Good bye 2011, Hello 2012

Whenever we've been without electricity for a few days (in this case since last year!) I never know what to do first - the dance of joy? iron that pile of clothes? pump water?  toast bread? make coffee? plug in modem and router? write a blog?  As the duration is always a mystery, I usually take a couple of moments to savour the transition  - tonight from candlelight to bright lights and internet.  Although candlelight has its moments, give me electricity for work.

At the moment it's here and it's good to have the opportunity to touch base with you. New Year's greetings.

2012 arrived at Lakay Fondasyon  much the same way 2011 arrived - competing celebrations, each with amplifiers  which probably carry to Port-au-Prince, sporadic electricity and gunfire interspersed with  periods of rain. The rain hasn't stopped, playing havoc with our solar needs.

I had thought about a pictorial look back at 2011, but upon reviewing last year's photos, I changed my mind. Who wants to look at a dozen different pictures of us stranded on the mountainside?  Could we put out a calendar - is that a fundraiser or what?

Sad but true the fact that we were stranded an average of once a month on the side of Granjil mountain  --  our truck  losing the war the mountain wages against all trespassers. Granjil won the last battle - our truck is still out of action  --anpan -- and continuing heavy rains have kept our mechanic Danius from coming to Cap-Haitian  for repairs. It also prevents us  delivering construction materials and checking in with staff.

Dec. 28, 2011 - this patch job got us down the mountain
JUST  (Danius and Auguste)

In between the strandings, we did not stand still. As we received a generous grant from Jasmine Foundation for land purchase and building, 2011 began as 2010 had ended with us looking for property, both in Cap-Haitien and Sen Rafayel.  In March we found this little piece of paradise in the village.  After taking our time to check every inch and blade, we headed home, enthused and infused with the tranquility we had experienced from the land.

March 2011 - tranquility and home

Twenty minutes later, don't laugh. Okay - laugh. I did.

Our enthusiasm was not dampened and in April , after many negotiations, we purchased.  May we cleared the land and construction began in June.

June 2011: Staff and students pitched in as neighbours across the road
 wondered what was coming.

Dec. 2011 - first floor -- windows, doors, washrooms and privacy

It has not been an easy year. In August, Jack left our staff and the project. The learning curve has been very sharp and too brief.  Our staff grew as well, as Solange and  Edeline joined Fabiola and co-ordinator Guerlande in the office and Wilno and Vilsaint joined Kesner in security. What a team!

With staff comings and goings it seemed for a time that the only constant was change, but for a moment I forgot the grinding poverty.  Now there is a constant.

Thanks to Mme Cindy in Pennsylvania, every one of our secondary students received Christmas gifts, and thanks to the wonderful turnout at Acheson's (Orangeville) fundraiser Dec. 8th, everyone received rice, beans and cooking oil for Christmas day. Thank you Dianne and staff, Cindy S. and event coordination team and Danila and staff from Scotiabank. What a day. Thank you also to the many folks who came out to meet, talk, and purchase. Mil Mesi also to the wonderful new sponsors. It was delightful to have one-on-one time.

Lusnot and Myriame package rice and beans. Does the egg carton look familiar? 
It carried gifts from PA.

Edwina and Sherlyne bottle cooking oil.

2011 was a year of arrivals and departures --many new faces, among them Phana the newest member of our 'Vision' club.  She's ready for January term with new glasses.

Phana -new glasses for the January term

Evaldine and her sister Kencia lost their mom. Mme Clothilde died Sept. 1st., leaving the girls orphans, never knowing that Evaldine had just successfully completed Philo. She was 20 years my junior. 

Mme Clothilde with Kencia
Mme died Sept. 1st of tansyon (high blood pressure)

Inea and younger sister Dina wait - wait for the bulldozer to break down the tikay we've been renting for them since July. Their tikay has been marked for demolition by the state in conjunction with the new airport.  

A disconsolate Inea sits on the 'galri' of her tikay, built in July,  soon to be demolished.

 The number on the wall says everything.

Approximately half of the houses (katye) in the marked zone have already suffered demolition. We are looking for new quarters, however UN presence has inflated both rental and purchase prices. Two weeks ago we looked at a beautiful property in town for our home base. The price of the land, no negotiating, was $100.000. USD. Location, location, location? Small shacks with no services are several hundred dollars US per year. Our young people cannot afford a roof over their heads.  We will lose a portion of rent paid but many are losing much more. 

