A Very Blessed Day!

Well my day started by heading over to a woman's house I had never met but had just heard about through several people who had been here on mission trips. She was very nice and I got to run around Haiti with her today. She has lived here since 2002. She has started up this foundation and is just doing wonderful things here. She has three Haitian kids living with her right now and they came along with us. They have to. Then also my friend from church came as well. So, I have been told over and over from my family they think it's crazy when American's ride in the back of trucks here. I've always agreed because it does seem crazy. Well today I got the whole experience. I rode in the back of a truck. It was freeing actually. I then heaven forbid went out amongst the people to a market. It was crazy. I didn't feel nervous but that could of been because I had my friend Frigens right by my side the whole time leading me around. It was sad to me, because at one point he did say to me. "This is the reality of my country." I thought yes yes it is, people everywhere and we are standing on garbage with big trucks right by where we are buying food. We were buying food for one of the orphanages we were going to go to. It was great to get out but it's definitley not something that is recommended for doing often. As Rebecca said, "This is where trust in God comes in, I am doing his work so I figure he will protect me." I believe that. She is doing so many good things and so I do think God must be protecting her as he was protecting me today. I didn't feel in danger.

Margaret buying the Vegetables

Me and the Boys in the Back of the Truck. They were sooo sweet!



I was standing amongst all of this. Crazy eh?

 From the Market we headed to what Rebecca called the Street Kids home. It is basically probably like 40-45 kids who don't have a place to be. They were literally on the street. So, one of the older street boys runs the house and they all just help eachother out. It was so humblingto be there. I walked in and all the children just came up to all of us. They were so happy to see us and just to be with us. Many came up and hugged me. One little boy asked me to give him a kiss. Other tiny kids just held their hands up to be held. So, I did all of it. I loved being amongst them. We also brought with us food and activities. We brought some books to practice their writing and some math worksheets and some crayons and paper for the younger kids. It was so rewarding just being there. I feel so much more blessed to have been there than they were blessed for me being there. Of course every single little kid wanted their picture taken and of course I appeased them. I won't post all of them. I don't remember hardly any of their names either. But, I met so many. Im sure as I go back I will remember more. 

 

From the Moment I arrived he wanted me to take a photo of him!

She kept grabbing my leg so i would hold her

I held him for a long time. He was very cute!

 He was just so Cute!

They were showing me their good writing skills!

Showing off their Awesome Writing and Coloring Skills!

Hard at work!

I only wish we could get so excited over being educated and practicing our letters! Oh their simple joys!

After the streets kids visit, we headed over to another orphanage. It was more out of the busyness. We delivered some food and some goody bags for the kids. Ok so in these little bags were like a granola bar, a pad of paper, a crayon, a sucker, and a blow toy from like new years and a little plastic watch. I've never seen kids so excited! It was adorable. They all wanted me to help them put their watches on or what not. I then found the cutest boys and they just crowded me and had me draw things and they especially loved when I would write their names. I also sang some songs with them. There were two boys who stole my heart. One was Wesley and the other was Uno. At one point Wesley said are you my sister? I said of course I am. Then Uno he was just funny, he kept teasing me and he would dance and sing with me. It was adorable.As I looked deep into his eyes I knew him. I knew he was a loved child of God and I was so happy to spend some time with him and feel of his love and of his sweetness.

 The one to the left of me is Wesley, he was just sweet. Then uno is to the right of me with his personality just shining through!

 Me and Wesley-Seriously what a sweetie!

These boys and I just had the greatest time!

 My friend Frigens with some of the girls.

 Some of the Girls showing off their goody Bags!

This little boy was so cute too, I can't remember his name though!

Overall, today was such a good experience and Im so glad I was able to go. As we were done and driving home I was asked how I liked it. I said I loved it. Rebecca said I can be as involved as Id like. She even said I could teach a little class if I want. I told her I would love to. So, I will think on that. I also told her it was hard for me to see all these precious little children without families and living in such harsh conditions. She agreed but she made a good point. She said but its also good because they are so happy and it's true. I didn't see any kids who weren't smiling and that didn't seem happy. I guess its all perspective. I always knew I took a lot for granted, but being here has just made me realize even more so how much I have taken for granted in my life and still do everyday. However, I'm so grateful for the experience of being here and being humbled! I'm grateful for the love and the hugs of these adorable little children of God who in their humble circumstances still love and care for others. What a lesson I can learn from them.

