ServeHAITI - Day 6: The Circle of Life

Today's teacher training began with Abby doing an art lesson with the entire group.  She had each of us close our eyes and envision our hands, 

the hands of family members, and the details of each.  She had us consider what our hands have done and what they have yet to do.  We opened our eyes and traced our hands.  Once we signed  it, we passed it to the next person, continuing to do this until everyone had their original but also an outline of everyone in the class.  Putting our hands together and working in solidarity we can help to solve the problems of Haiti.

In the morning we received word that both the newborn and the malnourished baby had died.  We mourned with the family their loss.  In spite of the news, the lessons with the teachers continued.  A guest math teacher came and built on our fractions lessons from yesterday.  Dr. Leo presented on the importance of sanitation.  We used a globe ball to study continents and oceans.  We explained latitude and longitude and practiced locating places on the wall map.  In the suitcases going to their schools they will have maps to add to their resources.  

The day flew by!  Paige played the "Honeybee" song to our students as they ate.   Teacher took time to share contact information with each other.  We had our graduation ceremony.  

The administrators were issued their suitcases and chalkboards.  We watched as some loaded the suitcases on donkeys while others carried chalkboard on their head, a precious cargo some were delivering hours away from the clinic.  The training was complete after a three year commitment.  

The guys continued with their work around the clinic.  Today's monumental task was repairing a leaky toilet and sealing up the cistern.  Some volunteers made a visit to Gabrielle in the morning, treated to gentile hospitality by a Haitian gentleman who cares passionately about his country.  Michelle, Lindsey, Abby, and Maeve visited homes with the Community Health Workers and saw a side of Grand-Bois that does not have the degree of poverty we see in the medical clinic area. 

But there were more lessons to be learned before the end of the day.  We brought out the sparklers - a delayed Fourth of July celebration and a celebration of our last evening in Grand-Bois.

There were two new births in the clinic - these were without complication and we rejoiced in holding a newborn just entering the world. 

The past 24 hours completed the Circle of Life - from birth to death and birth again.  We said our good-byes to the teachers with the hope that they will share their newfound knowledge with their students.  We know the road ahead will not be easy but we find satisfaction in knowing we did what we could - Piti! Piti! Piti! - Little by Little by Little - we are trying to help their lives improve and to inspire a hope for the future.  But we know, we are the ones who leave inspired - inspired by a resilient people who ride off into the sunset with the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Haiti - Day 5: The Facts of Life

Tuesday began day two of teacher training which provided a focus on math.  The math guest teacher was to come but it got changed to Wednesday.  We decided to go ahead with math on this day with the thought that tomorrow's teacher will build on what we taught today.  We know that math is part of the Haitian assessment and so math is valued in their curriculum.  Our day began with a new strategy called mainstreaming which we used to review yesterday's lessons - standing in partners with one person reviewing what they had learned for one minute while the other encouraged then the roles were reversed.  We used a math ball to toss around as they solved the problem where their left thumb touched the ball.  The rest of the day was filled with math manipulatives - square and circle fractions.  We also extended work with our hundreds chart and added to their ideas on how it could be used to enrich math for their students.

Today was also a day for babies in the clinic.  The line was long but the two patients that captured our interest was a young lady giving birth for the first time.  Her labor was well over 12 hours and we took turns entering her room to encourage.  Shalini, Amanda, and Lindsay spent hours with her as she struggled to bring her little one into this world.  She was in need of a c-section but the ride down the rugged mountain road would more than likely kill her.  This clinic is not equipped for surgery, so labor continued.

Another baby who captured our heart was the one I mentioned earlier who was malnourished. He continues to struggle.  His body has shut down and even though he is now being fed consistently, his body is not responding as it should.

In the afternoon the guys continued with their work around the clinic.  They built more chalkboards and trained Haitians to use the tools to make these learning tools.  They drained the cistern which has a crack in it.  Repair will take place tomorrow.  They unclogged shower drains and cleaned a closet of
rotted produce, releasing the largest cockroaches we had ever seen.  A group left to visit a local village but was caught in a giant rain storm.  They took shelter under the roof of the market place and experienced these roads as they turn to mud.  They came home both muddy and tired.

