Haiti: People in Need; Children Of Tomorrow

Haiti Now

2010-02-27T03:45:00.000-08:00

by Jennifer Louise Johnson

St.Joseph has collapsed but the joy remains,
Father Michael's laughter so real,
everyone hoping for no rain,
As the children are all safe in Jacmel..
Marcel still hoping for help in Citi Soleil,
Covering his family in tarps to pray,
Wishing for a safe haven to find,
and a restful piece of mind..
While people fight for water and food,
others are forced to move off their land,
Praying for salvation and justice,
as the tide moves the beach sand..
Moving his family miles from his side,
Cajuste thinks about friends who died,
Keeping his faith and commitment strong,
as he tries to resolve what went wrong..
Aid ,security,and food distribution,
Trying to give aid to the Haitian nation,
While bodies are decomposing in buildings,
Political control is needing humanity reforming..
Sofia is thankful her children are safe,
Keeping her spirits held high,
As people gather around a Voodoo tree,
at Myriams compound,singing and praying..
Haiti has many stories to tell the world,
Justice needs to come to Haiti,
Haiti has seen their share of injustice,
it is time for the world to see..
From slavery,warfare, hunger and disease,
extreme poverty to political ciaos,
mud pies to land slides,
and the inflation of merchandise cost..
This is a cry for humanity,
Not to just see, hear , and think,
But an act of kindness and compassion,
For the world to share in this moment..
To bring nations, race and religions,
To rebuild a land that once had promise,
God once said, "moved and done away with"
then this is my hope for Haiti list..
To rid the injustice, Hunger and Slavery,
To rebuild the land,rebuild politics,
Open the eyes of every man to see,
Help the people and those that are sick..
This old man stopped me before leaving,
Stared me in the eyes,and said
"Do not give them a fish, but teach them how to fish.",
To work with love,you must use your heart..
______________________________________
My message about this poem:
Do not look away and say it is not our problem,
Do not close your ears and deny what you have heard,
Open your heart to the endless possibilities that man kind can and must see through..
Open your heart to Haiti, and help make a difference..
Remember, you don't have to save a million lives, but saving one is just as well..
Jennifer Louise Johnson

Haiti To Me

2010-02-27T03:35:00.000-08:00

by Jennifer Louise Johnson

It has been two months since I combed the sand in Jacmel,
Spoke with a local artist on his style,
ate fried bananas from the car window,
and saw the cheerful laughter and smile..
Before locals crowded the streets to sell anything from Tupperware to car batteries,
sandwiches to Lemon’s and oily grill..
After the earth quake, there was panic , fear and hunger in the worst way,
almost everyone local or foreign getting sick..
after dark sets in you can hear prayers, the people singing to God,
Crying children and darkness to bare..
and the air,black smoke and toxic smell, stench of the bodies decomposed,
Every other building fell..
Haiti to me,is a vision for Humanity,
a 911 call to the world to do something,
of the greatest per portion ever seen..
Copyright © 2010

2010-02-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

One of the Mothers to our partner at the mini center

You can see from her expression the devastation she has gone through.

a make shift tent city in Delmas.

Most of the tent cities are made with sheets, and have dirt floors. When the rain season arrives in less then a week , there will be a huge problem for the shelter and sanitation of most of the millions of Haitian people living outside in these sheets. There is an immediate need for tents, water tablets, food, and land for many that have been asked to leave the area that they are using for encampment. There has been over 40 tremors since the earthquake that shock Haiti on January 12th, 2010 at 5pm. The dangerous are immeasurable as far as why they do not return to their homes. The cement used to make most of their homes is not safe cement it is flimsy grits that were used , which with a small amount of pressure with cause it to crack or crumble into cement rocks the size of car tires. We are trying to organize fund raisers and asking everyone to contribute to our website to help us in our efforts to help those living in the tent cities and our partners who have been misplaced and some have even lost everything they owned. Please help us. www.pinpartnership.org

Garbage piling up from the waste and debri

2010-02-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

These images are from the sides of the roads close to Cite Soleil, in Port au prince, Haiti. Not only is there a problem with food, shelter and clean water but the waste is building up at such an incredible level that it is unsafe to even breath the air. There is this thick scent in the air and when the humidity is high, it makes it impossible to find clean air to breath. There is still a problem with decomposed bodies in buildings that have not been removed, on delmas before I left I saw a dog, pig and cat eating waste like the ones pictured. I wondered if they also eat the animals that graze these garbage compounds. It is a tragity the events that Haiti has indured, even before the earthquake there was an extreme amount of poverty, sanitation and problems with clean water. Now it is at such an extreme amount that at times it is hard to even imagine the damage, living conditions and extent of help needed for Haiti.

Please help us in our efforts to bring relief for the tent cities in and around Delmas and Petion Ville, located in Port au Prince. We need to help them in any way possible. www.pinpartnership.org

