The distance between Florida and Haiti is approximately 838 miles. Those 838 miles make all the difference in the world though. Having been back in the United States for just under a week, I’ve been really cognizant of this.  We are so close together yet so different.

My first day back I turned on the shower and was immediately aware of how much water pressure there is in my shower. I had nothing to complain about in our hotel in Cap Haitien, in fact I loved it. However, the water pressure in the shower was more of a sprinkle than a shower. It got the job done but it was not what we are used to.

Later as I drove around town, I became aware of how clean and empty the streets were. There was still traffic but there were no close calls. No pedestrians of motorcycles with misses that were literally inches from my vehicle. There was no trash covering the ground like an unwelcome blanket of snow on a very warm day. There might be an occasional newspaper or bottle here or there, but it definitely was not anything like what we saw in Haiti.

Then there was the harbor. Cap Haitien has a harbor that COULD be beautiful. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Instead it is harbor full of sunken boats, garbage, and unrealized potential. As I drove through Huntington Harbor the difference couldn’t have been more stark.

Haiti is an absolutely beautiful country. There are some absolutely beautiful scenes and locations that look like they are straight of a movie. Then right next to it are areas scattered with litter and debris. It is amazing to me at how much of a difference can be found just within the country. Then move less than a thousand miles away to the United States and things are even more different. Technology is different. Transportation is different. Lifestyles are completely different.

Haiti is a country that seems to not be able to catch a break. However, there are organizations like the Reliv Kalogris Foundation that continue to make a difference, one person at a time. As they help one person at a time, they are bringing hope and change to this country. I only hope that someday all of these little seeds of hope will grow into something that helps Haiti realize its potential and help the people of Haiti live happier and healthier lives.

About Post Author

Robert A. Laird

Robert A. Laird is an entrepreneur and also Executive Director - Creative for Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller where he oversees the television show of the same name. He also works with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as it strives to feed starving children around the globe.

robert.laird@dapsmagic.com

http://robertlaird.me

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Today was our last day in Haiti on this See the Change trip with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. The day began with a bit of a break as there wasn’t a formal meeting time for breakfast. Despite this, most of the group ended up down in the dining area around 8:30 for a final meal in Haiti together. Where other mornings we had been offered a breakfast buffet, today we had the opportunity to choose off the menu. Both are fantastic and once again the food was fantastic, as was the coffee. 

Once breakfast was over everyone went back to do some last minute packing and bring their luggage down to check out. Then, it was time to ride aboard a Tap Tap. A Tap Tap is basically a Haitian taxi that is a pickup truck. Generally as you drive around Haiti you see them all over the place, completely packed. Sometimes you will even see people riding on the roof and hanging off the back with the money taking, who stands on the back much like an old school garbage person on the back of a garbage truck. The one we boarded was hired specifically for our group so it wasn’t too packed. Thankfully also the day wasn’t super hot because if it had been a normal Haitian day, I would guess that the ride would have been quite uncomfortable. 

The Tap Tap was hired to take us to St. John the Baptist School in Petite Anse. This is right next to the children’s home in Petite Anse where we had visited on Sunday. The ride over was definitely an adventure. As we started out, everyone was commenting on what a lovely day it was. Soon we found ourselves in the middle of town on a not so clean road in a traffic jam. It was caused by a big truck that seemed to be having difficulty navigating the narrow and full road. This definitely set us back quite some time and shortened our time for the school but it also gave us the true Haiti experience. I can only imagine the frustration of all the Tap Taps that were stuck on that dirt road through down town as that truck basically just stopped traffic in both directions for quite some time. 

The truck finally found its way off the road and traffic resumed and we made our way to the school. Once we arrived, we found most of the children sitting on benches under a tree just outside of the school waiting for us. As we walked up, they sang a welcome song. This song seems to be fairly common in Haiti as I have heard it at other schools before. It is very sweet every time I hear it though and the children were very cute. They also had a program for us to show their appreciation to the support of the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. 

Music, comedy, poems, and even a brief skit were all a part of the program that the children put together for us. The principle was very gracious and thankful to us for visiting and also for our support. She also stressed that the words spoken and the music sung were all representative of how the children felt, and not just something the teachers told them to do. It made the performances even more precious. Originally the plan was to finish the morning with them by handing out shakes but because of the traffic jam, there was sadly only time for the program. I have a feeling the program ran longer than was expected as well. All of that was ok though because it really was a precious time with kids who may not know us, but loved us just the same. 

Kids who attend St. John the Baptist School live in some of the most impoverished part of Cap Haitien in Petite Anse. They can’t afford school books. They can’t afford notebooks. They can’t afford school. The state pays for the teachers salaries but nothing else. This school offers these children a shot at education that they just wouldn’t be able to have any other way. The only thing families have to do is pay for their uniforms. With the help of the school and the Reliv Kalogris Foundation they are getting hope for a future with their education and with their health from the products that are distributed. Seeing those happy faces eagerly looking up at us as we arrived really was an incredible validation to the work that we support with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. 

Saying goodbye is never an easy thing. As we said goodbye to the kids at the school, we were also beginning the process of saying goodbye to this trip and the Haiti contingent of the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. With lots of hugs, waves, and “au revoirs” we all piled back into the van and soon found ourselves driving back to the airport. The drive seemed quieter than most, probably because everyone was processing the experiences they had this week. 

Arriving at the airport we were warned to grab our bags and get inside as quickly as possible. This proved to be good advice. For the moment the Tap Tap started handing bags out, there was ample local assistance eagerly offering to help bring the luggage the 10 yards to the door. It took a bit of convincing but finally we were able to get them to understand we didn’t want help… mainly by just saying “merci non” over and over while grabbing our bags from them and walking into the airport… Inside, the day of lines began. The process to get through really wasn’t that long or terrible but it was simple. 

