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 

Empty Nester

It's lunchtime here at the O, and unlike my last month it is extremely quiet. I am sitting in the office solo eating my rice and bean sauce wondering how my crew is doing. Everyone left early this morning with the exception of Judy- she left here at noon. It is now just me. 

I didn't think you could form a bond so quickly with 4 other people, but I guess when you live with someone and see them everyday for an entire month the bond just happens. 

The month of March has been a whirlwind. The Pfaff family arrived March 3rd, Brian and his team of 14 (mostly children) arrived that Saturday March 8th and left the 12th, Julie and her daughter Jordyn came on March 20th and stayed for 7 days, and then Tawnya, Isabella, and Judy arrived Tuesday the 25th and left today. So needless to say the house has been full and I have so enjoyed all the different conversations. 

I honestly didn't think it was going to be this hard to say goodbye. And for the record I HATE good-byes. I always say see you soon. It helps me to know there is a reunion coming soon. Good-bye just sounds so sad.....  Well today it was hard. Really hard. The kids and I are going to miss them so much. They have been my saving grace at the O for the past several weeks, especially when things get overwhelming. I can't even begin to thank them enough for their efforts here and the amazing work they did. I remember the night before they were to arrive, I stalked their FB account and found their fundraising video and was excited to see what work God called them to do. We laughed about it later when Holly and I shared that we totally spied on them to get an idea who we would be living with for a month!!!  Let's just say their paperwork and their personalities were total opposites!!!  

So for now, I will wish my new friends the safest journey back to the states, and I will see then when I arrive. Oh, I forgot to mention they live in Nashville too!!!  Whoop Whoop. 

You guys are amazing, and I thank you (and the kiddos do too) for your love that you shared with all of us. Safe travels and I will see ya soon :)

Out with the Old.....

I am very excited to share this post as it makes me smile from ear to ear thinking about it. I will start from the beginning especially for those who are not following the Pfaff's blog. The Pfaff family arrived in Haiti on March 3rd. The first week at the O they noticed the pieces of foam AKA the kids mattresses on the roof. When asked the reason behind this and if these were actually what they slept on- I think a little piece of their heart broke. The kids were sleeping on these pieces of foam that were pieces together with a bed sheet to make a semi full mattress. They are placed on the roof each morning to dry out because many of the children still wet the bed (this is very common in children who have been through trauma, and most of the children here, trauma is not a new terminology). So as we all stood there with our heart slowly breaking, it was then decided to do something about it. 

And so it began. Mary France informed us how many were needed, phone calls were made to get a price quote, wiring the funds took an act of congress, more phone calls were made due to a sudden price increase, frustration and heartache over the unnecessary drama, and then FINALLY it happened.  I am pretty sure the Big Guy upstairs was wore out from all our prayers for these mattresses to happen:) But it HAPPENED and the mattresses were ordered and would be delivered on Saturday around 4pm. 

The Pfaff crew was ecstatic- well, we all were- but due to the madness that happened we didn't tell the kiddos in case something went wrong, and then we would have to try and undo that excitement. 

Saturday was birth family day (see previous blog) and after they families left we were all outside playing with the kiddos when all of the sudden they all started cheering and jumping up and down. Jackson was here- and had all 23 mattresses!!!!!  The excitement was something I will never forget. What child do you know that gets excited over getting a new mattress. (Kind of reminded me of the undies day!!). Well I can tell you these kids get excited over new Mattresses!!!  I took some video but not sure if it will upload or not, so it will be pictures for now.

Garry helped Jackson unload the mattresses into the kids rooms while the nannies removed all the old ones.

It was a great ending to a wonderful month with the Pfamily and a perfect ending to Birth Day Visitation for the kids. I hope they slept like champions- of course the mattresses might need to be broken in first :)


out with the old...... 

And in with the new....

Birth Family Day

This Saturday has been a little different that the previous Saturday's as we all got ready to go to the O for Birth Family Visitation. We had talked to the kids last night about their families coming and several were excited- other didn't seem to have any emotion- partly because they were not 100% sure if anyone was coming to visit. Insert broken heart.

We all arrived at the O around 10:30, and there was already several parents waiting. After a brief (2 hour meeting) the kids were finally able to spend some time with their families. I will be honest and say I had pictured this a lot different in my head, but that doesn't necessary mean it was the perfect picture. At first, especially the younger ones were timid and a few even cried when handed to their birth parents. I am sure this was hard on both parties. As I have been playing mom to all 68 of them over the last several weeks this was difficult for me to witness. I wanted to snatch them all back up and say thank you all for coming, but we will see you next time. BUT- these are their babies, and they traveled all this way to see them. After a few minutes, everyone relaxed and the families seemed to be enjoying each others company. In my head I pictured walking into the O today and the parents and children all playing outside- coloring, swinging, laughing, having snacks, etc.... The reality was, the families stayed to the side and each child was called to go and visit. I think this was to help keep the ones who had no parents in their semi- normal Saturday routine. Whatever the reason was I am sure it was thought about- just odd from my perspective.

The kids visited for a bit, would come back to see what we were doing, go back and visit more, and then the families left.

If you all will think back to last Thursday when we had the 30 Abes food arrive, and the mass amount we had, well Pierre decided to give each birth family a box of food. Each box contain 215 meals so needless to say, they will be fed for some time. The families were super excited to receive this gift, and left all smiling.

A very late lunch was served and then we had an afternoon surprise...... MATTRESSES came!!!!