Mud, Mosquitoes and Mold

This week's  title was chosen because currently there is an abundance of all three and I like alliteration.  The mold is soft and cotton-like, it grows on the cement floor of the play therapy room every night when nobody is watching.    It is a new phenomenon which I attribute to the rains and prolonged dampness.  Fortunately, neither the children nor I appear to be allergic to it. Each morning I sweep it away easily enough.  The mosquitoes are everywhere lately and occasionally even find their way under the net that is supposed to protect me from them while I sleep.  They are the only animal that I don't hesitate to kill; and when I do sometimes I end up with my own blood on my hands.  The good thing about the mud is that when there is mud in the road, there is almost no dust in the road.  If I could not appreciate the advantage to something as annoying as mud, or recognize the beauty of mold, or joke about mosquitoes life would be even more challenging.


I want to thank my cousins in Limerick, Ireland, who held a fundraiser for the orphanage last week.  Thank you!  I have been very touched by your generosity.  It is the generosity of so many people that allow the orphanage to meet the needs of the children.  In the time that I have been in Haiti, the value of the currency has decreased and prices have increased.  It is a blessing that donations are increasing too.  Recently a Sunday School group in Ohio held a bake sale at their parish and raised money for us too. It is wonderful that there are children willing to help out other children. Thank you!  Having so many people who generously support our mission inspires me.

My congregation has decided that any donations made to the Marianites of Holy Cross through the I Give Catholic program of the Archdiocese of New Orleans during the Giving Tuesday campaign this year will be passed along to the orphanage.  Thank you Marianites! Here is the link if you are interested in donating:  https://igivecatholic.org/designee/marianites-of-holy-cross-archdiocese-of-new-orleans
There are many needs here.  I am hoping that some of the funds raised will allow us to provide more training for our staff and administrators so that we can do an even better job of caring for our children. Personally, my dream is that the orphanage move towards becoming a trauma-informed agency.  All of our children have experienced loss and some form of trauma.  Here is a link to a website, for people who may not be familiar with that term, trauma-informed care:  http://traumainformedcareproject.org/

Primary elections for president took place here in Haiti on Sunday.  The sisters who voted said that it was very well organized.  We are still waiting for the results.  These elections were a re-do because of corruption problems during last year's primary.   They were also more recently postponed because of Hurricane Matthew.


To all my friends, family, community members in or from the United States, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!  To all my family, friends, and community members everywhere, know that I am grateful for you!  I thank God for the presence of so many wonderful people in my life. Many blessings!  Take care.

A Disorienting Week

We resolutely stand with those who are excluded.  -from the mission statement of the Marianites of Holy Cross

Last Monday, after I updated this blog, I went for a ride with several sisters through the city.  Here is just one picture to give you a sense of the flooding experienced in the area.  

This has been quite a week! The events of the week have been frustrating and disappointing, even disorienting.  Nothing looked the same under all of the rain.  The US election results shocked me.  

 Schools were closed for an entire week due to the flooding.  Water entering the play therapy room as well as the deep puddle outside of it prevented me from holding regular therapy groups for a week.  Conditions gradually improved; I think we even had one full day where there was almost no rain.  A few sunny days have helped the water levels to decrease significantly; such days have sometimes been followed by rainy nights; although heavy at times it has not caused the severe flooding we had early last week, fortunately.  Schools opened again yesterday and I have resumed my appointments with the children.    

One recent morning while walking to work, I was tempted to complain to myself because my rain boots are no longer waterproof.  I looked up to see two men pushing a large rickety wooden cart loaded with long bamboo poles, as they made their way down the unpaved wet road.  The only thing on their feet was mud. 

It is a gift to live with an American who has similar political views this year.  Late Tuesday night she sat with me for a little while as we stared at the US election map on the NPR website; listening to the commentary and watching sometimes in utter disbelief as states changed colors.    

