February 28th...Final Reflections and Expressions of Gratitude

A final fitting quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."   -Ghandi

                                                          

The only person I texted while away was Carm. Internet and cell service was difficult to use consistently on my phone throughout the entire trip. She informed me that people were actually reading this blog (thank you, Dr. Leight for teaching me how to do this)!  It's somewhat embarrassing though, because I couldn't edit or truly write efficiently without the use of a computer. I couldn't see the whole screen on my phone and was kicked off frequently. So, I apologize for some choppy reads. I also could not access the far right side of the screen where blog comments were accepted. It should be ready SOON.  Again, I appreciate your interest and support throughout this endeavor. I am blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. I would be remiss to not have a dedication page for that support...  

A BIG THANK YOU...

To Debbie Bell: (my friend and roomie in Haiti): For being an inspiration years ago when you spoke of going to Haiti as well as other service oriented trips. For being so very easy to room with. For allowing me to bust on you for being a "witch doctor"... ( Explanation to others: I couldn't sleep and was nauseous a lot. Deb would Zorro my pillow each night with serenity and lavender essential oils. The smell was so soothing. She handed out peppermint or clove beadlets to soothe my sick stomach. She played ocean sounds from her phone. She did all these things even though I flung the cockroach from my head, across the room, to where she slept somewhat soundly that night).

Our awesome leaders, Connor and Mike

To the Fuller Center Team: For making what could have been an uncomfortable, unaccepting, lackluster week with strangers into an extremely comfortable, accepting and full of luster week. I'll cherish the memories we made in a place we will never forget.


To my neighbors: From Rodney and Gloria Royer pulling over in the street to hand me a monetary donation to Warren and Dawn Royer who saved the day with a flashlight (plus a donation and a knife) we needed every night for the shower.  To Maribeth and Brian Meals for undoubtedly checking in on Carm.

To my friends at SRAE and other SR community friends: For Kristin (Thank you Mrs. Malenky) announcing a dress down and you all agreed and contributed in different ways (money, texts, emails, little books). I wish you could've seen the school where the items were donated and then you would know that the dress down was well worth it. The notes of encouragement and quotes were kept in my heart.  For Helen, Sara, and Jen and the additional donation.  The balls will be used until they are no longer. For Dr. Angelucci approving my sabbatical and the letter of support.

To all the gals and Kevin and Jonathan: I'm not surprised by your support...it's been there for 25 years. Consistent and strong. A specific shout out to Noreen for the cleats and soccer balls. I "played" soccer nearly every day in Haiti.  A simple soccer ball meant so much to these kids... it was something to do.

To my BFF's: Ladies... we know what we are to each other, but I always want you to know just how much I treasure our friendships starting way back in elementary school. Nancy, the water bottle with the built in purification system kept me from going through what one of our team members went through for an entire two days (sorry, Connor)!

To my family: We always have each other's back... no matter the cause or the cost, we find a way. "PFF"...Partridge Family Forever

To Carm: For the support and never ending love. You searched for the best bug treated clothes, for the heartiest of shoes, for the thick wad of dollar bills, for keeping me informed about my mom and dad, for the life-saving post-its hidden in my clothing....there are no words, only actions. You get me?

And to God: (I am not a religious fanatic. I was raised Catholic and believe in God). I know there is something bigger at work in this world than what is seen and what is tangible.  It might be different things to different people. It makes no difference. What I do know for sure is that what matters is to show human kindness, compassion, hope, gratitude, love, and empathy to each other. If you can show these, to me, you are a person of faith.

I thank you for your faith in me.

So much love.

Blogging off for now...

Our final group shot

Week old gloves...5 days of work

Thank you...
___________________________________ 

Reflections from Deb:

Twice during this trip we were asked to describe our feelings in one word. 

Words such as:

Overwhelmed

Blessed

Motivated

Happy

Grateful

Invigorated

Relieved

Joyful

Strengthened 

Changed

Although it was hard to describe this experience in one word, once the word was expressed by a team member, we knew what that person was feeling.

Our team was a well oiled machine, all with our own talents and strengths, but each accomplishment, large or small, was just as important as the next.  

The sand needed to be sifted to make the sturdy concrete that made a strong foundation for a home for a Haitian family.  

Each block needed to be loaded, unloaded, moved several times, before being carefully mortared to another to form walls that would protect the family.  Each joint needed to be pointed and "ironed" to make it smooth.  

Each piece of rebar had to be tied together to form the towers that would join the walls together and strengthen this humble home. 

