i will never forget this trip

it was like riding into another world...

the rich red soil and the luscious green canopy was breath taking. the journey had been anything but dull. Allow me to start at the beginning. We woke at 345 and got out things together. Our departure from Port Au Prince was relatively uneventful besides getting our side mirror smacked from a close and quickly passing truck. We continued unharmed  to the gas station where i was happy to find Halls for my sore throat. At this very early hour i was surprised at how many people already had started their day. I am sure i was one of many that woke so early for their long journey to school or work or the endless possibilities.  I dozed and nodded in and out of sleep, but i will tell you the drive was anything but restful. Haitian driving is erratic and really just insane, that and the combination of the bumpy, curvy roads left me feeling nauseous and exhausted. Nothing that my 4 ginger gravel would touch. I pulled out all the stops i knew, and finally the only thing that helped was driving with the window down and stopping the driver a few times to allow 

Evens to pour water over my head.  the site that is stuck in my head is all the children... walking everywhere in their cute uniforms headed to school it seems that they where headed in every direction. I was never sure if they where headed to the same schools or playing hooky. The cutest ones wore the green shorts and then pink checkered shirt, looking like water melons walking down the streets!  The journey to Cayes was just over 4 hours, i was so happy to arrive where i was promised at-least a 1 hour stop. This i new would turn into a longer one, and i was proved to be right. We got directions to a restaurant and i was happy to crawl out of the truck. Oddly enough i ordered Chicken Almond Ding(turns out it has NO almonds) it looked the most unlike anything i usually could order in Haiti and was in much need of the change from the two breakfast options, Eggs, or Spaghetti(which is just the noodles, boiled then fried a bit with some onions and peppers) We had to get something repaired on the car, which i am by no means shocked by.. as the roads and driving style here takes a REAL beating on the vehicles. Finding the proper mechanic was funny because everyone wants your business. This City really is nothing like Port Au Prince, it has a totally different influence. The architecture and vibe was totally different, and there is not a one taptap in this city, only scads of motos. Looking both ways on the street was invented for a place like this. Full bellies and an hour and 45 mins later we headed out of Cayes. I was told that the journey was about to get more interesting... that the roads get much worse for the next 3 hours, this was tough to imagine. But those words proved to be so true as we headed off. Being covered in dust came to a new level, and the hills and hair pin turns became uncountable. The view and sights where also new and ones i will not forget. Trucks FILLED with sacks of what i imagine would have been charcoal then covered with people along for the ride, hanging from the bars and back ladder. shacks and houses in places you would never imagine, with not much else around them that would make you think it was a possible place to live.  the trip over the mountains was both beautiful and very tough on my stomach.  With about 40 mins left i asked to stop to get some fresh air, and evens poured water over my head... they wished not to stop long as we where close. I took a deep breath and got back in the car. Not 5 mins later we heard a BIG crack as we crawled up the mountain road... and then the car would not move anywhere but backwards... problem... after some debate and looking at the engine(which i stayed out of) we decided we should park the car off to the side, ask the dwellers at a near by house to hold on to the valuables ie battery, jack, etc. and we loaded up all our belongings on our backs...

 I knew it was going to be a LONG walk.  Not 10 mins later 3 motos came roaring up the road! i was told that someone had called for them! this seems great! well it was... because the ride proved that it would have been a tough and long hike. The terrain is intense with loose rocks, steep hills and cliffs. I trustingly held on and prayed as we went. I was in AWE as the sights of this beautiful place made be feel like i was riding in to a little part of paradise. The earth was a color i have not witnessed before and the trees and livestock just took me to a new place.  I was tired and happy this journey was over, but i knew it was going to be so worth it! We would stay in the church Perish. I was fine with that, there was another option, a guest house but as it turns out there where a bunch of people staying there already. We headed there soon after arival to have a meeting with some ladies that are doing a project not too far away.  they where all very nice, and i had a little visit with them.  as i walked through this town i was just had a hard time not staring. the view was stunning, and the vibe felt amazing, and i was just overcome with a feeling of being somewhere so new to my senses. 

