Greetings from Haiti!

Greetings from Haiti!

We just finished day two of our experience here in Haiti.

Yesterday was really intense. It was very physical, hot, dirty and rewarding. We delivered water to three of the poorest shanty areas of Cite Soleil. As the truck pulled in, we honked the horn, people ran for their buckets and a line quickly formed. Imagine standing in line for water!

It was chaotic as people jockeyed for position to get water before we ran out. Many tried to sneak their buckets under the hose unseen skipping to the front of the line. As we saw this happen we had to send them to the back of the long line. Many were kids and seniors. It was disturbing to have to say no. But, we needed to create some sort of order.

Unsupervised kids were everywhere, clothed, no clothes, in sleeper pajamas that were three sizes too small and many without shoes; all wanting to be loved. Where were the parents?

At one of the locations we walked through garbage and sewage filled alleys to see the ocean. What we found was an ocean front unlike anything we have ever seen. This area was filled with human waste amidst the garbage. We had to be careful where we stepped. Pigs and goats were wandering everywhere eating whatever they could find.

It was heartbreaking.

Today we visited Mother Teresa’s home for sick and dying children. It was amazing to see the love and compassion shown to the kids by everyone.

The sickest kids were on the lower level. Many of them were babies. Most of them were crying and it was difficult to choose just one to pick up and love.

We fed them, changed their diapers, played with them, but most importantly, we loved them and they loved us back.

What a rewarding day!

Barb, Jan, Jeannette

Healing Haiti Team Members