Some more details to come. I promise. I just have such a limited time on the internet and thing here are so busy.
I would like to announce that the boys have asked me to join their soccer team!!! Yes I know how cool is that? We have real games and everything. The team name is the Supastars, its pretty much a big deal. Haha but seriously I was so excited. I played with some of the boys on the beach one day and then the next day they were like ¨pequeña (that is my name here, it means small one) you know much about soccer, will you play with the supastars?¨ How could I not say yes. It is a lot of work, we have two hours of practice each day and it is hot here.But I am proud to say the boys always want me to be on their team in practice. Yes, they have inflated my head a bit. Really it just comes down to I love being able to do something fun with them and on a team with a common goal is even better. Bobi let me borrow his cleats. We have a tourni this weekend. But a couple of us might not be able to play because it may be only for the youngest. I am still excited. I am definately getting a team pictures. Our team color is red, actually it is the old Godwin H.S. boys´soccer uniforms. It is sweet. I will update you all on our games. And eventually write in detail about the daily action at the house. Much love from the DR!!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
So the facts...
The boys have been great and they have been huge brats. They are really into extremes. The group also has come to the conclusion that we need to take time to communicate and re-evaluate our plan of action. As you can guess, it is difficult to take a large chuck of time to sit down and talk with a bunch of crazy Haitian boys running around. But the time is needed. The solution was reach earlier this week. We found places for the boys to stay for 3 days and we would close the PE house. The volunteers stay at a separate house, so the boys house will truly be closed. The time will be used to remind the boys the house is not a right and that we put a lot in to paying and maintaining the house. The group of Americanos will then be able to use the time to rest and regroup. It all goes down today at two. I will let you know how it goes!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Gracias
I am thankful. For the odd and ends life has given me.
I have a little brother, who did little brother things. it helps me understand that boys just do boy things. and like to pick and even more so get a reaction
I have a brother who is now my best friend and I know I can tell him anything. He wont judge me, but he is honest.
I am thankful my Dad loves to go in to the kitchen and cook up special things. I have learned to do that on Saturday mornings for the boys- they are now huge fans of eggs with cheese.
I am glad my mom taught me how to sew on buttons, use the "quiet voice," and listen to someone cry. the boys need all off these things.
I am thankful I have witnessed so many strong women in my life. The boys know they cant ruffle me. Well, they do sometimes, but unless they learn English and read my blog they will never know.
I love the email from the States. I am thankful to be reminded how huge my family is.
Today was rough and tomorrow will be probably worse. But I am hopeful and thankful for all the little things I have learned. Tonight I will write more about the fact of the PE House. For now this is all I feel compelled to say. I love you all!
I have a little brother, who did little brother things. it helps me understand that boys just do boy things. and like to pick and even more so get a reaction
I have a brother who is now my best friend and I know I can tell him anything. He wont judge me, but he is honest.
I am thankful my Dad loves to go in to the kitchen and cook up special things. I have learned to do that on Saturday mornings for the boys- they are now huge fans of eggs with cheese.
I am glad my mom taught me how to sew on buttons, use the "quiet voice," and listen to someone cry. the boys need all off these things.
I am thankful I have witnessed so many strong women in my life. The boys know they cant ruffle me. Well, they do sometimes, but unless they learn English and read my blog they will never know.
I love the email from the States. I am thankful to be reminded how huge my family is.
Today was rough and tomorrow will be probably worse. But I am hopeful and thankful for all the little things I have learned. Tonight I will write more about the fact of the PE House. For now this is all I feel compelled to say. I love you all!
Monday, June 11, 2007
These past several days
I feel so behind on updating you all on my updates. So much happens in just an hour here. Lets see where to begin…
Well we have a different mixture of boys at the house now. No boys were kicked out, but some did decide to return to Haiti. I had mixed feelings on this at first, but I think Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz sums it up “there is no place like home.” Some of these boys were young and had not seen their families in several years. Little Alex just wanted to see his mother so badly. They know that we are always here for them and the choice to return was their own. I feel like we will see them again in the future, but I continue to pray for them. We did not send them alone. We bought them a few things to help them out, paid for transportation and send a guardian to ensure safe travels. I worry, but I know it is what they wanted. I guess a love one feels for those who are closest to them is great then the fear chaos gives. I think this even more true when one has nothing. I just pray that they are kept safe. Haiti is… dangerous is too weak of a word. Haiti is a place of despair that successfully kills the hope and joy of many.
