October 19th to 25th

So, there's been a bit of a change of plans here. I ran into a few problems last week with some of the work I'd been doing at the orphanage and have now relocated to Port Au Prince.

My best explanation is that among other things,  I'd been asking too many questions about the compounds involvement and I was working with a UN organisation (UNICEF) which made a few people at the top very uncomfortable. Needless to say the director gave me an ultimatum...


To put it simply, he wanted me to break off the relationship I had developed with Madame Lucien, put an end to my contact with UNICEF and limit my activities at the compound which would only allow me to go to the guesthouse and clinic (meaning I would no longer be able to see Kenley or even go down to the orphanage on site).

I'll write more on that later, but after careful consideration I opted to leave the compound...

On the way to PAP

I arrived yesterday at Grassroots United which is a Burners Without Borders project in Port Au Prince. They've got a really sustainable approach to aid work which includes distributing medical supplies, sustainable buildings & power (they've got an Earthship here! ) and a tool sharing program.  The base itself is powered sustainably, has compost toilets and reuses everything including grey water :) Early last week they had put a call out for any medical people in the area to come help with the Cholera outbreak so today I'll be going to St. Marc to help out here for my last week in Haiti.

My new home

It was pretty tough leaving everyone behind at the compound but they were all so understanding and helpful. One of my friends came in to PAP to drop me off  to make sure it was safe and to see where to pick me up next weekend as a few of them are planning on coming in to take me to a local beach.

When I arrived, I got stuck in and made friends with the security guards using my, now fairly intelligible, Kreyol.  After we made dinner I was all set for my bucket shower but when the rain kicked in I settled for an open shower in my bathing suit instead :) and not long after that I retired to my tent to fall asleep to the sound of our chickens and the generators next door.

Earthship

This morning, we had a meeting about all the projects they have on the go right now and the action plan for the outbreak in case it comes closer (which includes sending teams out to the tent cities to educate people on preventing spread and digging emergency latrines). It was incredible to see how organised and efficient they are and how much they're able to get done with such a small team!  Quite a change from the compound where it seems to take months to get anything done and (possibly for that very reason) there seems to be a total lack of people who are keen to see it thorough to the end. 

At the moment, I'm not too sure what the set up will be in St Marc but if I can, I'll be sure to update you guys on the situation there as much as possible.

Bucket showers!

Being in Haiti has taught me so much about the drawbacks of idle donations -its so difficult to stand back and watch these huge NGO's pour money into luxury housing and beach excursions for the visiting groups.  If you're looking do donate and want to find a trustworthy organisation to donate to then its these guys. I can can vouch for them and their work &  I have no doubt that you can rest assured the money you give will be going where they really need it. (www.grassrootsunited.org)

Also, if any of you think you might be able to come help and can afford a week or two to come down then now is the time! They really need nurses & emt's for the outbreak but if you're committed and keen to help then there is plenty of need on the preventative education programs and other projects they have.

sending lots of love
xx