heat exhaustion. Oh lucky me.
Well, I am sorry to say that it has found me. I had to call FanFan and tell him that I needed to lay down today, and not go to the orphanage. This was after Samuel told me to go back to bed, and Jason gave me this green powder that is some sort of nutrient rich leaf (?) to add to my water. I slept from 11 to 2:30 and am actually feeling a lot better, which is amazing. I think part of it is me just deciding that I refuse to be sick.
It's sort of like just being really fatigued and dizzy for a day or two.
Side note: while I was napping I had a dream that I was yelling at my mom because she wouldn't let me eat my saltine crackers. I don't even like saltine crackers that much.
We've been experiencing thunder storms here. In fact, one is happening right now.
I accidently showered in one last week because I asked Samuel if he thought it would rain while I was showering. He replied "Nahhhh". Hah.
Currently I am the only guest at the hostel. Also, the only girl (aside from the director who is not here very often.) It's quite fine though because I get along well with everyone. We go to lunch, or watch youtube in our free time. They're good guys.
The other night Michael, Samuel, and I went up on the roof and lit off leftover fireworks from the party.
(I just had to run outside and get my clothes off the line. I spent way too long hand washing them to have them get blown to the ground in this storm.)
The presidential elections are next week and there are over 60 people running. It gets very violent during that time, and is often unsafe to leave your home, so I may be stuck here for a few days next week. There is already violence in the slum, I heard several people have died. The thing is the politicians pay people to cause chaos. I don't really understand why. There are guns being distributed in the slum even now.
I decided to not post on the weekends because there is not a lot going on, and if anything notable happens I will mention it in Monday's blog.
Anyway, I hope everyone is having a good October, and that it is beautiful there.
--S
Well, I am sorry to say that it has found me. I had to call FanFan and tell him that I needed to lay down today, and not go to the orphanage. This was after Samuel told me to go back to bed, and Jason gave me this green powder that is some sort of nutrient rich leaf (?) to add to my water. I slept from 11 to 2:30 and am actually feeling a lot better, which is amazing. I think part of it is me just deciding that I refuse to be sick.
It's sort of like just being really fatigued and dizzy for a day or two.
Side note: while I was napping I had a dream that I was yelling at my mom because she wouldn't let me eat my saltine crackers. I don't even like saltine crackers that much.
We've been experiencing thunder storms here. In fact, one is happening right now.
I accidently showered in one last week because I asked Samuel if he thought it would rain while I was showering. He replied "Nahhhh". Hah.
Currently I am the only guest at the hostel. Also, the only girl (aside from the director who is not here very often.) It's quite fine though because I get along well with everyone. We go to lunch, or watch youtube in our free time. They're good guys.
The other night Michael, Samuel, and I went up on the roof and lit off leftover fireworks from the party.
(I just had to run outside and get my clothes off the line. I spent way too long hand washing them to have them get blown to the ground in this storm.)
The presidential elections are next week and there are over 60 people running. It gets very violent during that time, and is often unsafe to leave your home, so I may be stuck here for a few days next week. There is already violence in the slum, I heard several people have died. The thing is the politicians pay people to cause chaos. I don't really understand why. There are guns being distributed in the slum even now.
I decided to not post on the weekends because there is not a lot going on, and if anything notable happens I will mention it in Monday's blog.
Anyway, I hope everyone is having a good October, and that it is beautiful there.
--S
Friday, October 16, 2015
I wore a helmet. Be proud.
Picture this: You're on the back of a motorcycle at night, arms wrapped tightly around the person in front of you. There is some dirt in your face, and your helmet is slipping onto the back of your head. But you feel okay because at least your wearing a helmet this time. Then you remember that you're in sandals, leggings, and a tank top. You yell "My hair is blowing in the wind!!" Because that's something you've always wanted to yell while on the back of a motorcycle. You tilt around turns, and wedge between cars. You're in the middle of the road, a semi on your right, a TapTap on your left. You mentally say goodbye to our elbows.
That was my ride to the club last night.
I'm blogging now, in the morning, because I am not sure I will have time tonight after the orphanage. We are having a fundraising party. I'll try to squeeze in a quick post though. At least some pictures.