Inea still has thyroid surgery ahead of her, and the hospital lost her dossier. They have no record of her visits/ diagnosis. We pulled to-gether  receipts for all diagnostic tests and notes we had sent since July in order to help the hospital reconstruct her history.  She goes back the second week of January for a consult  as visiting teams are expected in during February. Surgery could be rescheduled for that time period.

In the meantime the cyst is growing, presenting swallowing difficulties. As well, her internal thermostat is malfunctioning due to fluctuations in hormones. She doesn't complain. She is one of many. There are over  100 on our secondary school list this year, each one with unique needs. I thought my parenting days were behind me.  

As of to-day, Mme Carmene is on indefinite leave, under too much pressure not knowing when her home will be destroyed (her house has been marked too). The thousands affected by this thoughtless, unnecessary bureaucratic nightmare are all trying to find new places and new ways to double and triple up in the homes that remain standing. The challenges continue. Housing is always a priority.

While the revelry which takes over the upper and middle classes for two weeks beginning Dec. 24 continues, Edwina spent Independence Day  (Jan. 1st) in the emergency ward at Justinien Hospital. Auguste didn't want to disturb me on my one day off so he spent his holiday in the hospital with her. It will take until to-morrow to get the results of lab work.

Nursing student Brunie dropped in although we were closed,  as she is writing exams this week and just has  no other time. The day after exams she begins her practicum at the hospital here and needs new shoes and uniforms as well as travel expenses.

Jhennie, Elorge and Marlene were in from Santiago for second term fees. All are in third year.

Saturday we sent Rose-Guerlande back to Santiago to write entrance exams to study dentistry. She went with a new lap top donated by Eugene in Ottawa. Although Rose G. is without sponsorship, something will materialize.  Haiti needs dentists as desperately as clean air.

In closing, the staff and I wish each of you the blessing of beginnings - may this year be the start of whatever you most need for healing, health and happiness. From the steps of our new Jasmine Centre in Sen Rafayel n'ap swete w bon ane. 

Staff members:Kesner,Fabiola, Guerlande, Edeline, Solange
Wilno, me
Danius, Vilsaint

A New Year means renewal, and I choose to begin 2012 with hope - and a commitment to continue changing the world in whatever way I'm able. How about you? Everyone who reads this has the ability.  What is your path?  Jack Layton's letter to Canadians, written Aug. 20 just 2 days before his untimely death says it so eloquently:

                              " Love is better than anger.

                                   Hope is better than fear.

                                   Optimism is better than despair.

                                   So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.                            

                                   And we'll change the world."

Beni-w
Sharon
Lakay Fondasyon (Foundation House)
Cap-Haitien

Travels, New Faces and Gifts from PA

According to our local radio station, the government is experiencing a 'kriz gaz', in other words a fuel shortage. This is the first time in my memory we have been given a reason for no electricity.  Thankfully its a macro problem not micro - no problem purchasing fuel for vehicles - this time. Although it's inconvenient and frustrating not being able to communicate with you, we continue to be as busy as the proverbial bees.

Since Jack's departure from the Sen Rafayel project at summer's end, Auguste and I have become the conduit for purchasing and delivering any and ALL building, plumbing, wiring materials up the mountain. We could probably rebuild the National Palace with our new skills. Our poor truck is paying the price. A new starter is on my list of  "Things to purchase in Canada". Danius is coming to-morrow to check the tires/brakes.

Joceline, Auguste and Lusnot loading doors and framing materials.

Lusnot has become a valuable member of the  team, keeping the office open and functioning efficiently when we travel to Sen Rafayel. He will rewrite his Philo exams in July. For those sponsoring Gaby, Lusnot is his brother.

Lusnot working on text-book distribution lists.

Up the mountain

Yesterday we travelled up to Sen Rafayel to deliver hand made cement balusters for the privacy wall. Last week it was porcelain toilets and sinks. Torrential rains have rendered the already treacherous mountain track almost impassable. Ruts are now deeper and mud-filled , more crevasse than crevice,   pulling the tires in unthinkable directions.  We crawled up and back the last two trips. Everything arrived without a scratch. The only damage was to the nerves of the occupants of the truck.

