LiveDifferent and Aguas Negra Prepare for WestJet’s Arrival

The WestJet Hero Holiday journey begins!

Today’s the day! After months of planning, fundraising and much anticipation, 50 WestJetters are converging on Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to begin our WestJet Hero Holiday journey.

Hampers of Hope 2011

On our Hero Holidays, LiveDifferent volunteers partner with families and communities to start a momentum that drives them towards a better life – one full of purpose and hope. We build homes, schools, and offer free medical care to communities. As each year passes, we enjoy visiting the families we have worked with, and are always told with a warm welcome that “Mi casa es tu casa” (my home is your home). For the past two years, we have given all of our LiveDifferent volunteers the chance to give a Christmas gift of groceries and supplies to each family who received a home that year. Last year we enjoyed the surprise of each family when we arrived with a hamper overflowing with food and gifts, but this year we went for something a little different…a shopping spree! We thought, why not take all of the women from each house shopping and let them pick out all the groceries they really needed for their families? It would be a fun day, and besides, what woman doesn’t love a shopping spree?

So, we met the Moms, along with some dads or older children, at Supermercado Jose Luis and sent them off shopping. They were so excited! Armed with lists and calculators they took off down the isles. As they shopped I chatted with some of the women. Many if not all told me that they had never been able to spend this amount on groceries. They would often spend around 200 Pesos ($4.50 CND) a day, and buy small things like rice and beans to feed their families. As I was speaking to Angel Domingues (Father to the family of a home built by the Ontario Home Builder’s Association) he told me that this was his first time even being in a supermarket. He was close to 60yrs old! He said that he and his family only visited the little corner stores in their community of Nuevo Renacer (formally Augas Negras). He and his son, Chicquito, pushed their cart around, amazed at the amount of food on the shelves. When it came time to check out they didn’t know how to load up their groceries on the conveyor belt and giggled like little school girls when the cashier turned the belt on to bring their groceries forward. I get hit with many reality checks as we work in the communities in Dominican Republic and Haiti and this was one of them. I grew up going to the grocery store. I have vague memories of sitting in the child seat getting pushed around the store and reaching as far as I could to try and sneak a bag of Oreos into the cart before my Mom would notice. It is a luxury that I just had figured was a part of everyone’s life. I was wrong. Next time you walk through a grocery store, stop and try to imagine being there for the first time in your life. Look at all of that food, and try to picture the thoughts that must have been racing through Angel’s head. Let your heart be full of gratitude and be thankful for the privilege of being able to do a weekly ‘chore’ like grocery shopping.

As we spent time with our Hero Holiday families, we also took some time to see how each family was doing – to ask them what changes their new house has brought to their lives, any memories of the teams that built their homes, and if they had any future plans. Here is what they shared with us:

Christmas 2010 Family: Agagpito, Noelia, Jalyssa, Anfernie.
Noelia says, “When we see the clouds coming in we used to be afraid but we are no longer afraid of them because we know our home will stay dry. We have a much better roof and a higher house. Sometimes when it use to rain we could not tell if we were inside or out but not any more. Our family is more at peace. I remember that just before we found out that we were getting a new house I had to have heart surgery. I was concerned that going back to my old house would be unhealthy for my healing process. But instead I got to recovery in a new house and it was much more comfortable. Currently Jalyssa is in the Nuevo Renacer school. Anfernie will be attending again in the fall. I plan to go back to school to be a nurse and learn other languages”.

February 2011 St Louis Travel Club. Family: Garcia and Lucia Verinoez and their daughters Marcel and Meilini
Lucia says, “Life is good now that we live in our new house. Our girls do not get as sick as often. We love having a bathroom in the house and that we do not have to bother our neighbours to use theirs. My house use to flood with the small creek behind my house but now that our home is raised and has proper walls I no longer worry about this. I remember the team working so hard on our new house. I remember the kindness that they showed to me and my family. Plus all their hugs! Please tell the team that the tears I cried at the House Dedication ceremony were tears of joy. My husband and I still speak of how grateful we are for the new house. My hope is that my daughters are now able to finish school”.