Each shovel full of dirt and rocks needed to be removed to create an even surface to lay the concrete flooring.  

Each pile of rocks had to be moved once (or more) to be used for foundations or for upcoming builds.

Each soccer ball had to kicked around the street.

Each child needed a hand to hold, a song to sing, a coloring book page to color, or a game to play.

Each beautiful child needed to feel loved as an important, beautiful child of God.  

We had a LOT of laughs -- and a few tears of compassion - and each of us changed in our own way.

Now, as I sit in a burger joint in a nice hotel in Atlanta, (having a large glass of iced tea -- with ice!) back in my comfort zone, I can't help but think how blessed my life is.  I hope I never forget the images - and the Haitian people who have truly blessed all of us.

Nausea Beadlets...aka Peppermint

Our Final Day on Site

The Wheels on the Bus...

My friend, the Witch Doctor and her essential oils

The dryer

February 26 ( Homeward Bound)

I didn't sleep much this trip and last night was no exception. I awoke to a rooster crowing right outside the door. I'm all about loving God's creatures, but I wanted to be that little girl from yesterday's blog and grab that chicken by the neck and... (don't think less of me)! I guess I should be glad I didn't need an alarm clock.  Walking to the pool area, I noticed Simone, Connor, Jeff and Mike already having breakfast. Simone was the first to depart. We all said our goodbyes to an extremely hard working, smart young woman. She broke a few hearts of some young men in Haiti. It's easy to see why one of them tattooed her name in Sharpie on his arm. 

As I ate my banana pancakes, my mind was wondering about home. I pictured my life and how I couldn't wait to get back to it. As much as I learned from this adventure, I needed it to end. I was snapped back to the moment though as we were informed that we were jumping in the van ( yet again) and heading to the art district to see local metal workers do their thing. 

I was hesitant at first. I really wanted to stay back at the pool because (are you ready Carm?) I was tired! It was only 8 am and we didn't have to leave for the airport until 1:00. I pictured just chilling by the pool, blogging, and not interacting for just a few hours. But, I didn't want to miss anything cool either. Into the van I climbed...

I made the right decision. It was amazing how these men took a flat sheet of metal from old, rusty drums and turned them into beautiful works of art. We watched junior apprentices, some as young as 9 years old, learn the skill.  After being herded through shop after shop, I purchased 8 different pieces. I spent every last dollar. Thank goodness there are no ATM's in Haiti. 

Spending our last dollars

With metal goods in tow, we headed back to the hotel for lunch and to gather our gear. We said goodbye to Nathalie next. She was the quiet one of the group with so much insight and a lot to say when you gave her the chance (Carm... she's from St. Thomas which is very close to St. John😉).

The rest of us gobbled sandwiches, toasted to a successful week and headed for the airport. Once there, we said goodbye to Gavin and Cara who were continuing on with the taxi to another hotel nearby.  Cara decided to stay an extra day in Haiti with Gavin and some friends he would be meeting there later. Her original flight was not a good one...too much wasted layover time. She wanted to witness Carnaval anyway. I guess that's what truly free-spirited people do. And Gavin? My new South African friend would be sure to take care of her. He was a true gentleman when push comes to shove.  Me? I'm just a semi-free spirit. I desperately wanted to be home. 

The airport was CRAZY. I went through three different security lines and immigration. Fortunately, my suitcase was an easy check since it was close to empty. I still had underwear and metal signs (probably shouldn't blog that....). It took the full three hours to wait in lines. 

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta was a simple layover. I got a pizza and a coffee. I can't believe I'm actually writing this ( I shake my head when I read Facebook posts about what people have eaten). But, pizza is my favorite food and I was ready to embrace and celebrate just how fortunate I am in all areas of my life. Starting with my full stomach. REAL cheese and mushrooms.

Touching down in Pittsburgh at midnight, I made my way to my car in flip flops. From an average temp of 85 to 25 degrees? My bunion-bulging feet were a bit chilled.  I saw my Jeep in the distance. It sounds really shallow now to say that I was glad to see a car. But, it was familiar. It was a connection to my life. A life I treasure. I hopped in, put on my music and was on my way home. 

Home. Where I want to be. Where everything is comfortable. Where I am loved. Where the heart is....

Ps. Although this trip is over, I will post one more entry to this blog tomorrow... a dedication page. 

February 25 ( Day 8)

After dinner last night, we had a meeting regarding a change in plans back to Port Au Prince in the morning.  We were told we would leave a few hours earlier than expected due to possible road blocks and protests. They wanted to avoid any possible problems and leaving earlier was the best idea they had at the time. The only problem was the road would be longer and a bit "bumpier". I was all in for bumpier, but longer? Not so much. I appreciated that they were being cautious, though.   Now where did I put that Dramamine....