We went to a really popular club with some live music. I made sure to go with someone who wasn't staying out until four, and who wasn't going to get drunk. See? I'm responsible. And really, I'm 21 (almost) and I'm in Haiti. What do you expect? I need to live a little.
When else will I have this opportunity?
I miss the kids while I'm gone. People ask me what I'm doing in Haiti, and as I tell them I often tear up thinking about the circumstances the kids are in, and how lucky they are compared to many HIV orphans who don't have CHOAIDS to live in. It is heartbreaking.
I just give them as much love as I can, while I can.
If the only thing I end up doing in Haiti is hugging kids, and being their friend, well then that's enough.
Alright, I'm off. I don't wear a helmet on my daily moto commute, but it's much less on the open roads. We don't go nearly as far, or as fast.
My burn is looking...not good...but not bad either. Healing.
xxoo
That was my ride to the club last night.
I'm blogging now, in the morning, because I am not sure I will have time tonight after the orphanage. We are having a fundraising party. I'll try to squeeze in a quick post though. At least some pictures.
We went to a really popular club with some live music. I made sure to go with someone who wasn't staying out until four, and who wasn't going to get drunk. See? I'm responsible. And really, I'm 21 (almost) and I'm in Haiti. What do you expect? I need to live a little.
When else will I have this opportunity?
I miss the kids while I'm gone. People ask me what I'm doing in Haiti, and as I tell them I often tear up thinking about the circumstances the kids are in, and how lucky they are compared to many HIV orphans who don't have CHOAIDS to live in. It is heartbreaking.
I just give them as much love as I can, while I can.
If the only thing I end up doing in Haiti is hugging kids, and being their friend, well then that's enough.
Alright, I'm off. I don't wear a helmet on my daily moto commute, but it's much less on the open roads. We don't go nearly as far, or as fast.
My burn is looking...not good...but not bad either. Healing.
xxoo
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Doctors are good drivers. I swear.
Today was laundry day at the orphanage. I insisted on helping, so they showed me how to wash laundry by hand. Turns out I'm very bad at it. Ten minutes in and I had managed to scrub my knuckles raw. Like to the point of bleeding. So I was pulled off the laundry crew and made to sit on The Chair covered in Hello Kitty Band-Aids. So for two hours or so I was utterly useless. The baby was asleep and everyone else was either washing or cooking.
It was nice though. Such simplicity. I appreciated the breeze and watching the family of rats that lives at the back of the courtyard. I was also given bread and coffee.
They let me hang all of the laundry though. Then Richardson started crying and I zipped upstairs to get him. He was too hot so I blew on his face and rubbed his tummy until he calmed down. Then the kids got home and it was the usual frenzy of hello's and kisses.
Lots of the kids got in trouble today for not doing their chores. When they cry everyone else leaves them alone, and I sneak in hugs and sympathetic noises.
I got to teach a bit today, and we did a lot with essential oils to prevent infection.
I got a ride home from Johanne's friend Andrew, and he showed me around a bit. I trusted him to drive me because he's a doctor. So obviously that means he's a safe driver.
I've made a lot of friends in just four days.
I'm picking up some creole. Feeling a tiny bit confident.
On Friday we are having a burning man party at the hostel. A couple of my friends and I are going to stay up until as late as we can Saturday so that we can count the party as my birthday party. Because in case you didn't know, Saturday is my birthday.
Oh one more thought: I was having a beer last night with my friend Samuel. He's from Haiti and helps run HC (the hostel). He also has an orphanage and we were talking about how the kids at CHOIDS, and the kids at his orphanage have very limited toys. Like...none. I want to start a toy drive, and Samuel has a connection with several churches that come to Haiti on a regular basis. So if I could get toys, I could then get them to those churches, and the churches could bring them here. Unfortunately I'm in Haiti until December, so I can't start the drive until I get back. I was wondering, if anyone had some free time, would you want to help out with this? I thought of just doing some flyers and posting things on Facebook, or EOU, or whatever. If not, no worries. Just a thought.
Anyway, I'll post some pictures on FB. Bye!
It was nice though. Such simplicity. I appreciated the breeze and watching the family of rats that lives at the back of the courtyard. I was also given bread and coffee.