Photo's and Videos From Haiti 02/2010

2010-02-21T13:24:00.000-08:00

Stayed at The Hotel Kinam 02-09-2010

2010-02-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend I stayed at the Hotel Kinam. There were many reporters and camera men everywhere. I spoke to many of them and each one told me that the most important news right now is on the orphan case, about the two women who tried to kidnap 30 some children from Haiti. I agree that this is important news but so is thousands upon thousands of haitian people who are bracing for the rain season and have no tents that are rain standards and do not have food or water to provide for the needs of their family. It worries me - I don’t know about them. I think that it will be very difficult once the rain arrives. Especially on the hills, where there are houses upon houses - and then account for the mud slides that may also occur then we will have more devistation after the devestation of the earth quake , and the extreme poverty crisis before that. What then ? Why haven’t the larger organization came up with a plan for the tent cities outside of port au prince in a controlled medical, food and water distribution? There are already people fighting over the food after they recieve it and the weak lose their food over the fights.
It rained this weekend for a moment and I raised my hands up and said stop raining. after 10 minutes it stopped but many of the reports and film crew at the hotel were thinking of their equipment. I wonder if they stopped and thought about the children, families and the handicapped that are in sheets right outside the gates of the hotel.
The riots have started on the street and I watched alot of americans leave since I have arrived here. If you go to the international airport in Port au prince you can fly to florida for free if your american. But once they leave the problem is still here in Haiti. Is there a solution to this level of need? I studied many scholars at the restaurant while sipping my coffee and watched the puzzled gazes in their faces. It was like they had no clue what to offer them or a solution to the food and water crisis.
We did our food distribution on Monday , thanks to the donations received from our members on http://www.feastandfamine.org, partners on http://www.pinpartnership.org and special contribution from AMDA , Japanese Medical Doctors , and a grateful thank you to Nithian. We are sincerely grateful in all the donations and contributions to everyone and organizations, who have contributed to our efferts in helping the people in Haiti. We sincerley thank you and so do the people in Haiti.
I will try to post more before my return to America. I appreciate all the prayers and wonderful thoughts from the partners. I hope that you can keep a candle burning for Haiti, our partners, and staff and my safe trip back to America.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Johnson
Head Coordination Director

02-15-2010 Returned From Haiti

2010-02-21T13:18:00.001-08:00

When I arrived in San Domingo , Dominican Republic - I was confused because there were many lines and no formal signs indicating what they meant. I kept asking until I was sure which one to stand in. Then they okay ed my visit with out paying the $10.00 us since I said I was going into Haiti. I thought , maybe there felt sorry for me or that they knew that I would be going into the unknown. I kept going until we were hovered around this belt waiting for the luggage to fly out of this whole in the middle. Then I pushed to the line for clearance and finally arrived to the exit door of the airport. I was confused because Geoff said to get a hotel by the airport and from the way it looked even in the moon lite night that there was no hotel near the airport. I decided reluctantly to ask the police for help with no Spanish or french translator. It was quite an event. I over hear the others say they were staying at Hotel Lena, so I followed. In the taxi however, I started to get really nervous because he kept driving forever and I knew we were going far from the airport. My phone had no signal and Geoff did not know where I would be. So I began to worry..a lot.
I arrived at the hotel that looked like a larger level designed from the 60’s era . It had the look and feel of some old movie scene. But I was tired and all I wanted was to leave a message for Geoff and sleep. It turned into conversations with reporters, red cross, volunteers and church organizations. Then after using a few of the journalists phones I was able to let Geoff know how to find me.
After waiting for 2 hours at the bus station the following day in the hot dry air of Dominican Republic , we met up. The next day we went to the market and checked the prices of food , and later Geoff and nathian went back and purchased the food to bring to Port au Prince. We planned to leave in the morning and I was so nervous about the unknown trip and had a hard time sleeping. I walked over to the ocean and gazed over it until I could only see the horizon..but my mind was thinking back in December when I saw so much hope and development coming forth for Haiti. I was wondering what it would be like this time for me and the fact that what I saw before was so much need..now what?
There was a lot of tension at the bus stop in the morning of our departure. We were thankful when the food arrived then worried if it could go with us on the same bus. Geoff started to get really sick and I was just having heat stroke for the fast change in the culture from Alaska to Dominican Republic. The bus we were getting on looked a lot like the greyhound buses and I was relieved to discover this because I thought we were taking a tap-tap all the way to Port au Prince.
The ride was torturous and very rough, our first driver had been drunk and was driving like a crazy chicken all over the roads , in through construction sights and hit a latter on the side of a truck parked on the road. Then our second driver had a stroke before we even got close enough to the border. Geoff was starting to get a fever and was in and out of sleep. I watched over him and gave him food and water when ever he needed it. After we crossed the border , you could see the signs of the earth quake , detestation in the eyes of the locals, and the thick cloud of dust and cement in the air which made its own cloud .
We arrived very late into Port au Prince, it was pitch dark and people were grabbing bags left and right from the bus. I became so worried of the supplies I brought in Alaska and our belongings. We met Cajuste and some of Cajuste’s friends , then went to the office. Cajuste was talking about what had happened and Geoff was responding some. . all I was thinking about was we made it to Port au Prince alive. wow.
We slept at the office and Geoff kept getting sicker. I started to show signs of something but was able to look over him and take care of him. As the first days of my arrival passed by, I started the translation form from English to Creole, helped with the computer programs, and stocked all the special supplies I brought with me. I had not yet been any place to see the devastation and did not want to ask Geoff to show me since he was clearly not feeling himself at all. I took care of him until he flew back to America.
The day Cajuste and I took him to the airport, is when I was seeing for the first time the real destruction of what had happened. As anyone else , who had seen something a month ago would react- it shocked me. Imagine going to a place and spending two weeks there , coming back a month later to destruction- and how would you feel? I was overwhelmed and then Geoff took off on the plane, cajuste took me to downtown Port au Prince, took me by the apartments that I use to know, the bank which was ruins now...I was with out words. I was thinking over and over to myself, why hasn’t anyone taken a bulldozer to search this and why hasn’t anyone moved the soil over here..but no words spoken. Just looking and taking in all of it .
I thought night and day after that tour of destruction that cajuste took me on..and still could not come up with a solution for the problems I saw left and right, in front and behind me. It surrounds you in Haiti, almost consumes you - if it could. You are not thinking about yourself when you are in something so tragic, you think to save, heal and rebuild and work every fiber of your being to come up with a constructed plan or method to all of what you see, hear and experience. There is a huge cry for help every where you look or hear. and it echos not just verbally but in the eye of mankind. I saw many things under the same moon, same sky, and same sun as them.
I will write more later.
I am still sick and slowly recovering . Thank you for all you prayers, support and thoughts.
Sincerely
Love and Light
Jennifer
Head Coordination Director

Update From Me 02-21-2010

2010-02-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

I will post in my blog soon. I apoligize for not doing so while I was in Haiti and when I returned. I went to Haiti on 01-30-2010, and stayed for two weeks. I became very sick and I recently have arrived in Alaska and working at the inn as well as doing fund raisers to help our partners as well as the many of lives living in encampment all over port au prince, Haiti.