These Kids Have Got Moves!

Today when I went to pick up the little boy from school the school was having a party or a pep rally or something. They had music playing and the kids were all out dancing and playing. It was the cutest thing ever. These kids were really good dancers too. Im seriously obsessed with these two little boys. I've seen them before and they are just absolutley so cute.

Last night I also went to a girl named Melissas house. She is a member of the church and she has started teaching an English class in her home on Wed. and Thurs. So I went to her house last night. It was such a neat experience. She had three students. Two were in their 30s and one was in her 60s. I love the Haitian people. they are so humble, at least the ones I have met so far. I was impressed with their English skills as well. So, I think this will also be a good experience for me. It's just like teaching 1st grade. You have to go step by step and teach basic English skills. So, its good practice for me. She invited me to help every Wednesday and Thursday. Im very excited. I also get to go tomorrow on an orphanage food delivery with a lady here. Im excited to go and see all that. 

The one on the Left is my favorite! He is so stinkin Cute! Everytime I see him I just smile! I don't even know the kid but he is so cute! Then the one on the right was just dancing away and is just so cute!

I'm Calling ALL to Help My CAUSE!!

Ok, So together we can make a big difference in the lives of others. I just truly believe that I'm here so that I can be a link to help many people have the opportunity to help others. I want to start something here in Haiti. I'm not sure yet. But I will need your help. I will need your wards help. I am thinking initially maybe just collecting clothes or food for the members here in Haiti. I met a new friend in church on Sunday, his name is Frigens. He has been emailing me. I told him to tell me everything about Haiti and about his life. Well, here is what he wrote to me. It broke my heart.


Yes, I studied computer science office and yes I'm in a disguised unemployment  to not say that I work, in this country even when someone is very good in a profession he or she need someone  high-grade to help  him found a good job and as you're my sister I do not have to hide to tell you that the salary they give me is not even enough to pay the taxi during the month but when you're young and that 'we have big dreams when we should seek out to realize our dream even at least a 50% passing, let me say why I  told you that I live with my former parents. Before my birth my father is dead so I did not know and since that time my mother lives a life very unhappy and she never had the chance to marry, the father of my first half-brother was leaves, she gives birth to my little sister and my third brother and their father died in the end she gave birth to my last little brother his father was abandonee since before his birth and three months after the birth of my last little brother, my mother died in March 2009 since when I become father for I am the eldest of the family but the only chance we have is that my grandparents are owners and we lived with them since before the birth of my last little brother and January 2010 my last little brother died a week after the earthquake we are not earthquake knocks thanks the lord but his death is for me the biggest chock of my life because I loved him so much and I wanted to adopt it as my son but he died of high fever because we slept in a garden to avoid the aftershocks of the earthquake so the fact of becoming a father for my sister and my brothers I must unravel to help with school and I could go and I know that God loves us he does not leave us alone and it was not for the things  would be much worse and I am sorry to tell you about this things Now I don´t used to explains these kinds of things to which that is pushing me but my heart asking me to explain these things to you so I did and I ask you to help me pray that God  gives me a another job where I can help my family because they count on my help and I love them so much more I have to prepare my life to have a family too. I do not understand very well when you quest wonder is an average day for me. The Haitian people are not bad people but the social problems, especially economic policies make them angry because all the leaders only benefit the people and they do nothing for the people they only look after their interests staff that reflects the people in a very funny they have become selfish and wicked youth have nothing to do even if they are academic, political leaders use them to settle their affairs and policy as they accepted their accept cause the life is hard for them, short ... as you can see there are currently a very serious political problem for, the eyes of people begin open they do not want to put anyone in power. Regarding culture, it is true that we have our own culture, but we serve over foreign culture, and you can see especially in the way we dress, talk. Haitians do not like being mistreated, they do not like being despised, they are jealous. in the good side they are really welcoming and very curious, they are amenable to help, they are very brave they very good quality but the problem I have over the site makes them very weird.



