We had quite the outing on Tuesday. We have come to really love some
organizations in Haiti. We believe in
empowering Haitians to better their own country. Two of our favorite organizations do just
this in Haiti. Our first outing of the
day led us clear up into the beautiful mountains of Haiti. The children had been seeing the mountains in
the distance, so we were glad for the opportunity to show them more….. and
well…. it’s cooler and who doesn’t want
to experience cooler weather when you’ve been in the city heat for 5
days!! Espwa Berlanica (look them up on
FB) is an organization that cares for malnourished babies. It is so much more than that, but in a
nutshell, that is their main focus. We
were given our tour by the founder, Rhyan, who started Espwa 18 months ago. If you are looking for a place to invest in,
this is the place. Along with treating
malnutrition, they also train and educate mama’s so they can better their lives
for their families, with the goal being for parents to be able to care for
their children (once they are well enough to return home) to avoid these
children being placed in an orphanage. The people that work at the center are
Haitans who have been trained in taking care of these special little
babies! We were blown away at all they
do for the surrounding community and the fact that they will not turn away a
sick child! The government and other
orphanages are now becoming aware of this organization and sending children
their way. There are a number of ways to
support them, so I encourage you to consider them!
When leaving Espwa, we had another adventure. Our car wouldn’t start – no shocker
there! We all piled out and sat
alongside while our driver did what Haitians do best – adapt and overcome! As we were sitting on the side, they got the
car started, however, black smoke started pouring out of the car directly in
our faces. We all scrambled up, running
two different ways, all the while screaming.
D happened to go my way, but W went the other way. As soon as I saw D was ok, I rushed through
the smoke to find W. Her eyes were HUGE,
and she was definitely searching for me.
I scooper her up and her heart was beating so fast!! We all laughed about it after, but at the
time, my peeps were scared!! I love that
we now have a family joke – our whole family can understand!! The kids still talk about machin fou (the
crazy car).
After the excitement, we piled back in machin fou and
traveled to ApParent Project (not-for-profit) or Papillion Enterprises
(for-profit). I have been to this
organization several times now and love the experience every time! This organization’s focus is to keep families
together with the motto of “Orphan prevention through job creation.” With donated items and locally purchased
items, artisans create pieces – everything from pottery, jewelry, t-shirts,
purses, dolls, Christmas ornaments, and so much more!! By making these items, they have steady jobs
to provide money for their families, therefore, allowing mama’s to be able to
keep their babies instead of feeling forced to give up their children. Our children were able to see how collected
cereal boxes are cut into strips, rolled into paper beads, coated with a clear
glaze, and assembled into necklaces. It
was a great picture of how a small action in the United States can result in
huge changes in Haiti. We haven’t met
the founder, Shelley, but she just put out a book (called, “Shelley in Haiti”) that
I am itching to read…..in my down time….whenever that is!! We went upstairs to eat lunch at the café –
frozen lemonades, gigantic hotdogs (of which my small little W ate 2!!!!) We then shopped until Papa’s wallet
dropped! It’s my favorite store in
Haiti!!
Then we were off to the store to pick up some groceries for
lunch and the girls cake for a goodbye party at the orphanage. I knew this would be an emotional day for me,
and it was!! We told (via our
translator) our girls that this would be the last time at the creche and to say
goodbye to their friends. They left with
smiles and hefty goodbyes, but I can only imagine what all is going on in their
hearts!!
We are all still getting along here just fine. We have some kids that pair up more
naturally, but everyone is doing fine.
We had some with upset tummies and temperatures yesterday, but everyone
woke up feeling better this morning. D
and W are getting so good in the pool, with less and less clawing and
scrambling. It truly has been a
life-saver for these parents that are trying hard to entertain 9 children! Our main focus is family-time, and we have
been so fortunate to have that undivided attention! The girls say they are ready to go home
tomorrow, however, it will be into next week before we are paper-work ready for
that. We are still waiting on medicals,
one passport, visas and a travel authorization and then we are outta here. We are hoping to come home as one family,
however, if the paperwork continues to trickle in, we will have to start
sending some people home. This is not
our wish – we want to come home as one family strong – but the money and
Daddy’s days off only go so far! Pray
with us that this happen!! Ryan and I
are so glad we decided to bring everyone – this trip has been a life changer
for all of us!