02-20-2010

Geoff and I participated in a fund raiser for www.pinpartnership.org Here is the video from channel 2 news.

Pop Up Video

www.ktuu.com -http://www.ktuu.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=4562144&at1=News&h1=%E2%80%98From%20Alaska%20With%20Love%27%20benefits%20Haiti,%20shot%20police%20officer&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&rnd=43635677

My last day with the Staff December 20, 2009

2010-01-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M13qmY_kAs My heart feels heavy, and I wish I was there searching for the staff of people in need partnership, children, the partners ,lives and families that I was personally involved with. Not only did we make many accomplishments while I was there but we grew into wonderful friendships. We spent a lot of time helping the lives in Cite Soleil, and Port au Prince and still we haven't heard from anyone.

I mentioned several times that I had stayed at St.Joseph's house, Father Michael is still missing. The earth Quake took place at 5pm , their time..and usually father Michael around 5 to 5:30pm would pray with the boys and guests before having dinner at 6pm. . I pray that he is alright and that all the children and guests are accounted for...

If anyone wants to donate to People in Need Partnership, please go to our website at : www.pinpartnership.org and click on the Donate button, then you can put in as much as you wish. Between $1.00 to thousands . Also we have a project that we started shortly after my return from Haiti, it is called Feast and Famine, if you wish to help deliver a package of food to a person or family in Haiti , you can donate just 50 cents or as much as you wish and a package will be delivered to a person or family in Haiti. Millions are in need of food, water and shelter right now.

We are asking for everyone's help. Please help People in Need Partnership help in the relief efforts after the terrible earth quake devastated lives that were already suffering and in need. This is a more unique way to help them in the disaster that hit their country and form a partner with a person desperately needing your help.

God bless and protect all of our staff, and pull them back together in Haiti. Bless the restovic's (children slaves) and all our partners and people in Haiti.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Johnson

Enlightenment On My Return From Haiti

2010-01-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

One of the many things that I noticed in Haiti, is there are few to no street signs, and speed limits . Which means there are no speed limits. I think it is so dangerous to cross the streets, or walk through the cities with out noticing every car, bus or taxi. You have to always be alert because they don't have any laws on the street for the safety of the pedestrians crossing the street or walking down the roads. I saw many people with out legs, or handicapped and thought , is this from the people driving? It is worse in the country and the roads are very narrow and wind all the way through the mountains and valleys. There is another think about the roads and streets in Haiti..there is many pot holes, and even sewer , work man holes that are open, so on top of watching the traffic- you also have to look down and make sure to not fall into a hole.

There was 5 children that I spoke to outside of St.Joseph, by the front gate.They asked me for my help one evening. When I asked how I can help them, one of the little boys who spoke english a little said he needed water. Since I was a guest at St.Joseph, I had to ask Father Michael if it was okay to give the boys some water. Father Michael said "no Jennifer, you can't give our water to the boys. Because once you help these children , then many will come and then we won't have water for our boys." It is sad that the simplest things that we take for granted , there is a life that desperately needs these things.

I thought about the Bette Midler song , "from a distance" and in the sound it states, " from a distance there is harmony" it goes on to say that from a distance everything is find, no hunger, no suffering, etc. When you actually arrive into the reality that surrounds you, then you truly see what suffering is.. what hunger is , and the truth that a lot of lives are starving , that there are countries that have slavery still and you see that the future in these environments needs immediate help. There are some American's, who look at a person in America who drops out of school- as trash, and then they think they will only end up in a bad situation. Imagine living where only 10% even go to school. I was fortunate to finish elementary, secondary education and then some college but I stop and thank of how lucky I was to be able to have everything essentially that I needed growing up.

I was able to speak to many people either on the streets, food vender or just walking. I noticed that even the business owners were in desperate need and when I spoke to them they were trying to make me a deal to buy their merchandise. There are some wonderful artists, painters, woodmen and so many other forms of artists in Haiti. Each either learned from family or on their own. I was very fortunate to be able to bring many of these beautiful art pieces back with me for my family and friends. I spoke to an old man who said he has been working on his art since he was only 9 years old, and that is all he knows how to do. He was happy and had a very genuine smile. He told me that he always creates something different with each one of his paints and he was so happy to show me all his art work. I bought many of my gifts from him. In Haiti he is very fortunate because only 20% of the population can contribute their work or can afford to learn the tectonic to develop their talents.

My work involved speaking to the partners with People in Need Partnership and write about their future goals, dreams and also review their program as well as find out what their immediate needs were from their partners. I spoke to 14 of the partners, and the deep compassion and truthful suffering that I listened to for hours at time and each day I would see these partners and we would go over details on their life, their struggles and hardship, and deeper into the conversations they would express to me their dreams. Most of the dreams or goals surfaced around Doctors, Nurses, Mechanics, Dress Making or Cooking. I can understand why most of them would state they wished to be a doctor or a nurse because of what they see and have seen. Many have died in their arms or beside them and there was a lot of tearful moments with some that have lost everyone in their life and they were just twenty years old.