Ok People he is 26 years old. He is taking sole responsibility for his siblings. Did I mention he speaks 4 languages. He taught himself  English and Spanish and he also speaks French and Creole. I think I need to locate some wealthy people to sponsor a few of these smart smart young kids and allow them to live their dream. I want to try and sponsor, with the help of rich people, to come to school at BYU in America. I was told by one Haitian, our driver, who is also a member of the church, that if he has a sponsor for school he can get a student visa. I just feel like by providing this for some, we would be providing for more than that because they will be sending support to their families and they will be achieving their dreams. So, what can we do? If any one has suggestions of something we could unite and do. Please let me know! Together we can make a better life for others. Because we have been so blessed we should bless the lives of those who are in such need.

Feels Like Home

Finally! I made it to church today and it was a beautiful experience! I was a little nervous going in, I don't speak their language and I felt ignorant, like here I am in their country and I want them to speak in English. Well fortunatley I went with another girl and she speaks French. The services were in Creole but they mostly all speak French and they read in French and sing the hymns in French. So, she can communicate with them. So, she introduced me to the Relief Society President. I made her apologize for me for not knowing the language. She was like maybe you will learn. I said I hope so. I really do hope to learn some French or Creole. It seems Creole would be more beneficial to me here, but French is more widely used. Anyway, Relief Society was great. I couldn't understand a single thing, but I could feel the spirit and I could feel of her love and passion for the gospel and it made me excited. Then, I was taken to the Singles Sunday school class where there were about 20 of them. It was good though because two of the boys spoke to me in English and one sat by me and translated for me. I mean not everything but enough so that I could know what was being talked about. I was so grateful to him, an answer to my prayers. He just kinda took the initiative. I am sure he will become a very good friend to me. I will be friends with anyone who will speak English to me and be kind to me. It was exciting to see the excitement and the level of love by body movements in my Sunday School teacher. He seemed very enthusiastic about the Subject of Christ's birth and I'm sure if I understood I would have been very impressed by his teaching. The class was laughing and commenting, while I sat in the corner just amazed and probably looked like a deer in headlights. Oh, so church started at 7 am and the generator was not on. The city power here is so wishy washy. It just turns on and off all the time. So, the city power wasn't on and then the generator wasn't working. So, we sat in the dark. But the windows brought in light so it was all good. But, it kicked on during Sunday School which meant fans. I was so happy because of course I was so hot. Well, the girls were cold, so they turned it off. I was like your kidding me right? How could they not be hot? I guess they are just used to it. Ok, so after sunday school we went to Sacrament. It was good, the music was beautiful. They have a piano but they don't use it. So, they just sang acapela the whole time and it was fine. It sounded great. I also had a super cute kid sitting in front of me so I just smiled at him the whole time. Then, I got to talk to my new friend Frigens afterwards and they have institute on Saturday I will try to attend even though I won't understand. Then, I think I might ask him to give me lessons in Creole and I will pay him. I need to do something. Overall, it was just such a beautiful time and I thoroughly enjoyed being there. I loved the spirit I felt and I loved being among these wonderful saints. The gospel is so true and I could see it reflected in them. I felt right at home and I was glad to finally be home. I found peace in knowing that these people although we came from different countries and backgrounds understood me, even maybe moreso than the family I live with. They understand our divine destiny and who we really are and that we are truly brothers and sisters. they know of the example of our savior and that he loved and we must love to. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and that the true gospel and his true character and his mission is known to us in these latter days.  I hope that I can become involved and I know I will have many great experiences ahead for me.

"I know that he lovethe his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" 1 Nephi 11:17
Christ is Charity and I am grateful for the Christlike Love shown towards me today!

