Today was our last day.  It was a busy day and emotional.  My friend Suse, whom I sat by on the flight out, warned me that it'd be emotional.  President Carter and Rosalynn came around in the early afternoon to present a bible to each homeowner and take a picture with two work crews and the homeowners.  The picture was taken in front of Hones' home since it was the furthest along. Yes Mom, I will have an opportunity to order this picture. Then we held a dedication ceremony later in the afternoon which was informal but nice.  Katorsky read psalm 23 out of his bible and then both he and Hones said a few words.  Translated, they told us how much they appreciated our help, enjoyed working with us, learned a lot, and will pray for us.  They also hope to see us again some day.  That would be nice.  They are really great guys.  We met Katorsky's wife and baby today - through the security fence.  We met Hones' mother the other day, who will living in Hones' home.

Here's the end result of our homes.  We didn't quite finish, but were so, so close. I so wanted to stay just another 30 minutes even.  Leaving on the buses, all of the homeowners from last year were out with their children waving goodbye.

 

I better get to bed now.  Our wake-up call tomorrow is at 3am and I have to board the buses at 3:45am.  I leave Haiti tomorrow a bit (or a lot) altered for the better.

Today was the last full, extra long day. We got almost all of the siding completed,most doors hung, both houses primed, back door overhangs up, and started painting.  Pictures of our houmes are below.

 

 

The week has definitely been hard.  I'm feeling sore, tired, and am really looking forward to a good shower.  But it's been very rewarding and enlightening.  The Haitians are amazing.  Their children go to school looking better than a lot of American children, and somehow, they look proper coming out of a tent each morning. We're all amazed by it.

 



Today was another hot one, but productive.  Both roofs are complete as well as the porch roofing.  Most of the siding is up.  Tomorrow should be doors and the shutters for the windows.  Hopefully, we'll completely finish with a painted house on Friday afternoon.

When leaving today, one little girl in front of her home built last year at the Carter Work Project, was blowing us kisses.  It was adorable.  The picture below is of the backed up traffic awaiting our convoy of I believe 12 buses to make a turn.  We have security escorts with our caravan every day.  There are also security guards at the campsite and the worksite.  So don't worry Mom.

Tonight we got a special treat (I think it happens at every Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project) of hearing from Jimmy and Rosalynn and having the opportunity to ask some questions.  It was educational and entertaining.

Here's most of our work crew.  Onus is in the green shirt on the left and Katorsky is in the green shirt in the middle.  Our leader, Jonathan is between them.

Here I am on the roof today. A lot of the Carter Work Project homes are in the background.

What an excellent day!  We made good progress on our two homes.  Roofing done on one and on one side of the second.  I was on the roof almost all day, so my legs are feeling it.  We put up siding, framed the porches and put the inside walls up.  We also had access to an interpreter today so found out more about our homeowners, Katorsky and Onus.  Katorsky's family includes his wife and young daughter.  Onus' family includes his wife, one child, and a brother. I've heard that some Haitian families have to sleep in shifts since there's physically not enough room in their homes for everyone to sleep at the same time.  Katorsky and Onus are so thankful that we're here to help them build their homes.  They are great guys and good workers!

At dinner, I realized that Jimmy and Rosalynn were in the dining hall.  I plotted with my construction team leader how to get President Carter's autograph.  I then camped out outside the dining hall and was able to get his autograph and have a very short conversation on middle east peace.  Wow!  I'm on cloud nine.  Time to go celebrate now and watch the talent show.

Today was hot and long.  We left camp at 7am and returned around 5pm.  Made good progress, and yes Jim, I was on the roof.  Our Haitian families helped out - two homeowners and a friend.  They were great! 

No pics on my blog today.  I need to get some PC help to download a few from my iPhone. 

The homes built last year have additions (porches, extra rooms, storage) and lots of greenery.  Found out yesterday that this is the way poor people build - incremental improvements.  The children wave as we come and go on the buses.

I saw Jimmy and Rosalynn at dinner tonight.  Yes, they eat with us - at their own table with a couple of their sons who are here and the secret service.  They are really amazing!

I can feel the long day, but our progress is good.  We should finish both roofs tomorrow.

