Well the rest of the Emory UMC made it this morning without their luggage. We are happy to report it...

Well the rest of the Emory UMC made it this morning without their luggage. We are happy to report it came later that day.
Today we went to Damien and all of the kids were so happy to see the two groups Emory UMC and yoga kids , who did programs with them in the last two weeks.
Then we went to Canaan where we were greeted by many parents and children waiting to sign up for the children’s program that is starting Monday. The two houses are almost finished. The roofs and doors need to go on .
The yoga people went to the beach and took Marcy. She had never been to the beach before.

Sarah and I made it to Haiti on time. Megan and Erica made it 20 minutes late. 6 of the thirteen...

Sarah and I made it to Haiti on time.
Megan and Erica made it 20 minutes late.
6 of the thirteen from Emory UMC made it on time.
The other 7 for Emory UMC hopefully will arrive at 7:20 in the morning!!
Strange week for airlines.

Jack arrived late last night, but unfortunately his bags did not. We are still trying to locate them, especially since they are carrying such precious cargo - roofing nails, two nail guns, two staple guns and some harnesses - for working on the roof of the new house. Ellen (one of the interns) left super early this morning (like 3 am early!) and Molly will be leaving early tomorrow morning. There are a lot of comings and goings happening right now!

I am slowly learning and starting to feel more comfortable with the work at the clinic. I can now answer a few questions and know where some things are when people are looking for them. I have a ways to go but I'm learning from the best!

Well , Jack left for Guatemala this morning to finish PID Project. He was stuck in Miami because...

Well, Jack left for Guatemala this morning to finish PID project. He was stuck in Miami because they forgot to register the new plane they were supposed to fly in!! He should be landing soon on an old registered plane I guess?

Arrived at the airport at 4:30am to find the flight was canceled . We were supposed to depart at...

Arrived at the airport at 4:30am to find the flight was canceled . We were supposed to depart at 6:30am. I am now waiting in front of the terminal for a ride home, at 6:41 I received a call to tell me my flight was canceled . They seemed surprised that I already knew. Maybe they don’t let the employees have clocks?? It is a good thing I love this work. Can’t leave til Friday now.
Gale

Volunteers and the intern packed for the trips. Jack left for Guatemala , I leave for Haiti with...

Volunteers and the intern packed for the trips. Jack left for Guatemala , I leave for Haiti with Sarah on of the interns. More teams to follow.
3 hours left for sleep!!

I drove the car for the first time today! When we arrived safely at the clinic there was a round of applause from my passengers (Tali and her two oldest children). Today we did some more work on the scholarship program and also organized a room filled with donations. Tomorrow the doctor will be at the clinic and there will also be a goodbye party for Ellen and Molly, two interns that have been here since the beginning of June working on the scholarship program. When they leave Tali and I will be in charge of the program until the next intern comes. We are going to start out by giving them a writing assignment, partially to buy us time and partially to measure their progress. I can't wait to read those essays!

-Abby

more breakthroughs in the US office

It was exciting to have our database active. Bill has worked on it for a long time. Finally we were able to use it for the first newsletter. Hopefully if all went right there will be no one that will receive the e newsletter and a paper newsletter. We will save enough money to put 3 more kids in the program. Thanks Bill for all your work. I am frantically getting ready to leave for Haiti for the next 2 1/2 weeks. So much changes all the time.

Gale

The yoga team arrived safely today to a refreshingly cool breeze and a little rain. They are a...

The yoga team arrived safely today to a refreshingly cool breeze and a little rain. They are a little tired from long travels, and have been relaxing for much of the afternoon, preparing to teach yoga to kids from Blanchard, Damien, and Canaan in the coming week.

Today Tali and I worked on improving the Scholarship Program. We organized the classroom a bit better, I got the printer to work (apparently I'm the only one who has gotten it to work since I visited two months ago), and found some pictures to hang up. We chatted with the interns and got a feel for what was working and what wasn't. There are going to be some big changes made - but it will all be to make the program better and more successful. We also gave a few baths today and set up the projector for the students in the Scholarship Program to be able to watch a movie tomorrow morning to practice their English. So you will find us all in the hallway of the clinic, with black curtains blocking all light from coming in, watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets tomorrow morning.