They let me hang all of the laundry though. Then Richardson started crying and I zipped upstairs to get him. He was too hot so I blew on his face and rubbed his tummy until he calmed down. Then the kids got home and it was the usual frenzy of hello's and kisses.
Lots of the kids got in trouble today for not doing their chores. When they cry everyone else leaves them alone, and I sneak in hugs and sympathetic noises.
I got to teach a bit today, and we did a lot with essential oils to prevent infection.
I got a ride home from Johanne's friend Andrew, and he showed me around a bit. I trusted him to drive me because he's a doctor. So obviously that means he's a safe driver.
I've made a lot of friends in just four days.
I'm picking up some creole. Feeling a tiny bit confident.
On Friday we are having a burning man party at the hostel. A couple of my friends and I are going to stay up until as late as we can Saturday so that we can count the party as my birthday party. Because in case you didn't know, Saturday is my birthday.
Oh one more thought: I was having a beer last night with my friend Samuel. He's from Haiti and helps run HC (the hostel). He also has an orphanage and we were talking about how the kids at CHOIDS, and the kids at his orphanage have very limited toys. Like...none. I want to start a toy drive, and Samuel has a connection with several churches that come to Haiti on a regular basis. So if I could get toys, I could then get them to those churches, and the churches could bring them here. Unfortunately I'm in Haiti until December, so I can't start the drive until I get back. I was wondering, if anyone had some free time, would you want to help out with this? I thought of just doing some flyers and posting things on Facebook, or EOU, or whatever. If not, no worries. Just a thought.
Anyway, I'll post some pictures on FB. Bye!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Be grateful for what you have. Please.
I wore mascara today in an attempt to look as beautiful as Johanne. I am sad to say that I have yet to succeed. I'll keep trying. Stay tuned in for the next episode of Sadie's fail at being presentable.
I showed Richardson (The little one) how to use my pen, so he did some lovely drawings all over my journal. Will post pictures. We played a lot today, just the two of us. Peek a boo was riveting and absolutely hilarious he would tell you. If he could talk.
Sometimes he wanders around saying "Mamma" and I wonder who he's asking for. He was abandoned in a hospital and we don't have any paperwork on him so his age is unknown. Did I say that already? I've taken to packing him around with me.
Johanne and I were eating ice cream (what a treat!) and I wanted to give him some, but she explained to me that we really can't share spoons with them (Johanne and I were eating it with a single fork because it was the only utensil we could find.) Even though you cannot contract HIV through saliva it's better to stay on the safe side.
We left Richardson unattended for a few moments and he came back covered in red glitter. Some how he had gotten into the office and found what limited art supplies are there. As a result, I am now covered in glitter as well. Joy.
They are so polite at CHOAIDS. It's become kind of a competition between us. Who can be the most courteous. There is only one chair in the courtyard and the other three of us sit on rocks or bricks. When I walk through the main gait everyone leaps up and ushers me into the chair. I try to do the same so sometimes the chair ends up empty with all of us on rocks.
We chatter away, me and the other three women who work there. Johanne is the only one who speaks creole and English, so the rest of us just talk to each other without really understanding anything. Richardson sits with us, just another one of the girls. Kind of. I've never seen a toddler so patient.
He must have gotten bored though because his head started to droop and I picked him up to take him to his crib. He was asleep before we got to the top of the stairs.
The kids get home and kiss me and say hello, and I spray them with orange oil (good for your immune system). They thank me, and often come back for more.
Peek a boo is a popular game with the rest of the children as well. I've become very popular.
I have tons of friends. Maybe it's because they don't know what I'm saying most of the time.
I'm happy, and content.
And I'm tired of the other people at the hostel complaining nonstop about everything they should be grateful for. I am grateful for food, and a bed, and a pillow, and a fan, and everything else that I am provided. So dear everyone else: please stop complaining. I'm a princess, and even I'M more appreciative than you.
I showed Richardson (The little one) how to use my pen, so he did some lovely drawings all over my journal. Will post pictures. We played a lot today, just the two of us. Peek a boo was riveting and absolutely hilarious he would tell you. If he could talk.
Sometimes he wanders around saying "Mamma" and I wonder who he's asking for. He was abandoned in a hospital and we don't have any paperwork on him so his age is unknown. Did I say that already? I've taken to packing him around with me.
