Les Cayes

This past week I had the privilege of going to Les Cayes. If you are not familiar with this area- go look it up. It is countryside- like no electricity, donkeys everywhere, cleaner air, and the most amazing beaches. Les Cayes, is a town and seaport in southwestern Haiti, with a population of approximately 45,904 people. At the end of Les Cayes is a small place called Port Salut. Holly has wanted to go here, and we now had the opportunity. And across the island is a little place called Ile A Vache- which is rated 57^th most beautiful beach from CNN.

We left Monday morning around 8:45. Went to the airport and picked up a small (9 person) American group who were going to Les Cayes as well- except they are a short term team and working at an O for the week. Les Cayes is about 3 hours from Port Au Prince. I spent the drive there with my head buried in my new book that I can’t seem to get enough of, but there was also a time of prayer and lots of emotions. If you have ever been to Haiti then you know about the driving and lack of traffic laws. I have been super shocked to not have witnessed any wrecks, except for now- when we passed 2 really bad ones. One of the wrecks involving the death of a child. There is a point in the book I am reading where Francis Chan talks about our life being so short, and it was ironic that I was reading this very section as we passed the body covered and lying on the payment. For most of the remaining drive I sat and tried to understand why, but I know there is a bigger plan, and over these past 3 months I have learned to let the worry go, and know He is always in control.

 We arrived late afternoon, dropped off the team, and then went to a restaurant on the beach- Jelly Beach. Our diver, Robert, is good friends with our friends Mitch and Ducans so luckily for us we had transportation and they took us to chill for the evening with them on the beach. We were exhausted, but it was so wonderful to see the beach. It wasn’t as clean as I was hoping for, and I was pretty turned off after seeing a few “dirty” things, but none the less- it was the beach. We ate, walked around a bit, and then heading to the hotel. Now before you all get excited- let me give you some information about this hotel. We arrived around 9:30pm (remember no electricity for most of the town) so it was extremely dark, not much lighting, and to be honest it looked sketch. But I trusted our Haitians buddies and went with it. We walked in our room, which thankfully had a light (pink color!) and started to get settled. It was at this moment that I knew I was super spoiled living in the guesthouse. I officially took my first bucket shower :) and with our fan on, Holly and I slowly fell asleep. It was an eventful day, but I had no idea this was the beginning on the most “Haitian”  I would experience.

I didn’t sleep much- not used to sharing a bed with my roomie- Holly- and I think I had a lot on my mind. Thankfully- the rooster started his shift at approximately 5am, so by 5:30 everyone was awake. And it was raining. After walking (tap-tap) to breakfast, Mitch’s cousin picked us up and we headed back to the hotel to grab our things and head to Port Salut.

Port Salut is a coastal town in the Sud Department of Haiti and the hometown of Haiti's deposed president, Jean-Bertrand Artistide who was born there in 1953 and the Prime Minister Jean-Marie Cherestal. Port-Salut is a popular destination for local Haitians as well as tourists to a certain degree seeking relaxation and tranquility due to the beautiful beaches that the town is surrounded by. The air is amazingly clean and fresh and the scenery is amazing. We arrived around 1:30 in the afternoon and spent the afternoon in the ocean, eating delicious fresh seafood, and soaking up the rays. We arrived back to the hotel around 9pm, and bucket bathed :) and crashed.

Again- rooster shift change at 5 am, and we were up and at it. We had planned to go to visit Mitch’s family Wednesday but we got back late Tuesday and with no transportation, it didn’t happen. We instead decided to tag along with Elizabeth and her group. She is an American who brings teams in to work and then at the end of the week she takes them to see the beauty that Haiti really is- something I am so grateful for. Haiti is an absolutely amazing Caribbean Island, and it is so much more than sick hungry orphans. Since we woke again to rain, we waited a bit before departing. Elizabeth and her team already left, so we were left to sort of wing it. This is the part of the trip that gets interesting- really interesting.

