Haiti Diary

Hi there,

I had hoped I would be able to keep the blog updated while I was in Haiti but not having a computer proved to be a greater challenge than I realized. I tried to use my blackberry to post to the blog but it broke up the blog into several messages which if you were following while I was away was likely frustrating as it was difficult to follow the line of thinking. I sincerely apologize!

I spent 10 days visiting with family and making friends in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel. I have taken two journal entries from the first few days of my trip to give you a favor of what it was like for me. The next post will be a fuller and more summarized debrief of my trip. Thanks for your interest!

June 3, 2010
Yesterday, I toured the city-- there are over 1200 camps-- tarps are everywhere. Some camps are better organized that others; some look so flimsy; just sticks and cloth. I am troubled by the fact that 1.2 million people are living like this. Haiti is not prepared for hurricane season.
I was shocked to see the extend of the damage to the National Palace even though I had seen pictures; it was different to see it with my own two eyes. It's a national symbol of sovereignty and to see it in ruins was devastating.
Traffic in Port-au-Prince is crazy. With the influx of people, aid and heavy machinery it takes almost twice as long to get anywhere. But I have to say, the city is moving in its typical choatic fashion.


June 6,2010
I left for Jacmel this morning. While in Port-au-Prince I was staying at Enfant Haitien Orphanage in Port-au-Prince. The kids kept me entertained and I tried to keep them busy with activities. I hate that they are growing up in an institution. A couple of them clung to me and called me their mom. I totally understand the instinct to want the American visitor to be your mom in hopes that she is taking you away but that is the heart breaking part-- I came with some toys, games, clothes and candy but I am leaving next Friday without them. Raphael, who is 4, has been here since he was a month old yesterday asked me to take him with me when I go home.

I didn't know how to respond. What was I suppose to say?