Johanne and I were eating ice cream (what a treat!) and I wanted to give him some, but she explained to me that we really can't share spoons with them (Johanne and I were eating it with a single fork because it was the only utensil we could find.) Even though you cannot contract HIV through saliva it's better to stay on the safe side.
We left Richardson unattended for a few moments and he came back covered in red glitter. Some how he had gotten into the office and found what limited art supplies are there. As a result, I am now covered in glitter as well. Joy.
They are so polite at CHOAIDS. It's become kind of a competition between us. Who can be the most courteous. There is only one chair in the courtyard and the other three of us sit on rocks or bricks. When I walk through the main gait everyone leaps up and ushers me into the chair. I try to do the same so sometimes the chair ends up empty with all of us on rocks.
We chatter away, me and the other three women who work there. Johanne is the only one who speaks creole and English, so the rest of us just talk to each other without really understanding anything. Richardson sits with us, just another one of the girls. Kind of. I've never seen a toddler so patient.
He must have gotten bored though because his head started to droop and I picked him up to take him to his crib. He was asleep before we got to the top of the stairs.
The kids get home and kiss me and say hello, and I spray them with orange oil (good for your immune system). They thank me, and often come back for more.
Peek a boo is a popular game with the rest of the children as well. I've become very popular.
I have tons of friends. Maybe it's because they don't know what I'm saying most of the time.
I'm happy, and content.
And I'm tired of the other people at the hostel complaining nonstop about everything they should be grateful for. I am grateful for food, and a bed, and a pillow, and a fan, and everything else that I am provided. So dear everyone else: please stop complaining. I'm a princess, and even I'M more appreciative than you.
And to everyone reading this, please remember to be appreciative of everything in your life. You are so lucky, and I find that it is often easy to forgot just how lucky you are.
Bye bye now!
Bye bye now!
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Such a princess
So today, Samuel, the manager here (who is from Haiti) decided to help me doctor my burn. He was very excited about this and kept calling himself a doctor, until he had to avert his eyes because the blister was so gross. Then he called himself a bad doctor. But it's looking better. I think.
At CHOAIDS Reshudsun ( the little one, and I will have to work on my spelling) got a bath, which is much different in Haiti than it is for kids in the states. He was placed in a bucket, had water poured over his head, and then was scrubbed all over with a bar of soap. Face an all. He just held his breath as they rinsed him off and took him upstairs for his nap. He woke up crying so I went upstairs and scooped him up. I think his tummy hurt because I started rubbing his tummy and he fell right back to sleep. Then we took a little nap together.
When the other kids got home I worked with Obenz (7 year old) with his reading again, and Valencina (10) with her writing and reading.
Everyone takes great pleasure in attempting to pronounce my name. "See-dee".
Today one of the little boys asked me if I was a princess. I kind of feel like one, the way everyone kisses my cheek, and brings me delicious food. I've had to start insisting that I do chores for them. So today I ground garlic with a mortar and pestle, and learned how to wash clothes by hand.
Johanne is teaching me creole, and I am teaching her English. Mainly we just laugh at each other for how bad we pronounce things.
When I left today we were in the midst of taking the kids' weight.
Some of the other people in the hostel are doing pretty interesting projects. One group is building a bridge to go over a garbage trench in the slum. Another is making a series of short films about Haiti.
I feel really happy despite the fact that I'm covered in bug bites, and constantly sweaty. I mean, what did I expect?
Still phoneless.
Ah well.
I'll think of about a million things I forgot to say once I save this.
At CHOAIDS Reshudsun ( the little one, and I will have to work on my spelling) got a bath, which is much different in Haiti than it is for kids in the states. He was placed in a bucket, had water poured over his head, and then was scrubbed all over with a bar of soap. Face an all. He just held his breath as they rinsed him off and took him upstairs for his nap. He woke up crying so I went upstairs and scooped him up. I think his tummy hurt because I started rubbing his tummy and he fell right back to sleep. Then we took a little nap together.
When the other kids got home I worked with Obenz (7 year old) with his reading again, and Valencina (10) with her writing and reading.
Everyone takes great pleasure in attempting to pronounce my name. "See-dee".