Saturday i woke and was soon greeted with the most amazing bread, banana, and coffee i have had. Seriously the coffee was so flavorful and smooth! Evens tried a little too(he does not drink coffee) and he said “ it would be nice if we could send some to your mom right now”  I watched and listened as this town woke and the day began,  people headed to market, interactions happened, trading of goods, purchasing of bread and coffee on the street, a teenager cut another teenagers hair,  donkeys passed, it was remarkable to have a place to be and watch! I soon noticed some children out the back window, in-particular a teenage girl. She had crawled up into a HUGE tree and was just relaxing there. i snapped a few photos, but soon she noticed me,  and it became a game. I then realized this could be a good opportunity, when Evens had a moment i asked him to speak with the girl. 

Ask her is she would take me about the town and such! she was happy to!  I went down to meet her and found out her name is Vanessa. We started our adventure together.  Up the path of red soil, between the fences, under the lush trees. So beautiful, she introduced me to some people along the way, and i clearly knew she had a destination in mind. And i was right, she lead me to a yard, where she asked permission to enter, and i was quickly greeted by many children. I am not sure if this was a hang out, or a orphanage, or just a home with MANY kids. she lead me to a rock, and as i stood on it i knew that she brought me here for the beautiful view. This amazing place that the locals call home, but still know the beauty of it. Vanessa walked me though the market, and back up to where we started. I thanked her and was happy to see her crawl back up into her tree.

our boat journey begins

In the afternoon we took a boat over to the island to observe a water system that had been installed. There where some problems with the fresh water supply and Evens needed to assess and i was excited to see another new place! Again it was like a different world. The boat ride there took about 30 mins, and it was an adventure in its self. there where tiny dug out canoes with men doing some ‘late in the day’ fishing, and there where boats when sails made from sewn together scrap material. I felt like i was in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie! VERY quickly upon arrival did we draw a crowd. I am not sure it is often that foreigners come here, and everyone here knows everyone. We had 8 or so young boys following us very quickly. I had a great time interacting with them, and keeping them away from the adult discussions about the water and water system that where going on. The boys where fascinated by my camera and we had a great time! they had many idea for photos they wanted taken, and their giggles where such joy to my ears.

Our adventure was far from over, as it seemed the truck we had driven in was in need of much more repair then was going to happen in one day. We had scheduled to leave sunday early morning, and now had to find another way. Soon i realized what that would be. Motorbike... apparently we would get “the best” in town. i convinced them that leaving at 3 am was crazy, but i should have just gone with it since i was woken at that time anyways. The men where all geared up, and ready to go, and WE had our normal T-shirt and shorts... we also had not packed to be riding on bikes... so holding our back packs, and duffle bag soon proved to be a struggle on the steep hills. I was not looking forward to this...i knew the roads well enough from our drive in to Pestel... this was going to be a test. And it sure was, soon i was bruised and sore. But with minor drama we got to Caye. I am thankful for the protection on these hills and gravel roads. It is exciting that things are happening for life improvement in these remote towns, and i hope to get more involved in the future, or am at least happy to know that i got to witness it for a time.

The bus trip to Port au Prince seemed to been a piece of cake in comparison to the earlier hours of the day. Two tap-taps and trip was over. Safe and thankful for God’s hand of protection.

lawn mower at work... strange and out of place sight. i have NEVER seen one in haiti till this day

a man along my hike with Vanessa.

mountain top boy

the beautiful view

orphanage, hang out, home of many children?

i was fascinated by this man, and i saw him go about his day

transportation

'parking' lot

boys at the market

market at the sea.

waiting for their loads, and watching the boats

such a beautiful sight

water bed! Evens and i laughed SOOO much about this

on the island

this boy and i played a game though the tiny window

the house built for the water system

my island boys!!!

they had all sorts of ideas for photos!

?

followers

inventive!

curious litte ones

check out the sail on that boat!

calm street now that market is done

the best travel buddy ever!

i will never forget this trip, in so many aspects. thanks for traveling with me.

feeling grey

Despite the sunshine and brutal heat today i am feeling gloomy. It has been a tough few days in Haiti for me, and finding my joy again will me welcomed warming. For now i guess it is this season.

For a few mornings it has been hard to get going,  the tasks at hand seem difficult and i am discouraged about projects and the execution of them.   i need to understand that it is not my timing on so many things, that i have to embrace the world i am existing in and that i am not in control.  But i feel disappointed and my soul is weary.

Today as i painted at an orphanage the mother of the couple that runs the place died. She was old and very sick, but that does not make it any less real. And i am left feeling defeated.  As the voodoo ceremony began i was left feeling like there is more i should be doing... 50 children run around the yard and are in need... but they are just 50 of so many.... today i am overwhelmed and aching.

long over due

wow i am behind on the blog front. Some days i think that i really don't have much to report on, but i realize that you readers possible would like to read things that find just simple... hmm i might have to rethink what i consider blog worthy. 

THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN LAST FRIDAY.. AND ONLY NOW GETTING POSTED. IM SORRY. BETTER LATE THEN NEVER.

i owe you all a ton of photos as well! photography has been a HUGE part of what i have been up to.  vie been sent in many directions to take photos of students and clinics, and classes.  I have been enjoying it.  some seem to be coming to an end, and others seem to be just beginning. 

"Princenico" i cant help but smile when i see this face

today the wind has been blowing, and it reminds me of abbotsford in the winter. i almost expect that the rains and cold will come and not leave for days or weeks. But i know better, when just hours ago i was not covered in rain but rather dust and dirt sticking to my sweating skin. 

today i rocked my neon yellow t-shirt, it was like i was wanting to stand out even more. But i figure that by now i get much less attention on the street that i walk everyday to and from 'work' So it was about time i got some attention again. Not sure if it worked, but i laughed inside

not sure what's in the bag, but they couldn't keep their eyes off  it

a little big for him.... but he LOVES it!

 

 I am SO happy to report that we have started the art program, we are running a short version of it, so rather then 3 months it will be maybe 6 weeks at most. We have structured it much more then before and are coming up with a few different approaches. Tuesday, our first class, we told the kids about it and they all cheered and we handed out the smocks/ aprons that where beautifully donated and made by some of you back in my home town.  Like any kids they where eager to see what would come out to the bag next, which colour, and pattern. we got them all sized up and put a name tag on each for future confusion.  we then did some interviews with the older student that we know to find out what they would want to get out of this program. we asked them to come up with a vision of what they might want to create for their final project. 

thursdays class i was in charge as my partner in this was not able to attend. SO i focused on drawing. i researched some basic drawings techniques for kids and went at it. I was happy to have a friend along that translated! but we had a great time! i am excited to put this first page of drawings in to each child’s portfolio!  Each child will not excel at each type of art, but it was really fun to teach them some new techniques and see some of them really loving this experience.  I am excited for tuesday and i know many of the kids are too!

some of the scholarship kids at Val's

i have also been attending adult english classes, where EDV has been passing over their roles to the Haitian teachers. EDV leaves Haiti december 1st. This project in particular has been a major focus, and it will be one that will be FULLY running when they leave. They have been training Haitian teachers who have been working along side the foreign teachers and are now putting into practice what they have learnt.  This school is free for the students and fully supported and sponsored through donors.  The students are eager to learn, and the demand for more classes is HIGH. there are 150 plus students on a waiting list! many students bring their friends in hopes they too can get in the class. EDV had been designing structure and policies for the school as it is much more respected when those things are in place. The students will also be issued ID badges so we can eliminate confusion and chaos for the new Haitian teachers. I have been taking a head shot photo of each students... sounds easy, and yes the actual photography part is, but i have attended all the classes over the last 2.5 weeks and still have not been able to track down all the students. i have also been able to take a photo of 

each student in their more true nature, smiling, posing etc(they are so funny!!) these photo will be emailed to the students (if they have email) as EVERY student here seems to want a photo of them selves. The photos will also be used online on the sites that EDV manage for this program. 

OK... probably too much info? well it is a HUGE part of what i have been up to.

I have learnt very well by now to take a rather effective bucket shower, and also am LOVING my shower bag, as many other in the house love too... SO this means the bag never really gets outside the bathroom to the hot sun(so no warm showers) BUT that is ok, i’m happy they are all enjoying it! i have settled in much more here, existing and living. Feeling more like my room is my room and such.  

