Madi Gra

On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the plan was to allow a small group of children to go into the city to see what was going on for Carnival.  The children who went really seemed to enjoy it.  I think the children, especially the younger ones whose school is located on the property are happy to go anywhere, since they don't leave site very often.  They came back talking about the "Madi Gra," referring specifically to people in the street wearing "ugly" masks.  My name was on the list to be an adult going with them on Tuesday, but in an attempt to practice better self-care, I decided to take what is supposed to be my weekly day off, which meant forfeiting my chance to go with the children into the city.  As it turns out all major Mardi Gras activities that had been planned in the country for Tuesday were cancelled.  There was a terrible tragic accident in Port-au-Prince during the very early morning hours on Tuesday when a float came into contact with power-lines, electrocuting  at least 15-20 people (the number varies deepening upon which article you read or radio station you listen to.)  The next time I am at a parade in New Orleans, and watch the big electric company truck that precedes each and every parade checking that power-lines and tree branches are not in the path of the large floats, I will have a deeper appreciation and understand that such a practice really does prevent accidents and premature death.  We are praying for all those who died, those who lost loved ones, and those who witnessed this traumatic event.

I am grateful that I had a chance to pray and read and take two long walks yesterday.  I do love the work that I am doing here, and also know that taking a break, a day off and not spending it in the place where one works, is important especially when working with people.

Be assured of my prayers as we enter into this season of lent.  During these days may we all be transformed into the people God has created us to be, people of love, compassion, mercy, justice, peace and hope so that we can work towards the transformation of the world into God's vision.

                

Madi

Tuesday was supposed to be my day off.  Last Tuesday it seemed complicated to plan to go somewhere else in the morning and still go to Creole class in the afternoon, since Tuesday is the only day I was going to class.  I tried to take some quiet time that morning, but then there was a child who had not gone to school, and well it was not a morning off from work by any means....  So I decided that this Tuesday I would spend the morning at a nearby convent, which is located in a neighborhood where I have been told it is safe to go for a walk.  I made arrangements so that I could spend a restful morning walking near another convent and still go the Creole class for the last time in the afternoon.  It is really no wonder that people here often use the expression "si Dye vle" after saying what they plan to do, because plans are often changed by circumstances beyond one's control.  Everything I thought I need for that morning and for the afternoon class was in my back pack, I was ready to go.  On Tuesday there were protests here in Cap-Haitian, because many people want to government to lower the price of gasoline.  So, I was informed that it was not wise to leave the lakou (yard) on Tuesday.  I attempted to go for a long leisurely walk within the confines of the walls surrounding the property here; since the children did not have school and wanted to walk with me, my walk was different than I had been imagining.  I decided that I would close the wooden door to my room, often I leave it open if I am in my room during the day, since there is a decent screen door that keeps out mosquitoes but allows the breeze and sun light to enter.  After a little while I was startled when someone was at my bedroom window calling my name.  A child was peering in the window to tell me that another child wanted assistance with English homework.  So, my morning off was just not going to happen.  When I heard that there would not be any Creole class because of the manifestations, I choose to follow Wednesday's schedule on Tuesday so that I could go to Creole class on Wednesday without skipping any of the children's group therapy sessions for the week.  Hopefully next week, I will be able to take the day off, and spend it off site; at this point instead of saying "Si Dye vle", I want to say, "Please God", which is what my Irish grandmother would use in pretty much the same way Haitians tend to use "Si Dye vle."

On Wednesday the truck broke down on the way to the high school where we have Creole Class.  So we took a tap-tap, which is a pick up truck with seats in the back.  Usually they are very crowded but since we were going into the city at time when most people were leaving, this was not the case.  It is cheaper to take a tap-tap a longer distance here than it was for me to take the tap-tap in Tabarre four years ago (half the price actually.)  We had a small party during class.  I am grateful for the class and all that I learned.    

On Thursday I started teaching English classes to a young adult who used to live at the orphanage who is now in a training program to prepare her to work at a hotel.  

On Friday the Mardi Gras celebrations began; the children had a party at school.  Their faces were painted and many had on hats or headbands, and glitter in their hair before they left.  They were very excited.  It was wonderful to see them so happy as they left for school!  There may be a few photos on the Mary Gate of Heaven Facebook page if you are interested.

Bon Fèt Madi Gra!  Many Blessings!

Mental Health Treatment in Haiti

I recently read an article the following article http://woymagazine.com/2015/01/22/whispers-i-am-haitian-and-i-suffer-from-depression-2/  which tells the story of a Haitian suffering from depression.  At the end of the article it states that the editors of the magazine were unable to find resources to help people suffering from depression and/or suicidal thoughts in Haiti.  Someone left a comment about a counseling program near the capital, which looks interesting but is far from here and in terms of treatment of individuals seems to offer essentially the same level of care that I am able to provide.  
 
If I were working with a client here, who needed more than I am capable and qualified to offer as an experienced clinical social worker, what could I do?  If I felt that a child were possible danger to him/herself or to others, where could I refer the child?  It does not seem that there are many options.  What if I thought someone may need even a brief in-patient stay for the sake of his/her safety?  What are the prospects for people who don't get the help that they need?  I don't want to think about the answer to that question.  When working in the United States, especially while in Louisiana, I frequently felt that the needs of those I worked with who were experiencing poverty, homelessness, and serious mental health conditions were in many cases not adequately met by the existing mental health system there; young people were often falling through the cracks.  Here the analogy of falling through the cracks doesn't even fit because to fall through the cracks would imply that there is at least some kind of structure that catches some people, but that does not appear to be the case here at this time.  Even when I search the internet for information on mental health treatment for Haitians, the google search consists of more information for Haitians who have immigrated to the United States than it does for those living here in Haiti currently.  

This week, I began participating in an on-line international play therapy supervision group that meets monthly.  The others in the group presented very interesting cases.  It was very helpful for me to be able to connect with other professionals who are also working with children.  It is actually amazing to me that four people in four different countries can have a meeting!  Here is the link to the organization providing the supervision.  http://www.fptcenter.com/

Take care!