Today one of the little boys asked me if I was a princess. I kind of feel like one, the way everyone kisses my cheek, and brings me delicious food. I've had to start insisting that I do chores for them. So today I ground garlic with a mortar and pestle, and learned how to wash clothes by hand.
Johanne is teaching me creole, and I am teaching her English. Mainly we just laugh at each other for how bad we pronounce things.
When I left today we were in the midst of taking the kids' weight.
Some of the other people in the hostel are doing pretty interesting projects. One group is building a bridge to go over a garbage trench in the slum. Another is making a series of short films about Haiti.
I feel really happy despite the fact that I'm covered in bug bites, and constantly sweaty. I mean, what did I expect?
Still phoneless.
Ah well.
I'll think of about a million things I forgot to say once I save this.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Motos and Taptaps
Today I rode a motorcycle for the first time in my life. Johanne and Danielle, who will be the one to take me to and from CHOAIDS everyday, picked me up. They sandwiched me between them and off we went. We squeezed between cars so closely that I felt sure I would lose my kneecaps, but despite that it was incredibly fun. I think I'm a natural. I will soon be pursuing a newfound dream of being a biker chick.
I did however sustain a fairly disgusting burn from touching my calf to some hot part of the bike.
I tried to get a phone but there was some miscommunication and they attempted to charge me about ten dollars more than it was worth. Long story short: I am still phoneless.
We went to the orphanage then and after being there about an hour the kids showed up, having just gotten out of school. They all took turns kissing my cheek and telling me their names. None of which I can spell.
The littlest one we think is about three. He was abandoned in a hospital about a year ago and they don't have any of his records. He is a little shy, and enjoys waving at me while peaking around the corner of the house.
I helped another little boy, who was seven, with his homework. We read some simple words together (Papa, Lili, Popo etc. etc.) So I felt that I was learning something too. Every time he got something correct I cheered "bravo!"
Johanne and I worked on getting to know each other. She speaks pretty good English, but it still takes us a bit of navigation to communicate effectively. We had café au let (Coffee with milk) and bread, then some papaya juice, and some chicken. All of which was so delicious that by the time they were ready to eat their full meal (around 3:00) I was too full!
I said bye bye to the kids around 4:00 and came back to the hostel for a shower and some dinner. Over dinner I met a man from England named Michael, who has been staying in the hostel for nine months now. He was going to the supermarket and asked if I'd like to tag along to see where it was. It was about a forty minute walk but we took a TapTap one way. A TapTap is a brightly painted truck with a canopy over head, and benches lining the bed. You wave it down and climb aboard, then when you see where you want to get out you taptap on the window to the main cab, and they stop.
When you're walking down the street, children will call out "Blan, Blan!" which literally means "White, white!" as in look, a white person. It's not rude, it's just observant. It is however rude to ignore them. Which is exactly what I'd been doing. Michael explained this to me. So after that I started replying to them with "Good morning!" though it was 6 at night. Oops.
I've seen a lot of the city today and I can't wait to get some better pictures. I will try to upload them to my blog but thus far I've been unsuccessful.
Anyway, I hope all is well! Write again soon.
I did however sustain a fairly disgusting burn from touching my calf to some hot part of the bike.
I tried to get a phone but there was some miscommunication and they attempted to charge me about ten dollars more than it was worth. Long story short: I am still phoneless.
We went to the orphanage then and after being there about an hour the kids showed up, having just gotten out of school. They all took turns kissing my cheek and telling me their names. None of which I can spell.
The littlest one we think is about three. He was abandoned in a hospital about a year ago and they don't have any of his records. He is a little shy, and enjoys waving at me while peaking around the corner of the house.
I helped another little boy, who was seven, with his homework. We read some simple words together (Papa, Lili, Popo etc. etc.) So I felt that I was learning something too. Every time he got something correct I cheered "bravo!"
Johanne and I worked on getting to know each other. She speaks pretty good English, but it still takes us a bit of navigation to communicate effectively. We had café au let (Coffee with milk) and bread, then some papaya juice, and some chicken. All of which was so delicious that by the time they were ready to eat their full meal (around 3:00) I was too full!
