Journals from the Haiti Relief Effort 2008:

This is a series of daily journals that were written by members of the SRU Athletes for Forgotten Angels organization during their trip to Haiti in the summer of 2008.
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Today was the first day of our journey into a world few of us have ever experienced or have had knowledge of. The student athletes seem a bit apprehensive as to what lies ahead, but also have an immense curiosity and drive to do good and help out in Haiti.

We arose bright and early and went to the MFI (Missionary Flights International) base in Fort Pierce, Fla.  Upon arrival, we were introduced to the president of the organization, who gave us a briefing of the organization and its purpose.
 

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere.  Once occupied by the French, it gained independence 250 years ago when slaves rebelled and drove out the French. Though most of Central America and the Dominican Republic are Spanish speaking countries, French is spoken in Haiti and Creole is the slang/cultural language.

Many years ago, an American by the name of Don Beldin flew around the various islands and worked with kids through "Youth for Christ."  As he came and went from the islands, people who were working with the poor starting asking him to bring back needed items.  It could have been as simple as basic food, mail or medicine.

 In 1964, he saw the need to help missionaries in Haiti and started Missionary Flights International. Forty four years later, the organization serves 700 missionary families, who in turn reach out to help 200 organizations. These organizations help thousands of people in dire need of our help, compassion and understanding.

SRU Athletes for Forgotten Angel will work with one of these families, Don and Karen Davis, who have lived in Haiti for 30 years in conjuntion with two other American ladies, Cathy and Alice. Together, they have committed their lives to working at the Ebac Orphanage in Cap Haitien. They are looking forward to our arrival tomorrow (Thursday) and we in turn are looking forward to meeting them.

Today at the base, we worked with the flight crew and staff to prepare our DC-3 plane, a model used in World War II. 

These planes are suited for missionary flights because the tires are excellent for soft field landings. The pilots are trained not only to fly but also to serve as mechanics in the event any emergencies should arise, especially in foreign countries.

We loaded up the cargo in the plane today (Wednesday) and plan to depart at dawn. There are 16 seats side by side. The trip is estimated to take 4-5 hours. It's amazing to think that in a matter of hours, we will be leaving one of the richest countries in the world and landing in one of the poorest countries.   We look forward to visiting Haiti, but more importantly, we look foward to experiencing Haiti. 

Cheerio for now!

SRU Athletes for Forgotten Angels

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FORT PIERCE, Fla., 5.30 am,  --  A time that most of us student athletes associate with grueling morning work outs. This morning wakeup call was different, though. The guys paraded down the stairs in khaki pants and slacks and the ladies modeled their newly sewn, below the knee, skirts. Not your usual work out gear -- but definitely something for coaches to consider including in their budgets.

And it was not your typical wakeup. Our team of 15, including captain Kirk Kubias -- our liaison and mentor throughout the duration of this trip -- climbed into the vans and headed to MFI just as the sun was rising to begin our adventure across the ocean.

Little did we know the stunning and spectacular skies that held us in awe would be the beginning of a countless number of jaw-dropping moments.

After a four-hour flight, including fabulous in-flight service of mini donuts and water, and a short stop in the Bahamas (quick vacation), we landed at Cap Haitian Airport in Haiti. Every member of the Forgotten Angels had their own visions of what would face us as that plane door fell open. None of our visions or expectations could ever have prepared us for what we found, customs like no other.

More attention was paid to all the generous donations we had collected and imported than our passports. Every person we have met is still amazed and deeply grateful at the amount and quality of the donations.

After a sweltering hour or so of debating and bartering on behalf of ourselves and our precious cargo, we encountered our luxury transportation: two open-air pickup trucks. Don't worry we were safely held in by sturdy, slightly rusty, metal bars.

Within seconds, we were hit by reality and it was certainly a punch to the gut. Young children and teenagers swarming our trucks begging for money and anything else we possibly had. Our hearts were gripped and our life-changing experience had begun.

The most undescribable 30-minute journey led us to our "home" for the next week or so. Our new '"family," Don and Karen, greeted us with open arms into their "'compound."
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Today, the reality of the living conditions the people of Haiti deal with on a daily basis really hit home. Arriving yesterday, we were shocked, but unable to process exactly what we were seeing. Today, however, we were able to comprehend the gravity of the situation. It’s one thing to see images of Africa or any third world country on television. To experience it first hand is extremely powerful and life changing.