Last week we moved from the depot into the new office. Although not complete, it is far enough along to accommodate staff and programs. Because of the increased space, we have added staff members. All are drawn from our current and former student lists. In the midst of the upheaval, support programs continue to function and we have begun work on programming for our students sitting out the Philo year due to teacher shortage.

Note door behind Guerlande. New staff Wilno and Solange (to my rt)
Guerlande(coordinator), Vilsaint, Edeline, Kesner

If our yard looks foreshortened to you, it is. We have lost 5 feet of frontage to the village, as the magistrate has decided to widen the path in front of our centre  and anything in the proposed way will be razed.  On the bright side,  we don't have to plant grass now,  one less chore. 

Down the mountain

In Cap-Haitien, in addition to providing support for the 100+ young people on our list, we continue intake. In November we added 7 new faces to our roster. There are several stages to our process. Initially, students come calling, asking for support. We request a handwritten letter detailing their situation, including school history. Once we have read the letter, we make a decision. If we continue  an appointment  is made with the students. Depending on  age and living arrangements, we may ask for a parent/guardian to be present. At this stage we check all appropriate papers: birth certificate, report cards. payment cards, attestations for state exams... After papers have been vetted we make a home visit to ascertain there is at least a chance for academic success. There is always something we can do which isn't too invasive to further support - ie mosquito nets or window screens...

Let me introduce brothers Jean-Woody, Fritzman and Raymond-son. Both parents are dead and there is no relative able to take 3 young men. They want to stay to-gether.  After reading their letters, we made an appointment.

Perhaps I was hiding...

On their first visit, instead of the papers requested, they brought book lists. I had to laugh when I saw the body language Auguste captured digitally. Nothing is easy here, nor does it go smoothly. After explaining again what we were requesting and why, the boys left to find the papers we needed. It took them a few days as their living conditions are fluid to say the least.

Mme Marie-Micheline

The latrine (full to capacity) is on an island -

They have been given floor space to sleep by Mme. Marie-Micheline, a friend of a sister of an aunt. After visiting the one-room home and speaking with Mme., we admitted them to the program for the year.  The room which houses Mme., her 5 children and the 3 brothers, is about 8X8. No kitchen, no running water, no privacy. There is a latrine out back, however IF it could be reached,  it is full and in need of expensive cleaning . Cleaning is a non-issue as it is inaccessible,  swamp which surrounds it never dries. This makes mosquitos (marengwen)  and by extension malaria a big issue.

                                                   Raymond-son and Fritzman - new uniforms, new hope

The boys were admitted on the understanding that we pay one trimeste at a time. Thanks to your donor dollars, distributed through our Education Support Program, these boys have 'possibilite'.

First trimeste exams are starting this week, which means the Christmas break is just around the corner. Our weekend staff have been sprucing up tables and chairs for the holidays with a coat of paint. Boxes filled with assorted gifts are arriving daily from Mme. Cindy in PA. We'll package and label them  for students when I return.

Auguste arriving with boxes-Jolie supervises

On Wednesday, I head to Canada for a week to attend the fundraiser at Acheson's in Orangeville.  We're one staff member short as Mme. Carmene is off for the month of December. Last week she received notice that her house has been marked for demolition by the state for the new airport. It is located miles from her house, yet the katye is being razed, with little and more often than not no remuneration. After losing both sons, now her home is going.   The new tikay we are renting for Inea and Dina is also marked for demolition. With so many already living in makeshift tents, the number is swelling instead of dwindling. Many in Fosenmichel have already had their homes destroyed. It is a nightmare from which there is no waking.  If this is prosperity, the price is too high.

It will be a difficult Christmas  for many.

Kembe pa lage

Sharon

Day One down, day two

Homecoming was worth the frustration. After arriving at the Provo airport at 6:30am for a 9am flight, I was informed that the flight would depart at noon. Noon became 2:30 and finally the plane arrived and I was home in a mere 35 minutes.

Auguste was waiting with 2 of our students - the starter has gone on the truck and we needed a push to get it going. We picked up Sherlyne on the way, heading to our place on foot. Once in the compound the dogs  barked and danced their welcome. It was quite a joyous time.  Joceline has Malaria so her welcome was less enthusiastic.