Exhausting

Ok so I thought traffic was bad in DC, but oh my goodness it doesnt compare to the traffic here. Plus the traffic here makes absolutley no sense. I don't understand where all the people are going or coming from. I don't get how money or jobs work here. The other thing thats exhausting is that there is no traffic laws. I mean litterally I was in the worst traffic I have ever been in. We were late picking up the youngn from school. Even at that we were passing lines of trafffic and driving on the sidewalks. It's crazy right? I was gripping on for my life the whole time. Ok, so we left around 1 and we got home around 5. Keep in mind this is like at the most a 20 mile journey. This is going through dirt roads and tons of people. It was a little scary yesterday because there were just people everywhere and cars locked us in. I just kept thinking to myself what if something happened right now. What if someone came and wanted money and got upset at me and broke my window or something. I could do absolutley nothing about it. Thankfully I have a Haitian man driving me around. The sad thing is I was just thinking I could drive around and then craziness like yesterday told me No Way! For example they shut down one side of the road. At one point of our travel we have to make a U turn to get on the street we need. Well the police would not let us make that turn so we had to go a long way around. Another reason I could never drive here. If something like that happened to me and I was by myself see ya later. I'd be so lost and well things like that happen quite often enough here. Ok, so then we decided to go another way home to try and avoid traffic and it was even more horrific. So it took 2 hours about to get home. On the way home the little man had to use the bathroom. I thought about just letting him go in his pants but that seemed cruel. So, I asked the driver to pull over. Of course he pulled over into a super sketch place. So me and this little white children run into like a cement store to go to the bathroom. It was horrible. I've never seen something so terrible in my life. You know super sketchy bathrooms in America wouldn't compare to this. So, even the little boy was like this is yucky Abby. I was like I know I know just hurry and lets get out of here. So, we hurried, said Merci and ran. Ok, so thats it for my ranting and raving about the traffic. But it was really frustrating to me mostly because I just feel so bad that these people don't even know how different their lives could be with a little guidance. It also overwhelms me because I want to give and help but I feel so helpless I don't even speak their language. I don't even know where to begin to think to help. So, I feel a bit sad about that. Otherwise some cute little things that happened are of course the continued waves and smiles at random kids or adults. I literally feel like a celebrity here. Im still not getting used to little kids begging at my window. It breaks my heart everytime. At school the other day I was walking around with the little girl while we were waiting for the little man. These little Haitian kids came up to us, well surrounded us and looked at us, examined us. Then the balsiest one of the group said "You and your baby are white, and we are brown." I was like yep you are right. But guess what we are all the same or something like that. Then, as I was dropping off the other day an older little girl maybe like 7 or 8 came up to me and randomly gave me a hug. It was sweet. Im reading this book right now about human trafficking in Cambodia and one lady who escaped and now helps other girls escape the brothels and harsh treatment. It made me sad because Im sure similair things happen here. I am glad I know that all the wrongs will be righted and all those who have suffered will be compensated. I am truly blessed and I am truly humbled to be here. It's definitley far from my previous life but honestly I don't miss it much, I just feel so lucky to be here and experience and see all this even though it is difficult to see at times. I hope each of you will realize how blessed we all are just to live where we live and to know what we know and mostly how lucky we are to be educated individuals.

The Weekend

The Weekend was great. On Friday I again got to get out and it was a good time. So, since I’m white everyone here stares at me. As we were driving through crowds of people many people look at me so I just smile. Sometimes I get a wave, today I got a thumbs up. The greatest is when I see little kids and I catch their eye. As I dropped of one of the kids at preschool today all the little Haitian kids were like you look pretty and they were so intrigued by me. It was very sweet. As we were driving through the craziness I made eye contact with one little boy and I smiled and waved at him. He got the biggest smile on his face and then kept looking back at me as he walked away. Then, I saw a little baby girl in a mommas arms. The mom saw me looking and smiling at them so she grabbed the little girl and told her to smile and wave at me. The baby did and it was so cute. On Friday I also realized it’s finally hitting me where I am. I got emotional for the first time and realized this is real. This is really how people live. I saw this younger girl who had lost a leg and it just broke my heart. I wondered if it could have been helped or prevented if she were living in America and had better medical care.  We are so blessed. I was thinking to about the traffic here and trying to parallel it to life. As I did so I thought about the commandments of God. Many people would say that they are restrictive and we aren’t allowed to do things. However, as I’ve always known the commandments of God are strictly a safety net for us. As I sat in the traffic and craziness of the driving in Haiti I thought about how there are so many laws and rules in America with driving and how grateful I really am for them, since they protect us. I feel like every day we are risking our lives driving in this place. The driver was even asking me about laws in America. He was like wow we are a far way off from America, Haitians just do whatever they want. Later on Friday we made the trek to the grocery store which is only about 6 miles away but can take up to an hour to get there. So, it’s quite the process. Over the weekend we again went to the beach this time with better luck and we stayed the night. It was weird how scared I felt sleeping there since I’m used to having a large fence around the house with a security guard. However, I made it through the night and didn’t get eaten by the lizard. When I arrived I saw a lizard crawling around my room. We caught it so I felt at ease. However right before going to bed I saw another one crawling on the wall. So, needless to say I woke up at least every hour to check for lizards on me. The beach was beautiful and I loved being there. As we were there on Saturday Ann and I were sitting and talking about marriage because there was a Haitian Bridal party taking pictures. Well, about 5 of these guys came over to us and tried talking to us. I think they just wanted to practice their English. But one of them came up to me and was like Hello, I’m happy to see you. It was so awkward since they all just stood around us staring at us. So, I just started laughing. One of them was like why are you laughing. I was like I laugh at everything I can’t help it. So, I felt bad but it was just funny. Ann was like there you go Abby you can marry him. So, all in all it was another great weekend in Haiti and a relatively safe one;) These are pictures from driving on Friday.