Our late afternoon was a celebration as the woman who had labored all day gave birth. He needed oxygen and an IV drip, and we scurried to make sure all lights were turned off with the hopes that electricity would stay on to run the oxygen machine.  We visited her and the precious little one during the day to give our congratulations.

As evening came, we set up an assembly line in the clinic to fill the suitcases for the 20 schools.  They were filled with pens, pencils, papers, books, notebooks, and folders.  Dice and other resources were carefully divided between each suitcase along with a backpack to protect the texts.

The teachers staying at the clinic continue to study a list of English words and phrased knowing that to know English can open doors for them.

Later in the evening we sat on the balcony to reflect on our day.  Scott and Paige took out guitars and sang soft songs.  Word came that the newborn baby was not doing very well so Paige took down her guitar to the clinic, and we gathered in the nursery to sing "Alleluia" to the mother and her family, all gathered to watch the new one struggle to stay in this world.  We felt helpless and singing was all we could do for this precious life.  We gave our sympathies but still held on hoping he would make it but knowing there was little hope.

This day ends with knowledge that math facts were not the only facts we dealt with today.  We each faced the fact that life is precious and sometimes people must walk a fine line between life and death.  We hope for the best but know that it is not within our power to change the inevitable.  We can only pray that mother and baby will not be parted.

2015 ServeHAITI - Together We Learn - Day 4

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

--Maimonide

Today the teacher training begins - "Together we learn."  This is year three for ServeHAITI which involved a commitment of 20 schools to send a teacher each of three weeks for a three day training every summer for the past three years.  In return the school receives a suitcase of materials and resources.  Since this is week three, principals will arrive on Wednesday to pick up their suitcases and three additional chalkboards for their schools.

Four of the teachers came to the clinic yesterday to spend the night, sleeping on the benches downstairs. They live much too far to walk in the morning for the training; some as far as five hours.  They have brought one set of dress clothes to wear every day - no blankets, no pillows. They have come with a desire to learn and an eagerness to bring home to their schools new chalkboards and books.  Knowing how far they travel, each morning begins with a hearty breakfast of beans and rice.

Today's lesson was focused on  a review of how to write a lesson plan.  Then we moved into science with the topic of natural disasters - something they are very familiar with - earthquakes and hurricanes.  Alfred is the interpreter for the training.  He and I are a team and both of us share a passion for the Haitian teachers.  Brooklyn is here to help and makes sure materials are distributed, snacks are prepared, and offers extra help to those who seem confused.

 In our lessons, we learned about tornadoes even though they do not have them in Haiti.  We gave them strategies to help engage their students - two column notes, think-pair-share, and Picture This - using photos to help students feel a part of what they are learning.  They will receive sets of the photos depicting natural disasters in their suitcase of materials provided to each of the 20 schools participating for the past three years. We know they have no access to copy machines; some have limited paper supplies, but we placed the photos in plastic sleeves to help protect them.  We also used a strategy called Musical Walk and Talk.  They were given a card with the letters indicating a tornado or a hurricane.  While the music played, they walked around.  When the music stopped they were to find someone with the opposite letter on it to discuss what they knew about hurricanes and tornadoes.  We know they all have cell phones and can play music over it to provide this strategy in their classroom.  They smiled and enjoyed the movement and the music.

The key is giving them opportunities to look at the books and understand how non-fiction books are organized.  They will receive these books as part of their training.  Many come from chaotic homes and teaching organizational skills is critical to be successful academically. The previous training said they still did not understand tornadoes even though they read about it, so between electricity outages, they were able to view a video on the deadly Oklahoma tornado.  Previously, we had made a tornado in a bottle so they could see the vortex.  After the video, several picked up their bottles to look again at the vortex - an anomaly found in both tornadoes and in the eye of a hurricane.  Connections were made and Alfred gave a, "Woo hoo!" in joy at the learning that took place.