February 2011 St Louis Travel Club. Family: Janny, Ambioly, and their son Kendry (2)
Janny says, “My family is happy in their new home. We feel much more content and I am expecting our second child. I am 7 months pregnant and am happy that my new baby will not have a house with a dirt floor or water in it from the rain. I remember the team’s friendly faces. I want my children to live in peace and happiness. I want them to be educated and able to take care of me when I am old and not able to provide for myself”.

July #1 2011 – Arroyo Seco. Family: Ana & Martin Martinez. Their Children: Josue (22), Raoul (20), Elisaou (20), Golda (19), Jose Luis (18), Victor (16), Anaily (12), Mailine (7)
Ana says, “My family is much more happy in our new home. We love having a bathroom. When it use to rain we had to cover our roof with tarps and plastic bags. Now the house stays dry and we don’t have the extra work. I remember the group being so happy to be there working. My family loved to watch them and visit with them. They worked so hard. It is good that Canadians come to the DR to help, I thank God for them. I hope that my children continue their education and find good jobs. Raoul drives a moto taxi and the 3 youngest are attending the Arroyo Seco School”.

July #1 2011 – Arroyo Seco. Family: Ramone & Yohany. Children: Janilly (19) & Alexandra (14)
Yohany says, “Our family use to worry when it use to rain or storm. Our stuff would get wet and ruined all the time because of water damage. Now we feel safe and dry and do not worry about any rain or storms. I loved having the group here”. Alexandra said, “I always remember the Hero Holiday groups building the school. The teams that came made me feel special. I now get to go to school there”. Yohany would like to get a job as a cleaning lady so she can help support her family. Currently Ramone is the only source of income as he works at the city hall as a janitor.

July #1 2011 – Nuevo Renacer. Dila Family: Christino, Antonia and their son, Robert
Robert did not have as many words for these question as he did tears. He did say, “the thought of having to bail out my house again makes me cry because I no longer need to worry about this. My parents and I have been through many tough times and I am glad that they do not have to worry for the rain any longer. I remember the house dedication ceremony and all the people that were there. We was happy for the cake and all the gifts for my family. I thank God for sending the group to build for my family. Because I have no birth certificate or money it is tough for me to go to school. I do plans to learn more English and continue to educate myself”.

July #1 2011 – Nuevo Renacer. Family: Angela and Alfredo. Their children: Oscari (21), Caroline (18), Jamie (18), Darli (18), Jaroline (1)
Carolines says, “I am so happy that water does not flood our house anymore. Our old home was too small. Now we have more space. The walls of our old house had holes in them and so we could not keep the rats out but now we do not worry about this any longer. It was excellent to see how hard and well the team worked together. They had a lot of fun too! A lot of people in this community cannot afford to build their houses and having teams like yours come really is making a difference. My parents hope to build a second floor onto their house as us children start families of our own”.

July #2 2011 – Nuevo Renacer. Family: Juan & Jennifer. Their children: Jaden & Jaden Lee
Jennifer says, “Our home use to get wet every time it rained. My old house was falling down and I use to fear that it would collapse on us as we slept or when it stormed. We now have our own washroom and I do not have to bother my in-laws to use theirs all time. Both Juan and I are more relaxed and proud of our new house. I remember the team being very good to my children. I laugh when I remember them painting the walls and each other. I am so happy that the team came all the way to the Dominican Republic to help my family. I would someday like to finish university. I want my children to go to school and be educated. I hope Jaden plays baseball and that Jaden Lee can learn many languages”.

July #2 2011 – Nuevo Renacer. Castillo Family: Carlito & Erika. Their children: Jeremy (13), Alexander (17), Angelina (11), Carlo Alberto (7)
Erika says, “This new house has changed my family’s life 100%. We use to get sick very often from the dirty water and now we are much more healthy. Our house is dry and safe. When strong storms used to come we would have to leave our home for a stronger place. I use to worry and wonder what I would come back to. Now we can stay safe and dry in our own home and have others come and stay with us. I remember the team working together on my new house. I still cherish the gifts they gave is. It was a blessing to have the team travel all that way to give her family a new house. All of my children are in school but I hope that they all go to university and have bright futures”.

