Lekòl
Last week the children finished their
exams at school. Even very young
children have exams in Haiti; the school system here uses very different
methods and is based on a philosophy that seems almost contradictory to what I
was taught under-grad as an elementary and special education major at Rhode Island College
in the 1990s.
Maladi
Several of the children have
gotten sick lately. At first we were
told it was the measles, but now we have been informed that it was not the measles
after all, which is a good thing. When we
believed that several children were coming down with the measles, I looked up
information on various seemingly trustworthy medical websites to educate myself
about the measles. I found myself
reflecting on disease and vaccinations, and who is offered vaccinations in our
world and who is not. When preparing to
come to Haiti, the travel specialist suggested I get a booster to protect
against measles, mumps and rubella, just in case the antibodies from earlier
vaccinations were no longer active. My
life and health is no more valuable in the eyes of God than a child born into
poverty in a country where poverty is the norm. Some people in our world are offered
more protection against disease than others as if some lives are of greater
value and in general certain factors influence a person’s chances of being
offered vaccinations and proper health care in general such as nationality,
education level, social status, and race.
Learning of how dangerous measles can be I am very grateful that it is
not the illness our children have and that there are vaccinations available;
hopefully in the not too distant future these vaccines will be given to all
children on our planet regardless of where they are born, and how much money
their families have and then when children anywhere become sick it will not be because of the measles or any other serious illness for which there are safe and effective vaccinations.
Fèt Nwèl
Yesterday we had a Christmas party for all of the children
and employees. While preparing for the
party on Saturday a young woman from Canada and I were given the recipe (in
French) and the task for making rum punch, a Haitian specialty, which our
employees enjoyed; although I did find it rather funny that this was the task
of the newest blahs(foreigners/white people)
in the lakou (yard/property.) The
celebration started with a lively liturgy in our little chapel; I liked the way
the priest interacted with the children and at least the homily was in Creole
this time. The mass was followed by a wonderful
fèt that included music, dancing, great Haitian food, ice cream and gifts. The children and employees really seemed to
enjoy themselves. Although the intermittent
rain was inconvenient, we did not allow it to detract from the great fun. I even tasted the rum punch and it was not
bad at all!
Orevwa timoun
Most of the children left today to spend school vacation and
celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day, which is also Independence Day with relatives. Most of the children were happy to see their
relative come through the gate of the orphanage. Some came long distances, but not one family
member arrived at our gate in a car. It is suddenly quiet around here, I miss the children already. This week there will be some educational sessions for all staff and
sisters who work with the children.
Early next week, I will be leaving for a visit with my community and then
my family.
Politik
There is a lot happening in
Haiti politically these days with the recent resignation of the prime minister. Sometimes we talk about what is happening at
the dinner table, but in general to know what is going on I read articles on
the internet, because despite some modest improvements, I still understand
English better than Creole. I will attach a link to one article, for your
convenience, although it sometimes helps to read a few to get different
perspectives. Despite the political
chaos in the country we are very safe here in our yard and in this neighborhood
which on the outskirts of Cap Haitian. I
hope and pray that the recent resignation of the prime minister will somehow help
the situation.
May this third week of Advent be a time of joy for each of
you. Thanks for taking the time to read
this blog. Many blessings!
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