JANUARY 2014 TRIP

January 20

Today the beds are being delivered to the Home for Kids.  Most of the volunteers have left, so Elaine is going to deliver them with a few others and to give them their musical instruments/gifts from their sponsors.  When we were there the other day I took some videos of house and of some of the neighbourhood children.  I also saw Esteblanka (the sick little angel of ours) who is now back at home ... I was so happy to be able to see her, give her a hug and to know the pain in her belly and the problems in her heart are getting better.  I will post pictures/videos when I return.  For now, I am heading into the mountains to experience a different side of Haiti ... I am going into Petionville and Tigoave, so I'd better get a move on.  I asked when I needed to be ready, but as in typical Haitian fashion there is really no concept of time (so I didn't receive a definite answer), but now of course I am getting "are you ready yet???" LOL  Have a fabulous day everyone and hopefully I will be back soon to report some more! ONE LOVE!! Mary :-) xo

January 15

Sorry for the lack of blogs and Facebook posts! L'Estere (where we were the last few days) did not have electricity for most of our time there, leaving most of us without the use of our computers etc.  Unfortunately this is a regular happening in Haiti ... never knowing when electricity will be given or turned off ... it can happen at any time.

Monday morning was spent mingling with artists and community members that had spent the night following the concert ... the LifePaths Telemedicine Clinic (which is also lodging for volunteers etc.) was a very busy place the last couple of days!

In the afternoon we went over to the Home for Kids to make final arrangements for the beds to be assembled and for the tables, desks, chairs etc. to be built.  An impromptu game of Duck Duck Goose brought great joy and laughter to some children in the neighbourhood for well over an hour! Volunteers returned from an enjoyable afternoon at the Home for Kids to an amazing, authentic Haitian dinner ... FABULOUS!

Yesterday was extremely hot and difficult to do a lot of strenuous activity, but despite the temperatures we sorted through our donations and organized what is going to be taken to the children at our Home for Kids, to the local school that we bring school supplies to and what will be given out to the people in the community of L'Estere that we love and support. 

Today we returned to Port au Prince to spend the remaining time that the volunteers have with us enjoying the guest house.  Our trip over resulted in TWO flat tires (a very common occurrence), but our faithful driver Alex did an amazing job playing mechanic and got us back on the road in no time.  Soon we will be sitting down to a meal prepared by our fearless Guest House Manager Kilo ... Kilo's famous spaghetti will be enjoyed by all! One Love Canada!!

January 13

I only have a few minutes to type as the electricity has just "died" once again and I only have a few minutes of power left on my laptop!! Yesterday was spent getting ready for the Annual Commemorative concert in L'Estere ... remembering those who lost their lives, families and homes in the devastating 2010 earthquake.  The show got underway around 9:00 (start time was 6:00) and the grounds didn't stop groovin' and a shakin' until well after 2:00! The artists were amazing, the turnout was outstanding (over 1000 people in attendance) and the event was a huge success! Even Max our amazing cameraman got in on the dancing action (blackmail photos to follow shortly LOL). 

Today we are heading over to the Home for Kids to get the curtains hung up and to get started on the painting etc. as well. One love Canada!!

January 11

Elaine and I FINALLY arrived in Haiti on Wednesday, a couple of days later than we originally anticipated.  We spent the first couple of days at the guest house in Port au Prince getting organized for the rest of our trip and enjoying some "chill" time.  Today we are picking up some volunteers at the airport and then heading directly to L'Estere to make final preparations for the concert tomorrow.  The bands have been practicing, signs are being made, advertising has been happening (which usually involves a blow horn in the back of our pick up truck) and meals are starting to be organized and prepared ... it is going to be an awesome night tomorrow!! Stay tuned for pictures!!  These pictures below are from last year's concert ...

 

 

January 5, 2014

Well, Elaine and Mary were supposed to head to Haiti today, followed by the volunteers on Friday, but our Canadian weather had other plans apparently! Flight was cancelled so we will now be leaving tomorrow night and flying out Tuesday morning! ONE LOVE!!

 

December 28, 2013

The anticipation is building!  Starting around January 6th (depending upon electricity and internet availability) this blog is THE place to be to follow our journey to Haiti!  Volunteers will not be arriving until January 10th, but updates and pictures etc. will start soon after Elaine and I arrive.  Our first few days there we will be spending a lot of time at our new Home for Kids ... painting, cleaning and preparing for the ten little angels to move into their new home.  Stay tuned!
Mary :-) xo

December 17, 2013  

Our next group of travellers will be heading to Haiti shortly after the New Year ... beginning January 6th check back here for updates on our winter trip ... photos, videos, updates on our work on the Home for Kids, the annual commemorative concert etc.  WON'T BE LONG NOW!!