We started the day traveling down the potholed streets to the local soccer pitch. Litter filled the streets while young children and adults alike went about their daily lives, not bothered (or so it seems) by the smell and conditions surrounding them.

Some of us stayed at the soccer field to train a local team of 18- to 25-year-olds while the rest of the group went to EBAC Orphanage to spend time with the children there.

At the orphanage, we took over small gifts of beads, coloring books, crayons, jumping ropes, etc. which were a huge hit with the kids. As always, some soccer and basketball was played. The kids at the orphanage were playing on a stone-filled area in the yard, again full of garbage and rocks. Whether barefooted or wearing sandals, these kids had great skills and played without reservation and full of joy.

Patrick[Cormac]  was recruited to play for the team that trained in the morning in a game this afternoon in Cap Haitian. Pastor Fan Fan stopped by our accommodation and picked up jerseys, shorts, socks, shin guards and cleats to outfit the team for the game.

One of the translators working with us, Reuban -- a former orphan at EBAC -- picked Coach Thompson and Pat up and took them 30 minutes to the stadium. Perhaps we should refer to this desolate patch of land as something other than a stadium. This field was like none other Coach and Pat have ever played on and, yet, it was an honor and privilege to play on it.

It is extremely difficult to put in to words what Coach Thompson and Pat felt this afternoon. It genuinely was the most surreal day of their lives. Their soccer experience began by getting changed in what appeared to be a police cell or some form of jail. Their intriguing journey then took them down a mud path, passing pigs and cattle before finally arriving at the stadium. Coach and Pat were greeted with jeers of  “blanc, blanc,” meaning “white,” signalng the arrival of two white men who stood out like sore thumbs.

The game itself was carried out somewhat professionally with a proper referee and linesmen. Pat was substituted for in the 55th minute to make way for one of the natives. We can only thank the Haitian community for their hospitality and good nature as well as their excellent sportsmanship.

Tonight, we had an Irish doctor (from Belfast) come and join us for dinner. He shared with us his passion to serve and save lives in a country so in need of help. He talked about many things, but one thing that hit home was a baby who rejects breast milk. In America, when a baby rejects breast milk, they simply switch over to bottle feeding, but here it often becomes a death sentence because of the cost of milk. Most families simply can not afford it. People here often eat only once every two or three days, unemployment is at an extremely high level and yet the Haitian people are a proud people and never lay blame.

This day has touched everyone and, while we seem to have truly touched these kids, more importantly, they have given us a rare insight as to what happiness should be all about ... a kick of a ball, a hand held, loving each other and, most of all time, spent together.

Tomorrow, we look forward to adding to our already fulfilling journey.

Cheerio for now!

SRU  Athletes for Forgotten Angels

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What a wonderful morning we had. Today, we truly feel we have become friends with the children and others in Haiti. The kids recognize the familiar faces, as do we, and we are at the point where we are calling many of them by their first names.

En route to the orphanage this morning, we saw a child who had received a tiny plastic wiffle ball  the first day we were here. Three days later, he is still has it in his hand and waves to us as we pass. A tiny gift that provides huge joy ... truly heartwarming.

Some of us went to the soccer field to work with the older boys while others went to the orphanage to work on many other activities with the children there. Lisa had her hair done in braids (Haitian style), Lara is getting well versed on the “slang” language Creole. While we have given many gifts to these children over the past few days, the most important thing to them seems to be simply the time spent with them. They love to hold your hand, get a hug, get a wave and a smile.

At the EBAC Orphanage, the kids and student-athletes made glasses out of pipe cleaners and that was just hysterically funny to all involved. At the soccer field, we introduced them to soccer tennis and, though it took a few minutes to get it explained, it wasn’t too long before the universal language of soccer prevailed and they were all into it! We set up a tournament and whereever one travels with sports, competition remains competition. They laughed, argued over whether the ball was on the line or out, which was actually quite amusing to see. Each team wanted to get to the “Finale” and as always, they played with passion.

Once we had a champion, the place erupted in the singing of “ole, ole, ole, the natives and “blancs” alike ... it truly was a brilliant time and a reminder of how sports can bring everyone together in an instant.

On our return to pick up at EBAC, the soccer boys and the SRU athletes (about 25 in total) who were crammed into the back of the pickup truck sang to our hearts content! We were on a natural high for sure!