In addition to my 2 overflowing suitcases (a tip of the hat to WestJet for the second suitcase) Auguste had picked up 3 boxes which had arrived from Mme. Cindy in Pennsylvania, so we unpacked and sorted until about 7 pm. Mil Mesi (a thousand thanks) Dan and company for the backpacks - what a windfall. Cindy also sent backpacks and shoes - it was like early Christmas.  I don't know what we would do without Cindy.  Carmene hadn't shopped yet, so a litre of water and a handful of almonds became supper and I fell into bed at 8 o'clock.

Auguste unpacks and counts (kontwole) backpacks.

The night was noisy - gunfire at our gate, and voodoo drums complete with a huge bonfire and much revelry in the cemetery above our property.  I forgot that it was Fetdesmort and Fettousens (All Souls and All Saints day). Thankfully rain began about midnight, the heavy, driving rain of autumn complete with strong gusty winds. It dampened the celebrations and allowed sleep. 

Morning arrived too soon but the roosters will not be denied. I think they have radar which tells them when the job is done and everyone is up. They are persistent. Dogs and cats fed, water boiled, oatmeal cooked, there was electricity so time to check email. We were scheduled to meet Sylvia at the airport at 8:30 to pick up a laptop she was donating for Bruni.  From her Blackberry a message saying the plane was 30 minutes ahead of schedule. A plane ahead of schedule??? Thankfully Auguste is always a early for work and Lusnot arrived at the same time. Lusnot works security while I'm in Canada.  He's just finished writing Philo (last year of high school), and is filling in here where needed. This morning we needed him to come with and push the truck to start it.

Perfect timing - we drove past a truck filled with blans  (non Haitians) and a voice called out my name. Sylvia had already passed customs and was heading for Milot.  Sylvia, thank you so much for the laptop and carrying case.  Bruni was beyond happy to receive such a necessary tool. To add icing to the cake, she picked up a pair of new shoes which Cindy had sent (as did Jimpson!!) What an amazing support team  growing.

From the airport we headed to town with the knowledge that perhaps we couldn't go to the bank as it was possible they were closed. Yes - all banks closed, most schools, many businesses as well. We changed some US currency at a hardware store and headed to the grocery store. Realizing that schools were closed meant we had very little time as that always signals a busy day.

True to form it was non-stop. Venise had moved down from Sen Rafayel because her parents are dead, there is no Philo offered in the village and she had a friend who would put her up. She came tell us she had secured a place at Lycee Philippe Guerrier  so we pulled to-gether backpack (thanks again everyone), school and hygiene supplies and, thanks to the hardware store, funds for her uniform.

Venise-in the big city and headed for Philo

Bruni arrived as Venise was leaving. She is enjoying the new University and grateful to be close to home. The nursing program runs 6 days a week from 7am to 4 pm. It takes her 2 hours to get to class and 2 to return home to her aunt's tikay. Long days.

Bruni - 2nd yr. Nursing - Elated with laptop and shoes
Camiose (background) covers textbooks

Jimpson in for shoes and a meal - Fresnel dropped in to read the paper and have a snack. Weby- Schneider brought in his year end report and we put to-gether a budget for his second year of university. He looked so tired. His dad died 2 years ago of Diabetes related problems. Now his mom is ill.   He struggles between wanting to be in Cap to help out and going to school so far away (Port-au-Prince) A year seems to go by as quickly as a day.

Weby-Schneider - 2nd year university

Camiose came in at noon to cover 3 new text books she had picked up, and stayed to work the afternoon as we had other books in need of covering. She is recovering from Typhoid and H Pylori infection so was  a little tired. She perked up when I gave her the birthday present her sponsors had sent. Thanks Cathy and Ian. She told me it was the first time in her life (except for the small gifts we distribute) that someone had celebrated her birthday.  Everyone of our young people will relate the same experience. Birthdays go by unacknowledged. Edwina popped by then Myriame, and the drop-ins continued. It was really great to see so many and be welcomed back so warmly.

