Puppet Show
On Monday, a short term volunteer from Italy came to Kay St. Anne with me. She apparently took a clowning class in Italy. She quickly put together a simple puppet show for the children, which they loved. It was wonderful to watch them watching her. One little boy sitting in the back row jumped up and down with pure delight. This was a fun activity which took place before medical workers arrived to give all of the children vaccinations, a much less pleasant event to observe.
Kenskoft
On Wednesday I accompanied the 12 children who do not have family with whom they can be reunited, on the journey to Kenskoft. When I was at St. Louie, I heard the oldest girl who was leaving call out, the the kind gentleman who oversees Kay St. Louie, "Met, Met, Pa bliye m." (Teacher/mister, don't forget me.) My heart was touched as he assured her that she would be remembered. We stopped half way up the mountain in Pettionville, where NPH has an office; there we picked up other children, whom I did not know who were also being admitted to the orphanage in Kenskoft.
A four year old from St. Anne sat on my lap during the ride up the mountain. I remember when this little girl arrived at St. Anne last year. She seemed so small, and so scared. I held her the day she came. During her first weeks at St. Anne she cried every afternoon when I was leaving for the day. She had come to us from a previous orphanage (not NPH) who either did not want to or felt they could not care for her because of her health problems. When she arrived at St. Anne we were told that her mother had died, and her father was in the process of dying. Now this spunky four year old child who has lost both of her parents is at her third orphanage. She cried on and off during the trip as did other children. When a child cries a common reaction in this culture is for adults to tell them "silens" or "pa kriye" (silence or don't cry.) I tried to normalize their crying for the staff and explain in my imperfect kreyol that it is better that they cry than to hold the feelings in. A few words from a foreigner is not likely to have any significant immediate impact on what people have done and experienced their entire lives. Each time I heard an adult tell a child not to cry, I felt a little more like I might cry for them.
When we arrived in Kenskoft it was raining and unusually windy which people attributed to the storm that had passed us by without actually hitting us a couple of days earlier. We pulled the bus into the courtyard of the school. The children's newly assigned workers came to meet them. I made sure I said goodbye to each of the children individually, especially those from St. Anne. One toddler clung to me for a few minute, as I stood by her new worker, eventually she was taken into the arms of her new worker and waved to me and said, "bye bye" as she left the court yard to head towards the house.
Fet
Thursday was not only my birthday but was the feast of St. Louie, for which the home for the older children in our program is named, and the one year anniversary of my arrival at NPH. For the feast day celebration, there was a special liturgy at St. Louie that morning. In Haitian Creole the same word, fet, is used for birthday, feast day, party, celebration, and it has a couple of other uses too. It was not only my fet, but also fet for all of the children over the age of six in our program who celebrated the feast day of the patron of their house that day. After mass, the children joyfully sang Happy Birthday to me in Creole, French, English and Spanish! Then I was able to wish all of them "Bon fet!" I was delighted that my fet was their fet too.
Heart
Last November, as those who read this regularly might remember, I spent a week in Florida with a Haitian child who had heart surgery because due to immigration concerns Haitian parents are not typically allowed to accompany their children to the US when the child is there for surgery. I recall feeling a sense of joy when I translated for him when the doctor explained that he was all better. Unfortunately, this proved to be untrue. A few months ago, after an american pediatric cardiologist came to St. Damien Hospital, I heard that there was something wrong, and that this child will probably need to have heart surgery again. Yesterday, the other volunteer who had also spent some time with him in the states last year, informed me that he is currently in ICU here at St. Damien Hospital. I stopped by to say hello to him last night. He is on oxygen, and was sitting by his mother. When he saw me he smiled, but he looks tiered. His mother took my hand and held it to his chest; she wanted me to feel that his heart is beating too strongly and too quickly. His mother asked about my parents, because the child had told her about meeting them in Florida while he was recovering from surgery. He remembered going in the car with them and eating at a restaurant. His mother explained to me that her son has an infection and then she seemed to be explaining that something was ripped or torn; the previous surgery for some reason apparently did not work, despite the doctors believing it had last November. I don't know too many of the details regarding his situation or the likelihood of him returning to the US for a second surgery. In the meantime I will pray for him and ask you to do so too.