So lets begin from the beginning- we took a tap tap from the hotel to the downtown area, walked in the supermarket to exchange some American money for goudes, then hoped on a moto to the port to catch the boat over to Ile A Vache. When we went to the port Monday- we (Holly and I) were under the impression we would be taking an actual boat- like a boat you and I are both thinking about. Well, this was not the case. Our moto driver dropped us off on the other side- the side where all the Haitians get on a boat to ride over. Holly, Ducans, and I stood there while Mitch worked out the details. We would be taking a small boat over to the other side- ok- that works. Well…. I am not sure any of knew what this meant. The four of us got in this boat along with 30 other people. Holly and I being the only white people.  The boat was about the size of a canoe with a motor. We were packed in like sardines- four to a row. I literally sat there and thought this is what it was like on the Titanic before it sank!- something I really didn’t want to be thinking, especially in a boat with this many people, many of which do not swim. Finally, after sitting there packing in more and more people we set sail. An hour into the boat ride, my butt was completely numb, left foot feeling was long gone, and my anxiety was creeping in. 10 more minutes passed, 20 minutes passed, and then finally an hour and a half later we arrived. I really wish I could have documented this day with video and pictures, because it would give a much better presentation of the day we had, but that was not possible, so bear with me as I try to describe my emotions, scenery, and thoughts. 

We stepped off the boat into a whole other world. I was told that at some point during my stay I will grow frustrated with the touching, lack of personal space, and being whistled at- well my day hit. I just wanted to walk off the boat and figure out how to get back to the other side of Ile A Vache- where Elizabeth and her team were, because they were obviously not here. I was being a complete American Snob. I was tired, over the boat ride, hot, thirsty, and over the constant in your face Haitians. Mitch got us a few moto drivers and we started off to the other side- but didn’t get very far due to a flat tire. Instead of hoping on a different driver- we waited for ours since he was promised the funds. About half way there we wrecked- nothing too serious, and then we encounted a manifestation (protesting). I did not like this at all, and this was the first time in my 10 weeks I felt unsafe. Me, Mitch, Holly, Ducans, and the 2 moto drivers were covered with protesting Haitians in the middle of nowhere with nowhere to go. They were chanting, swarming us, and acting out. At this point in the trip- I was emotionless. The boat ride was less than desirable, I was so thirsty my mouth felt like sandpaper, and my anxiety levels were way out of comfort levels. I sat there with a “get the hell out of my way” look on my face and prayed quietly to myself. After about 10 minutes, one of the protesting Haitians moved out of the way and our moto driver took off, but only to be stopped by a lady chanting something. After another few minutes we were finally free. Another 10 minutes later we arrived at a place called Port Morgan. And they had some water- thank heavens. This place was super quiet, beautiful views, and had a wonderful feel to it. However, Elizabeth and her team were at the other beach- so back on the moto’s and off we went. I had something in the pit of my stomach about my driver and I totally did not want to be on the back anymore. And due to the horrible driving conditions we walked most of the time anyways. Well against better judgment I got back on, and about 3 minutes into the ride, he wrecked again except this time my right leg sizzled on the burning hot muffler. Totally not fun nor did it feel good, and after that I walked the rest of the way. I know it wasn’t his fault, but at the time I was not a happy camper and thankfully he could not understand English because I know my words would have hurt his feelings. Part of this frustration was because I didn’t bring ANY medical stuff with me, and knew I should have. 

I was ecstatic when we finally saw the water, beach, and Mitch met up with Elizabeth. FINALLY- the madness was over and we were staying put for the day. The rest of the day was spent in the water (saltwater does a wonder for burns), meeting new people, and enjoying the sun and scenery. So 5 pm hits, and we shower off…… and miss the boat back to Les Cayes. Lovely- :( there has to be another one right….. yeah not so much unless you want to pay a ridiculous amount. So we sat, and sat, and then finally were able to get in touch with someone who would take us back for a reasonable price, and we left the island. The sunset was a pretty sight to watch as we trucked across the ocean. We arrived back in Les Cayes, and unfortunately since it was so late, no tap tap’s were running, so it was moto time :( Thankfully- this one was a good driver, and we made it safe and sound.

Now- we had to figure out how we were going to get back to Port Au Prince. Robert, our diver from Port Au Prince to Les Cayes, popped in my head and to our surprise he was about to make the trip back so at 10:30pm we loaded up and hit the road back.

3:00 am we arrived back to the guesthouse, and I have never been so excited to see this home. I was wide awake, so I read and then just started laughing at the day. A day that will go down in the books, and one that in a few years we will all look back on and smile.

The beaches were beautiful and I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to experience this. It was the perfect ending to this amazing journey I have been on. I was able to be still, have time to think and process, and smile at how amazing our Creator is and the life He is providing for me. I am extremely blessed in all aspects.