Boston Pizza Foundation August 2011. Family: Angelo & Angelina. Their children: Derelli (4), Angeli (1).
Angelina says, “Since moving into our new home everything has changed. We are now dry when it rains. Derelli is doing much better and is healthier too. The family does not get sick anymore and is much more healthy. I am now 4 months pregnant and am happy to bring my new child into a safe nice home. I remember the team working very hard. I am very thankful that they would come all this way to help my family. I hope that they are blessed as much as they have blessed us. I hope that each of my children have a better life and get a good education”.

Boston Pizza Foundation August 2011. Family: Ramone & Maria. Their children: Rachell (4), Marisol (2)
Maria says, “My family is happy and the change in our lives is BIG. We and all our belongings use to get wet every time it rained. The dampness of the house us to make us all sick all the time. I am proud of her new home and love taking care of it. I remember the team working together and that they didn’t care about anything, they just wanted to help. I respect that they left their home to give my family a new one. It is a blessing to have teams like them come to the Dominican Republic. Their help has truly changed my family’s life. I hope to some day move to a middle class community. I would like to get a job and go back to university. I want to bring an income into my family and see my children be educated professionals”.

Boston Pizza Foundation August 2011. Family: Girserda. Her children: Daisy (17), Miquelito (6)
Girserda says, “I have continued to receive treatments towards my medical issues and I am seeing some improvements but dealing with inflammation still. My family is happy in our new home. I am proud of my home and I think it is beautiful. I am so happy that when it rains I do not have to worry. I loved having the team in the community and seeing my house built. The processes made me hopeful. I was so happy to meet all the Canadians. Both my children are in school and Daisy would like to go to university. My husband died in 2005 but I would like to find a good husband again someday who can help me support my family.”

OHBA Simcoe County Team October 2011. Domingues Family: Angel & Angela. Their children: Chicquito (19), Manuel (30)
Manuel says, “Our old home was bad. The wood was rotten and the rains would fall in through the holes in the roof and leak up through the street. Now we do not worry about the rain and are much happier and healthier. (Laughs) I remember one man on the team painting or smooth coating and calling himself “Picasso”. We had lots of fun with the team and I remember them working hard but laughing a lot. I hope the team is blessed for all they have done for my family. This new home has changed our lives. I have a jewelry making shop in my room. I make them for a store. I hope to one day have my own store. I hope that both Chicquito and I can make enough money to support my parents as they grow old”.

OHBA Heathwood / Mikey Team October 2011. Family: Luisa & Diogene. Their children: Raoul (27), Brenda (19), Jenny (14), and Kimberely (7)
Brenda says, “My family is much happier in our new house. We feel more organized and have moved in all our belongings. This new house is much larger then our last house so we do not feel as crowded. When it use to rain, our house and things use to get wet but now we are safe and dry. I am not embarrassed to have friends over too. I was really impressed by how hard the team worked, especially the women. They did not care about getting dirty. I hope that the team continues to help others. Jenny wants to be a teacher someday and have 3 children. I would like to work as an administrator and have 3 kids as well. Raoul wants to have a family & wife and to support them well. Kimberely is currently attending the school in Nuevo Renacer”.

OHBA South Western Swingers October 2011: Maria, Fior, and their mom Laura
Maria says, “Us girls are very happy in our new home and feel very comfortable. We are glad to be in a house that we own and do not have to pay rent any longer. The house has more space and I feel free to be able to paint more pictures again. I loved seeing the team work hard but well together. They did such a good job and set a good example for the Dominicans working or helping on the project. Thank you so much to the team for traveling so far from their homes to help my family. I am currently a teacher at the Nuevo Renacer school. I speak a bit of English and hope to make it better. I am excited to get married in September. Fior is finishing school and is studying to be a teacher too.”

OHBA Marz Team October 2011. Family: Masamina (grandmother), Fabio Huma & Jose Lynn. Fabio’s children: Christopher (7), Miguel (6), Angel Luis (5 months)
Fabio says, “Everything has changed for my family. We have more happiness. Our old house had so many problems and I spent a lot of time and money trying to fix them. Now everything is good and I am free to do other things. I would have loved to have been able to give my family a new house but could not afford it. For this reason, I am grateful for all the things the team gave my family and we will take really good care of them. I remember speaking Spanish with one for the team members. My family and I had a lot of fun and laughed a lot with the team. I feel that Canadians have good hearts and I am thankful that they came to help our community. Our happiness was encouraged by seeing them care for the people of the Dominican Republic. It is incredible tto see how God has taken care of my family. I have designed and installed metal canopies for houses. It helps to keep the rain off the house. I have even put a small one on my new house (shows me and it looks pretty good!). I hope to one day make more and sell them in a shop. I want my children to complete school and become professionals.”

