Hit the road

Putting up some electrical wiring outside the house. 

Quick update! I am going to try to put up more pictures this time!

Some people will be getting electricity in their homes for the first time ever!

I had a field trip out to Thomassique. We helped get another matron (home birth attendant) program off the ground at Hospital St. Joseph. I took an hour and a half motorcycle ride on some need-of-repair (that’s an understatement) roads to help Miss Marthe, our trainer, get the first class started. They have a small but lively group of matrons who were eager to participate and learn. The course will last for 20 weeks, after which I will help celebrate the finish with another grand graduation.

Miss Marthe and the class of matrons on their first day.

School children using the Jerry Can (water filter).

I also took a trip out to Clory, not so long of a ride this time, to take pictures of the school, children, and proposed sites for future projects. The VMI Engineers Without Borders Chapter Club will be making a trip to Haiti for their spring break. I am helping with their housing, transportation, and preparations for some building projects at Clory. Looking forward to that!

Everyone wants to see themselves in the picture!

Some of the children playing in the field by the school.

It’s a very busy time with the class finishing, students needing jobs, employees needing salaries, and volunteers needing direction. I’m beginning to think that maybe this job would be better with two people! But, I am getting a break from all of it this weekend. I will be going home for Thanksgiving. A list minute call, but I am looking forward to seeing family and friends. Happy Holidays to everyone!

After Sandy

Happy November! I hope everyone had a fun-filled Halloween evening. I kept my eye out for trick-or-treaters, but none came by. Haiti does celebrate the dead and its ancestors though. Because of that, the entire country has a few days off.

From the house garden.

I also hope that everyone is recovering from whatever damage Sandy caused. As you all know, she paid Haiti a visit before hitting the U.S.. Though Hinche and the Central Plateau were spared, other areas suffered severe damage and flooding. I read that some 50 people died as well. Though I would never wish a natural disaster upon anyone, I couldn’t help but snicker at the Facebook comments complaining about no power or running water. If you think about it, a few days can’t be so bad when some people live under those very conditions for an entire lifetime.

From the house garden.

Another group came and went last week. The usual coordinating, running errands, and answering questions followed just as well. One important item on my list was the bank. Now, in Haiti, there is no “drive-thru” bank option. Everyone waits in line with everyone else. This is no big deal if you go only occasionally. But, at Fonkoze, there is no system to inform people that their money has arrived. Sometimes, it takes a few tries before getting anything. You just have to be patient!

My housemates and I have started a new trend, or daily routine, with an evening cinema. We watched the entire Twilight series (the one with the vampires) in French and have since been enjoying other movies just about every night. It’s been nice to use our projector, so that everyone can enjoy the entertainment!

An embroidery sample for scrubs and other items.

We have sunflowers! I have counted four healthy ones. Most didn’t make it, but we are grateful for the ones that did!