Camiose unwraps birthday gift from sponsors

Danius came down from Sen Rafayel to work on the truck. His university program is also demanding , his time is now limited. I'll have to look for a starter in Canada. Truck patched to-gether we sat down for an update on the building project in San Rafayel. The cost of a bag of cement has jumped $5 in the last week, so we'll buy in Cap on Friday and deliver up the mountain Sunday.

In addition to Malaria, Joceline sliced her thumb quite severly so I changed the dressing on it. In my spare time I set up the ledgers for our new fiscal year which began October 1st, then entered expenses for the past month. Did I say spare time?

Auguste and I conferred several times when young people who had written letters asking for support followed up to see if we had funds. We made an  appointment with 3 brothers (Fritzman, Jean-Woody and Raymondson) for 9 am. That's now to-day as the internet did not co-operate last night. Their mother died 4 years ago and dad went to the Dominican Republic to look for work. He has not been heard from since. They stay wherever they find space for as long as they are allowed.  

During the quiet times (again hah) we began to plan the group study sessions for those in Rheto and Philo who are unable to attend school this year in the village. Curriculum will be two-pronged as about half are studying Nouvo Secondaire, the rest Secondaire Traditional.

As Carmene left for the day she mentioned that her 2 daughters have Typhoid, one in tandem with Malaria the other with worms. I have experienced the Typhoid/Malaria combination and it is debilitating to put it mildly.

Timing is everything. Heather and the CLM team in Canada donated another case of the natural supplement Allimax, which I picked up and repacked the day before I left. Joceline, Camiose, and Carmene's daughters Magda and Feri were our first customers.

Students gone, gate closed, staff filled me in on the political situation. Our newly elected president (February) still has not convened parliament. His primary goal seems to be establishing a new military. He has also accused a senator of being a thief and had him hauled off to prison. The senator is now free, after police checked the accusations. Who needs television?

Day one down, day two has begun and the rest will blur -- I'm really home.

Kenbe fo

Sharon

Going Home, Updates, Funraiser

Monday I return to Haiti.  A month goes by in the blink of an eye. I'm just settling into the Canadian lifestyle, revelling in the crisp Autumn weather and able to string to-gether a couple of sentences in English without lapsing into Kreyol.  Much has happened in Cap-Haitien since my Oct.1st departure.  Construction continues in Sen Rafayel. Gone are the hundreds of bamboo supports and interior finishing (krepisaj) has begun. Septic tanks are ready to go.  The privacy wall has been extended across the front.  Eventually we will be adding a gate for visitors and vehicles to enter and will top the wall with decorative iron work. Doors will open for student use in November and work will continue on the second storey. Although it has served the purpose, staff will be glad to move out of the depot.

Kahlil Gibran wrote:

" I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest with visions to be realized..."

Thanks to the Jasmine Foundation, the  vision  of an education support centre, long held, is fast becoming tangible. I am in awe when I think of what  we are  growing to-gether in Sen Rafayel.

Looking like home.

On a recent trip up Granjil Mountain, it seems our truck was parked in the wrong place at the wrong time. A truck belonging to the company doing road work in Sen Rafayel damaged both the passenger side of our vehicle and the  hood.   Fortunately no one was inside. Insurance in Haiti is a mandatory government program which unfortunately covers nothing. We are depending on the word of the driver for repairs. If they don't materialize, we will live with the battle scars.

Bruised but not bowed

The new center is going to be a busy place. Currently in Sen Rafayel  there are 21 senior students enrolled with us who  are ready to enter Philo, the final year of high school.  Unfortunately the village secondary schools have been unable to find teachers, so our seniors will sit out the year. To facilitate this crisis, we are grouping students who wish to participate and setting up daily study sessions, with a resource person on site.  As we have already purchased materials and text books, we'll add a light meal daily for participants.  At the end of the academic year, we will support those who want to write state nationals as they travel to Grand Riviere du Nord for 4 days in July. Those not wishing to write will return to school full time next fall if a teacher is found. Given that there are still 300 letters from July requesting support, several of whom want to finish Philo, the number of participants will grow once we begin interviews and make the move.

Auguste is qualified to mentor this program, so he will be spending more time in Sen Rafayel. That leaves me to operate the Cap-Haitien center. I will also be making repairs to our rental center as we suffered some damage from the magnitude 6 quake which took place in September off the coast of Cuba.