Structure. What we are trying to implement. The idea seemed so easy sitting in the United States thinking about it. Here let’s talk about a challenge. Reality TV has nothing on the Project Esperanza house. Not that our house is fake drama or even real drama, it is just really exciting. We have teenage boys who have never really had rules before in their lives and now we are trying to put some. We are working on distribution of responsibilities and from this creating structure. There is chore rotation, shower hours, laundry days, meal times. All things that seem normal to me, but are a foreign concept to the boys. I am also beginning to understand why Haiti has the political climate it does. Not that the citizens of Haiti are at fault, but they have been conditioned. Our boys when they are not happy cause a chaotic riot. Boys get upset when they don’t even know what they are being upset over. For example, if a boy steals food then he is not served the next meal. Well a few of our boys had been caught stealing food (a big problem) and therefore the following meal they were asked to pay the consequence for their choice. The boys must then sit outside during meal time. Then one boy will say “They are starving us.” So a boy in the house tries to smuggle a plate and then when caught they say “but you are trying to starve my Haitian brother!” Chaos may or may not ensue. But being consistent is key. After a few days or a week the boys get the deal and it becomes something they expect. It is this way for every little thing though. This means it just takes a ton of time, a lot of effort and one must appreciate the small victories. I think the great thing is that I am here for the whole summer and I am able to witness the big change. I tell myself, “Cameron, if you can handle 20 unruly teenage boys, there is nothing that you can’t conquer.” That is a bit of an exaggeration, but it keeps me motivated.
I love the market! It is by far the favorite part of my day. Rosa and I have blast; we are normally chatting away and then cracking up about something. The other day a huge tour bus pulled into the market and the classic stereotypes of tourist got off. There is art and other Dominican trinkets at the market- it is not just food. So Rosa and I comment on the gringos and then we encounter a few. This one woman is speaking Spanish, but really slowly and very poorly. She would say one syllable at a time as if she was trying to speak to a person who did not speak Spanish. After Rosa and I began our walk back home we began to crack up. I would imitate the tourist for her and she would just laugh and laugh. Then she would imitate them for me and I would laugh. Then we moved onto Rosa learning English and me learning Creole. We laughed more at how poorly we were doing. It was all just little things, but it is like we are just good ol’ friends. I am not a gringa and she is not Haitian. We are just two people living in Puerto Plata for the summer. (Her home is outside of Puerto Plata). On other days Rosa will let me do the bargaining with the food. We also have to laugh about this. Because sometimes I fail miserably and normally just am like I give up I am too flustered. However, that is becoming more and more rare. So when that doesn’t happen and I get a good deal on something, the salesman normally just has this look of shock on his face. Rosa finds this highly amusing. Rosa also loves to be my posse. She snaps back at the nasty old men for me. I love this too. Although, the men at the butcher’s now treat me like a local. I don’t have to argue the price and they don’t hit on me. I might be straight up Dominican by the end of the summer. So the market is amusing, but it is also my own little arena where Rosa and I do-our-thing.
hopeful hugs from the DR!
Well we have a different mixture of boys at the house now. No boys were kicked out, but some did decide to return to Haiti. I had mixed feelings on this at first, but I think Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz sums it up “there is no place like home.” Some of these boys were young and had not seen their families in several years. Little Alex just wanted to see his mother so badly. They know that we are always here for them and the choice to return was their own. I feel like we will see them again in the future, but I continue to pray for them. We did not send them alone. We bought them a few things to help them out, paid for transportation and send a guardian to ensure safe travels. I worry, but I know it is what they wanted. I guess a love one feels for those who are closest to them is great then the fear chaos gives. I think this even more true when one has nothing. I just pray that they are kept safe. Haiti is… dangerous is too weak of a word. Haiti is a place of despair that successfully kills the hope and joy of many.