There was an interview I had one sunny hot day in Haiti and it was actually ironic that she showed up on the day that I had already scheduled the two interviews with partners and after I finished the young girls going to school now thanks to our program , who looked so malnourished and in desperate need healthy nutritious food .. I explained to Cajuste that I can interview since we still had a few hours left before closing the office that day. I had a translator with me that day and both him and I were not ready for what this young lady was about to tell us. I stop still thinking about the truthful pain, suffering and human abandonment that she must feel and yet she is strong and shows no sign of the struggles she faces day to day.

After we introduced ourselves to each other, I asked her the basic questions. Her age, year in school and then I asked her about her family situation. I think now, in my life I will be very careful to ask people "so how is your family or family life" because of this young lady. She was only twenty years old, and her mother died at the age of nine, her father at the age of fourteen and then she became pregnant . She had no family, all her uncles, grandparents, everyone was gone but her and her son. I asked her, after catching my own breath, "what about the father to your son? Doesn't he help you?" ..there was a long silent pause. I looked to my translator , worried now about the answer she would soon give me. She looked up with tears in her eyes, looked right into my eyes , and said, " after my son turned four months old..the father to my child died." I was speechless, and here I was trying to give encouragement, words of wisdom, light of hope and this young lady sat in front of me with only her son. She has many health problems and each day she goes to the main streets in Port au Prince to sell Lemon , and hopefully if she makes 50 gouds , she can have enough to feed her and her son. 50 gouds is like $1.00 in America. I had to drink some of my bottled water..paused for what seemed two minutes, then I turned to my translator and asked how her relationship is with her partner. She spoke only the kindest things about her partner and I could see in her eyes how special her partner was to her.

Most of the children or young mothers I interviewed seemed very malnourished and in desperate need for healthy food and water. At times, I would have to take a break to breath because when you hear the reality from the source, see with your own eyes what extreme poverty is and then you can't help but want to do anything and everything humanly possible to solve this crisis. There is so much need and so much help needed in Haiti, and I hope that people will also want to help these people in need.
I will write soon. Peace and Love.

Pictures of the children in Cite Soleil

2010-01-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

With the staff in Cite Fequier

2010-01-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

Returned on December 20th, 2009

2009-12-31T13:28:00.000-08:00

I have returned from Haiti and it has been only 10 days. It was hard for me to adjust not only to the temperature outside but the cultural environment. I have so much to say and so much to share with the world about my experience, I want to apologize for not keeping up with my blog. Like I had mentioned before, I never have left the familiar soil of America before, excluding the trip through Canada. It was an amazing adventure, learning experience and in two weeks I felt like I had been there a thousand years. It is hard to explain the depth of learning, and understanding that I have gained by volunteering for www.pinpartnership.org. I can only express a thank you to all the lives in Haiti that not only taught me a valuable lesson in humanity, but also touched my heart in a way that I have never felt before. I am not trying to have anyone feel pity, or sadness for me. I had wanted to go for sometime now to Haiti, but it was not the right time..obviously. But , is there ever a right time and wrong time to help the kindred spirits on earth? Is there ever a moment in your life that you can truly say, that you feel remorse when doing something your heart feels you have to do? I feel that with every sadness, every remorse and every struggle there is a better approach and there is a chance to see ones potential. But the beauty is watching it grow. The true beauty after what you do for others is watching them bloom...like a sunflower. It is amazing that it is more then helping, more then money can buy..to truly give from the heart and feel that light within you shine.
I will tell share with you my story of Hait, the adventures I had in Florida and the wonderful miracle of my new grandson Bradford Leeland..which I have decided to nickname Bradlee. I want to wish everyone a safe and happy new year, feeled with giving, love, happiness, and eternal joy. I want each one of you to think of a new year resolution that will help those in need, that will inspire the dreams in ones soul and help them to reach for the stars..but promise me that you will never let them fall. If you can only see the changes in me , thanks to the man in my life..which I will call Sun. Because he is the sun to me. In the morning when I awake I look for him and when it is night I wait for him to rest. It is a beautiful think to feel love, and it is a reward to receive love in return. I pray that humanity is at a changing point, that people will start loving one another and sharing, caring and respecting the ways of the old..the ways when the prophets walked on this earth. The earth we live in,breath in, eat in, and connect with one another in kindred spirit of one. As g-d said , along long time ago.."love is all things...and love is the greatest." Happy 2010. May all your dreams, wishes and quests continue into the new year. Happy New Year!! Love Always, Jennifer Johnson

Ps. I have decided on a name for the future orphan. I want it to be called : St.Louise , Children of Humanity.

Love, Happiness, Joy, Truth, and Peace Always...and the greatest is LOVE!

More news from Haiti

2009-12-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Today , I had a lot of work to do today.. I interviewed 3 girls that are attending school for the first time at the ages of 9 through 11. One was enrolled for the 1st grade and the other's are starting 2nd grade. It was heart felt to hear their stories, and to see what joy they have to be able to go to school. It is amazing, that a child who never has read a book or learned to write is so excited to learn and then there are the children I have seen in America, who have free education available to learn everything and wish they weren't in school. I suppose when you have seen something you wish you could have it when you have nothing, and when you have everything you want nothing , or the self- serving people who want more..It makes me wonder, if we had nothing what would we want? and if we had everything, what do we need? Imagine how blessed we all are that we have clean drinking water, in America. If you were here, you will see how difficult it gets, when temperatures outside feel like 105 degrees. I wait at times , I hope that soon I will be done, and there will be good water to drink. Yet, they will be here wanting clean water. This is a huge problem and we need to help Haitian's with clean drinking supply system, with a way for the waste to not be near their bedroom door, and for the food. I heard from some people , who I will call self-serving that said it is their fault, they shouldn't buy leisure things like chips and candy. I never thought of chips or candy being leisure? I thought of them as junk food, as snacks. Never as a leisure. Yet, it is amazing what we all have taken for granted., the ones who have had everything.