We visited another orphanage this afternoon and spent a little time there. In truth, we went from a high at the end of the morning to such a low within 10 minutes there. We were greeted by Avery, a grad student from Wisconsin who spends a month each summer there, and she took us on a tour. An overwhelming feeling of sadness came over us as we walked around. Dark rooms, bare dilapidated walls, rusted metal bunk beds that were covered with tattered sheets and no pillows or blankets all clobbered our emotions and gave us another reminder of what these children endure on a daily basis.

These kids at the orphanage, a mere three weeks ago, did not have any food for a few days, yet today they made banana bread (the popular fruit here) and shared it with us. We were conscientious about taking some of what is of such a necessity to them, but they wanted so much to share their food with us, we simply couldn’t refuse. This sums up what a proud people they are. It is hard not to question why this can happen and yet most of them laugh, smile and play like any other child while others watch from a distance with sadness all over their face. This is truly heartbreaking to witness and it did affect us deeply.

Later today, we had the rare opportunity to go to the markets in downtown Cap Haitian by the port. Tourism is at an all-time low due to the political instability here and, once we jumped off the back of the truck, we were surrounded by the locals happy to see us come. They were desperate to sell and we were happy to buy, or should we say “haggle.” It was so very hard to say "no" but we couldn’t buy from everyone, yet we know they all needed the money to feed their families. 

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Another day and yet another incredible experience. After a slight "sleep-in" -- until 9 am anyway -- we headed to our now very familiar destination, the EBAC Orphanage. However, this was a morning like no other. We were greeted by our new-found friends, all of whom were dressed in their Sunday best, boys in their shiny shoes and the girls in their pretty dresses with their hair specially done. All just in time for the morning event. Sunday mass.

We then went to the larger church where the older children and the adults held their service. We were led down the aisle in front of a full congregation of around 200 people, singing with the voices of close to a thousand. The music wrenched into our chests and to our hearts. The passion and belief was indescribable. These people have a belief in God and a faith like we had never seen before. Singing with their eyes closed, a feeling of unity.

We were all in complete awe and wishing we could join in with these magical sounds. Once the singing died down, we were requested to stand and introduce ourselves to the entire smiling congregation. What an experience. The group was honored that an English translator, Pastor Alan, was especially on hand to translate the thoughtful and moving sermon by Pastor Fan Fan. After this experience, we were able to give back to the children a bit ourselves. We had our own version of Sunday lunch. Chips and hot dogs, American style. They were a huge hit with the kids, but not before more songs of praise had preceded the eating.        

 

Before heading out the door for our afternoon activities, not one person in our group could have predicted what was in store for us. We traveled to the game field where Patrick had earlier in the week made his debut in Haitian soccer. This time it was Jeremy’s turn. The game kicked off in the steaming sunshine, sweat dropping down everyone's faces. Within minutes, though, storm clouds began to enclose the entire field. Before long torrential rain and thunderstorms set in. The game continued without any of the Haitian’s battering an eye. Chanting and singing was our only option for keeping warm! As the rain picked up, thunder rumbled constantly and lightning lit up the sky, closing in on us.

Still the game continued and, after some more chanting, Jeremy took the field. The crowd went mad! Within minutes of his debut, a high cross came into the box and Jeremy rose to meet it, heading the ball into the back of the net: Cue celebrations. "Ole" chants and dancing had barely subsided when the hero of the hour stepped up again, and slotted another ball into the back of the net!

Spectators stormed the field, celebrations were crazy and still the rain poured. The field was beyond recognition , puddles had turned into rivers, yet nobody seemed to care as all the spectators took up numerous chants of  “ole” and “Jeremy Jeremy”. As the final whistle blew, the scenes continued. Making our way back to the truck was yet another adventure. The torrential rain had caused flooding, with a river crossing our path. However. the Haitian players came to our rescue, lifting all the ladies, (and Matt) up and carrying them across. What gentlemen!

Our experience was still far from over. The entire journey back, which was a good 10 km, the chants and songs continued, with everyone bouncing around on the back of the moving pickup truck, waving to the "team bus" which consisted of another tightly packed pickup truck. The singing went back and forth, as the villagers waved and joined in the cheering.

Returning back to the compound, soaked to the bone, but warmed by the entire experience, the whole group could not stop smiling and will be talking about this day for a very long time to come!

 

 SRU Athletes for Forgotten Angels

What a wonderful morning we had. Today, we truly feel we have become friends with the children and others in Haiti. The kids recognize the familiar faces, as do we, and we are at the point where we are calling many of them by their first names.