I said bye bye to the kids around 4:00 and came back to the hostel for a shower and some dinner. Over dinner I met a man from England named Michael, who has been staying in the hostel for nine months now. He was going to the supermarket and asked if I'd like to tag along to see where it was. It was about a forty minute walk but we took a TapTap one way. A TapTap is a brightly painted truck with a canopy over head, and benches lining the bed. You wave it down and climb aboard, then when you see where you want to get out you taptap on the window to the main cab, and they stop.
When you're walking down the street, children will call out "Blan, Blan!" which literally means "White, white!" as in look, a white person. It's not rude, it's just observant. It is however rude to ignore them. Which is exactly what I'd been doing. Michael explained this to me. So after that I started replying to them with "Good morning!" though it was 6 at night. Oops.
I've seen a lot of the city today and I can't wait to get some better pictures. I will try to upload them to my blog but thus far I've been unsuccessful.
Anyway, I hope all is well! Write again soon.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Making it
Well I got onto the plane, which I had been telling myself was the first step. I met an entire group of people in Portland who were going to Haiti to work in an orphanage as well. Their's is in Jacmel however, which is where I will be during my second month of the journey.
The main question people ask me is "what group/church are you traveling with?"
And they always seem shocked when I reply "I'm not."
Sometimes this makes me feel brave and courageous, but mostly it makes me feel like I must have lost my mind.
I got on the plane in NY, destined for Port au Prince and quickly realized that I was the only person in my row. An entire row of seats all to myself. At first I felt very left out, but within ten minutes I had excepted that I was now blessed with two extra seats to call my own. The plane's doors were closed up, the flight attendants were going over safety rules, and then someone radioed in on the speakers saying "Flight attendants, disarm and open the doors." I thought, surely, that I was about to die.
Soon two young men had been let on the plane, having almost missed their flight. (That's what all the commotion was about?) They smelled heavily of cologne and had their pants sagging down around their knees. In my mind I was on the verge of making some judgy comment about street youths, and ruffians, when guess who's empty row of seats they were directed to?
That's right.
Mine.
My mind changed tactics as quickly as possible. Hello. So good to meet you. So glad you made it on board. I'm such a lovely, kind person who never judges people based on how much they sag their pants.
They were actually quite pleasant. Upon landing they promptly asked for my phone number, which I promptly told them I no longer had a working phone. So they promptly asked for my Facebook, which I not so promptly considered.
When I stepped off the plane there was a band playing music to greet us, and it was a balmy 90 degrees. Ahhhh how I love the sun. For those first few minutes, then I'm sweating profusely and pulling off as many layers as possible.
It took over and hour to get through immigration and customs.
But when I did I managed to find where my checked bags had been tossed into a corner, patiently waiting for me.
The director of CHOAIDS (Marie) had her brother FanFan and his wife Johanne pick me up. Johanne looking flawless in her tight floral skirt, and me stumbling out of the airport looking as though I had just climbed out of a particularly filthy pond. (My appearance does not hold up well while traveling. To say the least.)
They loaded me up in the car, and were as sweet as can be.
After they dropped me at the hostel I was given a tour and then shown to my very own straw bale house. Where I now sit reading and blogging. And waiting until I can help some of the other guests prepare dinner. I'll post some pictures soon.
xxoo
The main question people ask me is "what group/church are you traveling with?"
And they always seem shocked when I reply "I'm not."
Sometimes this makes me feel brave and courageous, but mostly it makes me feel like I must have lost my mind.
I got on the plane in NY, destined for Port au Prince and quickly realized that I was the only person in my row. An entire row of seats all to myself. At first I felt very left out, but within ten minutes I had excepted that I was now blessed with two extra seats to call my own. The plane's doors were closed up, the flight attendants were going over safety rules, and then someone radioed in on the speakers saying "Flight attendants, disarm and open the doors." I thought, surely, that I was about to die.
Soon two young men had been let on the plane, having almost missed their flight. (That's what all the commotion was about?) They smelled heavily of cologne and had their pants sagging down around their knees. In my mind I was on the verge of making some judgy comment about street youths, and ruffians, when guess who's empty row of seats they were directed to?
That's right.
Mine.
My mind changed tactics as quickly as possible. Hello. So good to meet you. So glad you made it on board. I'm such a lovely, kind person who never judges people based on how much they sag their pants.