Hurricane
We were fortunate that the Tropical Storm Irene, which is now a hurricane, did not hit us directly. It seemed to affect the weather pattern a bit, but not in any serious ways, thank God. For all of you on the east coast of the United States who may have felt the earthquake and are preparing for Hurricane Irene, please be assured of my prayers. Take care. Be safe.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
We had two parties this week. On Tuesday was Fet Pe Wasson. Father Wasson was the founder of NPH international. At that party, the children heard his life story and how he started his first orphanage in Mexico. Then small groups of children did skits, dances and sang songs; many about Pe Wasson.
The following day was the end of the summer camp program, so there was a party, with presentations, singing and dancing. I am often impressed with the talent of the children.
The Father Wasson Angel of Light program is transitioning from an orphanage to a program which will work to eventually, carefully reunite children with living relatives,if they have them. The program will eventually serve as more of a boarding school for children in dire need. I think this is a very good thing for the children who have families, but obviously creates challenges for those who have nowhere to go. It was decided that some of the children who are considered to be true orphans with no known relative capable of caring for in the future would be sent to the large NPH orphanage in Kenskoft. Yesterday I accompanied (along with a couple of workers who themselves grew up in Kenskoft,) a group of 12 children to the orphanage in in the mountains so that they could visit before they actually move there. Some of the children seemed a bit scared when they first arrive, which made me grateful that this was just a visit. They got to see some of the houses during a tour and had a picnic lunch. As we were getting ready to leave the fog rolled in and it started to rain. We were not very far down the mountain, still in the town of Kenskoft, when traffic was completely stopped. Apparently three trees had fallen into the street, so we had to wait until they were removed. In the mean time during the hour of so of waiting, most of the children needed to go to the bathroom and a diaper needed changing. When I opened the door to the of the bus/van there was a small stream of water running down the road and a down power line very close to the van. It was quite an adventure. Eventually the trees were cut and we were able to continue and arrived safely, thanks be to God.
While I was in the states, the permanent structure for the FWAL school was begun. This is defiantly a good thing as many of the tents that were used during the last school year as classrooms are not in good shape at all. In fact the tent that I was using for play therapy and my psycho-social educational groups was no longer standing when returned. As I noticed yesterday during the trip to Kenskoft there are still many people living in tents. Let us pray that the predicted tropical storm Irene will change paths especially for the sake of the people who do not have adequate shelter.
Take care.
The following day was the end of the summer camp program, so there was a party, with presentations, singing and dancing. I am often impressed with the talent of the children.
The Father Wasson Angel of Light program is transitioning from an orphanage to a program which will work to eventually, carefully reunite children with living relatives,if they have them. The program will eventually serve as more of a boarding school for children in dire need. I think this is a very good thing for the children who have families, but obviously creates challenges for those who have nowhere to go. It was decided that some of the children who are considered to be true orphans with no known relative capable of caring for in the future would be sent to the large NPH orphanage in Kenskoft. Yesterday I accompanied (along with a couple of workers who themselves grew up in Kenskoft,) a group of 12 children to the orphanage in in the mountains so that they could visit before they actually move there. Some of the children seemed a bit scared when they first arrive, which made me grateful that this was just a visit. They got to see some of the houses during a tour and had a picnic lunch. As we were getting ready to leave the fog rolled in and it started to rain. We were not very far down the mountain, still in the town of Kenskoft, when traffic was completely stopped. Apparently three trees had fallen into the street, so we had to wait until they were removed. In the mean time during the hour of so of waiting, most of the children needed to go to the bathroom and a diaper needed changing. When I opened the door to the of the bus/van there was a small stream of water running down the road and a down power line very close to the van. It was quite an adventure. Eventually the trees were cut and we were able to continue and arrived safely, thanks be to God.
While I was in the states, the permanent structure for the FWAL school was begun. This is defiantly a good thing as many of the tents that were used during the last school year as classrooms are not in good shape at all. In fact the tent that I was using for play therapy and my psycho-social educational groups was no longer standing when returned. As I noticed yesterday during the trip to Kenskoft there are still many people living in tents. Let us pray that the predicted tropical storm Irene will change paths especially for the sake of the people who do not have adequate shelter.