   

Recently a Haitian child spoke with me of having heard that the new President of the United States does not really like black people and therefore Haitians.  In that moment I felt a deep sadness as I attempted to respond in a way that was both honest while fully affirming of the child’s dignity.  The following day, an employee asked me why the United States is sending people including children back to Haiti.  I had read that the moratorium against deporting Haitians that had been put into place immediately following the earthquake had been lifted and that the US government would resume deportation of Haitians.  I honestly do not know that the people this woman spoke of were actually officially deported by the US government.  She is concerned about these neighbors who apparently are struggling since their recent (possibly forced) return to Haiti.  Whether her friends were deported or not there is the reality that people seeking opportunities for themselves and their families without the means to obtain the legal paperwork are being deported from the US.  I fear that deportations  will increase during the newly elected administration.  This morning, I reflected on how to respond to such situations.  To the children and the employees at the orphanage, I am likely the only American that they are currently encountering on a daily basis.  While the president-elect may not convincingly express love for Haitians or other people of color, or Muslims or many other groups for that matter; I certainly can.  While the US government may reject people to the point of actually ejecting them from the country, I can do my best to be accepting and inclusive of all of the people I encounter each day. Let us do our best to be loving, accepting, inclusive, compassionate and just in all of our interactions wherever we are and whoever we are and sincerely say that we are sorry when we or our governments, churches, communities, elected officials, and organizations fall short.

There may be many opportunities in the coming months and years to live out the concluding phrase of the Mission Statement of my congregation, something we are all called to do.  

Peace!  

                

Rain and Joy

On rainy mornings as I make my way between the Leocaide Convent and the orphanage, with my colorful rain boots and poncho, sometimes someone will ask me, "blan, ou pa pè lapli?" (White person/ foreigner, you are not afraid of the rain?")  The first time I was asked this, it seemed like a very random question; bewildered I responded, "non, m pa pè lapli."  Upon reflection, I realize that I am fortunate not to have any experiences that have led me to be afraid of rain.  Rain does make travel more difficult for many people.  There are nearby houses which after any significant rainfall become concrete islands in the middle of small ponds.  Flooding can easily occur.  In the south of Haiti, where they recently experienced Hurricane Matthew, they have had too much rain in the weeks since the storm.  I am fortunate never to have experienced mudslides or anything of that sort.  We all know that standing water, which is plentiful after rain, becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes which carry Malaria, Zika, and other illnesses.  It is also well documented that the number of cholera cases increases following rainfalls.  So, while I am not afraid of the rain, I certainly can understand how and why someone would be.  Let us pray for all of those who have good reason to fear the rain, and may we find ways to at least try to advocate for systemic changes that would decrease the problems caused by rain and experienced by so many people.     

The orphanage cat sleeping in an umbrella.  

No matter what is going on at the orphanage, every day something brings me joy.  It may be the contagious excitement of two-year-olds who are fascinated by an orange caterpillar making its way along the ceramic tile on the porch where I sometimes play with them.  It may be the kind word of a thoughtful employee.  Sometimes it is the enthusiasm of one of the youngest children who always smiles as he asks me when his next group therapy appointment is.  Occasionally it is something in nature like  a beautiful hummingbird passing by.  Sometimes it is my belief that the activity a child did during a session was significant and hopefully healing.  I am grateful for such moments, especially on the more challenging days.  

May you have many moments that bring you joy this week. 

Happy All Saints Day!     

        

Retreat: Pictures and a Prayer/Poem

In celebration of our 175th anniversary of our the founding of the Marianites of Holy Cross, women from both of the other Holy Cross congregations as well as a priest and a brother gathered in Louisiana for a special retreat.  A brother of Holy Cross presented during the retreat which centered around the first General Superior, Mother Mary of the Seven Dolors (that was her religious name; her first name at birth was Leocaide; the house where I live in Haiti is named for her.)  I am very grateful that I was able to make the journey to Lousiana and participate in this prayerful experience.  I am happy to share with you some pictures I took and a prayer/poem I wrote during retreat. 

Mary At The Foot of The Cross

You could not stop the suffering

still you stayed, 

You could not cease the crucifixion

yet you remained,

Appearing and feeling painfully powerless

Prophetic and profound was your powerful presence,

After years of active mothering

there was nothing to do but stand, 

but, you were no passive on-looker, 

 much energy is required to actively love

even as the events shattered your previously pierced heart,

You stayed standing through the suffering

somehow, simply trusting

what you could not have yet known.

  

Help me, that I may continually choose to stand with you, 

confident that you stand with me, too.  Amen.  

On Sunday afternoon, I returned to Haiti. On Monday morning as I approached the gate of the orphanage, most of the children were exiting to head to school for the day.  My heart was happy to see them.  I smiled as I greeted them.