They were actually quite pleasant. Upon landing they promptly asked for my phone number, which I promptly told them I no longer had a working phone. So they promptly asked for my Facebook, which I not so promptly considered.
When I stepped off the plane there was a band playing music to greet us, and it was a balmy 90 degrees. Ahhhh how I love the sun. For those first few minutes, then I'm sweating profusely and pulling off as many layers as possible.
It took over and hour to get through immigration and customs.
But when I did I managed to find where my checked bags had been tossed into a corner, patiently waiting for me.
The director of CHOAIDS (Marie) had her brother FanFan and his wife Johanne pick me up. Johanne looking flawless in her tight floral skirt, and me stumbling out of the airport looking as though I had just climbed out of a particularly filthy pond. (My appearance does not hold up well while traveling. To say the least.)
They loaded me up in the car, and were as sweet as can be.
After they dropped me at the hostel I was given a tour and then shown to my very own straw bale house. Where I now sit reading and blogging. And waiting until I can help some of the other guests prepare dinner. I'll post some pictures soon.
xxoo
Friday, October 9, 2015
Well I'm packed. At long last. It's been quite the ordeal, only twice did I get so frustrated that I actually burst into angry tears. Okay maybe it was three times. Four? Anyway, it's all done. Now all I have to do is get on the airplane.
Some special things involving our community around this project:
I was interviewed for the news paper last week and an article came out on Monday. I had mentioned that the orphanage needed towels. Each child gets one towel a year, and there are 23 children. I had sort of been hoping for some donations, but was really just planning to use my GoFundMe money to buy the towels myself.
After the article came out however, random people began taking towels to the bakery where I work. Like brand new towels. The same thing happened at my going away party. Guests brought towels in excellent condition, and by Tuesday of this week I had all 23 towels that I needed! So if any of the people who donated towels anonymously are reading this, please know how grateful I am. And for the people I have already thanked, thank you again.
Let me tell you another amazing thing that happened. I have been a nanny for one family in particular for the last three and a half years. Wendy, the mother of the children I nanny is excellent at sewing. She even made me a dress one time. Well she took it upon herself to make a small quilt for each child at CHOAIDS (the orphanage). That's 23 quilts!!
I don't know how she did it, but needless to say, I was blown away.
These last two weeks have really shown me what a supportive community we have here in little La Grande, Oregon. From my surprise going away party (complete with a six layer cake from the bakery).
To towel donations, to quilts. I will never be able to thank you all enough.
So with this fantastic start to my journey I now venture off into the unknown! (Read dramatically for full effect.)
I'm not scared, just excited. I feel like I'm on the edge of a life changing experience. No matter what happens, it will be perfect in it's own way. I'll write again soon. But for now...
Bon vwayaj! (That's creole. Are you impressed?)
Some special things involving our community around this project:
I was interviewed for the news paper last week and an article came out on Monday. I had mentioned that the orphanage needed towels. Each child gets one towel a year, and there are 23 children. I had sort of been hoping for some donations, but was really just planning to use my GoFundMe money to buy the towels myself.
After the article came out however, random people began taking towels to the bakery where I work. Like brand new towels. The same thing happened at my going away party. Guests brought towels in excellent condition, and by Tuesday of this week I had all 23 towels that I needed! So if any of the people who donated towels anonymously are reading this, please know how grateful I am. And for the people I have already thanked, thank you again.
Let me tell you another amazing thing that happened. I have been a nanny for one family in particular for the last three and a half years. Wendy, the mother of the children I nanny is excellent at sewing. She even made me a dress one time. Well she took it upon herself to make a small quilt for each child at CHOAIDS (the orphanage). That's 23 quilts!!
I don't know how she did it, but needless to say, I was blown away.
These last two weeks have really shown me what a supportive community we have here in little La Grande, Oregon. From my surprise going away party (complete with a six layer cake from the bakery).
To towel donations, to quilts. I will never be able to thank you all enough.
So with this fantastic start to my journey I now venture off into the unknown! (Read dramatically for full effect.)
I'm not scared, just excited. I feel like I'm on the edge of a life changing experience. No matter what happens, it will be perfect in it's own way. I'll write again soon. But for now...
Bon vwayaj! (That's creole. Are you impressed?)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)