Also, I have developed a new philosophy pertaining to little bugs and critters that happen to be hanging out in the room with me: if they are not bothering me, then I will not bother them. But if I am going to sleep, I don't want them in the room with me, because I won't be able to keep an eye on them to make sure that they don't bother me.

 

-Abby

Tonight I am sleeping in a tent in my backyard with three of my grand children . It reminds me of...

Tonight I am sleeping in a tent in my backyard with three of my grand children . It reminds me of the tent days after the earthquake. I still miss that tent.

My first day here!!

Today was my first day in Guatemala! I arrived safely last night and Marcelin picked me up from the airport. We got back to the house around midnight. My day at the clinic included playing the game "Apples to Apples" with an English student, bathing a little boy named Carlitos, and some serious rain (among other things, of course).

-Abby

Another great week at the PID office. Abby left today to begin training as our new Guatemalan field...

Another great week at the PID office. Abby left today to begin training as our new Guatemalan field director as Tali and Marcelin and kids prepare to come home . I had lunch with some old friends from the Czech Republic who are here visiting their family. Nice to see them again.

From Haiti

Well, it was difficult saying goodby to Pastor Brian and the Young Adult group from his church today. Our last day of the VBS children’s program at Damien tent village was pretty awsome.  We began the day with the children bringing us to their individual homes (tents) and introducing us to their parents, siblings and grandparents…. and we ended each session with a celebration of singing, treats and a few gifts.  I really feel as though we built a connection with the community by being there all week! 

The team from McMurry University, Kay and Dominic all arrived safely this afternoon. We had a great dinner together and now the team is relaxing and will probably call it an early night.

Well I am still having a great time in the US . We are getting new interns ready to go to Haiti ....

Well I am still having a great time in the US . We are getting new interns ready to go to Haiti . Planning and organizing
For the future. We just received a grant
Of 1,000,000 children’s vitamins!! Hurrah!! Now we just have to carry
Them down.

VBS update from Holly

Well, as I begin writing, we are all in the clinic trying to stay dry and going crazy over the tarantula that just crawled by. Today was day 3 in Damien and things are really starting to flow as the team and kids get into a rhythm. My favorite part of every day definitely has to be pulling into the village and being greeted by all of the kids. We are starting to get to know them and they are getting to know us. M mission each day is to get them to learn my name. So far, Holly seems to be pretty difficult for the Haitians . I am also working really hard on my Creole…it’s coming, thanks to Mr. Genouis. This morning, I was really excited that on our way into the “school,” the kids were telling me all of the English that they remembered from my lesson yesterday. Our Bible lesson today was about how Jesus or Jezi teaches us to live and help others. So, Pastor Brian and I washed all of their feet or lavae nou pie.8 I have to say that I was imagining us doing this same activity in our American VBS and the kids laughing. I’m not sure that they would take it very seriously or understand the symbolism. Knowing that kids are kids, I assumed these kids would react the same way. I was shocked at the reverence they demonstrated. Kids of all ages (1-14yrs) appreciated this experience. Some kids got back in line to have us wash them again. Our translator was absolutely amazing and helped the kids understand the importance of Jezi washing people’s feet. I am so humbled to have been a part of such a spiritual experience with them. Each day my feelings and emotions are different, but today was hard and it breaks my heart to see just how hungry EVERYONE is. The positive is that we are making a difference and they are making a difference in me. Continue to pray for our team and Haiti. Ourwa!

Haiti Update

The VBS team had a very successful second day at Damien Tent Village.  We made some minor adjustments to our “process” and things seemed to go much smoother.  In the morning we have 3 - 7 year olds and in the afternoon the older kids come (8 - 12).  It was really fun to see this older group connect with us today - they loved the singing, praising, crafts, sports… everything!  I hope we are bringing some pleasure and hope to their lives.

Alison continues to do amazing work for us at the clinic.  She sees patients all day long and then stays up half the night working on various programs and projects that will help to improve clinic and medical program. 

Milo and Emma worked construction in Blanchard again today.  They have made so many friends here that are going to be very sad when they leave.  Milo heads off to college in the Fall and talks about organizing a college team to come to Haiti with him. That would be great!

