Ou vle plantire?

Bonjou! I apologize for the long delay of posts!

I have been busy (good) and the internet went out for a bit (not good), so I will be catching up for lost time!

It is a national tradition to 'plantire yon pye bwa' (plant a tree) on the anniversary of the last battle for the independence of Haiti. In honor of this special day November 18, 1803, the students of St. Bartholeme gathered to 'plantire anpil pye bwa' (plant many trees!) on their day off. With patriotic banners, and the band leading the way, they marched a parade through town to a beautiful stretch of farm land where over 2000 cashew trees were waiting to be planted! The farm will produce large crop of cashews, which can be used to raise money for the school, and provide some delicious snacks!

The kids absolutely loved being out somewhere different, and learning about trees and farming. They also really enjoyed the satisfaction of planting a tree yourself. Most of everything has to be done by hand, so having all the hole dug for the trees slowed things down a bit! We still managed to get most of them planted, and afterwards they all needed to be watered.

This is quite a feat when there is no irrigation, which poses a large problem for many would-be farmers. Water had to be pumped from the school well and driven to the farm in large barrels, buckets, and anything else to hold it. The students loved forming an assembly line to bring water from the truck into the farm. We had the aid of a tractor to water for a bit, but much of it was done by students filling up small jugs and happily distributing it to the tiny saplings.

After all was said and done, everyone gathered for a couple of songs, including the national anthem. As the students waited for the ride back to the school, Pere Bruno gave them congratulations on their work and some words to inspire them to work for the betterment of their country. It was a long day of hard work, but seeing all those trees where there was only dirt is so satisfying, and I know it will be a great addition to the resources of the town.

After our long day of hard work, God gave us this beautiful sunset to enjoy!

4th and 5th weeks

Bonjou from Terrier Rouge!

I can't believe that over a month has passed since I arrived; the time does fly! 

Keeping fairly busy, I feel so blessed to be able to contribute to the efforts here with my work.

The very peculiar calabash tree, whose melon-like gourds are used for bowls 

The clinic offers a level of quality and affordability that is hard to come by in the area, so it draws many people from the surrounding towns. It can get pretty hectic, and Thursday is the busiest day due to the once-a-week optical care on top of the dental and medical services, and I am usually helping to check in patients and get really sick patients through quicker. I get caught up in the routine sometimes, but snap back to the reality of the people I am serving when an underfed patient's arm is too thin for the blood pressure gauge. The past  two weeks have been especially busy because Richard, the manager of the clinic, has been ill on and off with what seems to a tough case of typhoid, and I have been trying to help him out as much as I can.

Dr Lubens using the slit-lamp to examine a patient

After checking all the patients in, I have also started to learn from the doctors to understand the common afflictions for the area. The optometrist Dr Lubens is very experienced and has worked in a few different countries, but decided to come home to help his people. It's a good thing too, because he never ceases to be busy with patients. The same is true for the ophthalmologist Dr Carmelle, who visits once a month. She is a very skilled doctor, and taught me a whole lot about illnesses of the eye, including how to recognize them and the options for treatment.

Old-fashioned refraction testing kit
for determining eyeglass prescriptions 

So far I have noticed a large number of advanced cataracts and glaucoma patients, and they often don't seek treatment until their condition is severe. The presence of an affordable health clinic really seems to be essential to provide education and preventative care, as well as detecting developing problems earlier. I plan on working more with the medical physician, Dr Gustav, to gain a better understanding of the common health problems so that I can try to formulate a health project to benefit the community.

Speaking of education, I also have been busy at the school with my 7th grade class, who are slowly improving. Kids will be kids, and they try to really take advantage of having a more naive 'blan' teacher such as myself! However I have a better grasp on classroom management with them now, and I think I can really help them learn. Dominique is helping me with the class as well, which has allowed me to work at the clinic more on the busy days. I also have begun teaching English to some of the staff of the school grounds, and hope to be teaching the clinic staff soon as well.