We discussed with them the importance of developing relationships with their students.  It was something they had not considered, but we emphasized how through connecting personally with students they are more apt to learn.  One of the teachers shared at the end of the session she had never built relationships with her students but she would do it from now on.  Another point of success during this training!

Clinic Kitchen

Other things were happening in the clinic.  Scott, Brian, and Sam replaced six doorknobs, unclogged a shower and re-plumbed the kitchen sink.  The kitchen is critical as it provides breakfast and lunch to all teachers and volunteers along with drivers and interpreters.  Brian brought a drain snake to leave at the clinic and trained some of the workers on how to put it to use.  They were encouraged that their clean up from a mouse infestation from last year has not returned.  The solution?  Lots of cats around the clinic!

Stairwell view of Clinic Kitchen

Other volunteers have kept busy in the medical clinic. Amanda, a nursing student, is adjusting to the different way a medical clinic in a developing country is run.  Michelle, Lindsay, Abby, and Maeve are getting to know the Community Health Workers who have a tremendous task of visiting homes around the Grand-Bois area to make sure the needs of children and families are taken care of.  Scott and Paige are busy coordinating all of the work here for ServeHAITI.  It is a remarkable group of people assembled this week, all with the same heart to serve, all with a growing love for the Haitian people.

Together we are learning...an appreciation for the Haitian culture...spending time reconsidering our own lifestyles back in the states....appreciating the contagious joy and graciousness shown by a people fighting to survive.

Mountains Beyond Mountains - Day 3

Haitians have a saying that there are mountains beyond mountains as they reflect on the trials they face simply trying to survive.  We saw our first malnourished baby with dark patches on his legs that looked like burns, swollen muscles, and festering sores on his legs and bottom. The clinic is prepared to assist mothers with nutritional care but the regiment must be followed for it to be successful.  Mountains beyond mountains as the clinic deals with crisis upon crisis, doing what it can to educate and assist the people of the area. 

The trail down the mountain to attend church was not any easier than last year.  We stumbled and struggled as we carefully picked our steps, weaving from side to side, looking for that perfect path to walk.  Haitians of all ages glided past us, some with cargo on their heads.  One change noted was there were several motorbikes zipping up and down the mountain.  Perhaps a few more than last year.  Evidence of changes taking here in Grand-Bois.  Many bikes hold at least 2 but sometimes as many as 4 passengers zipping past us with honks and smiles as they conquer the mountain, but always another mountain beyond.   

Church was a three hour pageant with dancing and sermonizing and
singing - none of which we could understand but what we could understand was time spent with a baby, as Scott held her and rocked her, giving the mother a few hours of  respite during the mass.  Babies are beautiful in every language!  Also beautiful was the offering where those in need gave what they could to the box.  Those with so little in their own lives giving to their church.  We thought how minor our donation was compared to the struggles they face to give what they can to something they value.  Part of the ceremony included beautiful young girls in red dresses dancing and Haitians parading up the aisle to celebrate their harvests - baskets of mangoes, plantains, bananas; bags of rice and beans; animals - turkeys, crowing roosters, and even a goat were brought forward to celebrate the products cherished on this land.

One thing that struck me was not only the crowd overflowing with every seat occupied, additional seats set up everywhere, and steps filled, but the crowd outside, faithful for three hours of pageantry.  They gazed in the window, anxious to hear the  message the priests had to say.    

After mass we had a lunch in the rectory followed by a trek through the crowded streets of San Pierre.  It is election season and the streets are filled with politicians and their supporters wearing t-shirts, dancing, and chanting. Music was playing, politicians were shaking hands, and the market
place was filled with those selling their food and produce.  A festive atmosphere and time to think of things beyond the struggles to survive. When children saw a camera, they requested to be photographed.  They love to have their photos taken and then view themselves. A simple pleasure we willingly share with them.

On our return to the clinic, one van stopped to see Cecile’s bakery - her oven door will not close without a stick to hold it shut.  The guys will have that as a priority with hopefully a treat of bon bons (cupcakes) as payment.  The dough kneader was Cecile’s first loan purchase from ServeHAITI.  It helped her business to grow and thrive.  It is kindly referred to as a Haitian Kitchen Aid and produces amazing bread!