Take care.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
M te tounen nan Ayiti. I returned to Haiti
My final days in the Unites States were quite busy. The memorial service for my baby cousin on was held in Rhode Island on Saturday, on Sunday I returned to the Philadelphia area, and on Monday morning flew direct from Newark NJ to Portaprince.
On Tuesday I spent the day at Kay Saint Anne. Instead of the children going to the summer camp program at St. Louie, the children are staying home and workers are coming to do activities with them. I was so happy to see the children again, they seemed happy to see me to, they actually clapped and cheered when I walked into the house where the workers were trying to do activities with them. Many of them seemed to have grown so much in the time I was away! It is great to be back.
Thank you to all the people who gave me things for the children, or money to purchase things for them. Each day this week I brought something else to Kay Saint Anne. One day the sandals which a family member had asked a high end children's store to donate. These really came in handy since many of the children were wearing broken flimsy flip flops. The next day I brought hand made beautiful sun dresses and shorts that a group of people in Rhode Island sew for children in living in poverty in developing counties. They looked great on the children and are perfect for the hot Haitian weather. The socks, underwear, stickers, crayons and other items will all be used well. The children thanked me, and I told them I would thank the people who gave me the items for them or the money to buy the items. Ti moun yo di nou "mesi anpil!" (The children say to you "thank you very much!"
There have been some positive changes at St. Anne in the time I was away. There are more workers hired, so that the ratio of children to adults has decreased. There is one worker present at all times who is to focus on the three children who have either a developmental or physical disability. I am very pleased about many of the changes because I think the children and workers will benefit.
On Friday afternoon, I went to see the older children at St. Louie. It was great to see them. They seemed happy to see me too, but a couple were clearly disappointed that I had not brought Ti Toti (my turtle puppet) along. One of the youngest children there, was very excited to use a few simple English phrases he had learned while I was away. He asked, "what is your name?" I responded and asked him his name and when he did not know what to say, I prompted him with the correct response. Then he asked, "how are you?", I responded and asked him the same question, again prompting his response. It was the same for, "who are you?" He was beaming with pride that he knew these phrases. He then gave me a look as if to say that he had one more. With pure innocence, not having any clue about the meaning of what he was saying, only aware that he was speaking English, smiling with great pride at his newly acquired language abilities, he proceeded to pronounce one of the most inappropriate of four letter words in the English language followed by the word "you." Not wanting to burst his bubble, I gently whispered, "sa pa janti, nou pa di sa. (that is not nice, we don't say that.)"
This morning, I went to liturgy at St. Louie. The children all wear their best clothes to mass and sing with such joy. My heart filled with a sense of gratitude.
Have a good week. Take care.
On Tuesday I spent the day at Kay Saint Anne. Instead of the children going to the summer camp program at St. Louie, the children are staying home and workers are coming to do activities with them. I was so happy to see the children again, they seemed happy to see me to, they actually clapped and cheered when I walked into the house where the workers were trying to do activities with them. Many of them seemed to have grown so much in the time I was away! It is great to be back.
Thank you to all the people who gave me things for the children, or money to purchase things for them. Each day this week I brought something else to Kay Saint Anne. One day the sandals which a family member had asked a high end children's store to donate. These really came in handy since many of the children were wearing broken flimsy flip flops. The next day I brought hand made beautiful sun dresses and shorts that a group of people in Rhode Island sew for children in living in poverty in developing counties. They looked great on the children and are perfect for the hot Haitian weather. The socks, underwear, stickers, crayons and other items will all be used well. The children thanked me, and I told them I would thank the people who gave me the items for them or the money to buy the items. Ti moun yo di nou "mesi anpil!" (The children say to you "thank you very much!"
There have been some positive changes at St. Anne in the time I was away. There are more workers hired, so that the ratio of children to adults has decreased. There is one worker present at all times who is to focus on the three children who have either a developmental or physical disability. I am very pleased about many of the changes because I think the children and workers will benefit.