View from bike ride

As my good friend Clai told me, teaching a language is always a two way deal and the classes are also helping me to improve my Creole. It is slowly becoming easier to actually visit with the people of the town. In hopes to have more exposure to the people of Terrier Rouge, I also have been able to take some bicycle rides, thanks to Andy English's bike! It's also a great way to fresh air and exercise, while enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside.

Plots of picked pepper piles

I recently took my bike over to the North Coast Development Company's farm right outside of town. From honey and peppers, to loofah sponged and sewing machines, they have an array of projects and crops aimed at getting Haitians jobs and skills. I visited my friend Lanaud who was working that day, extracting seeds from the peppers, which gave off a palpable heat when cut.

On a spookier note, Halloween recently passed in the states, but in Haiti the celebrations are a little different. All Saints Day, which is on November 1st, is celebrated by many in the Catholic sense, by regarding the saints, and paying respects for loved ones who have passed. People arrange to have graves cleaned and weeded, and often decorate the graves with flowers. The Day of the Dead or All Souls Day on Nov. 2nd which continues similar celebrations, and more focus on the general spirits of the dead. People come to the cemetery to bring the favorite foods of the deceased, or even cook in the graveyard itself. These days are also very big for those who practice Voodoo. Gede spirits are the focus of the celebration, which are a family of Loa or spirits of the dead. During a celebration, some participants will become seemingly possessed, doing special Gede dances and performing strange acts. Unfortunately, I didn't really get to witness celebrations, having felt sick around that time, and having some confusion of when to go.

Gotta love that Haitian moon

Being in such a different place and away from loved ones is definitely a challenge sometimes. However, being able to love and serve others in a place of such need is worth it. I pray that I can make my own contribution through my work.

Na we pita, si Dye vle!
(See you later, God willing!)

Se yon bon bagay! My second and third weeks

Bonjou!

View from the road of Clinique Esperance et Vie, with the hopeful beginnings of expansion on top

During the past two weeks, I have been slowly getting used to the swing of things here. I began working regularly at the clinic on the days they need the most help. Working mostly in the reception office for now, I take blood pressure readings, weights, and temperatures of the patients. I also will be helping with vision screening soon, which will require me to have a better grasp of the language. Just being around the clinic and talking with patients and the workers really helps my Creole.  

I really enjoy reaching out to the children here by teaching, and it also has been a real challenge. I am trying to establish some clear rules and classroom management, while not speaking too much Creole to help them learn more English. Last week, I administered their first quiz to check the progress of the class, but most were at a loss to come up with answers. I think this will help them realize they need to study outside of class to really learn, but it is hard for some who don't have the best conditions to live with. I am coming up with different ways to get them to invest more in the class. I may also have to move my class time because as of now, it is during one of the busiest days for the clinic. However, I have faith it will all work out! I also have begun planning an adult English class for the staff of the clinic and school, which will probably meet a couple of times per week in the evenings, after everyone's work is through. 

Jose the every working grounds/gatekeeper is on the left

The physical presence of the school has a strong, positive effect on the community, and to help out, I have been painting the large front gate. I didn't really realize how big of a job it would be! Sanding, painting, and painting again, all those edges and curves! The heat really slows you down here, and people constantly come in and out of the gate. I really do enjoy painting though, something about it is very satisfying. It has given me a chance to interact more with people. One interesting thing I have noticed is the habit people have of watching others. As first I was taken aback, as people watching you as you work is almost offensive in the U.S., but with no television or giant theaters it is just one source of enjoyment people have. Also, seeing a 'blan' (white person) is something out of the ordinary, and seeing one doing physical labor is definitely not a common occurrence. I was constantly questioned - "Ou travay?"- meaning "You're working??" I think it was an encouraging thing for some people to see someone from a land with so much wealth and comfort coming to their country to help their community. I also got some encouragement of "Se yon bon bagay!"- which literally means 'its a good thing' and is used to show approval or contentment-'that's good!' or 'that's a good thing'.

There are things in the garden we don't eat!