OHBA Brantford Team October 2011. Family: Enelda & Miguel. Their children: Andre (11), Grisneri (5)
Enelda says, “My family is happy in their new house. We take pride in it and have even added paint and a design to the outside of the house to make it more beautiful. There is a lot more space in our new house. My old house was lower to the ground and had very little air flow. This use to make it fell too hot and hard to breath. But in our new home, we have a nice breeze and it feels more open. I remember the Canadian children on the team who helped work on the house with their parents. My family still has all the souvenires that were given as gifts. I remember Miguel and I crying tears of joy at the house dedication ceremony. I was also worried that day because it was raining and all the mud that was tracked into her new house. I was scared it was not going to all come off. I pray that my family stays healthy so we can enjoy our future together. I want my children to finish school and become professionals”.

OHBA ON-Tarions October 2011. Family: Luz Maria. Her Children: Amboli (24) & Maria (23). Their children: Deangeli (10), Lou de Carmen (7), Andreanna (2)
Luz Maria says, “ I have set up my new home and love to keep it very clean. I am so proud of my new fridge and stove. I have a nice breeze that goes through my house and keeps the temperature cool. We all feel much more safe and happy in our new house. We no longer need to deal with the rain, rats, and mold. I was very emotional seeing the Canadian team working so hard on my house. It is a very good thing that they would come to help my family. They have changed our lives for the better. Someday I would like to have a business selling clothes to help contribute to the family. Right now I will continue to help to take care of the children while their parents work. Amboli drives a moto concho and the two oldest boys are in school”.

18 families in the Dominican Republic have brand new houses thanks to all our volunteers and their hard work! Thank you to all the supporters who made our 2011 year such a success. I hope you can all some someday share in the experience of giving a family this kind of happiness. Join us in 2012 or even 2013 on a Hero Holiday.

The Faces of Dominican Republic

Our life is full of faces. Faces that in our society pass us by. How often do we see the faces that pass us by? It seems as if we are so focused on where we are going and putting one foot in front of the other, that we often forget where our foot is in a specific moment.

Here in the rural areas of Domincan Rebuplic, I often find myself looking down at my feet, for multiple reasons. At first, it was a foot full of concrete followed by a complaining thought. But what makes me look up at the face in front of me is when I see the people of this society running though the  dirt streets, cluttered with garbage in bare feet, and the realization that my concrete covered shoes can’t be described as anything other than fabulous. When I look up to a smiling face in front of me, it is one that I can not forget, and with that smile, the only person you feel sad for becomes yourself. For as I sit here ad listen to some debatable karaoke music and a slightly sore back, if those are my only complaints, there is really nothing to complain about!

The people I have met in this nation I often find myself troubled to feel sad for, for they are always smiling. It causes you to consider if possibly love can be a greater power than we believe. You hear words of happiness- and not just words, but voices. Specific voices, coming from a specific face,  coming from a specific identity. These people are not a statistic, they are individual identities, named Migueal, Anniette, and Klara. Along with their faces and voices you find joy and faith.

Last night as we had the privilege of taking part in multiple Haitian weddings, where they sang a prayer. A prayer that brought tears to my eyes. Although these tears were not brought on because it was a prayer of despair or complaint, it was the pure happiness that caused me to wipe my eyes. If it is possible to feel energy within a room, this room would not have been able to collect it all. Not because we were in a small room, but the energy and joy was too imense for even an NFL football stadium! As tears started in swell in my eyes, it was hard to think of a happier moment, because their happiness was all you could hear. To find out that the prayer was not only a prayer for them but a prayer for us, was truly warmed my heart. The fact that a stranger I just met has taken that time out of their day to put thought into my well being is astonishing because I come from a society that often screens phone calls from their own family members.

As we toasted the brides and grooms, I realized that their faces are more engraved in my mind than the students I pass each day at university. I think this is because you see happiness. Among hardships, there is always a smiling face waiting for you to come along here: to embrace you and welcome you to their home. To show you their pig, which brings them more pride than any owner of a flat screen TV at home. But maybe it’s because the pig even seemed happy. And why shouldn’t he, he is alive and loved. Really, what more do you need?