His Love Never Fails 

A Week of Fun

This week has been so much fun. It has ben packed full of all sorts of events. Saturday- my birthday festivities with friends, Sunday- new adventures, Monday- museum, Tuesday- my actual birthday, Wednesday- afternoon shopping for gifts to bring back, Thursday- full day at the O and then a night out to see a musical group called RAM, and then here we are- it is Friday. I will not be at the O much next week so I wanted to celebrate all April Birthday's this week. 

Holly was super awesome yesterday during her work break and baked the cake and cupcakes for me so we would have the ability to go out that evening. I iced everything when I got home from the O, and got all the goodies ready for today. 

I am super shocked that I didn't crash any today considering we didn't get much sleep last night, but I had so much energy all day. Which was desperately needed. Two birthday parties with 70 children can be exhausting for anyone. 

The morning started out great. I arrived and all the babies were fully dressed (I am a fan of both top and bottoms on the kids and not just a shirt and diaper, and they all had shoes on- another awesome thing)  and they were outside playing!!!  YAY- my constant reinforcement and encouragement is paying off. I just stood there and stared at all of them. Laughing, playing, running, and having fun. It was perfect. 

Around 10:45 is the normal snack time for the toddlers and since they were already outside I took the opportunity to get the cupcakes cut in smaller pieces and balloons and beach balls inflated. Rudy (my translator and who has been a big help) helped my with all of this. With the help of the nannies, the babies were served a slice of strawberry cupcake, and then we all sang happy Birthday. Afterwards, they danced around the porch area and played with the balloons and toys. To an outsider, this might look like complete chaos, but to us- it is the most beautiful chaos you will witness. 

Prayer time (aka- screaming the devil out of you) is around noon, so we got all 32 babies and toddlers back into their room for a diaper change and chill session. I would like to say here that I am submitting my application for Guinness World Book of Records for being the faster diaper changer of 20 babies/toddlers (ages 12 months- 3 years) without getting peed on, losing diapers in the mix, adding powder to each bottom, and snapping the onsies back together, all while not losing my mind. I would also like to make note- that I now understand why parents prefer the zipper vs 8,000 buttons on their child's clothing. The things I am learning are hysterical and I am sure amusing to all the nannies. But hey- just look at all this experience I am getting for my future nieces and nephews (and yes Courtney- I will be Auntie Ashley - nobody has to know otherwise :) ). 

OK one party was a success, now it was on to the older kiddos. Again, Rudy helped me with the cake, balloons, beach balls, and organizing the prize table. The menu was a vanilla cake with chocolate icing. If any of you have had Haitian inspired baking, you will know that anything homemade is pretty much the best thing ever. Let's just say baking is not their speciality. The party was a hit. Beads, Bubbles, Balloons, Bracelets, Beach Balls, Hot Wheels, Headbands, Jump Ropes, Paddleball Game, Musical Instruments, and bouncy balls. I mean it was like Christmas. I just said go, and there was a mad dash for the prize table. The afternoon was theirs, and they had armfuls of toys to play with. I hope they had as much fun as I did. 

We ended the afternoon by talking Frankis (well there wasn't much talking, he is all about the happiness of the kids, so whatever they want he tries his hardest to make it happen) into setting up the projector for a movie. This is normally a Saturday treat. It is getting hot here, like really hot, and it is only April. We have been coloring, making loom band bracelets, and reading to avoid the afternoon heat, so the afternoon movie was such a fun treat. 

All in all it was a great day. I am so glad we were able to celebrate today!!!

My 28th Birthday

Yikes... It is a little scary to write that number. 28- I turned 28 yesterday. As I have mentioned in one of my previous post, birthdays are a big deal. They always have been and probably always will be. I have my mother to thank for this. She always made our birthdays something special and a big event. After all, it was the day you entered this crazy world. I hear the same stories each year, how long labor was, how long everyone was waiting for me to get here, and the shock when I came out a girl. I love hearing them all!! This year, given that I do not have calling ability to the US, the stories were shorter, but the love was deeper. I can honestly say without a doubt this was one of my best birthdays, and I look forward to seeing that 28 has in store for me. 