The Crazy Traffic



Lots of People in the Streets

More traffic and that car in front of us is a taxi, I wouldn't wanna ride in that thing!

The road

Along the Road next to a tent village



A tent City



More Haiti traffic, a steady stream of cars.



Rubble is everywhere in this place



The cracks I believe are from the earthquake



A local selling clothes on the street

Kaliko Beach

I just loved seeing this for some reason

Is this seriously the same Country I was in Yesterday?

Missionary Opportunity

Today was a good day. The kids were great and I rode with a great driver today when I went to the school to get one of the kids. The driver was very nice and spoke English well.  He asked me if I spoke French I of course don't. So, he said he could help me. So, he started giving me little lessons. Things like how to say hello and how to respond when someone asks how are you. He was also telling me more about the Tap Taps, because I was wondering how do they really know where each one is going because it's crazy. He is taking me tomorrow and will try to get pictures of the traffic and the Tap Taps.  I asked him about the day of mourning yesterday and if he had lost anyone. He told me how he lost his 7 year old niece. He said a wall fell on her. It is very sad. We drove by a tent city so I asked him about them. He asked if I had visited one and I said I hadn't. He was like you should I told him yeah I'd love to but I can't really just go by myself I kinda stand out ya know. He lived in one for a while he said but now he has a home with a tin roof. He was so grateful for that. He showed me a picture of his little 1.5 year old son Cliff. He was cute I was happy for him that he had somewhere to live with his family. He also lives with his sister who's daughter was lost in the Earthquake. As we talked about all different things I told him I was mostly exctied to get to church and thought it would help me pick up the language a bit. So, naturally he asked me which church I went to. I told him. I asked him and he goes to a protestant church. He said that he had heard of the "Mormons" before and would like to go sometime. I told him when I found out where one was then I would let him know. He said if he liked it he would stay. I thought that was a good idea naturally:) I explained to him about the Book of Mormon and how I had ran into a young man the other day with the Livre De Mormon. He was just very nice and it was so great to talk to him about Haiti and how humble the people are and how it was so nice for me to be here to really appreciate what we have in America. I said we have so much of everything there. He agreed, haha. It was interesting I am reading "The Miracle of Forgiveness" right now and Brigham Young was quoted to say "this people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution and be true. But my greatest fewar is that they cannot stand wealth. Latter Day Saints who turn their full attention to money making soon become cold in their feelings toward the ordinaces of the house of God." This has such a more profound meaning to me.  We in the United States think we are so much better off than the impoverished of the world. But, are we really? I wonder how much more humble and God loving we would be if we had a little less in our lives. I wonder how much more we would appreciate the small little things. I wonder how much more we would desire to serve our fellowmen instead of always thinking selfishly of ourselves. It's just a thought I had when I read that quote. I hope that I take away from this experience that material possessions are not important in the whole scheme of things and maybe I'd be a lot better off if I lived a little more humbly. Hard to do, but a good thing to learn and hopefully apply. So, anyway it was a good day with a reflection of how difficult these peoples lives may be but I how they will be praised and honored if they are good people in the heavens after this small period of time on Earth.