I have been eating all sorts of things... boiled plantain, fried plantain, tonight i mashed my plantain and pretended it was mashed potatoes! haha!! I have not learnt to cook many things... but slowly! i have been hanging out with Rose(the cook at edv) and watching over her shoulder. Last weekend i did have the chance to cook for 8 people with very limited ingredients. Turned out pretty well. Spaghetti noodles, and i invented a white sauce, sounds simple... BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA! hahahahah (ok some of you might, but then you understand how crazy it could be to track down some of the regular things that seem simple to make a white sauce) i have one friend that now says to me in his limited english “Angela, good cook” makes me smile!

i have been challenging myself to have less expectations, and remember that, T.I.H. “THIS IS HAITI.” So many things are so different! be flexible, roll with things. I fail often at this. But I’m trying. 

the journey thus far

Here is find my self again!  OK wait, before i get ahead of my self.... i got out of Seattle safely and with only minor glitches. Turns out i was misinformed about the bags and so with help from Jessi and my mom we did some repacking. See you later's turned slightly tearful but i had to get a move on to get to my flight. The sound of airport announcements caught my attention when they called a final call for my flight. Soon my walk turned to a slight trot.  I made it and settled in. Turns out the owner of Lee's jewelry in Abbotsford and his friend where sitting in my row.  The flights and the wait in Miami went well. Soon i found myself just minutes away from touching down in Haiti! i was THRILLED! i tried to be all business in the airport and get through as soon as possible, but like usual that is not possible. I am not accustom to the style here and i have yet to make my connections to get to the fronts of line and such. So i waited, and got a cart and was happy to see all my bags waiting for me already. i then knew i was so close!!! out the doors and down the outdoor hallway, it felt like and endless tunnel and all i wanted to do was sprint! i held back, but i think the man pushing my cart was unsure why i legs where moving so fast. I had a wonderful welcome on the ground in Haiti. 2 of my favorite people where there to meet me!  Carlo, and Evens!!!

I had a wonderful first day in Haiti, and that has turned in to many more wonderful days.  Saturday late afternoon Christine met up with us! She has spent 6 weeks in Haiti and this was her last weekend here. Good timing, I know!  Sunday morning we had the privilege of joining Carlo’s kids at the pool for a few hours! it was SO much fun! A perfect way to say hello to them all again! It was a lot of fun to get back in to the swing of life down here quickly. Don’t get me wrong, i have been adjusting at my own pace, but it will come.  It was fun to show a friend from Canada the places that i have been hanging out, and working.  

working in the back yard, prepping for some building

 
 the faces that welcome me!!!

Monday morning i checked in with EDV, the organization that i worked with for 2 months in april and may of this year.  I was recieved warmly and jobs where waiting for me.  Monday i spent the day out at a school, helping getting a roof on for new school rooms.  It was COOKING hot, and i had to really pace myself out there.  They list of jobs started pilling up and the week filled quickly. I was sent out on a motto to Val’s orphanage to check out some needs and make some measurements. It felt good to be back on a motto on those roads and side streets i remember well.  Again my welcome was warm! i made some notes on the fence that needed to be built and had a chat with Val.  This one was going to be a challenge... i was to build it all out of scrap wood... and if you have followed my past blogs you know that scrap wood is the stuff that is usually worse then trash wood in canada.  I was correct... it did turn into a challenge, between finding that there was next to no wood at the house, the wood we did have was covered in tiny fire ants or was torn apart pallets. then we got some wood, that went missing for a day and a half, then the trip out to Val’s on friday on a tap tap that seemed to take forever, only to discover that the 3 batteries for the cordless drill we brought seemed to have very little life in them( and we where on a site with no power to recharge them). Finally, a week later the fence is up, and the tables and 8 benches are built! i am proud of the work and so thankful to all my little helpers at Val’s, and my big helper Munib. 

It was a process, but we where blessed with an overcast day yesterday, and that allowed us to work a very long day with next to NO breaks. 

A favourite moment from the process was when we had finished the gate on the fence and had moved on to working around the corner from it all. I went back to get some tool only to find a small orphanage boy standing in front of the the gate... confused... i understood his mind at that moment. It seemed to him that he had be fenced out of his home, with no way around this new structure, he was much to small to climb over, and had yet to discover the latch system we had constructed. I took in this moment for a moment, and then took the young boys hand and showed him the latch. He was so proud then! and for the rest of the day i found him opening and closing the gate for others that wanted though 

 I feel like at the end of the day... i head home. My space, to be tired, to relax, to reflect, to plan. there are many plans in the works, and i am remembering that they work on Haitian time. I am often surprised when things happen quickly, but i am getting more used to them not.  i have learnt so far to do without many things that i am accustomed to in Canada. i am embracing them all, some tougher then others.

As for the plans for the art program and such that many of you have helped me with. It is coming!!! BUT we again are working on Haitian time. Our plan is to run the art program in a school that has JUST started this week. so we are having to work our program this time around into the school program. it will be a little different, but that is what life here is all about. Being Flexible!