The birthday celebration started on Saturday when Holly, Ducans, Mitch, and myself went to Hotel Montana. We spent the day by the pool, enjoyed the most beautiful views, and relaxed. The week was super busy for everyone so a day to chill was so nice. We enjoyed iced coffee's and a yummy lunch. Since the actual birthday was on Tuesday, and who knows what all can happen in the week, we decided since we are out and about let's just go to dinner. It wasn't until this past year that I started to eat sushi and actually enjoy it. When Holly asked what I wanted for dinner- sushi popped in my head. Well- in Haiti you do not have the 10,000 food choices as you do in the states, so I said I am good with whatever. AND because the only sushi restaurant I knew of was on the UN base- complete opposite direction of our current location. We left the hotel with the idea of getting Chinese- Mitch knew of some restaurant that was good so we went with his suggestion. We drove all around Petionville (which was totally enjoyable), and after asking several locals were told the restaurant closed. Bummer..... ok option B.... the next choice was Mexican. On our way there we passed a restaurant that looked like it was Japanese.....wait... is that.... heck yes it was.... Score- we were having SUSHI!!!!  And it was the same sushi restaurant that's on the UN base just a different location. Oh I was totally excited. No offense Holly, but I am not a big Chinese eater (wink wink). We ordered, shared a few laughs, chatted, and then I got the best surprise. While Mitch was gone (had an airport pick up) he stopped at the bakery and picked up a birthday cake. Apparently, when I went to the restroom they snuck it in the restaurant and informed the staff. The next thing I know the entire restaurant was singing, and there is a HUGE firework on a cake placed right in front of me. It was the prefect ending to the night. 

On Sunday- we went to church with the new team in town, had a delicious paid for lunch (greek salad- oh so yummy- and oh so green!) and then went sightseeing around a few new places. I placed a custom order with a metal artist and will go pick up the final product tomorrow. Super excited and cannot wait to see it. And then in the late afternoon we came home to chill. Talk about a busy weekend. But it was so enjoyable. I am really loving the fact that my last few weeks here I am getting the opportunity to actually see Haiti and all of its beauty. 

Monday started like a normal Monday at the O, but with an afternoon of adventure. We again met up with the new team and visited a museum. Forgive me, I do not remember the name. I am not really a good history person. It is interesting to me, but as soon as I hear it, it is gone. But none the less, it was quite interesting to learn the history of Haiti. The evening was filled with friends, food, and laughs. 

Tuesday- My actual Birthday. I woke up gearing to go and had a great hour and a half workout, followed by Holly busting through the door singing and dancing Happy Birthday. I so wish I could have recorded this. It was awesome!!  I opened my eamil and to my surprise I had a birthday video. I watched the video Scott recorded for me with a special message from my friends back home. It was such a wonderful and thoughtful gift. I spent the day at the O with all the kiddos and slowly one by one they heard it was my Birthday, and were even more excited when I told them on Friday we were having a Birthday Bash with homemade cake and cupcakes, games, balloons, and games, and it is to celebrate all April Birthdays!!! 

Every year when asked what kind of cake do I want, it is either Strawberry or Ice Cream cake. I am a sucker for Ice Cream- just really wish it wasn't dairy :(  Well since the possibility of getting an Ice Cream cake was slim to none we decided to just get Ice Cream for the night (since it is a huge luxury here) and celebrate at home. Well those plans quickly changed. We wanted to get out. And  I actually felt "normal" for a change. I didn't bring my "normal" summer clothes just because packing had to be minimal, so I have to wear my O clothes pretty much wherever I go, and since I wore my sundress to the O during the day- that left me with a tank and gauchos.......Luckily,  Holly came to my rescue. I was chatting with mom when she walked in my room with a cute little sundress, earrings, and necklace, and said get dressed we are looking cute tonight!!!!  It was perfect. Mitch picked us up, and before we knew it we were having a fruity cocktail, sitting by the gorgeous pool, and having a good time with good friends. We ended the night with a scrumptious brownie topped with ice cream.

I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my birthday. I heard from everyone and felt so much love. 28 is going to be a good year!!!!  

Hike in Kenscoff

Yesterday I woke up with the worst stomach issues ever and had to miss a pretty awesome nursing opportunity. I haven't mentioned anything about this yet, because I wanted to check it out and I have been praying for direction on it. Luckily for me, the clinic was canceled and we are rescheduling for next week. I slept for most of the day yesterday and only got out of my room around 3pm to get some fresh air and try and keep down some water and crackers. By the time Holly got home (6:30 ish pm) I thought I was feeling better. We needed a few things from the grocery store and since it rains every night now, Pierre picked us up and took us to the grocery. Word of Advise- do not attempt to go anywhere in Haiti with a weak stomach, especially in a vehicle on these not so smooth roads. The ride home was less than pleasant, and I will not be making that mistake again. 