Life around the school grounds has been nice, and I really enjoy the gardens, which are mostly filled with stuff I end up eating one day or another. Having internet access here is a luxury and a blessing, but it does come with its struggles and challenges! The router, which must be placed outside because of the concrete walls of the living quarters, recently died from having to ruff it in the Haitian outdoors. I am pretty impressed it lasted so long! I replaced it with a new one, for which I am trying to engineer a makeshift weather cover with tupperware, caulk, and a drill. Here, if something breaks, you cant just run to Walmart or Best-Buy. When people come in for any reason, they usually end up bringing a load of needed supplies, and Andy English had to bring the new router over from the states with his luggage. 

Richard from the clinic has a little brother Lanaud who has been teaching me a little more Creole and about the daily life of a Haitian. He works during the day, attends a University in the evenings, and spends nights studying here at the school, where we have been able to have some good talks around dinner time. Offering to walk me around town, he showed me his home, his church, and a few other spots. Experiencing the town a little more in the light that every-day people see it helped me to feel more a part of the community, and I look forward to becoming more immersed in the lives of the people here. 

Shots from around town: Example of high-end Haitian architecture, beautiful Haitian carved door, cemetary, Lanaud's church (with our shadows), and soccer field 

There was a special church service led by Pere Bruno this Sunday in light of the new school building that is being constructed. All the teachers and older students were invited to mass, which included an inspiring talk about the growth of the school over the years, and great musical performances by the school band. After service ended, the congregation made a procession led by the band to the future site of the new building, where they held a breaking-ground ceremony. 

It was a very emotional event for those who have been dedicated to the school, and it will be a great positive influence on the community by giving more children the opportunity to have an education.

I feel greatly inspired by the growth and progress being made in many people's lives here. 

I pray I can do my best to contribute, gras a Dieu!

First Week

View from the third floor of the school

The week has been packed full of adventure, confusion, and heat! I am slowly turning my sleep clock back because the day ends sooner here, and starts earlier. This makes sense due of the lack of electricity for most, and you usually want to get things done early so you don't bake in the mid-day sun! The heat here takes some getting used to, even for one from south Louisiana, but it already doesn't bother me as much.

The archway into the Dominican Republic

At the beginning of the week we made a fairly short drive to the Dominican Republic. The trading at the market on the border plays a large role in the economy of the country, and especially for a large town on the border named Ouanaminthe (pronounced One-a-met). Right over the border, we picked up Kevin Shorner-Johnson, an Assistant Professor of Music Education. He was visiting to do research on the music culture of Haiti, its place in education, and its importance in people's everyday lives.

School began on Tuesday, and the grounds were filled with the smiling faces of over 700 children. It is inspiring to see the realization by parents of the importance of their children's education. Many families walk far distances and each child wears a very well kept uniform. The morning starts with a well disciplined assembly, centered around raising the Haitian flag, with songs, prayers, and a couple of music numbers by the small school band. The young musicians are very talented and play with a level of confidence and ease not often seen in younger level bands. Music serves as an obvious symbol of school pride in the community, and the younger children really look up to the older musicians.

Pere Bruno leading the service on the breezy third floor

Pere Bruno also opened the school year with a beautiful service, and an inspiring message for the students asking them to believe in themselves, and work hard to succeed.  Observing the different classes revealed the discipline of the children, but also a sense of openness and energy in the classroom, with lots of calling aloud, chants, and educational songs.

I also started teaching 7th grade English one day a week. I have some experience in the classroom, but teaching beginning English basically from scratch on a blackboard is a somewhat daunting task!

Trying very hard not to show my extreme nervousness

Kevin helped me teach the first day, which was a life saver because of his background in education. I taught rudimentary alphabet and words, while he intermittently did more fun, musical exercises. The books they have are too advanced for their level right now, and much of the examples are hard for them to follow because many of the physical things and social concepts are not present in their community. However, with the help of other teachers, advice from friends and family in education, and some prayers, I think I will be able to truly help advance their knowledge. Although learning English is not always completely valued by parents here, it will be a powerful tool in the futures of these children. I plan using my music background to enrich my classroom, as well as the classes of the other younger kids.

