Saturday, October 30, 2010
Food distribution
We had a big food distribution today... the kids had so much fun putting the food in piles and getting everything ready!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Pictures
Here are some pictures of what's happening around the compound:
New food depot & offices:
New showers & toilets:
Our temporary church has received a face lift:
Here's what the school looks like at the moment... the top story has been removed completely and the bottom story has been repaired.
This may not look like much progress but it impressed me!! Most of the rumble has been removed and we're almost at ground level... all done by hand!!!!!
And here are some pictures of the kids...
Eliyou washing clothes:
Samuel just hanging out
This is our newest (& youngest!) boy... Ti-Ne (Little Nose)... I love him but would like him a whole lot more if we could get him to use the toilet!!!
Mackenson... he followed me around the yard begging for his picture to be taken:
New food depot & offices:
New showers & toilets:
Our temporary church has received a face lift:
Here's what the school looks like at the moment... the top story has been removed completely and the bottom story has been repaired.
This may not look like much progress but it impressed me!! Most of the rumble has been removed and we're almost at ground level... all done by hand!!!!!
And here are some pictures of the kids...
Eliyou washing clothes:
Samuel just hanging out
This is our newest (& youngest!) boy... Ti-Ne (Little Nose)... I love him but would like him a whole lot more if we could get him to use the toilet!!!
Mackenson... he followed me around the yard begging for his picture to be taken:
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Welcome Back!
The kids at H2H have spent the week welcoming me back to Haiti so I think it’s time I welcome you back to my blog!
While I had a busy summer, the change of scenery & responsibility was nice and I was able to return to Haiti in good shape. I was so excited to arrive and see my welcome party waiting for me… then reality hit as we pulled away from the airport. I snapped 2 pictures, my excitement quickly faded and my eyes welled up… I had been away for ~3 months and instead of getting better things seem to have deteriorated further. The tent cities are still everywhere and the storm season has taken a toll on them.
Most of these things deserve an entry to themselves but for now you’ll have to be satisfied with seeing some pictures of the containers arriving & the food distributions (photos courtesy of Paulka).
While most developments at H2H have been positive our internet satellite isn’t working at the moment so my access to internet is limited… as I have to go to an internet café across town. I hope to have it fixed quickly but have patience with me in the mean time.
The containers:
The giveaways:
Also, as many of you already know, I have returned to Haiti without Renel – he is staying in Canada until December to practice his English and get to know my family better. We are both grateful for this opportunity for him but we will miss each other. I recently sent out a personal newsletter which gave some background info about Renel & I and our summer experience in Canada – if you didn’t receive it I don’t have your email address! If you’d like to see the newsletter please send me your email and I’ll forward it to you.
Here’s a sneak peak…
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
New Beginnings
The H2H board & Canadian staff met this past week for a day of "Vision Casting". It was a day of celebrating our successes and brainstorming with the goal of moving from Good to Great! The emphasis of everything we talked about was 'our kids' and each one of us recommitted ourselves to impacting the lives of the kids of Haiti. It was a powerful day and sparked a new passion in each one of us... not to mention huge 'to do lists' :)
Speaking of 'to do lists', here's something from mine...
We have received some kids 'post earthquake' that need sponsors. If you have been following my blog since the earthquake and want to partner with H2H long term please consider taking one of these kids on - it costs $35/month to sponsor a child with H2H and you will receive 2 letters/updates per year and have the ability to build a real relationship with them through emails (via me) or coming to H2H to visit them on one of the missions trips. Not only will it change their lives but it's a relationship that will change your life too.
Just as the H2H board had a new beginning this past week, it is truly a new beginning for the kids that move into the H2H Home. Each have their own story but they all have a similar theme... they find love and a future that stretches into eternity.
Please read through these stories with purpose... if you already sponsor a child through H2H, encourage a family member or friend to help rewrite the endings...
Siltene (aka Meme) Jean Baptiste:
Meme came to H2H very shortly after the earthquake started. He was separated from his family and spent several long days searching for food & shelter. He was directed to H2H by some locals and has found much more than food & shelter... he has found a family and opportunity to be educated. He hasn't attended school for years, so despite being 16 years old, he joined our grade 2 class. He is really enjoying school and has made friends within the H2H Home and at school. He has found a spot in the heart of Sister Edmond (our cook at H2H) and is usually found in the kitchen when school is dismissed. Meme has been told about the sponsorship program from the other kids and he is very excited to have a sponsor that will write to him!