As usual, Auguste is doing a stellar job in my absence. He sends reports via email every other day so I'm in the loop. I have also added a new skill to my repertoire - texting. It is a surprisingly quick and easy way to touch base.  Should it be necessary, it also means Auguste does not have to be at work for us to connect. The portability is a great plus.

Auguste at work(with Valon, Evains, Dieugrand)

Last week  senior student Camiose was in hospital with typhoid and H-pylori infection. Typhoid is a very debilitating illness, so I have notified her sponsors as it can affect  academic success.  Mme. Joceline is off work as she is  experiencing abdominal pain, leaving Auguste on his own throughout the day. On my advice, Inea has delayed surgery  (Thyroidectomy) until I return. After speaking with an endocrinologist here, I am aware of the critical nature of on going  post-surgical  support.  The 3 letters I have sent to the hospital have gone unanswered, which makes me think she will be sent home post-surgery with no one to follow her.

Inea's initial visit, July 2011 - courage comes at all ages

September -a  smile that says  - I'm going to high school!

So next week, we'll go to see Dr. Jerome to-gether and ask him to take her on.  Replacement thyroid hormones are a life-long commitment if the entire thyroid is removed.  Once everything is in place, we will reschedule the surgery. When she knocked on our gate in July asking for school support, I had no idea we would be connecting for life. At age 16, with both parents deceased and no living grandparents, aunts or uncles, we are her only possibility. Once her Thyroid is removed there is no going back. If possible, I would like to delay the surgery until she has completed the meds for Tuberculosis. She could need support through high school and whatever career path she chooses in order to be able to continue the hormone replacement therapy which would  keep her alive.

This is roughly an 11 year commitment - 7 years of high school and perhaps 4 post secondary (ie: nursing, medical technology..) Additionally we are covering rent and food costs for her and younger sister Dina. One starfish at a time.

In Closing...

Thanks to all who have helped me get around during my stay - Cindy, Jane, Terri, Betty-Lou, Brandy, Daniel and anyone I may have left out. The universe knows.

Mil mesi ( a thousand thanks)  also to the Orangeville unit of the Canadian University Women's Club for  the opportunity to share our work.  Everyone made me feel very welcome and questions were so insightful. It was an exhilarating evening.

Thank you also to Linda and the amazing members, past and present,  of the Golf Road Junior Public School Girl's Club. You are my heroes.

Last but not least, Acheson's of Orangeville will again be holding a Starthrower Funraiser,  Thursday Dec. 8th.  Details to follow.  Our web admin Daniel will be there to sign his graphic novel and do sketches.  I will be there as well -  taking a week to come and support the hard work Diane and Cindy do in putting this day to-gether.  It's also a great opportunity to speak one-on-one with folks who have questions about what we do.

And finally, also from the mind and pen of  Kahlil Gibran:

"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh

 and the greatness which does not bow to children."

A guide  for life's journey : remember to laugh and cry and honour the young.
Profound simplicity.

Beni-w
Sharon

On the road again

Although leaving Haiti is always emotionally wrenching, a four-month absence provides surprises upon arrival in Canada which briefly take my mind off those I have left behind.  For example,  I forgot that I had been to the laundromat the day before I travelled, and all my "Canada clothes" were clean. Good surprise.  On the kitchen table, a vase filled with beautiful cut flowers with a note from friend and board member Jane saying "Welcome home." Crisp fall weather and clean breathable air. On the down side, four months worth of mail to be sorted, opened and dealt with. The  new phone company had not resumed service as directed, following, disappointingly, in the footsteps of my former provider. Surprises of a prolonged absence.

But  the ups outweigh the downs - electricity, running water, and a library across the street. The abundance of Canada makes me more aware of the poverty of Haiti and my small apartment seems palatial. Rain welcomed me the first night, making the transition easier. In September in Cap-Haitien, we  experienced heavy rains and thunderstorms nightly. Last week we paid a home visit to Ednie, new intake. Once out of the truck, always a source of curiosity to any neighborhood, we navigated narrow passageways and puddles to arrive at the  6 x 8 ft tikay (small house) she shares with a marenn (godmother) and her two young children. It was necessary to duck heads and step down about 18 inches to enter.