One Year Anniversary of the Earthquake

Today marks the one year since the earthquake. So, today was a national holiday for the Haitain people. They call it a day of mourning. It is pretty crazy the damage that was done by this earthquake. On the road we travel everyday to the embassy and back there is a large building that recieved substantial damage. As I was driving in the car the other day I also saw many structures that had been ruined from the earthquake. However, as I've read some articles from the states about this place they are super dramatic from what I can tell. Yes, the people here have been through a lot and yes there is much poverty and yes its unbelievable. However, the media dramatizes everything. Today seemed like a fairly normal day but I am not intimitley involved with any of the Haitains who were directly affected by the Earthquake. I will ask our driver sometime soon about how it affected his family. It is hard not speaking the language because the other day I was in a car with a very nice driver and I was with him for like 3 hours and we couldn't speak. I tried to speak to him in English but he spoke very little. So, needless to say I don't speak French or Kreole so I was no help to him either. I need to figure out how I can really start learning the language. Anyone have any suggestions or know of some relatively cheap language program out there? Anyway, I am still getting adjusted and havent made all the contacts I need to really get involved. The one lady who I have had contact with is in the States and I don't know when shell be back. Hopefully soon. Anyway, life in Haiti is still going well for me. We spent a few hours at the pool today and had a BBQ at a neighbors house with many of the other Americans here. Well thats it for today hopefully Ill have more adventures and more excitment for you all in the next few days;)

Hit by a Haitian Police

Well yesterday was an interesting day to say the least. I woke up at 5:30 am to go running with Ann. It felt good to run outside since it's been awhile and I absolutley love it. So that was good, and we got home and got ready to head to the beach. We have to leave pretty early because the nicer beach was apparently a 2 or so long drive. We drove through some crazy busy traffic and street market areas for about 45 mins to an hour. Then, something amazing happened the congestion cleared a bit. We got out on a road that we could go faster than 25-30 mph. However, this also seemed to show the poverty even more. We passed by many tent villages and we saw many people working hard. I saw a lot more kids today and it melted my heart. I saw many many naked boys and girls. I think just like any kid maybe they just liked to be naked. It did break my heart however when I saw little boys and girls just working so hard and a lot of times by themselves. I often saw them without parents or others around them. It really fascinates me this life does. I kept thinking about how accutley aware God is of all these people despite all their sufferings and trials. I am lead to be very humbled as I have never experienced hardship as these people have. However, most of the tap taps or just things written on the street say Merci Jesus. Thank you Jesus. I am grateful for their faithful examples to me. I can't wait to get to church and associate with them.   So, we kept driving we had to make a pit stop for the little girl to go potty. It was interesting not like a normal gas station. I stood guard of the car while Ann ran to the side of the building with Aubree. We continued driving and quite honestly minus all the poverty everywhere along with the garbage this is a beautiful country. We could see the ocean for much of our drive on one side and the other side is mountains with beautiful palm trees and banana trees. If they could get this area somewhat more tourist available it would really do them some good. So, it was just me and the mom and kids. The husband had to work today. So, we got all the way to the entrance of the beach hotel we were going to. As we were stopped, we had our blinker on, and we were getting ready to turn left, as we began to do so all of the sudden we were being smashed into. A Haitain police car rammed into the side of our car. I was in shock of what just happened and I should have been terrified. However, God really blessed me to be calm and try to figure out the situation. Ann was crying rightfully so and we hurried and called her husband, mind you we were 2 hours away from the Embassy. Very quickly we started to be surrounded by Haitains coming realllly out of no where. No one offered to help they all just started surrounding our car. We don't speak the language so we couldn't tell anyone what just happened or ask what we should do. So, in her training Ann was told if there is ever an accident to hurry and get away. So, we did that. We got out of the car into the crowd of people. We gathered our belongings and we locked the car and left it. We went to where the security guard of the hotel was and luckily someone who spoke English came up to us. He said we should get away and go to the beach because otherwise people would start asking for money and would probably start getting angry. So, we did just that. The car could not move and we were left with no other option. The nice men who spoke English gave us a lift down the road to the beach Entrance. So, mind you we just left complete povery and a crowd of people. As I entered this "resort" i was amazed. It looked like something you'd see in a magazine for a tropical paradise. it was beautiful the ocean was so pretty and we walked in to a pool and beach cabannas all along the beach. We went and got settled and tried to enjoy the beach while we waited for everyone who could help us arrive.

Our Umbrella

The Indigo Club Beach

At the beach it was beautiful. I saw many little Haitian kids playing in the pool and on the beach. I also saw some little "white" children playing with them. I was curious.  Well later in the day some of those Haitian kids came over and wanted to play with us. They spoke English. The two that really talked to me were Ellen and Isaac. They were very cute. They told me they were orphans. They were so intrigued by us, just as much as I was intrigued by them. They played for a little while and it was so cute because they copied everything Brady was doing. They were like sponges. When we were about to leave the little children from the orphonage were like bye Abby. I don't know why but it just melted my heart. They were so cute. I can't wait to get into and orphange. I really got to start learning French so I can be able to communicate with them better. Anyway, we made it home safely and the car is ruined but fortunatley I wasn't driving. If an American here is driving and isn't associated with the Embassy they could be taken to jail. So, as Americans come here they really need to be careful and take precautions. All in all it was an interesting day and Im so glad God watched over us. He is truly apart of our lives and is mindful of each of his children whatever part of the world they may be in.