~Megan, D.R. Hero Holiday Volunteer

Dominican Medical Trip – Second Clinic

Today was our 2nd medical clinic and as far as we were concerned it was a great day! We started our day off at the registration table which was perfect for use since we got to meet all of the patients. It was an eye opening experience all around, but especially when we meet our little friend, Johnny. He decided to hangout with us all morning at our station and showed us no emotion, and nothing we did could make him smile. We made him a little paper airplane and although he showed no signs of gratitude, he would not let it go.

Closer to the end of the day Johnny finally spoke to us, and all he could say was, “I’m hungry”. It was disheartening to think that everyday we slide food off our plates into the garbage because we’re full, or throw out a banana because it is bruised. Especially when there are children like Johnny who are hungry and suffer from malnutrition because they are only able to eat once a day and the meal generally consists of rice & beans (and loaded with salt).

Halfway through the clinic the time came for use to switch stations and our new position was taking vitals. Within minutes the language barrier became evident. We were trying so hard to explain, “no shoes on the scale” or “open wide and close your mouth for the thermometer”. Luckily for us, two young moms stepped up to the plate and helped us out. It was hard to even explain how beautifully people can work together even when they speak very different languages. In addition it was amazing that these two ladies had such mothering qualities at such a young age.

As the clinic was wrapping up we were able (via an interpreter) to talk to our helpers more and learn about their personal lives. One of the young moms was only 13 years old and pregnant with her first child. She aspired to be a nurse, but with their living and financial situation, it was evident that might not be possible. It opened our eyes to the idea that we often take advantage of our education opportunities, and that because of poverty, people that could possibly cure cancer or invent a new way to conserve our resources are being held back from accomplishing something great!

All in all we had an amazing and life changing day. We leave with memories that will stick with us forever.

~ Katie and Tanja

Hero Holiday Medical Team and Hurricane Irene

Today was very gut wrenching! (to say the least). As some of you may know, Hurricane Irene hit the coast of the Dominican Republic last night (August 22nd). While all of our team members stayed safe and sound in the resort, which is a strong cinder block structure built to withstand hurricanes, we couldn’t help but think of many of the families in the community of Neuvo Renacir where we’d been working.

These families live in conditions that are difficult at the best of times, and during hurricane season, many of them lose or sustain serious damage to their homes. As we compared stories in the morning, the team found that most of us did not sleep because the rain, wind, and waves were so loud. I myself kept thinking about what it would be like to be a mother with children in either Nuevo Renacir or La Union, villages where many of the houses are made of wood and metal scraps fashioned together that simply cannot withstand extreme weather. It would have been truly frightening.

This morning our team leaders thought it would be better that we all stay in while people were cleaning up the streets and any power lines that had fallen. We cancelled the clinic we had scheduled for the day, as most people were not in the frame of mind to attend it, as they were more focused on cleaning up the streets and their homes.

In the afternoon we headed over to the village of Nuevo Renacir to see how we could help. Most of the community was fine and the rain water had receded but as we turned the corner to get the ocean all you could see was garbage and debris everywhere. Some of the houses we had seen just three days ago were half gone. The waves were still really big too, most of us got splashed once or twice by them and got soaked. We divided into two groups and helped to move three families’ belongings out of their destroyed homes and into a dry church around the corner. Everything they owned was wet and dirty. They had all the garbage that was washed in from the storm by the ocean in their houses too.

I got to sit down with the mother of one of the families, Margalina, and asked her how she felt about what had just happened. Margalina, her husband, and two children, have lived in their ‘ocean view’ house in Nuevo Renacir for the past three years. Whenever it rained their house and belongings would all get wet and ruined. There have been times when the waves have gotten close to their home in the past too. She said that the storm had started around 8pm for them, and a cousin later came and got the family to stay in his home during the storm, as it was further away from the water. They did not sleep the entire night because of the noise and fear for their home. Now that their house has been destroyed and all their belongings damaged, Margalina seemed like she was in shock, and yet said that the family plans to fix and clean the house and move back in when it is ready.