After a visit to the bakery, we continued our journey on foot through the mountainside, Scott and Sam decided to provide a little help to two young boys who were carrying bread in baskets to their homes.  It was not an easy task and it enlightened them as to the skill needed to accomplish delivery of cargo to homes in the mountains. 

We stopped at Ecole Mixte Communautaire Coeur de Jesus, a school not far from the medical clinic.  Three of its teachers have been attending teacher training through ServeHAITI.  The need to provide education to both teachers and students is one way to improve the direction of Haiti.  It is an effort to which ServeHAITI is strongly committed.  Education opens doors to the world and even though Haitians face mountains beyond mountains, education can help them conquer the tough road ahead.

The Third Team: Finishing Strong - Day 2

Haitian Time - something one tends to forget after leaving this country.  Haitian Time - the time we say we will leave but one must count on adding at least a few more hours.  For Haitian people who live from day to day, life is about relationships and those take precedent over all.  Following a clock is nothing compared to greeting others, friendly arguing, sharing laughter, and spending time in discussion - an appreciation for time but not a schedule.

Today we woke early to a breakfast at Matthew 25 of melon, mango, pancakes, cereal, peanut butter, and coffee.  As typical of Haitian time, we planned to leave at 7:30 A.M. but took off from Port-au-Prince at 11:30 - after a trip to a “Home Depot” type store for more fix it items with a careful check as we exited. Next stop was the Giant Grocery Story - a new addition to the area and looking very “American.”   It is hard to adjust to guards at stores sporting guns and examining each person who enters and leaves the establishment.

Another drive through the chaotic streets of Port-au-Prince –– past the many vendors selling assorted items; past the many carrying on their heads loads of water packets, charcoal, and fruits; past the remains of buildings affected by a deadly earthquake from nearly six years ago; past the sheds lovingly and happily called home.  We headed for the mountains - the third group this summer participating with ServeHAITI but not the “third string” - according to Michelle, the “anchor team,” ready to play clean up, sort out, and finish the game strong for this wonderful organization.

The ride up the mountainside was 59 miles but took over four hours.  It was another display for us of the camaraderie of the Haitians - with honking and passing on narrow rocky rutted roads, with loads of trucks baring large groups of laughing people up the mountainside towards the Festival of St. Peter in Grand-Bois.  The market place was filled with vendors in the neighboring town.  It will be a crazy week of celebration with music and dancing at Dr. Leo’s disco, The Majestic,  along with many people crowding together to enjoy the festivities.  

We had a tour of the grounds and spent time petting Abby’s donkey she purchased to donate to a family in need of transportation.  A large crowd gathered round the TV to watch Chili vs. Argentina in a competitive soccer match.  The spectators were wild because Dr. Leo had on his Argentina jersey.  He was on the losing side in a shoot out that left Chili celebrating and Argentina agonizing.  

We hiked up the mountainside to see Dr. Leo’s land with a dream of planting coffee bean trees and adding to the economy of Grand-Bois through coffee production.  We walked through the corn fields and snaked up the mountain, paying a visit to some of the homes.  Welcomed at every place, moving off the path as children and adults hauled water up the mountainside.  

In the evening on the balcony of the medical clinic, we shared insights about our first day.  Abby told us about an 86 year old Haitian, Gabrielle, who advised her that we should not confuse poverty with culture.  We are amazed at the happiness found in the Haitian families of poverty, who must carry water daily, prepare food on charcoal, and seek food where ever it can be found.  It is a tribute to their culture of staying positive, greeting others with kindness, and appreciating the simple things in life - relationships that help them to forget the daily efforts needed simply to survive.

 

In the evening we used our flashlights to make our way through Dr. Leo’s lush land to his disco to do a little dancing and celebrating with others from the community.  We all smile and laugh in the same language and this night was no exception.  The beat was Haitian but the dance moves were universal. As I write this, the music continues, Dr. Leo entertains guests on the balcony with his stories, and Brian is learning a new card game with a smiling Haitian, relishing in the time spent practicing his English.  Another day complete and ready for our next adventure.