Structure. What we are trying to implement. The idea seemed so easy sitting in the United States thinking about it. Here let’s talk about a challenge. Reality TV has nothing on the Project Esperanza house. Not that our house is fake drama or even real drama, it is just really exciting. We have teenage boys who have never really had rules before in their lives and now we are trying to put some. We are working on distribution of responsibilities and from this creating structure. There is chore rotation, shower hours, laundry days, meal times. All things that seem normal to me, but are a foreign concept to the boys. I am also beginning to understand why Haiti has the political climate it does. Not that the citizens of Haiti are at fault, but they have been conditioned. Our boys when they are not happy cause a chaotic riot. Boys get upset when they don’t even know what they are being upset over. For example, if a boy steals food then he is not served the next meal. Well a few of our boys had been caught stealing food (a big problem) and therefore the following meal they were asked to pay the consequence for their choice. The boys must then sit outside during meal time. Then one boy will say “They are starving us.” So a boy in the house tries to smuggle a plate and then when caught they say “but you are trying to starve my Haitian brother!” Chaos may or may not ensue. But being consistent is key. After a few days or a week the boys get the deal and it becomes something they expect. It is this way for every little thing though. This means it just takes a ton of time, a lot of effort and one must appreciate the small victories. I think the great thing is that I am here for the whole summer and I am able to witness the big change. I tell myself, “Cameron, if you can handle 20 unruly teenage boys, there is nothing that you can’t conquer.” That is a bit of an exaggeration, but it keeps me motivated.
I love the market! It is by far the favorite part of my day. Rosa and I have blast; we are normally chatting away and then cracking up about something. The other day a huge tour bus pulled into the market and the classic stereotypes of tourist got off. There is art and other Dominican trinkets at the market- it is not just food. So Rosa and I comment on the gringos and then we encounter a few. This one woman is speaking Spanish, but really slowly and very poorly. She would say one syllable at a time as if she was trying to speak to a person who did not speak Spanish. After Rosa and I began our walk back home we began to crack up. I would imitate the tourist for her and she would just laugh and laugh. Then she would imitate them for me and I would laugh. Then we moved onto Rosa learning English and me learning Creole. We laughed more at how poorly we were doing. It was all just little things, but it is like we are just good ol’ friends. I am not a gringa and she is not Haitian. We are just two people living in Puerto Plata for the summer. (Her home is outside of Puerto Plata). On other days Rosa will let me do the bargaining with the food. We also have to laugh about this. Because sometimes I fail miserably and normally just am like I give up I am too flustered. However, that is becoming more and more rare. So when that doesn’t happen and I get a good deal on something, the salesman normally just has this look of shock on his face. Rosa finds this highly amusing. Rosa also loves to be my posse. She snaps back at the nasty old men for me. I love this too. Although, the men at the butcher’s now treat me like a local. I don’t have to argue the price and they don’t hit on me. I might be straight up Dominican by the end of the summer. So the market is amusing, but it is also my own little arena where Rosa and I do-our-thing.
hopeful hugs from the DR!
Monday, June 4, 2007
Monday June 4th
It is so busy here. Gemse has been having seizures. He spent a few nights in the hospital. I do want to thank Dr. LaRusso for some thoughts. Doctors here are not all about sharing, they whole medical system is very different. Gemse was released today, but we are finding that just because he is out of the hospital doesnt mean he is well. Fortunately, God has blessed us with a Dominican social worker that specializes in working with Haitians. Is that not amazing- just the help we needed. We had a stand off with the boys today. They stole some stuff from the house- keys, locks, random things. We said nobody is allowed in the house until all things returned. I was in the house. The only one with the ability to unlock the door. Rosa, our cook, was with me too- so not completely allow. Caitlin, Kristin and Sher waited on the porch. After a riot from the boys they gave in. The things were returned and then a meeting was held. the boys were given the expectations for living in the house. They dont have to follow the rules if they dont want to, but if that is their choice they also have to find a new house. We got down to business today. No one had lunch, but a big victory was gained. Below is an blurb from my journal during my 6 hour stay inside the house during our stand off, my imagination is still fully intact, as you will read.
I am a princess. Trapped in a castle with a war raging outside the castle walls. I am also a spy, gathering information and passing it to those on the front lines by way of a secret code.
Okay, so in reality I am an unshowered volunteer inside a house engaging in a stand off with 17 teenage boys. I peep out the windows and keep tabs on them and pass my sightings on to other volunteers sitting on the porch in my native tongue.
I have to say it is an advantage to be able to speak English and know the boys dont have a clue what is coming out of my lips.
I am a princess. Trapped in a castle with a war raging outside the castle walls. I am also a spy, gathering information and passing it to those on the front lines by way of a secret code.