Davidson Pierre:
Davidson's younger brother, Mackenson, came to H2H in October 2009 and Davidson joined him in February 2010. They are from a small mountain community called Tetabef. Their family is very poor and they didn't have the opportunity to send them to school. Usually in Haiti the younger siblings follow the older ones so watching Davidson take Mackenson's lead has been interesting. I wish I knew what Mackenson told Davidson about my husband Renel because he instantly became his side kick!
Juvens & Juvensly Perat:
Those of you who have been to H2H before will know our twin boys Wood & Woody (who are now 17 years old)... they have a good heart but are incredibly mischievous and have a sense of humor without limits. Juvens & Juvensly have that same spirit and are taking lessons from Wood & Woody... think of the possibilities! They refer to each other as 'brother' and because they are identical we just call them 'brother' or 'the other brother'... depending on their response to your question :)
Jeorgline Jean Louis:
We call her 'Ti-Jeorgline' which means 'Little Jeorgline' because we had another Jeorgline already. She fits her nickname in so many ways. First of all, she's very tiny in size. She's also small in a way that makes her seem younger than she is. She has a past littered with abuse and neglect and she seeks attention & affection the way a young child does. On the very bright side, she is well on her way to making up for lost years and I'm convinced she will find success in anything if she puts her determined little mind to it.
Lovely Gravier:
Lovely has a similar story to Jeorgline, she has missed much of her childhood and has been raised by abusive adults. She was living on the streets of Port-au-Prince after the earthquake and was brought to H2H by Social Workers. My first memory of Lovely was seeing her argue with the girl who was told to put her backpack on her new bed... but within minutes (literally) they were braiding hair together! She's a spark plug for sure and is a very hard worker and takes great pride in doing a good job at her chores.
If you would like to become a sponsor for one of these kids please email me (rebeccalarkin6@hotmail.com) and I will connect you with the sponsorship coordinator at H2H.
I have also had people asking about other ways to get involved with H2H - there really are so many ways! You can sponsor a child, donate towards a building project or come to Haiti with a team. Your best way to get connected is to go to the H2H website (www.hearttohearthaiti.com) and look around.
Speaking of 'to do lists', here's something from mine...
We have received some kids 'post earthquake' that need sponsors. If you have been following my blog since the earthquake and want to partner with H2H long term please consider taking one of these kids on - it costs $35/month to sponsor a child with H2H and you will receive 2 letters/updates per year and have the ability to build a real relationship with them through emails (via me) or coming to H2H to visit them on one of the missions trips. Not only will it change their lives but it's a relationship that will change your life too.
Just as the H2H board had a new beginning this past week, it is truly a new beginning for the kids that move into the H2H Home. Each have their own story but they all have a similar theme... they find love and a future that stretches into eternity.
Please read through these stories with purpose... if you already sponsor a child through H2H, encourage a family member or friend to help rewrite the endings...
Siltene (aka Meme) Jean Baptiste:
Meme came to H2H very shortly after the earthquake started. He was separated from his family and spent several long days searching for food & shelter. He was directed to H2H by some locals and has found much more than food & shelter... he has found a family and opportunity to be educated. He hasn't attended school for years, so despite being 16 years old, he joined our grade 2 class. He is really enjoying school and has made friends within the H2H Home and at school. He has found a spot in the heart of Sister Edmond (our cook at H2H) and is usually found in the kitchen when school is dismissed. Meme has been told about the sponsorship program from the other kids and he is very excited to have a sponsor that will write to him!
Davidson Pierre:
Davidson's younger brother, Mackenson, came to H2H in October 2009 and Davidson joined him in February 2010. They are from a small mountain community called Tetabef. Their family is very poor and they didn't have the opportunity to send them to school. Usually in Haiti the younger siblings follow the older ones so watching Davidson take Mackenson's lead has been interesting. I wish I knew what Mackenson told Davidson about my husband Renel because he instantly became his side kick!
Juvens & Juvensly Perat:
Those of you who have been to H2H before will know our twin boys Wood & Woody (who are now 17 years old)... they have a good heart but are incredibly mischievous and have a sense of humor without limits. Juvens & Juvensly have that same spirit and are taking lessons from Wood & Woody... think of the possibilities! They refer to each other as 'brother' and because they are identical we just call them 'brother' or 'the other brother'... depending on their response to your question :)
Jeorgline Jean Louis:
We call her 'Ti-Jeorgline' which means 'Little Jeorgline' because we had another Jeorgline already. She fits her nickname in so many ways. First of all, she's very tiny in size. She's also small in a way that makes her seem younger than she is. She has a past littered with abuse and neglect and she seeks attention & affection the way a young child does. On the very bright side, she is well on her way to making up for lost years and I'm convinced she will find success in anything if she puts her determined little mind to it.