En route to the orphanage this morning, we saw a child who had received a tiny plastic wiffle ball  the first day we were here. Three days later, he is still has it in his hand and waves to us as we pass. A tiny gift that provides huge joy ... truly heartwarming.

Some of us went to the soccer field to work with the older boys while others went to the orphanage to work on many other activities with the children there. Lisa had her hair done in braids (Haitian style), Lara is getting well versed on the “slang” language Creole. While we have given many gifts to these children over the past few days, the most important thing to them seems to be simply the time spent with them. They love to hold your hand, get a hug, get a wave and a smile.

At the EBAC Orphanage, the kids and student-athletes made glasses out of pipe cleaners and that was just hysterically funny to all involved. At the soccer field, we introduced them to soccer tennis and, though it took a few minutes to get it explained, it wasn’t too long before the universal language of soccer prevailed and they were all into it! We set up a tournament and whereever one travels with sports, competition remains competition. They laughed, argued over whether the ball was on the line or out, which was actually quite amusing to see. Each team wanted to get to the “Finale” and as always, they played with passion.

Once we had a champion, the place erupted in the singing of “ole, ole, ole, the natives and “blancs” alike ... it truly was a brilliant time and a reminder of how sports can bring everyone together in an instant.

On our return to pick up at EBAC, the soccer boys and the SRU athletes (about 25 in total) who were crammed into the back of the pickup truck sang to our hearts content! We were on a natural high for sure!

We visited another orphanage this afternoon and spent a little time there. In truth, we went from a high at the end of the morning to such a low within 10 minutes there. We were greeted by Avery, a grad student from Wisconsin who spends a month each summer there, and she took us on a tour. An overwhelming feeling of sadness came over us as we walked around. Dark rooms, bare dilapidated walls, rusted metal bunk beds that were covered with tattered sheets and no pillows or blankets all clobbered our emotions and gave us another reminder of what these children endure on a daily basis.

These kids at the orphanage, a mere three weeks ago, did not have any food for a few days, yet today they made banana bread (the popular fruit here) and shared it with us. We were conscientious about taking some of what is of such a necessity to them, but they wanted so much to share their food with us, we simply couldn’t refuse. This sums up what a proud people they are. It is hard not to question why this can happen and yet most of them laugh, smile and play like any other child while others watch from a distance with sadness all over their face. This is truly heartbreaking to witness and it did affect us deeply.

Later today, we had the rare opportunity to go to the markets in downtown Cap Haitian by the port. Tourism is at an all-time low due to the political instability here and, once we jumped off the back of the truck, we were surrounded by the locals happy to see us come. They were desperate to sell and we were happy to buy, or should we say “haggle.” It was so very hard to say "no" but we couldn’t buy from everyone, yet we know they all needed the money to feed their families. 

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Our journey is slowly winding down, but in truth, it seems to be going by way too fast. We are all very connected now and look forward to seeing each other each day. Even those on the streets, as we travel each day between our compound and EBAC, are beginning to wave at us. Regardless of color or ethnic origin, it seems for this moment in time, we are all one.

This morning, we had the younger kids mostly from the Orphanage and others from the local village join us at the soccer field. Pastor Fan Fan was there to start off the practice with a prayer. To see these kids bow their heads in prayer is something to see beneath the backdrop of the mountains so beautiful. They respect each other, they respect us as guests to their country and most of all they respect Pastor Fan Fan, who truly takes care of these boys both on and off the field. He is admired and respected by all.
 

They, as usual, were full of joy as we played for a few hours and finished off with another game of soccer tennis. An older gentleman, who has been watching us all week at soccer from behind the bushes, gives us a gentle wave each day. Today. he asked for his picture to be taken. So he invited us around to his house/hut,went inside and cleaned up and came back out with his wife. We just printed up a copy for him and plan to bring it back to him this afternoon.

At the end of the session this morning, we provided toothbrushes and toothpaste to the kids and even gave some to the village children who started to come over to see what was going on. To see their humility and grace upon acceptance was touching.

Back at EBAC, we assisted with English, reading, writing, algebra and sang songs. Once the “soccer crew” returned from the field, our European contingent spoke about England, Germany and Ireland. They were fascinated by our accents and asked Linda and Noreen to speak some of their native language. Upon finishing up, they began to sing, which seems to be very prevalent here. Song, any cultures, all as one, in a tiny Haitian classroom.
 