Okay, so in reality I am an unshowered volunteer inside a house engaging in a stand off with 17 teenage boys. I peep out the windows and keep tabs on them and pass my sightings on to other volunteers sitting on the porch in my native tongue.
I have to say it is an advantage to be able to speak English and know the boys dont have a clue what is coming out of my lips.
written june 2nd, yes it is two days stale- lo siento
Hello Everyone! I feel like I have abandoned you all for a few days. Lo siento. Things have been a bit intense here in Puerto Plata. The boys are the boys. I love them, but sometimes I want to pull my hair out. It is the moments of breakthrough, that make it so wonderful. So the house has been its normal level of chaos. But, I can tell you we are learning so much and coming up with some great things for these boys. The point system has been revamped and revived. Before the points were solely earned through tutoring, now it encompasses so much more. The boys get points for going to school, point boints for being on time. They can earn point by doing chores without having to be reminded, and loose them if their chores are not completed. If they fight points are lost, if they are caught being good they can earn them. The system is pretty in depth, I am impressed. Also, the points now work as their allowance system to help teach fiscal responsibility. The way it works is ‘x’ amount of points equals one peso. The boys money is then keep in our ‘bank.’ The boys can spend the money as they choose, but they are responsible for all their wants. The boys must talk about why they made their choice and why they think it was wise. As the boys grasp an understanding we will expand to more financial lessons. With all these great things coming into place you maybe wondering, ‘why has it been intense?’ The intensity has come from medical issues. Not my own. No, one of our boys, Gemse, has been having serious seizures. He had 2 in one day and the hospital brushed it off, but then after another seizure took it more seriously.(Dr. LaRusso thanks for answering my questions). He was given medicine, but the medicine didn’t have enough time to kick in before his net spell. That spell was incredibly scary. It began at 10:30 would last 30 minutes then pause. Then another episode would occur. Gemse was here at the volunteer house that night and it took about four volunteer to restrain him. After his second seizure he was drowsy then all the sudden became a character in a horror movie. I don’t know how else to describe it. It was as if he were possessed. He would try to bite the volunteers. He would say that a zombie was walking in his head. We wanted to get him to the hospital, but ambulances stop running at 10pm. No cab driver would have driven us and we just could imagine trying to restrain him in a beat up cab. That was my second all nighter watching Gemse. At 7am we were finally able to get him to the hospital where he was admitted to the ICU. While under the watch of doctors and doped up on drugs he has now had several more seizures. Gemsi remembers nothing during the seizures or about a half an hour preceding the seizure. As you can imagine, we are all very concerned for him and unsure of what to do once he is released. He has wanted to return to Haiti, but I don’t know if that is an option. I also don’t know if we can keep him in our house. I love him dearly and want the best for him, but what is the best? What can I give? I ask these questions and know that people here have to face them daily.
Tomorrow is Sunday. I am taking the day for total reflection and prayer with a sprinkling of laundry. I know one decision for sure, when I get back to the States I am looking into getting my EMT certification. It is not just seizure here. Today Alex got a cast. He broke his arm while playing soccer. We have 17 boys there are plenty of cuts, bruises and headaches. I am thankful I had two semester of Anatomy with Dr. Pasek. I feel slightly more equipped. Just to know how thing work together and have some background knowledge when speaking with the doctors aqui.
In summary, this summer is filled with trials- that is clear. But I have hope and energy. I have faith that the Lord will provide. And I am reminding myself that if it were an easy, simple task, then it would not be an effort that is for great change.
With hope, Cameron
P.S. I am sorry for any grammatical errors or misspellings. I typing fast and the key boards here are more than wack.
Tomorrow is Sunday. I am taking the day for total reflection and prayer with a sprinkling of laundry. I know one decision for sure, when I get back to the States I am looking into getting my EMT certification. It is not just seizure here. Today Alex got a cast. He broke his arm while playing soccer. We have 17 boys there are plenty of cuts, bruises and headaches. I am thankful I had two semester of Anatomy with Dr. Pasek. I feel slightly more equipped. Just to know how thing work together and have some background knowledge when speaking with the doctors aqui.
In summary, this summer is filled with trials- that is clear. But I have hope and energy. I have faith that the Lord will provide. And I am reminding myself that if it were an easy, simple task, then it would not be an effort that is for great change.
With hope, Cameron
P.S. I am sorry for any grammatical errors or misspellings. I typing fast and the key boards here are more than wack.
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