The weather has been steady at 95-98 degrees each day, I have wanted the rain so bad, but they say when it rains it floods Citi Soleil too and can harm or kill the whole family that live in sheds. WOW. is an understatement. Imagine, you need the rain for the trees, land and for the humidity to change, yet if it does rain then there could be several with out a home in that same moment that you are receiving the rain.

It is getting closer to my departure. I hope that through my experience here in Haiti, that you have felt and seen in a sense what I experienced that these people are experiencing day in and day out with even more horrific details. It is important for everyone to appreciate the clean air, clean water, and what you have is really good enough. It is not important what you have or have not, it is important what is in your heart. It is important to have G-d in your soul. Then you will see the happiness. It is a pure happiness, that is complete and perfect. It is not good to be angry, but be humble. It is not good to rush and be busy but to be patient.

There are many lessons I have learned here and the most important is this from an old man, " Do not give them the fish, but teach them how to fish."
This is true. I will write more tomorrow.
So far, I have learned- Bon Joir, Bon we, Merci bo cu, wi , no and I think that is it for now.

I will try to sleep 7 hours but.. like I mentioned a few blogs ago, the rooster wakes me not my alarm. I mean they scream cock a doodle doo..repeatedly.

good night, bon we'.

Only 4 days..

2009-12-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how this place, the people and the culture have not only taught me so much but also have touched my heart in a way that I can not describe. This elder lady had seen me the day before at St. Joseph waiting for what seemed forever for Cajuste to arrive. I think I waited for 2 hours but lost track of the time. Then today, she saw me waiting and brought me a gift , a bright yellow sunflower candle holder. I thought immediately of him, because we love sunflowers and we are much like the sunflower. It is so beautiful that they will open their hearts and homes to complete strangers. This man yesterday told me that the reason I see so many women washing clothes day and day out, is because of two reasons. One is they forget their problems and the other is they have nothing else to do. If they had a shop on the street they could sell products. I mean anything. Imagine all the small things you have thrown away, and the containers, boxes of things you no longer use, here they sell them all day in the heat to put food on the table for their family. I think it is important for everyone to see this and to realize what we have taken for granted that we all feel we have not. Yet. we have. Greatly. I see this under the same sun. I am sure I have mentioned, it is very hot. Indeed it is..and yet you appreciate the health, the good water ( which most do not get) the water system here is really really bad. Some of them, which would be over 200,000 have sewer like water for washing, drinking and eating. If you could only see what my eyes have seen , you would appreciate the small things more then what you have gained . Because , even though they have nothing - they have laughter, family is so close and they don't set a limit to when you must leave the house- I met a lot who have been with their family all their lives and now they are in their 30's, and the joy in their hearts is blessed. They smile, and show gratefulness, and have very little material things. This truly has taught me valuable lesson and so much more understanding for what G-d wants his people to have . It is more then looking "outside the box" and greater then the value of a diamond. There are many people here that need so much. So many are hungry, sick and in need of a shelter for their family. They do not usually say they need a house, they say shelter for their family. I found that there are two reasons that most children want to be a doctor or a nurse. The first reason is obvious, to help their people feel better, fix the pain and operate on where it hurts. The second is because they have seen the houses and cars the doctors, lawyers and nurses are driving and living conditions. I do love the food here and the rice is great, looks like dirty rice but it has a great taste. I will miss the plentiful fruits that are here.There are so many tropical fruits that I have tried and they are delicious. I will do my two interviews today, and try to stay cool. Even in the shade it feels so hot. I have not seen any rain since I arrived and do miss the rain now in Oregon.

I do miss Thai ice tea, my family, clean air , him, and Mocha's...Oh the air in America is blessed. Try to appreciate the things you have and you will also see this joy, this happiness and this kind of love. I have always been blessed by G-d with love inside me, and now it is even greater then before..since I came to haiti.

G-d bless Everyone.
Love & Light Always,

Jennifer

Haiti

2009-12-15T06:21:00.000-08:00

News from Haiti

2009-12-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

We left Jacmel yesterday after alittle confussion, we drove throught the country side. There is a place between Port au Prince and Jacmel that is so breath taking. It is just beautiful. There are many banana , coconut trees and green mountains everywhere you look. It is beautiful and I gotr out of the vehical afew times wishing to walk into the mountain side. The place I asked to stop first is the same place that Geoff walked. It is strange that we choice the same palce. I sat at the road side looking at the white burial site of the lady who owned all the land. I wish I could paint this picture, but wasn't able to take a picture because the camera was to full and now..I am wishing for a picture to paint this beautiful land.

It was quite interesting back at St. Josephs. First my phone had no service, then the power went out not just in St. Joseph but for the city. It was like this from 7 pm until morning. Even the generator was going on and off. But , I was not feeling well and the ride back was very swirly to say the least, and I prayed for the people of Haiti, prayed for G-d's protection and to help me become more patient. Here it is a must. another thing that is a must , is to be calm even in the worst situations. This one, I do believe will take sometime. I have grown so much, and it is not the educational way; which is important . It is through the heart and mind in a humanity sort of way.. Deeper understanding .

I noticed the people in Port au prince and through out Haiti, have taught me something which I knew only more so.. it is wise to not want anything but to have nothing you can still fill your soul with joy and laughter. There are many beautiful things that the eye could miss, and by the grace of G-d I was able to witness this.