Patients waiting to see the doctor

I have begun working at the clinic as well, which is right down the road from the gate to the school grounds. The day to day operation of the clinic is staffed completely by local people, who have been very patient working with me.  The manager Richard is a very intelligent and hard working young man who has a bunch on his plate but always greets with a smile. He knows a good amount of English and has been able to really teach me some Creole.

The reception room
Thanks for the pic Kevin!

The lab at the clinic

The first issue I was able to help with was a kit they received to perform tests for malaria. I have been figuring out how to work it, and will have some time later to explain to the staff how to use it properly.

I also have been helping out by taking blood pressure readings and measuring weights of the patients. It's been a good way to practice Creole, and learn numbers!

Pretty nice place for a cow!

Life here has been an enriching experience thus far. Pere Bruno took Kevin and I out to his cattle farm, where he goes to unwind and experience the beauty of God in nature. It was a very peaceful and beautiful place, with an amazing view of the sky and mountains.

Faint double rainbow over the jatropha nursery

We visited the nearby jatropha nursery for the project Rob had been working on. Afterwards, we saw a farm project started by Andy English, where they harvest various plants and vegetables and keep bees for honey and wax.

Andy's farm

Unexpected dinner guest

I also have been experiencing my fair share of the local wildlife. I came home one night to a small tarantula on my door, and also saw another larger one while eating dinner one night!

Friday we brought Kevin back to the border and said our goodbyes  , and were able to see the border city Dajabon. It is bustling with life, and there was a stark difference in this wealthier more industrialized nation compared to the conditions of Haiti I had seen. Pere Bruno had to make a number of stops because coming here was the only way to get hardware like the fencing and other parts he needed. We also made a stop for groceries, and it was interesting to see the difference from an American grocery store. It ended up being a long hot trip, so we stopped for some ice-cream, which you could not really find near Terrier Rouge.

Refreshing and convenient!

Pere Bruno had also remembered me asking him about the coconuts which seemed to be so abundant in Haiti, and we stopped to pick up a delicious drink, in its own convenient cup! It was a busy week, and it is nice to stop and enjoy the area and culture once and a while.

The amazing Haitian moon

Being here is definitely a change for me and it is sometimes difficult to interact, but as I slowly get a better grasp of the language and the way things work, I will be able to find some areas to really apply myself and help to improve the lives of the people here.

Na we pita! (See you later!)

First DAY!

Wow I am here!

Right off the plane in Cap Haitian

I have had such an amazing first day; it really broke the ice for me! I arrived in Haiti today, flying into Cap Haitian, which I learned is the oldest city in the country. Getting off the small plane, we were lucky to have all our luggage ride with us on the same aircraft, so we did not need to wait! However, there was a wait to get the bags from our plane, and I learned how resourceful the people here are. A man wearing a lanyard (which was worn by many people to help them look official) grabbed our luggage tags and retrieved our bags for us. We ended up having to pay him a dollar for each bag!

Cap Haitian itself was very intense, especially near the airport, and I took some footage of the drive out of the city. Roads here work a little different, and you might see cactus plants used as fences, which are highly effective due to the harsh sting! Sorry about the sideways video, my fault for tilting my iphone.

Views from the road in the country

Leaving the city, a beautiful landscape opens revealing Haiti's natural beauty, which sharply contrasts the impoverish conditions of some of its people.

The grounds for the school and living quarters are nestled in a small country town. We arrived pretty early, so I was able to get settled in my living quarters, which is a very nice room by Haitian standards. The people here are so friendly and wonderful, and I cant wait to get to know everyone better. I met Dominique, who seems to watch over things on a daily basis, living in a home on the grounds. She is the daughter of Pere Bruno, who does a great deal of work in Terrier Rouge, the surrounding area, and Haiti in general. He well respected for his work in the community, and he manages the school and coordinates many projects around. I also met Barbara and her husband Rob, who is initiating a jatropha farming project.