President Jimmy Carter's Sunday School lesson was something else.  He talked for about 30 minutes (without notes Pastor Bruce) about the life of Paul and tied it into building in Haiti and life lessons.  He is quite an amazing person!  Three take-away lessons from Sunday School.  (1) Accomodate changing times, while clinging to unchanging principles. (from one of his school teachers)  (2) Love Jesus Christ and the person in front of you.  (3) We are saved by grace.  Jimmy also invited all of us to his church in Plains, GA any Sunday, where he still gives the Sunday school lessons.  The last take-away lesson was timely as I was having a discussion with a friend (a tentmate)about faith and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

The workday went well, but was pretty hot.  I did not faint! Everyone in my crew had to take a break at least once to grab some shade and more water.  Tomorrow our Haitian families join us.  I can't wait to meet them.  Each crew actually builds two homes.  Tomorrow we leave camp at 7am.  Perhaps to make up for the late start today since we want to complete the homes by the end of the week.  The homes built last year are amazing with flowers, gardens, and greenery.  It's amazing how fast plants grow here.

I'll try to upload a picture or two tomorrow.

Got into Haiti yesterday.  All went well aside from a couple of logistical glitches.  Weather is hot and humid. I'm in one of the big tents, sectioned into four parts, with 20 people (women) each.  Have met lots of nice people. President Jimmy Carter was on my flight and shook everyone's hand before we took off in Atlanta.  Wow!  We are now waiting for Sunday School service, which he is leading.  Be forewarned Pastor Bruce, I may higher expectations after this morning.

The bus ride to the camp site took about an hour.  I started snapping lots of pictures out the window and then felt a bit numbed by the shock of the sites.  There are still LOTS of tents/tarps for homes, very crowded.  You can definitely tell that the infrastructure is still recovering, and unfortunately, probably will be for a while.  The countryside is green and seems lush, though the mountainsides looked bare in places.

People waved to us as we passed by in the buses. Today is the first work day after Sunday School.  I understand that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter work on a home also.  I did ask my team leader last night if they were on our team.  He said they weren't.  I still hope to get my book signed by him.  I brought his latest middle east peace book, thinking the topic was timely.  Jimmy and Rosalynn are truly amazing!

Last post before I head to the airport.  Check out 2012 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for daily on-line coverage.

Here are my items to pack.  Notice the Habitat bear, Rufus, t-shirt, hat, and homemade holder from Habitat for Humanity of Espanola Valley / Los Alamos.  This is a strange collection of items, with some tools, rehydration powder, toilet paper and wet wipes, pillow, mosquito net, and Mary Beth's blue bag.  I may use your other blue bag also.  I think they will quickly become my faves as well.  This actually doesn't seem like much to bring.  I will need room for the fan that Jim bought me in PA and shipped to my hotel in ATL.  I'll also have some room for some Haitian art and rum.  I've heard they make a mean rum.

Here's my second post tonight.

Today I started "packing" (gathering my items) for the 2012 Carter Work Project.  I sprayed one shirt with permethrin, recommended for added protection against mosquitoes.  Jim suggested I spray one shirt, let it dry, and wear it before spraying the rest of my clothes.  Good idea since I seem to have sensitive skin these days.  I'm wearing the shirt now and it feels fine.  I'll spray the rest of my clothes tomorrow.

I still have to practice pitching my mosquito net and read the Education and Advocacy Guide just sent to the volunteers.  Every evening in Haiti there will be an opportunity to learn more about poverty and shelter.  Here are the themes for this year.

Saturday, Nov. 24: A year later
since Carter Work Project volunteers were last in Haiti, government has stabilized, rubble piles have been reduced and thousands of people have moved from camps to more durable shelter. Progress is visible.

Sunday, Nov. 25: One step at a time
Have you ever thought about how the poor around the world build or add on to their houses?

Monday, Nov. 26: Pathways to permanence
although immediate relief is necessary in a disaster situation, creating a pathway to permanence requires looking beyond initial efforts to the long-term needs of a country.

Tuesday, Nov. 27: Housing and health
a safe and secure home provides more than just shelter from nature’s harshest elements.

Wednesday, Nov. 28:The power of volunteerism
although volunteerism is a key component in Habitat for Humanity’s work, the massive need for local jobs has led us to limit the use of volunteers in Haiti since the earthquake.

Thursday, Nov. 29: Housing the bottom billion
more than 1 billion people — one-sixth of the world’s population — live in slums in abysmal housing without adequate access to clean water and sanitation.

Friday, Nov. 30:Take action
Upon returning home, you will be encouraged to take further action and continue to stand up with Haiti and speak up for housing.

I'm really looking forward to this overall experience...learning more about Haiti, the people, working with them to improve their situation, and learning more about advocating for the needs of Haiti and for all families in need of adequate shelter.

There will be an internet cafe (or tent) at the campsite, so I'll try to post to my blog at least a couple of times.

This is the first of two posts tonight.  It's been a busy day...