I think possibly this is the most valuable lessons I have yet learned, and yet I have learned much ..this one is very valuable and meaningful.

I will write soon. The power is off and on again, then the generator only can be used for as long as the amount of gas is provided in it.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Thoughts and Updates 12/12/2009

2009-12-12T16:15:00.001-08:00

Saturday, December 12, 2009

More News from Haiti 12/12/2009

It was a long hot day in the office yesterday. The power would go on and off regularly. I finally had my cup of coffee and started to work on the review and future pages for the partners. There is a need of all kinds here in Port au prince and in the remote locations of Haiti.I spoke with women and children around St. Josephs and it is sad to hear their pain. To hear the need for clean water, food and diapers for the babies. Usually the babies that are under 4 years old will be with out pants, because they can not buy diapers. One lady said that she is not able to buy personal supplies for her monthly periods.I found a vender in the streets that sells them for $1 a piece . Most of the children that you speak to will say they wish to be a doctor or nurse because they have seen the sick , they witnessed at very young ages the crisis and need for health care. Most want to help their people to feel better, or to find the source of the pain and fix it. Others want to be a mechanic, atrist, teachers, dress maker, etc.

This lady looked so hungry and she asked me to buy her food. I was not hungy but I decided to buy the fruit so that she could eat. I brought it to the PINP office and gave it to a partner that was waiting for a letter from their partner. I eventually at supper later in the evening at St. Joseph.

We traveled today through the mountains to Jacmel. It was a blessing to be away from work. I know that I am still working , because it has affected my heart in many ways. Cajuste,Marcel, Sophia and I are staying at Hotel Cyvadier Plage . We went to the ocean , ate dinner together in the open dining room over looking the ocean and discussed the projects, my idea on the water tubes for citi Soleil. I feel in love with the view, and the air is so good here. We took many pictures on the beach, spoke to some child slaves that were on the beach and now I am writing to the world about the important events for PINP. There is excellent wireless service here, and now the music is playing . Wonderful to hear the ocean and the drummer at the same time.. almost a oasis for the mind after the tragity that my mind, heart and soul have felt and seen for 7 days. I don't understand what they are singing about, but it is like a celebration of life and rythem.. that is my feeling for it.I have to say, this is where I would spend a honeymoon it would be here..so if anyone is getting married this is the place and it is white and so lovely. Great for reception, wedding and the honeymoon..I was thinking this when I saw the lace in the dining court yard. ( it doesn't hurt Mom, to dream..) . Oh . I bought all my presents for family, someone special and friends for christmas.. I think I got a good deal..at least I hope so. I still have 6 days, and need to have a place in Fort Lauderdale then to Portland. I will miss the people here and a lot of the culture, smiles and want so much to find a way to help them. If you could see , if you could imagine it is worse then the cut versions you see on television. Well, I will write more tonight or tomorrow before we head back to Port au Prince which is 2 hours drive. Imagine, in 2 hours you see and oasis..but here there is extreme poverty too. I will upload photos that Marcel, Cajuste and I took and you will see that there is also alot of extreme poverty here as well.

May G-d be with you and keep you safe. I pray that the world will help Haitian people and please sponsor a child slave, mother of starving children or help a child go to school for the first time

News from Haiti 12/12/2009

2009-12-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

Continuing to up date my family and friends while I am visiting Haiti.

On the water source:

Today there was no power for coffee, and it is almost a must for me to have coffee as everyone who knows me can testify. I paid for the gas to go into the generator, 200 goods . Cajuste said this will last while I am here so that I may have coffee each day. I am so thankful for that. All the water I drink comes from wells, and purification system. It is the only water that is drinkable. Unfortunately, while walking the streets by St. Joseph I saw a woman with a bucket next to sewer sytem, about 3 inches a way from this sewer system she was filling her bucket of water. I thought about the children she would give this water to, and also use this water to clean her clothes. It is sad to see that the unclean water that is not even good to water plants is the source of many many people here in Haiti. It is a huge crisis for the water system and much harder to bare witness. This water she took from is the same place people go to the bathroom, because they don't have one and the same for waste 3 inches away from the water source she and many use.

Interviews:

I have conducted 5 interviews with child slaves, mothers of starving children, and children going to school. Something broke my heart ( yes- again) my partner naser is 16 years old, he is a child slave who has never been to school until I became a partner. He has been attending school since Earlier this year. He should be in secondary education, he is in the 4th grade. I was taken back when he told me he story. It touched my heart so deeply , and I can not describe the feelings that I had at that moment. I later found out that it is common to be 20 and still in elementry school. common here. I reflected on this since for a long time at night, and yes. It is so difficult to sleep after witnessing what my eyes have seen. I want the world to know. I want people to open there minds to find hope for these people, this is humanity's call. Like the 911 call I sent yesterday. The phone is still ringing. If you are wanting to see the faces of the people I interview and see here..then visit our website at : http://www.pinpartnership.org/ . This is real, this is extreme poverty and we can not turn our heads while lives are dying. If you could only see them and see the compassion and the humbleness , and they have not. They have nothing. Yet, they do not want what is yours, they want to give and they want to eat and sleep without something attacking them while they rest. They want hope to be answered. Many go without eatting for days, and you see their eyes. There eyes..they are so intense and you can see through their smile and see their sadness and their hunger.