We say goodby to Amanda tomorrow. She had a short stay, but fulfilling stay with us this trip.  She helped with construction, caring for children and delivering tons on supplies that she brought to families in the villages we serve.  We will miss her.

Update from Jordan

Overwhelmed and flooded with 5 million different emotions right now. I am completely mentally and physically exhausted at the moment with quite a few things that have been building up. It started last night when I was invited to take a kid that broke their arm to the hospital. I went to the hospital in my first “real” car; mind you all of the roads are gravel and I was white knuckled the whole way there. We finally got there and everything was much more complicated then what we are used to in the US the boy who had the broken arm was barely able to be seen, I felt awful for him. The facilities were pretty clean just not as organized and private as what we are used to, we were in the room during the Xray. After we had to head to the market, received many looks and points, which seems to be he norm since we have been here. Today we FINALLY started our VBS program with great success. It was very challenging to communicate with the children, being that they do speak a different language, but it was something I struggled with being that part of me showing my love for God and playing sports is through my energy and enthusiasm when I speak. However, I think the games were very successful still and the children seemed to enjoy themselves the craft was a hit! Wordless book necklaces, even the boys loved them! The english lesson was a little rough because the large communication barrier, but I am positive it will go better tomorrow! Feeding the children was quite the scene, I was jaw dropped the entire meal. We gave children ages 2 to 12 a 2 pound plate of rice and beans and we were telling the servers “petite” meaning smaller but sure enough they were right not one piece of rice was left on a plate! I was amazed! The children all want to be loved and touched I had at least 2 kids on me at all times and apparently I was pretty comfortable because a couple fell sound asleep! So precious! As we were leaving the kids were pulling us all back from the cars while we were leaving, it made me feel so happy to had made such a great connection with the kids on the first day! I cannot wait to get back tomorrow!! Missing EVERYONE back home! For the first time in my life I am home sick, crazy, believe it or not Mom and Dad! Love you all! -Jordan McKeon

Read more and see photos at yahaiti2011.wordpress.com

This morning we all went to Mr. Genois church, but arrivead a little too late and every single seat...

This morning we all went to Mr. Genois church, but arrivead a little too late and every single seat was taken.  We sat on some benches outside the church and listened to the singing, sermon and prayers.  There was a cool breeze… it was wonderful!

After church we loaded in the Tap Tap and headed for the beach up north.  On our way we stopped at Canaan Tent Village to allow Pastor Brian to look around at the facilities and surroundings.  He and another team from his church will return at the end of July to conduct a VBS children’s program here as well.  There is a building, large tent and open area he decided would work fine for the program. As always, we attracted the children and it was hard to pull the team away to continue our treck to the beach!

Since this was the first time to Haiti for most on the Tap Tap, we stopped at the mass grave for the earthquake victims to pay our respect and offer a brief prayer.  It’s still overwhelming for me even though I’ve been there multiple times.

We had a great time at the beach relaxing, swiming, enjoying a good meal and buying some crafts. Most of the team felt a little guilty about having such a peaceful day.  I told them not to and that they should remember that peaceful feeling after a few days of “managing” 150 VBS students or working the construction sites.

On our arrival back to the PID compound one of our Haitian constuction laborers, Woodson, showed up with his arm wraped and hanging to his side.  Earlier that day he had a dizzy spell, fell and badly hurt his arm.  Allison Child, who is an RN from the states, took a look at it and thought it may be broken.  Pouchon, Jordan and I took him to St. Lukes for an xray and thank God, it wasn’t broken! We hope he heals quickly because he so wants to get back to working for PID.

Everyone is in bed now for the night, getting the rest they will need for the weeks work ahead of them.

BWC UMC Young Adult Team blog updates

BWC UMC Young Adult Team blog updates

Martha is leaving for Haiti for two weeks getting ready to meet the next teams. I am happy to still...

Martha is leaving for Haiti for two weeks getting ready to meet the next teams. I am happy to still be home.

Guatemala

The group from Queens College has just finished their final day in Guatemala, and will be heading home tomorrow morning at 9am. They have been working on the construction of a new house in the village for Carlos and his family, as well as working in the clinic seeing patients and educating the women in the village on how to prevent parasites and other problems caused by unclean water.