Check out this article about the Haiti Embassy personnel volunteering to support Habitat for Humanity.

Embassy Volunteers Support Habitat for Humanity

Thank you to the Embassy personnel!

As I was clearing downed trees today, I thought about Haiti and the deforestation there.  Jim and I are up at our place in the Black Hills of SD this weekend to cut down some more trees.  Some (a lot) of our trees have mountain pine beetle.  We're trying to save the healthy ones by clearing the infested ones (so the beetles can not fly to our healthy trees during their annual flight next year).  Whereas in Haiti, the trees are used for charcoal for cooking, we are simply piling cut sections for burning.  The Black Hills is infested with the mountain pine beetle and everyone is cutting down trees.  You have to use or burn the trees this winter to kill the pine beetle.  If only we could easily send all these trees to Haiti.  What a world apart we are from Haiti...

While I've learned a lot about fundraising with my experience so far in the Carter Work Project, I'm also learning more than I ever wanted to know about social media.  This is my first blog (which I figure is a good experience if I ever do write a book), I joined FaceBook just a couple of months ago, and I am now thinking about establishing a Twitter account for a Twitter party about Habitat in Haiti this week.  I've been trying to find out exactly what a Twitter party means.  For a computer science major, I'm really illiterate when it comes to social media....though I really don't feel as if I've missed anything in life.

Two weeks from now I will be in Haiti.  It sounds like our schedule will be very busy (I'll post the schedule later).  I know the week will go by quickly, though I want to absorb everything I can (except mosquito bites).  Habitat for Humanity International wrote to all of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project (JRCWP) volunteers the other day.  In it, they tell about one Haitian woman who is a current Habitat homeowner who moved her family of five from a small, thread-bare tent into her new home in the Habitat community of Santo.  She says that she feels safe and wants more families to feel safe.  Families already living in Santo are getting back to work, sending their children to school, and helping prepare the site for the 2012 JRCWP and the next round of Habitat partner families.  I can't wait to join them in two weeks to help make a home a reality for more Haitian families.

So I got my last shot before the trip this past week.  There's quite a series of vaccines and pills recommended before traveling to Haiti.  Luckily, there's a Passport Health in Santa Fe.  For those not familiar with Passport Health, their the largest provider of travel medical services in the United States with locations nationwide.  So they offer the vaccines that you can't get at your local doctor's office, plus they offer all the common vaccines.  They're a great resource when traveling to someplace like Haiti, though as I was warned, be ready to pay quite a bit since most of these vaccines are not covered by insurance.

Here are the vaccinations I need for Haiti.
*  Hepatitis A - 2 vaccines on 0 and 6 months
*  Hepatitis B - 3 vaccines on 0, 1 month, and 6 months
I went for the combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine (3 shots instead of 5)  at 0, 1 month, and 6 months.  I just received the second shot of this series last Thursday.  Then the last shot (6 months after the first) is after returning from travel to ensure sustained immunity to both diseases.
*  Typhoid fever - A vaccine is good for 2 years or the oral (live typhoid) vaccine is good for 5 years.  I went with the oral (since I don't like shots anyway) and am done taking it without any side effects.
*  Malaria - Pills are taken once a week starting two weeks before travel and ending four weeks after travel.  Interesting tidbit is that when I traveled to Kenya (over 15 years ago) for a safari, there was no recommended vaccine for malaria.
*  Cholera - I have pills in case I need them.  If I don't need these there, it seems I should leave them for someone who might need them, even though it's only one dose of pills.  Guess I'll ask the Carter Work Project folks about this....or not.

Plus, I got the routine vaccinations for the flu and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap).  Tdap is required every 10 years and I was due for mine.  I usually skip the flu vaccine because I've always had a reaction (felt sick the rest of the day) from it.  Since I don't get sick much, I figure I'll play the odds of getting the flu strains that the vaccine protects against.  But I knew I should get the flu vaccine this year.  A co-worker told me how she gets a flu vaccine without  thimerosal, for which she has an allergy.  Well, I'm allergic to thimerosal in eye drops, so I thought (hoped) this might be the cause of my reaction to the flu vaccine.  So...I supposedly received a thimerosal-free flu vaccine and didn't have any reaction.  Yea!  The travel nurse specialist at Passport Health then told me that I actually received 0.1 (1/10th) of the dose of the flu vaccine.  Oh well...  At least I didn't have a reaction to it and in my book, it's taken care of.

This series of vaccines has not been the highlight of my preparations for this trip, but at least I won't need them again for a while, and I'll be ready (vaccine-wise) to travel to countries requiring such vaccines....which I suspect will happen again.