Did we just hit a motocyclist?

Oh my goodness today we actually hit a person actually probably a few. Oh and we backed up into a motorcyclist. As I am sitting reflecting on my experience today I just want to laugh. Its so unreal. So, this morning we left around 6:30 or 6:50 to take Brady the 3 year old I nanny to his preschool to check it out for Monday. We got there around 8 and apparently the traffic will be worse on Monday because school starts. Really though the school is not that far, its just the traffic and people that make it take so long. We drove through many tent villages and much poverty. Today was by far the worst I've seen this week. I just look out the window the whole time examining people and their living conditions and just trying to figure out, what is going on in their head, what are they feeling? Well my heart truly goes out to the people. We did see some super cute kids on the way all done up with their hair and cute clothes on ready for school. I don't really know where they go to school, but Im interested to find out. I would love to visit a school and maybe help out or something. Well, as we drove around I took some pictures today but honestly they do not do this place justice, it especially doesn't show the driving conditions and how scary they are. So, to give a little more detail for today as we drove along our driver was gettigng so close to other cars and people it was scary..well we were a little nervous the whole time. Many times Ann in the front seat would brace herself. Well, we turned down one road and some of the UN people were paving a road so we had to turn around. Then, we went down another one and people had made a market in the middle of the road. So, basically our driver decided he would back up instead of turn around and well he ran right into a motorcyclist. It was the scariest thing yet because some guys started banging on the car and were like hey man what are you doing, except in Creole or French, but the idea was expressed. Apparently if you hit someone and your not honking then thats bad, but if you are honking and you hit someone its their own fault. Well, nothing happened we just kept driving and that was that. No one was hurt or anything but its just a funny way, In America I would of jumped out of my car to make sure everyone was ok, but not here. So, we finally made it to the school. It is an American run school and it was pretty nice. It looks like any other preschool you'd see in the states, besides the gates and men with guns blocking the gates. Other than that completley normal, oh yeah and the fact that right before you enter is dirt roads with tent homes and shacks aligning it. I really admire the family I work for. They are so bold and brave and are really giving Brady a good opportunity. Granted its all up in the air, but Brady seems very excited to be out with other Haitain kids his age. He likes the interaction with other kids and what kid doesn't. So, it will all be up in the air. All in all this is quite the experience and I'm loving it.
Here are the pictures I took today out the car window:) Hence the Reflection.



A political sign, the Election results are being announced soon! More Riots are Expected

 



A house is nestled back there.

 



Just on the Side of the Street

 


Just more of Haiti Regular Sites



A pile of Rubble on the side of the road



Garbage just on teh side of the road close to markets and everything!



A local Market



People on their way



Anyone need a shirt, because you can find one on the streets of Haiti



 

You Can Eat Out in Haiti

Suprisingly to many including myself you can go out to eat in Haiti. Tonight me, Ann, and a young lady named Marsha went out to eat. We drove about an hour to go to the restauraunt which I guess is really only about 15 minutes away but the traffic is horrific because there are no laws and there are always people walking right in front of you too. I mean it's crazy i always feel like we are gonna hit someone or something. Ann said that we know eventually we will run into someone or something its bound to happen with this driving. You just kind of go on faith that someone will stop for you or hope no one will run out in front of you where you will harm them. So, I was really excited to be able to take some pictures tonight but sadly I didn't take any. I feel pretty guilty taking pictures of people in poverty so I can show the world. I mean I feel like I will offend them, because I feel like I would be annoyed by some rich white girl taking pictures of me in my poverty. However, there was much to be seen tonight. We went to a part of the area I had not been to yet. It was up farther in the mountains. We saw much of the same just in larger magnitudes of poverty and sadness. I saw one man just laying on the street, feet filthy, just looked kinda sickly. My heart broke just knowing he has nothing, and no one can help him. Like we see homeless people in America but I at least feel there is an amount of hope for them. There condition is like paradise compared to some of these people. The streets here are filled with garbage and it runs along right side the markets. It's no wonder people are getting sick all the time right? We Americans really can't fathom how people could even be ok with living that way. We are so blessed beyond measure its incredible. I stilll am having the hardest time wrapping my heart/mind around it all. For example tonight we went to a really nice restaurant, it was beautiful and you'd think we were on a tropical dream trip not right in the middle of poverty. We sat and ate our food in a candelight porch setting, it was beautiful. Then, we walk out to our car and we are literally across the street from a tent city. Yes a whole block of people living in tents, that is their life, that is their home. I hope to get some more pictures at some point but I just can't even begin to explain what this place really looks like. I hope that out of this experience I at least carry with me the unimportance of material possessions and just having the love of family and friends. Plus despite that I know that even if I had a horrible job that paid next to nothing I'd still have more than 95% of the population of Haiti. Anyway, I hope those of you who read this don't get sick of my ranting and raving about the atmosphere and experience of Haiti. This is kinda my live journal since I'm a much better typer than writer.