Lovely Gravier:
Lovely has a similar story to Jeorgline, she has missed much of her childhood and has been raised by abusive adults. She was living on the streets of Port-au-Prince after the earthquake and was brought to H2H by Social Workers. My first memory of Lovely was seeing her argue with the girl who was told to put her backpack on her new bed... but within minutes (literally) they were braiding hair together! She's a spark plug for sure and is a very hard worker and takes great pride in doing a good job at her chores.
If you would like to become a sponsor for one of these kids please email me (rebeccalarkin6@hotmail.com) and I will connect you with the sponsorship coordinator at H2H.
I have also had people asking about other ways to get involved with H2H - there really are so many ways! You can sponsor a child, donate towards a building project or come to Haiti with a team. Your best way to get connected is to go to the H2H website (www.hearttohearthaiti.com) and look around.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
A busy week!
Many of you have already seen these articles / shows but some people missed them and are asking for links. There may be more out there... they keep surfacing!!
The Tri-City News - July 22 - Still much work to be done in Haiti.
Link to read: http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/99056439.html
The Province - July 26th - Haiti recovering to a "new normal", Surrey native is home for her first break since devastating quake.
The Tri-City News - July 22 - Still much work to be done in Haiti.
Link to read: http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/99056439.html
The Province - July 26th - Haiti recovering to a "new normal", Surrey native is home for her first break since devastating quake.
Link to read: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Haiti+recovering+normal/3322960/story.html
CKNW - July 26 - Bill Good Show:
Link to listen: http://emedia.cknw.com/Podcasts/1116/Bill_Good_Show_-_Monday_July_26_-_Hour_3.mp3
City TV - July 27 - Breakfast Television:
Link to watch: http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/275335599001.000000/heart-to-heart-haiti/
CBC - July 27 - On the Coast:
One time Vancouver resident Rebecca Larkin now lives in Haiti where she helps run a school and children's home. She's back in the Lower Mainland for a vist and she related what life's been like in Haiti since the big earthquake in January. (runs 8:04)
Link to listen: http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=1553219547
Peace Arch News - July 29 - Haiti remains a work in progress:
Link to read: http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/community/99507094.html
Sunday, July 25, 2010
In Canada!
I'm very behind on my blogging (stay tuned for more updates on H2H!) but I wanted to let you know that Renel & I arrived in Canada on July 16th - we're staying at my parents house in Crescent Beach, BC and are planning to be here until mid September. So far we've been staying close to home... trying to get caught up on sleep and introducing Renel to my family.
Renel & I have been going to 'boot camp' every morning with my sister & sister-in-law and I started working at the Wired Monk coffee shop already. It's really great to be home, especially with Renel. This is his first time out of Haiti so it's fun seeing Canada through his eyes. He likes everything so far except 'rare' steak and the hot tub. Why are we doing this? I feel like I'm being cooked! Those were just a few of his comments while we stood in the steaming pool :)
My extended family has been introducing him to their favorite 'Canadian food'... so far he's added slurpees and ketchup chips to his diet! We'd love to see as many of you as possible while we're here so please email me & come down to Crescent Beach for a walk & ice cream!
I've also been busy doing followup interviews - here's an article that just came out in the TriCity Newspaper:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/99056439.html
Renel & I have been going to 'boot camp' every morning with my sister & sister-in-law and I started working at the Wired Monk coffee shop already. It's really great to be home, especially with Renel. This is his first time out of Haiti so it's fun seeing Canada through his eyes. He likes everything so far except 'rare' steak and the hot tub. Why are we doing this? I feel like I'm being cooked! Those were just a few of his comments while we stood in the steaming pool :)
My extended family has been introducing him to their favorite 'Canadian food'... so far he's added slurpees and ketchup chips to his diet! We'd love to see as many of you as possible while we're here so please email me & come down to Crescent Beach for a walk & ice cream!
I've also been busy doing followup interviews - here's an article that just came out in the TriCity Newspaper:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/99056439.html
Monday, July 5, 2010
Bringing you up to speed
The men have been working hard on the new guesthouse/kitchen/dining room building and the columns are now finished.