Our team also spent some time moving large logs, rocks, tires, and other debris that the ocean had washed ashore in order to build breaks so the waves would not wash up into the homes even more. Water logged branches are heavy!! By the time we left the waves were being held at bay. I am so proud of our team, they worked their butts off!!! On the bus ride home everyone was pretty sober. One team member, Alex, had this to say:

We all struggled to hold back tears as we transferred anything salvagable to a church near by. Were are fortunate enough to be able to return to a comfortable hotel after a few hours of work but the people of Nuevo Renacir never have that option.

Hero Holiday is committed to the community of Nuevo Renacir, and while we are happy to say that all of the homes we built this summer are still standing safe and strong after Hurricane Irene, there are so many other families in this village who constantly live at risk of devastation by natural disasters such as this. The silly thing is that it’s entirely preventable. If families have homes that are well-built, with proper materials, and are located far enough away from shore, they would be able to avoid all but the most extreme catastrophes.

Hero Holiday is determined to give the people of Neuvo Renacir that chance. Right now, we’re going to do what we can to meet the immediate needs of this community as they clean up and salvage what is left. But we will continue to build homes for deserving families in this town so that they won’t have to face the next hurricane in fear, and we need your help to do it! Please consider supporting us by clicking on the ‘donate’ button above, or think about attending a Hero Holiday trip yourself! You can bring hope, love, and change to this community!

– Nettie Brown, Hero Holiday Adminstrator

Dominican Medical Trip – Second Medical Clinic

Today was our 2nd medical clinic and as far as we were concerned it was a great day! We started our day off at the registration table which was perfect for use since we got to meet all of the patients. It was an eye opening experience all around, but especially when we meet our little friend, Johnny. He decided to hangout with us all morning at our station and showed us no emotion, and nothing we did could make him smile. We made him a little paper airplane and although he showed no signs of gratitude, he would not let it go.Closer to the end of the day Johnny finally spoke to us, and all he could say was, “I’m hungry”. It was disheartening to think that everyday we slide food off our plates into the garbage because we’re full, or throw out a banana because it is bruised. Especially when there are children like Johnny who are hungry and suffer from malnutrition because they are only able to eat once a day and the meal generally consists of rice & beans (and loaded with salt).Halfway through the clinic the time came for use to switch stations and our new position was taking vitals. Within minutes the language barrier became evident. We were trying so hard to explain, “no shoes on the scale” or “open wide and close your mouth for the thermometer”. Luckily for us, two young moms stepped up to the plate and helped us out. It was hard to even explain how beautifully people can work together even when they speak very different languages. In addition it was amazing that these two ladies had such mothering qualities at such a young age.As the clinic was wrapping up we were able (via an interpreter) to talk to our helpers more and learn about their personal lives. One of the young moms was only 13 years old and pregnant with her first child. She aspired to be a nurse, but with their living and financial situation, it was evident that might not be possible. It opened our eyes to the idea that we often take advantage of our education opportunities, and that because of poverty, people that could possibly cure cancer or invent a new way to conserve our resources are being held back from accomplishing something great!All in all we had an amazing and life changing day. We leave with memories that will stick with us forever.~ Katie and Tanja

Dominican Medical Trip – First Medical Clinic

We woke up this morning a tad anxious but full of excitement about our first clinic of the trip. Knowing that we only had a certain amount of time to be able to run our first clinic, we left the resort with determination so we could be back with ample time before the weather started turning bad. This clinic’s location was a new one to Hero Holiday and was somewhat more remote than what previous trips had experienced. The community members were predominately Haitian, which created an excitement in our team as some of them are bilingual in French and could converse with some of the patients. The day started off smoothly with a little rain and because of our organizational skills plus the respect, positive attitude, and patience of our staff and the patient’s, our first clinic was a success. The community was very gracious for the medcine that they received, while the children got to enjoy the company and fun that our team was only too happy to give! The children loved the stickers and suckers they got after seeing the doctor (some things are the same in all cultures!).We would have loved to keep the clinic open all day but due to the weather we had to head back to the resort early. However, this didn’t stop the overwhelming help, hope, and appreciation that we exchanged with this Haitian community. ~ Megan, Emily, and Amanda

Boston Pizza Final Day – Happiness and Bright, Cheerful Paint!

