In Haiti I shall stay....

Where do I begin…?

I would like to first apologize to everyone, between working on my projects and the limited phone/internet service it has been extremely difficult for me to communicate not only with my family and friends, but also to keep my blog update. I would like to first inform you all that I will be staying in Haiti. I have encountered several volunteer/career opportunities that I feel are a perfect match to my goals in life… helping others.

I’ve noticed that the small things in life are so meaningful. I have done things I’ve never imagined I would do, I have seen things I have never imagined I would seen, but when I lay my head down at night my mind is at peace… Haiti is unlike any other place I have been… Before coming to Haiti I heard several things about the violence and the poverty, but the key word is “heard”… Haiti is an amazing country with amazing people. It is a country filled with rich culture and deep roots. It is a country that needed the rest of the world to see its potential… and that’s exactly what I saw when I arrived. The Haitian people have the ambition to rebuild their country and to create opportunity…

I have been working at an orphanage in Leogane. This orphanage was built in 1981 and has been functionally successfully ever since. There are currently over 80 children here, some whose parents past away before the earthquake, some who’s past away due to the earthquake and others who were left there unclaimed and unwanted. Each child has his/her unique story, but better yet they each have a unique personality. Regardless of the hardships they encounter they are always smiling… which gives me life every day. There are about 12 staff members that maintain and control the orphanage, but the amazing part about all of the staff is that they were all previous orphans living at the orphanage. They understand the struggle and provide these children with as much as they, with the little they have… I ask God to bless their lives every day.

The Earthquake destroyed the whole orphanage (See pictures) and killed several children as well. Unfortunately, the building collapsed killing several children. Others were pulled out by the staff and some of the older children, some with minor injuries and others with major injuries. I am going to continue to work here and provide my support and services to the children and to the staff. I feel welcomed here and now feel as if this is a new home for me. Each day I have to travel to other cities I find myself missing all the kids, wondering if they are ok…

Mudha and Mosctha are currently working on an emergency plan proposal to acquire the funds and materials to move the children to a safer location with more efficient resources. We were able to send the proposal to several different banks and organizations. Since this is an emergency proposal we are looking to obtain the most necessary items: Tents, beds, sheets, blankets, clothes, shoes, medication and educational items for the children to continue learning. If you are interested in donating please contact me at elenabargo@yahoo.com

Thank you all for your support! And please continue to keep Haiti in your prayers…