Mosquitoes-

The mosquitos are everywhere and hungry. You can cover yourself with Deet and still have a mosquito ammune to the odor who will attack you and eat. They say it is 1 in 100 mosquito that carries the disease and you are lucky if that one doesn't bite you. I ask G-d all the time to shield me, and keep them away. I do see they are clever, and some have managed to bite me on my ankles and lower legs. I have put treatment on them but was told that it could take a week before you find out if it has poisoned me. It worries me alot. I have brought so much repellant with me but it doesn't effect the mosquitos of Haiti one bit. The reason it doesn't effect the people here in Haiti is because they were born here, and it does sometimes effect some but for the most part they have been ammune to the diseases because they became use to the enviroment. I am curious how anyone can get use to this...and I wish I had a solution to keep themosquitos away from me. It is amazing how tiny they are but when they do bite it feels like a needle went in you. When I get back to America, I will have the doctor exam and test me for many things and I will need to take a anti-bacteria pesticide pills as well , since I have never been in these enviroments before now...and I will not be able to donate blood for up to two years because I came to Haiti. I love giving and donating blood is something I did in Alaska and in Oregon. It is nice to know that a pint of blood could save a life.

I will write more later. I hope that you are well and that you are keeping me and Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. There is so much to say, and not alot of time to say it with the power issues going on and off. But please visit the website mentioned above and you will see the places , culture and people of Haiti that I have met and seen.

G-d bless and keep you safe and happy this holiday season.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Reflections from yestorday

2009-12-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Just a moment about the roads, It really is bothering me lately not just because of the possible chance of danger but how completely unsafe it is for the pedestrians and for the drivers... which was the most extremely roughest and bumpest roads I have experience before. I can imagine when I was in Alaska, and complained over a small pot hole an wonder why they never filled them. Here there are pot holes everywhere. Not only pot holes, but children , women and almost entire families washing themselves, drinking and cleaning cars from any water coming out of pipes by the roadside. The roadside, is like a very tight alley for american's and for those in Italy, or eastern europe they will understand that they are tiny for cars to fit in, imagine two lanes..and going high speeds then add children, women, men and animals and you have the roads in Haiti. Some of them are not as bad as others. It is difficult to be a passanger, it can be extremely intense and sometimes scary. I know that I am taking alot about the roads because I have never seen traffic this complex before and it is suprising that there are not alot of accidence..well at least I have no seen one nor wish to.. Okay..thank you for that moment about the roads..

On Citi Soleil - reflection from yesterday

As my last post mentioned , I went to citi soleil. I am sad for these people. It is difficult to write what my heart feels for them and the vision I see that is realist to help these people because they are not in a safe haven, I don't know how anyone can live in waste lands, and there is a water tank that carries up to 150 gallons but there is 200,000 people (stuck ) in ruins ..and when I asked over a dozen people they all said they use to live in the forest and some said woods..then why can't they. Why not create a village in the forest or woods for these people, bring in 5 water supplies , 10 volunteers to stay near by for helping with needs and education for the children and teach them how to harvest, so they will have a chance to survive. Marcel agrees with me , that it would be good to help those who are willing to move to a village, and to start their own farms, to teach them ways to do building, sewing and farming but to have them do this themselves. I believe that with the amount of waste, and unsafe enviroment in citi soleil that these people need to have their own village once again in the forest or woods. Where they are use to the natural ways of survival, not inside of a city that has no natural forests or woods that they are use to..

The Haitian People-

The people hear have the most caring , understanding and compassionate hearts that I have ever met before. I truly love the people in Haiti. They have nothing to offer in material goods, possessions or money but the stories, their laughter, the care and giving that goes through out Haiti, is one that can not be descibed. You have to see it , and feel them with your heart. There is so many needs, this is extremely true. When it comes to some of these peoples hearts, there is so much love inside them. They have dreams to be doctors, nurses , and to help others. It is incrediable how they understand one of G-d's lessons, and never knew of it's existance. I am learning patience from them, and becoming humble every moment here. There is something else remarkable that I want to share with each person in the world..there is a 911 call from Haiti- they need your help..can you help them? Can you see, that this is my first trip outside of America, and most people's first trip was for lecture , mine was for Humanity. And through these people, you learn so much about the needs and ways to help humanity form together. We can not do this alone, we must all help humanity and even if you can not help Haiti or their people, you can help your neighbor or perhaps the next states, neighbor. It really doesn't matter who, or where as long as humanity comes together and helps each and every person to understand, form , learn and grow . It is so important to share this with your friends and family...perhaps it is much deeper then that and perhaps we all could learn a lesson or two from Haiti. A little boy staying at St. Joseph told me that I am an angel with only one wing and must form with the other angel to be able to fly, perhaps that is it. We all need to rise and help each other, and if you are wanting to help the people in Haiti, you can become a partner like me. I will tell you, the question on the web site, can it be possible to have a relationship with someone in completely different situation then yourself? YES. Naser and I are partners, and we love our committed partnership. The only request he asked before he left to take care of his brothers is please do not give up on me. Isn't that the truth about any relationship? Once one of them gives up, what more is there? It is not possible to take two steps back and then jump three steps and go back one..you or the other would fall.

I will continue later today. It is extremely hot here. Around 98 degrees and feels like 105. I drink lots of water from the jugs and try to only drink bottled sodas.
Sincerely,
Jennifer

Writing From Haiti...

2009-12-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

I left Portland on the 6th of December, 2009 for Port au Prince, Haiti. It was not difficult getting the supplies and suitcases on the plane. I think at the time , I was scared to fly such a long way away from what I was use to and it was difficult to leave for other reasons ..as well. I boarded a small plane which took us to California..After passing customs for the 2nd time, I knew then it would not be easy to get to Haiti. California is at a high security and as you move closer to Florida it worsens. It was raining in California, and very windy. We boarded onto another plane, the 727. I believe it is the largest plane I have ever flown on in my life. In Florida , I decided to go another way, and eventually was completely lost. I had help at Starbucks, and after stepping outside for a moment ..I knew then it would be very humid and hot in Haiti...however, at this time - I had no idea how hot and humid it would actually be. We flew after afew hours straight to Port au Prince, on the same kind of plane. It felt very foreign and extremely different once boarding the 727. I should have learned creole or french..kind of late for that now.