Bruce, Stan & Joanne are working with the H2H teachers & tomorrow is their last seminar day. They have a 5 year professional development program and this week will complete "year 2". The teachers are learning lots and having a lot of fun at the same time. We met with a representative from the Ministry of Education this morning in Ti-Goave and they were very impressed with "The Twins" (that's the nickname the kids have given Bruce & Stan) and they are willing to work along side of us in an attempt to get the program accredited by the Haitian government... no promises but we're definitely on the right path.
Kenzie has been at H2H the past 2 months and left this week - she was sad to leave and the kids are missing her hugs :)
Bruce, Stan & Joanne are working with the H2H teachers & tomorrow is their last seminar day. They have a 5 year professional development program and this week will complete "year 2". The teachers are learning lots and having a lot of fun at the same time. We met with a representative from the Ministry of Education this morning in Ti-Goave and they were very impressed with "The Twins" (that's the nickname the kids have given Bruce & Stan) and they are willing to work along side of us in an attempt to get the program accredited by the Haitian government... no promises but we're definitely on the right path.
Kenzie has been at H2H the past 2 months and left this week - she was sad to leave and the kids are missing her hugs :)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Medical Team in Bouva
We left for Bouva on Friday and had 2 mobile medical clinic there. We returned on Monday - dropped the medical team off in PauP and picked up the "Bruce & Stan Show". Bruce & Stan are retired Teachers/Principals that are doing professional development with the H2H teachers. I'll updated you on their trip shortly... here's an update on the trip to Bouva...
The drive through PauP:
Bouva (my favorite place on earth!!):
Church building / aka Hospital:
Kitchen (this was a busy place as we fed all of Bouva for 2 days!):
Examining Rooms:
The Pharmacy:
The clinics were all day events:
Another house call:
Going home:
Those of you who have been following my blog since "the beginning" already know that Bouva has a special place in my heart... Pastor Luc was born & raised there, the church was built on the foundation of the old voodoo temple, many of our kids came from Bouva... and it seems that every trip there strengthens my connection.
This was the first medical team I have accompanied to Bouva (there was one last year but I couldn't go with them) and it was such a blessing to the people - these people would not have gotten medical care if this team hadn't gone. This is a town where it's common not to name the babies until they're 3 years old, as so many of them die before they reach their 3rd birthday.
Renel is from Bouva & his parents & younger brother still live there and this was the first time we've visited since our wedding. I have always felt welcomed in Bouva but it was different this time - now I was surrounded by family... parents, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles... it just kept going! It was truly an honor to go to Bouva with this team - they served the people as if they were serving their own family & friends.
The only downside of this trip was that I was sick with a viral infection that gave me an incredibly sore throat. I kept taking pain killers but continued to talk so it got worse everyday. The final clinic day was the worse and I didn't think I was going to be able to get out of bed... let alone translate... but I realized a great perk of traveling with doctors & ER nurses... they bring drugs and they're not afraid to use them! They "woke me up" with a fist full of T3's and a shot in the bum. I was good to go... I saw more patients within a few hours than I had the previous day :)
The drive through PauP:
Bouva (my favorite place on earth!!):
Church building / aka Hospital:
Kitchen (this was a busy place as we fed all of Bouva for 2 days!):
Examining Rooms:
The Pharmacy:
The clinics were all day events:
Another house call:
Going home:
Those of you who have been following my blog since "the beginning" already know that Bouva has a special place in my heart... Pastor Luc was born & raised there, the church was built on the foundation of the old voodoo temple, many of our kids came from Bouva... and it seems that every trip there strengthens my connection.
This was the first medical team I have accompanied to Bouva (there was one last year but I couldn't go with them) and it was such a blessing to the people - these people would not have gotten medical care if this team hadn't gone. This is a town where it's common not to name the babies until they're 3 years old, as so many of them die before they reach their 3rd birthday.
Renel is from Bouva & his parents & younger brother still live there and this was the first time we've visited since our wedding. I have always felt welcomed in Bouva but it was different this time - now I was surrounded by family... parents, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles... it just kept going! It was truly an honor to go to Bouva with this team - they served the people as if they were serving their own family & friends.
The only downside of this trip was that I was sick with a viral infection that gave me an incredibly sore throat. I kept taking pain killers but continued to talk so it got worse everyday. The final clinic day was the worse and I didn't think I was going to be able to get out of bed... let alone translate... but I realized a great perk of traveling with doctors & ER nurses... they bring drugs and they're not afraid to use them! They "woke me up" with a fist full of T3's and a shot in the bum. I was good to go... I saw more patients within a few hours than I had the previous day :)
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