I had this hike planned for a few days, and to my surprise I woke up feeling ok, and after missing yesterday I wasn't going to let my nauseated stomach ruin another day. I slowly got ready, ate a few crackers, and headed out the gate. So I have been here for over 2 months now, and this morning was my first solo walk! I had no issues- not that I thought I would, but ya never know. Erica and her driver Junior picked me and her sister Meredith up at the park (now this is not a park like you are thinking of, no green mountains of grass or anything, but they do have swings, and some newly installed gym equipment) and off we went to Kenscoff for our hike. 

I first met Erica about a month ago at Kyle's going away dinner. Kyle was a preschool teacher here in Haiti for the last 3 years, and recently accepted a job in Japan, so she left in the middle of March for her new adventure. Erica and I shared a pizza the night of the going away party, and started talking about hiking and actually seeing different parts of Haiti. She promised to let me know when she was going again, and since her sister was in town from D.C- she decided today was the day. Erica in on a year long contact with a company called SOIL (http://www.oursoil.org/who-we-are/mission/). Basically what they do is promote good health by using resources already in Haiti and educating Haitians on transferring their waste into resources.  

Our drive to Kenscoff was enjoyable especially when the temps started dropping. The high today in the city is 98*. Summer is here, along with rainy season. We arrived at the base a little after 9am, and started our journey up. Erica is very familiar with this hike as she has done it several times before, so luckily for Meredith and I we had ourselves a little history lesson. We hiked on the Wynn Farm Ecological Reserve. Erica met Jane (the organizer of this farm) a few weeks ago when they had a small team in town, and today we were fortunate to have the chance to meet her briefly. Check out their website for more information. It is another pretty awesome company doing some amazing things for Haiti. (http://wynnefarm.org)

The views today were breathtaking. It was amazingly quiet up there, the air was crisp and clean, and it gave you just a glimpse of God's beauty and be still with Him for a bit. I throughly enjoyed this moment. A lot of people only see Haiti for the poor sick kids living in tent's. Yes there is some of that, but there is so much more to Haiti, and I am so thankful to be able to experience this. 

Once we finally make it to the top, we stopped and chatted with Jane for a few minutes, walked through a few of the gardens, and greenhouses (sorry, I didn't get any pictures), before heading back down. 

The hike was delicious and something I will definitely remember and recommend for anyone coming to Haiti. 

Apparent Project

I left the O early today because Holly was meeting a friend for coffee at the Apparent Project, and I wanted to go and check it out. I went last week but didn't get there before the staff left, so I wanted to see everyone in action today. If you have been playing around on this blog you might have come across the "Shop Haiti" link. I have the Apparent Project's link there, so please go and check them out. It is pretty much an amazing company with an incredible story.

If you remember from one of my first blog's I met a girl named Callie. Callie and Holly are really good friends so we see each other a lot. She is also the Marketing Rep for the Apparent Project along with doing a lot of their web designs, etc. Super creative and always fun to hang out with. 

I knew a little bit about this company, but didn't have the full story, so I was super excited to get a little tour today while the Haitians were hard at work. The entire mission of this company is to keep families together. And I love it. Many people do not know that a lot of the children in orphanages actually have living parents. They are just not able to care for their child due to poverty so the best option (at the time) is to place the child in an orphanage. This way they will at least be fed everyday. Haiti has an average of 500,000 children living in an orphanage since the earthquake in 2010. The Apparent Project is helping to lower this number each day. The goal of their organization is to help mothers and fathers be  A PARENT to their child, and with over 190 employed Haitians- they are reaching some pretty amazing goals!!!

As I went on my tour, Callie explained how everything was made, by hand, out of recyclable paper products, soil for the clay pottery, and fabric for sewing. I was so impressed with how someone can made something so neat out of a recycled cereal box. 

If you have time, please visit their website to read about their mission, vision, and ways they are empowering Haitians (something I have found great passion in). 

This afternoon was pretty awesome, and I forgot to share the best news.... they make fresh Smoothies!!!!!  And it was DELICIOUS :) I had the Mario special!!

Metal Art Work-- All hand made. 

Paper Ornament 

Pottery- was able to see them making this today :)

Necklaces with  little metal work 

Clay beads before getting painted 

Clay beads painted 

Staff working on rolling paper for the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets 

Sewing away making beautiful bags 

And my favorite- coasters from recycles cereal boxes- rolled and glued together 

 Making the coasters 

Haitian Staff members working so hard stringing beads 

 And the final Product