On Friday afternoon, I went to see the older children at St. Louie. It was great to see them. They seemed happy to see me too, but a couple were clearly disappointed that I had not brought Ti Toti (my turtle puppet) along. One of the youngest children there, was very excited to use a few simple English phrases he had learned while I was away. He asked, "what is your name?" I responded and asked him his name and when he did not know what to say, I prompted him with the correct response. Then he asked, "how are you?", I responded and asked him the same question, again prompting his response. It was the same for, "who are you?" He was beaming with pride that he knew these phrases. He then gave me a look as if to say that he had one more. With pure innocence, not having any clue about the meaning of what he was saying, only aware that he was speaking English, smiling with great pride at his newly acquired language abilities, he proceeded to pronounce one of the most inappropriate of four letter words in the English language followed by the word "you." Not wanting to burst his bubble, I gently whispered, "sa pa janti, nou pa di sa. (that is not nice, we don't say that.)"
This morning, I went to liturgy at St. Louie. The children all wear their best clothes to mass and sing with such joy. My heart filled with a sense of gratitude.
Have a good week. Take care.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Updates and a poem
It has been quite a while since I last updated this blog and much has happened, some wonderful moments with family and friends, and some sudden and deep sadness such as the death of a baby cousin. I attended provincial chapter, returned to Rhode Island for a few days to be with my family, then went to Cape May NJ where I had a wonderful retreat experience.
Here is a poem I wrote early during retreat which begins with an expression of my grief related to those who have died of Cholera in Haiti as well as the tragic death of my baby cousin.
Water, I am angry.
I am angry at you
for containing Cholera which killed countless people,
including four year old Katinana,
who had such a great giggle and traumatized eyes.
I'm angry at you
for luring Jameson with your playfulness and beauty
for flooding his little lungs
and forever separating his spirit from
his toddler body.
Water, you were my friend,
Your ocean waves have so often spoken to me of God
rhythmically stirring my soul from sleep,
often holding me afloat
or welcoming me for sacred moments beneath your surface.
who else could I pray and play with as I do you?
Water, you never failed to quench my thirst,
to cool me when I am hot,
to wash away the dirt and grime of daily life.
Don't worry, my love,
my anger will dissolve.
I will forgive you.
Now I am feeling bold enough and sorrowful enough to ask
you, if you will forgive me and all of humanity,
for the countless ways we have
wasted, poisoned, and plundered you.
In harming you we have hurt ourselves.
We are not separate from you.
You are in me; you are my blood.
Each sip of you I swallow can remind me
of our intimate unity.
Today as I stand by your side,
as I immerse myself in you,
I offer to you all that I have to give,
which is essentially you,
Releasing from my body,
flowing into yours,
beloved friend,
receive these tears.
I plan to resume more consistent weekly blog updates beginning in mid August. I look forward to my return to Haiti in less than a week. I hope you are having an enjoyable summer.
Here is a poem I wrote early during retreat which begins with an expression of my grief related to those who have died of Cholera in Haiti as well as the tragic death of my baby cousin.
Water, I am angry.
I am angry at you
for containing Cholera which killed countless people,
including four year old Katinana,
who had such a great giggle and traumatized eyes.
I'm angry at you
for luring Jameson with your playfulness and beauty
for flooding his little lungs
and forever separating his spirit from
his toddler body.
Water, you were my friend,
Your ocean waves have so often spoken to me of God
rhythmically stirring my soul from sleep,
often holding me afloat
or welcoming me for sacred moments beneath your surface.
who else could I pray and play with as I do you?
Water, you never failed to quench my thirst,
to cool me when I am hot,
to wash away the dirt and grime of daily life.
Don't worry, my love,
my anger will dissolve.
I will forgive you.
Now I am feeling bold enough and sorrowful enough to ask
you, if you will forgive me and all of humanity,
for the countless ways we have
wasted, poisoned, and plundered you.
In harming you we have hurt ourselves.
We are not separate from you.
You are in me; you are my blood.
Each sip of you I swallow can remind me
of our intimate unity.
Today as I stand by your side,
as I immerse myself in you,
I offer to you all that I have to give,
which is essentially you,
Releasing from my body,
flowing into yours,
beloved friend,
receive these tears.
I plan to resume more consistent weekly blog updates beginning in mid August. I look forward to my return to Haiti in less than a week. I hope you are having an enjoyable summer.
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