Is this Real Life?

I can't seem to wrap my mind around where I actually am right now. I am in one of the poorest countries in the world. It is so decieving though. I was sitting on our porch last night and as I looked out I just saw beautiful mountains and the houses on the mountains looked nice from afar. However, when we drive out of our neighborhood everytime I'm reminded of where I am. The instant you drive out of my neighborhood you are crowded with people, people who have nothing. I'm very interested to know what the people are doing. Some seem like they really have important things they are working on, some are just hanging out trying to sell their crops or drinks, and some are trying to build bikes or something else out of old tires that were just basically lying in the streets. I have noticed though, I haven't seen to many that look depressed or to sad to go on. They seem to get up and go to work. It's crazy to see the buildings destroyed by the earthquake. It seems like where I am actually could have been quite a nice place to be before the Earthquake. I can't quite think of how people make it here. I don't know how money functions or works in this area. How do people survive? Its been very interesting for me to see all this, but for some reason it has still not struck me as real. I still feel like I am living a dream or I'm just watching a sad movie. I want to get out and work with the people, all the Haitains I've met so far are very kind people. Granted they work for the Embassy so they have to treat us pretty well, it's part of their job. However, I do get a good sense from these people. I can't wait to get out and work among them. I'm still trying to work out the details of finding places to volunteer and a place to go to church. Our driver is a member of the church and has been for 11 years. He was a misionary in Haiti. However, the area he goes to church is an area we are not allowed to go, so I can't go with him. There is a younger American girl who goes to church around here but she is going on a cruise soon so she will be gone the next two Sundays. I want to get to church soon though so I can really get a sense of the people here and what their lives are like and what me as a young 25 year old girl can do for them.

The Local "taxis" These are called Tap Taps and it's amazing how many people get in them. I often think some are gonna fall out. I was taking these pics from my car, and felt kind of bad taking pictures of the people as I drive by.

This is the area right outside our neighborhood, it's kind of  hard to really get the gist of it, but as you see there are so many people out and about on the streets.

And this my friends is the nicest building in all of Haiti, or at least seems that way so far. This is the Embassy for the United States of America. See that pool? Thats where most of my time will be spent I assume. I feel pretty guilty living the lap of luxury when just outside of the Embassy gates there are starving or very poor people all around.

Day One Haiti

I spent two days on an airplane and in airports to get here, but I finally made it. It was a very easy and smooth flight and arrival.  As I came down the escalator off the plane The Lasons and a Haitain American Embassy Worker greeted me. I got in a car and the man took my passport and papers and went through immigration for me and picked up my bags for me. We then got in another car where it was just me and the family I'm going to be with for the next 6 months. As we exited the airport I can't really explain what I saw. I saw people everywhere. People begging for money or working. I saw extreme poverty like i have never seen. It all seems unreal. I can't believe how the people here live and my heart really goes out to them. On our drive to the house and Embassy we had several people begging at our cars including a little child. It really broke my heart. I feel so blessed already and so humbled by this experience and seeing these things. I hope to be able to do some good here and help some people. Its pretty overwhelming to see the need they have here. I am interested to go back out tomorrow and see more. I live in a nice home with water and food. The family Im going to be working with are very nice and very accomodating. I am looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for me here. It will be an experience of a lifetime for sure!