Take care.  Many blessings!    

A Week After the Storm

Yesterday the children returned to school after a full week of closures due to Hurricane Matthew, even though we did not experience real hurricane conditions in our immediate area.  As typical routines  quickly resumed,  images on the internet and comments made by those who watch the television news remind me of the terrible suffering people are experiencing on the southern side of this country.   Some sisters have family members in places hard hit by the storm.  Ther are so many sad stories. Silmatenesoly the devastation seems both very far away and close by.  In places with fewer resources and greater poverty, there are fewer protections from such storms and so greater suffering results.  It is an injustice.  What can we do to change this?  How do we prevent such unnecessary death and loss?  How am I (are we) called to respond to the current situation? As usual, I have more questions than answers.

I try to keep up with what is going on in elections on both sides of the water; I don't always do a good job.  The Haitian presidential primary elections which were scheduled to take place last Sunday have been postponed because of the hurricane.  There is a tentative date for the end of the month.    I was able to watch the American presidential debate on Sunday night since we actually get CNN here.  I only recently learned that we get CNN and I've lived here over a year.  The other American sister who lives here and I tried to watch the first debate but missed most of it due to poor television reception.

Next week, I will not be updating this blog because I will be on retreat.  It will be great to connect with and pray with Marianites and other members of the Holy Cross congregations as we prayerfully  reflect and give thanks in celebration of 175 years since the Marianites of Holy Cross were founded.

I've been touched by the generosity of so many people all over the world recently. Some of my cousins in Ireland are planning a Quiz Night as a fundraiser for the orphanage.  A Sunday school group of children at a parish in Ohio are also planning a fundraiser for us as well.  It is encouraging that there are so many people willing to enable us to care for the children.  Although I said this last week, it is worth repeating, I felt supported by many people who contacted me to make sure I was okay when they heard of the  hurricane in Haiti.  Thank you,  everyone!  

Take care.  Many blessings!

Hurricane Matthew

a hibiscus/ (choublak )flower in the rain

You have probably heard that Hurricane Matthew has caused a lot of devastation in Haiti today.  The storm hit the southern part of the country and did a lot of damage there.  I am living on the opposite end of the country and so far we have not experienced anything that could be considered hurricane conditions.  All day, it has been damp and cloudy, with light intermittent rain.  There is almost no wind, not even the typical tropical breeze that lightly blows through on most days.    It seems now that the storm is passing to the west of us, although weather reports indicate that there is still a possibility that we may experience some hurricane conditions. If we get anything at all, in all likelihood it will not be anything like people experienced in other parts of the country.   

 As the storm approached, in general, my family members, community members and many friends in the United States seemed to me to be more concerned about the possible approaching storm than did many of the people here in the potential path of the storm.  It is interesting to observe individual and cultural differences in how people respond to such situations.  It worked out well, that today (Tuesday) is my day off and that I have had a relatively good internet connection most of the day so that I could easily respond to emails, phone calls and messages reassuring everyone that I am fine and all is well here.  You remind me of how fortunate I am to have loving community members, family, and friends.  Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, concern, and well wishes.   My heart goes out to all of those who have been affected by the storm; they are the ones who most need our  prayers, thoughts, compassion and concern. 

Schools were closed yesterday and today throughout the country because of the storm.  I suspect they will be closed tomorrow too, maybe for several days.  Elections are supposed to take place here on Sunday; I am wondering if and how the storm will impact people’s ability to vote especially in areas most affected by the hurricane.  It does not take a lot of rainfall to make travel difficult in Haiti.  Most of the roads are not paved.  Muddy flooded roads, and puddles the size of ponds can make it impossible for people to get to school, work, medical treatment or polling places.  

A flower (whose name I do not know)  in the rain.  ( Give me a break; I know the name of the flower at the top in both English and Creole) so if you know the name of this flower (in any language) please share it; leave a comment.  Thank you!    

Have a good week!   Many blessings!   

Updates and Brokeness

Ministry Update
For a long time, I have wanted to be more available and involved with the families of the children at the orphanage.  The children spend the entire summer vacation and a couple of weeks at Christmas time with whatever relatives they have.  While out of an ethical commitment to confidentiality I can't share details of the meeting I had with relatives of the children, I can share that I am glad I invited them to meet with me.  I learned a lot from those who came, and we are planning to do it again next month!    