We had to fill out some paper work on the plane- stating the purpose of the visit and how long we plan to stay in Haiti. After two hours, we arrived. It was heart breaking to see people crowded at the airport, wanting food, money, and will help for anything. Then it hits you at that moment..how much need is needed in Haiti. Everyone is in need. It was hot but all I kept thinking about at this moment , was to breath. Just breath. My father told me before I left America to remember, "It is all good.." it really doesn't work here for that saying, it is hard for the people here. It is difficult to walk down a street without ten or twenty people asking for money, food or to help for something. Haiti needs help and lots of it. The people are genuine and smile even when they are suffering. When I first arrived , Cajuste the director for People In Need took me to the office. I met the staff, Sophia and Myriam , who greeting me with a hug and a kiss. I gave each one gifts from me and went over the plan for the next two weeks.
After we closed the office at 4pm, Cajuste took me to St.Josephs. Which is a house for boys that were either abandoned or left with no parents to take care of them. I really love what Father Michael is doing for these boys and spoke with him several times since Sunday about the boys, the other centers he has and about Haiti. It was difficult to sleep , even after flying all night, and then the heat and humidity played it's toll for the rest of the evening. I reflected for hours on the experience, issues, and crisis that now surrounds me.
In the morning , of the 7th of December. I was woken to roosters ((screaming)) out the window . Which had to be open all night for me to sleep without over exposing heat. I had a delicious breakfast with the guests and then Cajuste picked me up and we went to the office. There was no power and no computers running. Cajuste said it was the first time it has ever happened. I took this as a great day to decorate for Christmas. I got very creative and cut and decorated the office for the staff and partners. Then all the supplies and gifts for the children went in the appropriate places, and was able to plan for our visits to Citi Soleil . There are people in the streets on sidewalks selling all their furniture, clothes, and food to provide for their families. It just takes your breath away to see this. It is an epidemic and people need to help Haiti.
I will write about today once I have completed the work that I am doing on the partners. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts..especially the positive and encouraging ones. I am grateful for this moment, to see the truth and to feel the humanities hopes and dreams. I will be reporting to partners about the update and messages to their partners, as well as , search for a deep and meaningful way to help people in need partnership and the people of Haiti. - From Haiti, Jennifer Johnson. 12/09/2009

Only a week away..

2009-11-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

In a week, my feet will be in new soil, no more familiar roads or cars .. this will be my first trip outside of America..besides the roads through Canada...which still seem familiar to me. I have heard everyones wishes, concerns and worries. I do appreciate the love that they share..and also hope that they share the wishes and dreams I have for the people in Haiti. I believe that if we all play apart in the growth, dreams and future of these people ..then it will stop the hunger, help them develope and procede with their dreams and goals for their future and help them rebuild what was lost. I do believe in this or I would not play a part. I feel that there needs to be more people helping, supporting and volunteering in Haiti to help rebuild and rid the hunger crisis that they are faced with every day. I wish that people would pray for those that are in poverty, pray for those people who are volunteering to strengthen the souls of the people and pray for the children who have to be torn from their family and put into slavery. I wish you would pray that my trip will be a success, and believe in me and the work I will succeed at there in Haiti...this is what I wish for ..for this holiday season..and I pray that everyone will have a heart for those less fortunate then yourselves, and try to give with all your heart..open the doors of your heart and see the beauty inside... my thoughts and deepest wishes for the holidays to all. Sincerely, Jennifer

2009-11-23T21:14:00.001-08:00

Hello and Welcome to my blog

2009-11-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hello. My name is Jennifer. I started this blog to document and video my trip and to shed light on the situations imposed on the people, as well as my work in Haiti with PINP.I will be having in Haiti. My trip to Haiti will start on December 6th, 2009. I will be updating posts, pictures and videos ;as often as possible. I do want to share with the viewers and followers that I am worried.. and at the same time excitingly anticipating this trip. I feel that we all need to help those in poverty in anyway possible. I heard warnings the other day...like: Don't go outside after 6pm, watch your feet when walking anywhere, Talk softly in the slums, out of respect?..and a few other important hints. I do want my viewers and followers to keep in mind that I have never left America, except two trips through Canada to return to Alaska and if you can count Hawaii?? not exactly..so my main hope is to be able to find out what the people need for their futures, ways to help PINP , work with the staff for PINPO and to see for own eyes the situations effecting Haitian people, their culture and most importantly their future. This is your personal invitation to follow me through a nation that has so many beautiful people, in serious life threatening living conditions. I hope that it helps bring awareness to the situations that PINP is working hard to resolve, and hopefully there is a moment when it connects you with someone that you will see, and personally want to start a relationship with , and if you feel that you are ready to make a relationship with someone from a different place then yours and help build that relationship with a child slave, mother with starving children or to help a child go to school , this is a way to personally start a partnership- a friendship ; please visit, www.peopleinneed.org . I also would like to mention that my partner is Naser Gardy, I have been his partner since May. I have received letters, video's and we have built a strong friendship from such a distance apart..the beautiful thing that is going to happen is - we will meet face to face for the first time. I will be posting video's and picture's as often as I possible can..which makes me excited to finally have the chance to meet him. Welcome to my blog. I hope you join me on my journey to understanding poverty , helping PINP and seeing a real meeting of true partnership.

If you have any questions, comments or are interested in learning more about PINP and ways to help please contact me directly at: genisenow@hotmail.com . Thank you for looking at my blog today.

2009-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00