This afternoon, we went to the local clinic, where Dr. Gavin (Ireland) treats hundreds of people. He gave us a tour of the facilities and, to be honest, it falls short of nothing but miraculous that they can actually treat people there, especially the very sick. The cost of a visit is 65 cents (US), and yet he said that people struggle to pay it. Many people come here after hours on foot to get treated and then may have to wait all day there before they get seen. He said the past few months, he has seen a drastic change for the worst as food prices have risen so steeply the people are suffering even more.

He showed us kit they provide to women before the delivery of their babies, most of which are born at home. It consisted of a sheet of paper (so the newborn is not put on the mud floor), rubber gloves, a rag (to wipe of the fluids, etc.) two pieces of string to tie the umbilical chord, a razor blade to cut it, and a piece of gauze to wrap around the baby to stop the bleeding. Unbelievable!

From there. we went to see the site of the new orphanage to be built way out in the country. The project was put to pen in 1995, and the construction started in 2001. With a few walls half built, construction has been clearly stopped for a long time as tall grass has taken over. When asked when they think the project will be finished, they respond as optimistically as ever saying “It’s in God’s hands.”

Kids from the local village ran over to greet us and we handed out some paper, crayons and candy. We are conscientious about saying this over and over, but the poverty here and the conditions these people live in is heart-wrenching. Pictures taken merely offer a glimpse of it all.
 

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The whole idea of SRU Athletes For Forgotten Angels (AFFA) came about six months ago with a vision to help disadvantaged children all over the world. Traveling to Haiti was our inaugural mission and who would have thought we would have pulled it all together in a relatively short span of time. Yet we did, as a result of the collaborative efforts of many involved. The support of our families, loved ones and friends, the other members of the AFFA group who were not able to make this trip, those in the SRU community who helped in our efforts, and others that helped make all this possible. We start by thanking you from the bottom of our hearts. You were part of bringing a smile to a child in Haiti.

The Haitian people are a unique people. They live with a grace that is remarkable despite the horrors that surround them. Polite and respectful and so very proud, they are truly a lesson to mankind. The children, who so often laugh and play, seem to have a glow inside them. Their smile can light up a room.

What we have learned from this trip is simple: The most empowering things in the world don’t cost us anything -- time spent with others less fortunate whether here in Haiti or in your own neighborhood, time spent with a child, compassion, respect and most of all love. We know we have a responsibility to look out for our fellow human beings. We are our brother's keepers.

With the knowledge we have learned from this experience, we understand that we need to use it as our inspiration with future endeavors with SRU Athletes for Forgotten Angels.

We have had many questions during our journey, and will never get all the answers. How can those who oversee a country do this to their own people? How can these people amidst such poverty have such hope and faith? How can it be that in such darkness, they can sing through the night with voices that reach to the stars? How is it that they never seem to lay blame? We can only hope that the day will come that their prayers will be answered, that children won’t starve and that they will know that those of us who have come here will never forget them. 

Each day is a miracle and each time we can offer a little bit of ourselves to others will provide miracles. They believe in relationships, they give their hand in friendship, they truly love each other, all of which must pave the way for hope to be present.

We will never forget the people of Haiti, and certainly won’t forget the children we came to know and love. Different cultures, different races, different religious affiliations, all coming together as one through the universal language of soccer. Whether on the soccer field, the yard or in the classroom, the verse in a song the kids sang to us yesterday sums it all up:

“Love in every language, Straight from the Heart, Puts us all together, And never apart,  Once we learn to speak it, All the words we hear, Loving every language, Fluently spoken here.”

 

We thank you the reader for following along on our amazing journey and allowing us to share our experience with you.

We are so very proud of our student-athletes: Lisa, Jackie, Andrea, Lara, Stefani, Courtney, Linda, Pat, and Jeremy for all they have done. You are a credit to your families, our athletic department and our university.

To Kirk Kubias, (our fearless leader), words can not express our gratitude for embarking on this journey with us and assisting in every facet of this trip. Your are a model of integrity and compassion and it’s been a true honor to share this experience with you.

Thanks Bernadette and Alex for jumping on for the ride. it was nice getting to know you both. And to Julie, for simply being there and helping out in any way possible. To all those who donated and contributed, a huge thank you to you. To all those associated with MFI, thank you very much for all your guidance.

Thanks also to SRU Sports Information Director Bob McComas, who posted our journals each day. To Danielle and Elisa, for your constant support throughout it all. And to Shaun Reid: Your vision of this whole project was an inspiration to us all.

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