Housing Update
There are three young woman soon to be postulants who moved into the convent where I am living  The postulants who were here last year are now entering their second year and are out living and working in different locations.  Currently, in addition to the three newcomers, there are two Haitian sisters, one sister from Burkina Faso,  one Canadian sister, and two Americans.  Two other Haitian sisters who officially live here are away in Canada at this time but will be returning next month.  It is a gift to be able to live with people of various cultures and ages, to be exposed to different worldviews and ideas. It is also a gift and a welcomed change to live with someone else from the United Staes.    


Relfection 
Lately, I have found myself reflecting upon brokenness.  I share this simple reflection/poem with you.
Brokenness
So much seems broken:
inconsistent internet
warped bed frame
pot-hole laden roads
dull knife
will the water run?
will the lights come on?
will the pilot light in the oven ignite?
will the bicycle slow when the handbrake is pulled?

Most difficult of all:
broken promises and
broken hearts



Have a good week.  Take care. Many blessings!

Preschool Pilat

The first day of school is kind of scary for many young children.  I was thinking about that a lot during the past couple of days.  I traveled to Pilat over the weekend to welcome the new kindergarten class on Monday and Tuesday at the sisters’ school there.  As one can expect many of the 33 new students cried as their mothers left and several continued to cry intermittently throughout the school days.  Since they were short a teacher’s aide, I was quite busy those two days.  Many of the children became more comfortable as time went on and certainly will continue as school becomes their familiar routine and hopefully a positive pleasant experience.  

It was great to see the second year preschool children as well, who have grown since I last saw them in June.  They, of course, asked for Ti Tòti, (the turtle puppet)  who came out to play with them during recess; that little puppet received many little kisses!  

Early this morning,we were nearly twenty minutes into our journey leaving Pilat, to return to Cap-Haitian, and had just crossed a river (without a bridge) when we saw one of the young kindergarten students in her school uniform dress holding her mother's hand as they walked the rocky unpaved mountainous roads towards school.   It was well before 7:00; the school day begins at 8:15.  

This afternoon, after various delays, I officially began to see the children at the orphanage for groups.  It never ceases to amaze me how children express themselves through play and art.  It is a privilege to accompany them.  I am grateful that I am here. 

Many blessings!    

Lakansyèl (Rainbow)

While on the orphanage playground with the children late yesterday afternoon, I looked up to notice a beautiful rainbow. 

  

This is a perfect metaphor for my first full week back after vacation.  It was bright and sunny.  Overall I was very happy to be back and it was a good week.  Yet, there were some storms; a lack of clarity in a particular situation and a disagreement which I would not have predicted and do not fully understand and could have handled better.  Sometimes we look at the sky on a beautiful day when thunderstorms are on the way and say, what is the weather doing?  I looked around and wondered what I am doing?, what God is doing?  Yet somehow just as the beautiful rainbow came,  a sense of joy and consolation entered my heart.  It was not because of anything I or anyone else did or said, not because all was suddenly settled, but it was simply a gift from God.  I may not know exactly what I am doing from one moment to the next sometimes, or what God has planned, but God will use both the sunshine and the storms to create great beauty.  

May you experience joy and recognize the rainbows in your life. Thank you for taking time to read this.  Many blessings!    

Return to Haiti

Sometimes it still amazes me how modern day travel can allow us to be in very different places within a short amount of time.  Sunday night I was at my cousin's wonderful wedding eating chowder and clam cakes at the reception in scenic Newport, and the following afternoon I was in a convent in Cap-Haitian chatting with sisters and eating a mango.  

I am grateful that I was able to spend time with family and friends during vacation.  My time in Rhode Island which also included a fun trip to visit family friends in New York and also a trip to Massachusetts to be with my twin sister on our birthday. I am also equally grateful that I have returned to Haiti.  School was scheduled to start this week, but for reasons that are unclear to me, it will start next week.  Only a few children are at the orphanage now, the others will come on Sunday. Today I was happy to see those who came early as well as the employees.   I am very much looking forward to seeing the rest of the children, but am also glad that I have a little time to get organized before the children arrive.    

Now that I am back in Haiti, I intend to resume weekly updates.  Take care!  Many blessings!