Today we were so excited to go back to the homes we worked on, as after we leave every day the contractors work on the houses for about 3 more hours and we never know what they will have accomplished in our absence. This was our final day to work on the houses and we knew that we would be painting … the families had picked the colours of the outside and inside of the houses the day before and once we got there it was like opening a present to see the colours that we would painting the walls. All the colours in the Dominican are so bright and cheerful so we couldn’t wait to see the beautiful colours that would put the finishing touch on their home.Starting the day we filled up our water bottles, loaded up our backpacks, and jumped on the truck for the ride to Augas Negras. When we arrived we checked out the progress that had been made on the homes – once again we were amazed at how much was accomplished … the houses were ready to be painted! We each went into our homes and discovered the paint cans waiting to be opened, the brushes, rollers and trays. Before we could get started we had to sand down the walls… we were given a quick demonstration – go out and find a rock or piece of cement that is flat and in a circular motion go over everything that is going to be painted – who knew you could use cement to sand cement? Next – how to open the paint cans? We were handed a nail – and to our surprise it worked perfectly! With no stir sticks it was important to shake the can before we opened it. Since the floors were already finished and painted – we asked about drop cloths – this brought a smile to their face and we were told to look for cardboard, cement bags or plastic out and about the job site that we could use… and it is amazing at how creative you can be when needed, and it works out just fine. When we did get any paint on the floor it was important to wipe it up right away…from house two there was frequent cries for “Michelle” to come running with the sponge and water to clean up yet another paint drop on the floor!Throughout the day the crowds at the worksite increased…everyone was so excited to see the final product. The daughter that is going to live in one of the homes with her Mom and younger brother kept coming in the house and talking to her friends through the windows. She helped by holding the paint can and kept saying “Gracias” – she is so happy. Her family will live in this house – two rooms plus a bathroom – in total the house is about 20′ x 15′ – and they couldn’t be happier!The day went by so fast, and before we knew it, it was time to pack up and leave. We were so close to being done – two coats on all the walls and the outside of the house. What a transformation! the bright colours made such a difference…these buildings were now homes and ready to be moved into. None of us wanted to leave until the job was done, yet off we went, trusting that the contractors would finish the job just like they had done all week.Tomorrow we will be furnishing the homes, dedicating them to the families and celebrating with the community – what an amazing day it will be!Jacquie & Kathie

Boston Pizza Day 4 – Making Friends in the Garbage Dump

Last nights’ debriefing, unbeknownst to us, was an excellent preparation for today’s experience at the garbage dump. Talking about the sights, sounds and smells was one thing, but actually experiencing was something else. With anxious anticipation we loaded into the back of our open-aired truck, and bumped over the dirty and dusty road. No matter how bad we thought our ride was, it couldn’t compare to the daily walk for those who work at this dump site, as their only means of income.Coming face to face with the task at hand for the morning, we were partnered with many Haitian workers, who tenaciously survive in the midst of this wasteland. I was given the privilege of being partnered with a Haitain woman who welcomed me to join her in search of plastic bags and bottles amongst the rubbish. I now understand the true meaning of “one mans trash is another man’s treasure”. While they are paid practically nothing to collect recyclables, finding a bag of beans, a ripped packsack, or matching shoes brought them just as much hope. As we worked our way through the mounds of garbage, ripping bags, choosing or discarding contents, we began to converse in broken, Creole/French/Spanish – simple words to connect our lives, “Como se Llama?”, “Des enfants? Combien?” While our lives are not comparable, we discovered similarities in our different worlds. We worked companionably together sifting through the trash, deep in stench and buzzing flies, whacking the rumps of the rummaging cattle to clear them off the better piles of offerings. Once we had our bags filled, we would head up the small hill on the outskirts of the dump, where each of the workers made their own personal piles for the day. At one point Roslyn took my hand and led me to a place where she and 3 other women had made a great find – a very large bag of white beans which they gladly shared with each other.Many of us left the site barefoot and hatless, as our socks, shoes and hats were the only material things we felt we could offer under the immediate circumstances. Smiles and tears were shed on the silent bus ride home. After an emotionally draining morning we set off on any afternoon hike to a beautiful waterfall. The day finished up with an evening of kareoke making us mindful of how lucky we are.Cheryl