From what I have learned jatropha is a native plant which initially was not very popular, aside from its function as a deterrent of grazing animals, due to its toxicity. It is also traditionally used as a laxative for the same reason! However, it was discovered to have excellent potential due to the oil of the seeds it produces. Jatropha oil is good for your skin/hair, all natural, and can be used to make soap. With minimal treatment, it can also be converted into a highly efficient bio-diesel fuel, which is great news for a country where fuel is very expensive and not affordable for many. The plant itself is very resilient, and can take the harsh climate.

 
My first Haitian meal was an amazing and plentiful lunch, which is the biggest meal of the day here. Red beans and rice, lots of fresh avocado, meat and delish gravy juice, and vegetable mash, mmmmmm. Red beans and rice are the staple food for most, so not too far off from southern Louisiana cookin! There are also lots of peppers around to get that kick if you like! I am very blessed to be able to eat so much food, as many people in Haiti live off one meal a day or less.

View of Jatropha field through cactus like plants

There happened to be a festival that day at a beach nearby, which was also the location of the old hemp rope factory and port. On our way to the beach, we drove along the large jatropha fields Rob is working on.

The beach is being slowly kept up by some local entrepreneurs, and there were clean covered places to sit. Along the waterfront were little shops set up, selling food and drinks (lots of rum). I was told the Haitian people in general don't drink much at all, and cant really afford to, but celebrations like this are an exception.

 A jatropha farming family set up shop selling their scented and unscented oils for body and hair. By the end of the day they ended up selling a decent amount and were very pleased. The festival was what you might expect from any such occasion: music, drinks, swimming, and dancing! Having spent a long day in my new, hot environment, I decided to jump in. The water had a beautiful turquoise tint and a soft texture, due to the limestone caked on the floor of the bay. I was able to practice my creole, attempting to make some conversation while playing with the kids.

After getting back to the school and a quick shower, we ate dinner which is usually leftovers from lunch and maybe one other dish, which was a sort of spaghetti bake, and bread from a local bakery. They also make a delicious tea from a mix of herbs in the garden.

Filled up on dinner, we took a walk into town to a small shop where we sat out and enjoyed the starlight with some refreshing Haitian beer. We visited and sang songs with a local pastor's wife, and learned a couple of simple Creole worship songs. The stars are magnificient here, since there's not much lights around aside from the occasional lightning flash in the distance.

It was a beautiful end to a long and eventful day which set my journey off to a wonderful start. 

First post!

Welcome all and thank you for visiting my blog!

I would like to first thank St. Barnabas, and all those who have opened their hearts to support my trip; I wouldn't be doing this or have anything to write about without you!

I'm on a mission to Haiti, specifically to Terrier Rouge, a rural town 30 miles outside of Cap Haitian. For the next two months, I will be working with Bethlehem Ministries to love and serve the people of Haiti through a free health clinic, and anything else I can help with. If everything goes well, after returning home in December for about a month for medical school interviews and the holidays, I will come back to serve another 4-5 months!

Preparing and packing was a long process, and pretty stressfull on all involved, so many apologies and thanks go out to my loving parents and wonderful girlfriend- I couldn't have done it without yall! Anyways, after many trips to different stores (including a last minute trip to Best Buy for a forgotten power cable!), 5 shots and 2 malaria prophylaxis prescriptions later, I am on my way.

Boarding the IBC flight to Cap Haitian

Yesterday, I flew from New Orleans to the busiest airport in the world- Atlanta! From there I headed to Fort Lauderdale (the people are so friendly!) where I meet up with my travel partner Peter Rice, the father of my fellow choir bassist and partner in crime, Clai Rice. I am so thankful for Peter helping me arrive in Terrier Rouge in one piece, and to help me get adjusted to Haitian life! It seems like a country which has been through alot, but has a great opportunity to grow and improve the lives of its people. I just pray I can do my part to serve and bring the love of God into this land; I'm sure it will be a truly transforming experience for me!

Flying over Haiti

Learning more about everything the ministry does, and how I can help is very exciting. As far I know, soon I will be assisting an optomologist with simple screenings and tests to help ease the burden of having so many patients in need. However, my first real task is learning the language... immersion style!