Our driver, Nestle, arrived at 5:45 am. Not surprisingly, kids were already at the gate. Two of the boys who had walked me to and from the work site each day, hand in hand, were there. I had promised Stanley my tough Mudder shirt and Beatem would get my shorts. It seemed odd handing over dirty clothes, but I didn't have the means to "run a load of laundry". As I passed my shirt through the gate to Stanley, he accepted it and reached for my hand one more time. I held it in mine. I thought about how familiar this stranger's hand had become. I could recognize his grasp from the others. Strange.  As we stood there for that brief moment holding hands, our eyes met. We didn't need to say anything.  We just knew. 

One last chance...

Beatem, my other escort for the week was next. Earlier that week, we had a moment where he smiled and told me I was his grandma. I acted hurt and insulted that he thought I was so old. He was confused until someone explained what he said. We had a "lost in translation" moment. We laughed together and he changed me from grandmother to " sister from God". We had a moment then, and now again at the gate. For him, I went outside the gate and we hugged. He tucked the gift of clothing between us,leaned his head into my stomach and there we stood. Although, it was only seconds, the energy in the hug enveloped me and seemed to stop time (I feel schmoltzy saying that, but it's true). Needless to say, the departure was bittersweet.

We loaded into the van after a quick breakfast and were on our way. Looking out my window, I saw women carrying heavy loads of rice or charcoal on their heads. Others were gently hitting packed mules with a stick, correcting their stubbornness just as soon as it set in. People loaded onto motorcycles zipped along the road as if no one else was traveling on it.  I saw a little girl standing in a doorway. She was holding an uncooperative chicken by the neck. I would've screamed and let go. She held on. All of the people and sights and smells that seemed so foreign to me a week ago were now familiar. We were 30 minutes in to the drive when we were stopped.

Fortunately, we weren't held up by angry people protesting.  The bumpy dirt road we were
traveling on tossed our jeep too much.  The large vehicle was on three wheels, close to tipping, stuck in a deep rut.  We were informed that the road continued in this condition and that we would need to walk part of the way.  Villagers came out of nowhere...to help. It all seemed like a movie to me. Working together, the van was lifted out and Nestle continued to steer it down a treacherous hill. Awaiting at the bottom of the hill was what seemed to me to be an impassable creek. We walked across the water and Nestle gave it a shot. It didn't work. We were stuck again. More villagers came to help. When we finally got the van out, we all cheered....men, women, black and white. High fives were flying and smiles were abundant.  We had come to Haiti to help them. Now, they were helping us. We shared a moment of understanding, gratitude and compassion. It was powerful. 

It only took 6 hours, but we made it to our hotel. It was actually quite nice. It had a bar and a pool! I was ready to chill. But that wasn't the plan yet. We put our bags away, got back in the van and made our way to the museum. Esther, a fellow team member, had visited it years before and really enjoyed it. Because of Carnaval though, traffic was extremely heavy and it took almost an hour to get there. When we finally arrived, we found out it was closed. Again Carnaval.  However, there was a fabulous restaurant where we enjoyed lunch and cold drinks. I opted for a Pina Colada. It was topped with toasted coconut. My thought as I drank it? Here I sit in a posh, contemporary restaurant. Waiters are dressed in pressed, crisp white shirts with black vests and pants. Women are freshly made up wearing white shirts and black pencil skirts, their perfume fills the air. One hundred yards away, outside the doors, sits  mounds of trash  and very hungry people.














After lunch, we made our way back through the crowded streets. Vendors were getting ready for the big weekend. Cars, people, motorbikes, tap taps, and mules kept us from getting back quickly yet again. Port Au Prince was much more crowded and chaotic than Pignon. 

Once back at the hotel, our team had dinner and debriefed one last time. It was strange how quickly we were able to get to know each other. I could joke with any one of them now and it would be ok. Unfortunately, Gavin was usually the main target. He was "picked on" consistently by three of us but took it all in stride.

Following debriefing, Cara and I swam in the cold water. Others waded, unsure of the chlorine's effectiveness. Wine, Prestige and fruit juices were plentiful.We took turns plugging our music playlists into Gavin's speaker. I heard a lot of new music that I really enjoyed. Somehow, music has a way of connecting people and finding commonalities with each other as you listen. After three bottles of wine, we meandered back to our balmy rooms seeking slumber for our last night in Haiti.