The heavy odor of mold/mildew assaulted us and the 2 inches of water puddled on the floor was disconcerting. A water mark from the morning was visible - level with the  top of the step. Because of the area in which they live (Fosenmichel) the rain water was mixed with salt water and erosion of the cement blocks was very evident.   Ednie and 'family' were used to the inundation and  moved through the water as though it was not there.

It doesn't take long to inspect one room. Usually Ednie and the younger children sleep on the concrete. However when the rains come everyone huddles on the single bed normally reserved for Mme. No toilet, no kitchen, no electricity, no running water, no personal space.

Visit over, we headed a few blocks away to Aviasyon  to visit Inea and sister Dina to drop off rice, beans and Inea's new backpack filled with text books and other supplies  for the upcoming school year. We didn't get far. With nightly storms, there isn't enough drying time and some areas could not  be reached by truck. We were able to pay a driver to deliver the supplies by motorscooter. The storms continue - unprecedented  for September/October. It will be interesting to see what the rainy season brings.

Puddles everywhere-small children were swimming
and adults  were bathing.

Last week brought good news for Inea. She is tuberculosis negatif. Meds will continue for 3 months then she will be retested. If negative again, she's homefree. Unfortunately the cyst on her thyroid continues to grow, causing difficulty swallowing.  She is scheduled for surgery at Sacre Coeur hospital in Milot on October 28, so my time in Canada will be cut short. Whenever one of our students undergoes surgery, we bring them back to the house for a week to 10 days of post-op care, minimizing the potential for further infection. The caveat is, of course, if a doctor shows up on the scheduled day.

We also visited new intake Suzeline, who lives in the same zone. Another orphan, the single room she shares with brothers, sisters and cousins was so dark, it made videos impossible to view. I used a flash to take some pictures. The only source of illumination was the flashlight in the cell phone I'm holding. It was 10 am on a brilliantly sunny day. The absence  of any light source was  disturbing. I can't imagine living in a state of sensory deprivation day after day. Most disturbing was the open well at ground level in a room across the hall. There was no cover for it and without a light source, a child could easily fall in.
                               

Light from cell phone flashlight

Same space with camera flash - Suzeline (lt)

Sen Rafayel

On our last trip to Sen Rafayel before my departure, we stopped to talk to some of the young people who try to make a living filling in the pot holes. When shovels break down, they work with bare hands.  There is little monetary return for the hours of back breaking labour. We pass the same kids every trip and always pay them something on our return.  One young man now looks for us and gives us a gift of freshly picked oranges and grapefruits. Occasionally we give him a ride down the mountain to visit friends. We took a little more time and stopped to talk with Frandzy (12)  and  brother Wisly (10). Their parents are dead and they live with 8 brothers and sisters on the mountainside. Frandzy had a large gash on the his leg which needed medical attention. The urge to 'rescue' is overwhelming at times. I sent bandages, baseball caps and sunglasses with Auguste the next trip he made after my departure.

Orphans Frandzy and Wisly on the road to Sen Rafayel

                                   
In the village, work continues on the centre. Danius, 3rd year university student (Bus. Admin.) and a master mechanic has taken over supervising the project in tandem with M. Franck, master mason.  Friday the roof was poured (koule dal-la) by a konbit (work group) of 23 which included masons, cement mix master  (met pel -literally master of the shovel) and students. The bamboo supports will remain in place for 15 days. In the interim the septic tanks are being finished and work is starting on the security wall which fronts the property.

Bamboo supports will stay in place for 15 days while the roof dries

                                     
The office is still operating out of one of the new storage depots and co-ordinator Guerlande is calm, organized and efficient in the midst of the chaos. We are still waiting for end of school year results for about 2 dozen students in the village. Schools did resume for most this week. Some marks are coming too late for us to register students for the coming year, so if possible,  we will again play catch up in January.

I know the time in Canada will fly by, but it always seems too long,  too much time away.

In my 'Orangeville' purse, another surprise - a scrap of paper on which I had written the quote "Coming generations will learn equality from poverty and love from woes". I don't remember why that particular quote from Kahlil Gibran spoke to me, there are so many.  I can only hope that it is a process even now taking root and growing  in the world. Learning from poverty is a  life-long education.

Kenbe pa lage
Sharon