Flying out of Cap Haitien is almost like flying from an airport back in time. Once through security and customs, everyone is emptied into a big room full of chairs. There is a row of windows that are probably six feet up, and another row of windows where the second floor would be. The second floor is only on one end of the room though so only a few people can see out of any windows and out onto the tarmac while waiting for their plane to arrive. Our plane ended up being a bit late but there were interesting people to talk to while waiting at the top of the stairs looking out the window. Also, a DC-3 flew in while we waited and that led to some interesting conversations around us as well. 

Our airplane finally arrived and we found ourselves gathering up our bags and preparing to leave Haiti. As we handed our ticket to the agent and walked out onto the tarmac, a local band played music to bid us goodbye. We walked out to the airplane on the tarmac on the same path that we had walked in several days before. Boarding the Airbus A-319 we found ourselves easing away from Haiti and into comforts that in America we often take for granted. The plane had charging ports for phones, screens in every seat, air conditioning, leather seats, and no dust. 

The plane took off just a few minutes late and as we lifted off from Cap Haitien I had to wonder what the future holds for this city and for this nation. Yesterday, while visiting the Cathedral in Cap Haitien Cyril made an interesting observation. In the United States George Washington, our first head of state voluntarily stepped down after 8 years in power. This led to a precedent for peaceful transfers of power in the United States. After Haiti declared independence from France, the leader of Haiti instead declared himself Emperor and made a power grab. Two years later, he was killed. For over 200 years now Haiti has struggled with its leadership. This struggle at the top has not been easy for the people of Haiti. They struggle every day and desperately need help. I’m so thankful to be a part of the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as they help the kids of Haiti, one kid at a time. 

If I heard it correctly, there are 11 million people in Haiti. Many of them are impoverished. The need is incredibly great and can be very overwhelming, especially when you are on the ground and seeing it first hand. However, then you see how the Reliv Kalogris Foundation is feeding kids and the difference it is making one kid at a time and one community at a time, and you realize there is hope. The Muppets sang a song once about all it takes is just one person to believe in you and how the world can be changed that way. I think that is the strength of this Foundation and also its future. If just one person believes and invests $5 a month that feeds one kid per month. Then another person does the same and another kid is fed. 

As that continues to grow, not only are these kids lives changed but also the communities that the grow up in. Who knows, maybe one of these kids will end up being the next Doctor Manno and change the lives of thousands for the better. Or maybe, they will just grow up to be healthy members of Haitian society who have healthy kids, healthy families, and start to help Haiti towards a positive tomorrow. That’s how we can change the future of Haiti for the better. I am looking forward to finding those people who are excited about changing Haiti for the better with me and I can’t wait to continue to return to Haiti and see the change again and again. 

To donate to the Reliv Kalogris Foundation, please visit: relivkalogrisfoundation.org

About Post Author

Robert A. Laird

Robert A. Laird is an entrepreneur and also Executive Director - Creative for Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller where he oversees the television show of the same name. He also works with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as it strives to feed starving children around the globe.

robert.laird@dapsmagic.com

http://robertlaird.me

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Today was the day that was devoted to Haiti. So many of our other days are devoted to Haitians but this day was devoted to Haiti as a nation. It has quite the history and once again we were privileged to have an incredible guide and his wife with us. His knowledge of Haiti and passion for his country really brings a whole new level of appreciation to this country. 

The day began as every other day has begun, breakfast at Le Picolet. It’s such a lovely hotel that is full of personality. Tonight at dinner it was described as a little oasis in Haiti and really that is completely true. The rooms are charming, the lobby is very comfortable and welcoming, and there is this lounge/garden/thing that is absolutely wonderful to spend an evening in. In fact, we have pretty much ended every evening sitting there chatting under the lights and the canopy of trees. Last night, it even started raining as the night was winding up. It is a wonderful location. Back to breakfast though, it was shared again on a long table where we could all eat together. By now, the entire group has a level of comfort and camaraderie that just adds to the richness of this experience. Annie, the new director of the Reliv Kalogris Foundation, was the first one to join me at the table this morning (I’m always there first posting these blogs) and was shocked that she was first and nobody was there yet… until I reminded her that breakfast was 15 minutes later than usual. We had a good chuckle about this and the day was off to a good start. 

After breakfast, we all piled into the van that has been our trusty mode of transportation all week. Cyril and Dominique were our guides for the day and climbed aboard and soon we were off towards the Citadelle and the town of Milot. The road out there is actually very pleasant compared to many of the other treks we had taken this week. For the most part, the potholes were minimal as were the speed bumps (I’m not saying they did not exist). It seemed like in no time we had arrived at Milot and started the climb up the mountain. 

As we left Milot to climb up the mountain it was time to turn off the air conditioning in the van and open the windows. This is a very steep hill to get up to the Citadelle. Just on the outskirts of Milot is the remnants of what was once a palace for King Henri I (better known as Henri Christophe) of Haiti. Heading to the Citadelle, we passed on by this once beautiful palace and continued up the very steep hill. Quite often it felt like if the driver made one little mistake we would find ourselves dropping off a cliff. Thankfully, this didn’t happen though and eventually we made it to the entrance to what is basically the Citadelle national park, to use an American reference. It was at this point we changed modes of transportation. 

Once we had reached the entrance to the Citadelle (but not the Citadelle), it was time to decide how to get up the mountain. There are basically three options: walking, horseback riding, or a Rhino (supercharged off-road golf cart). A couple of people chose walking, a couple went aboard the Rhino, and then still others of us chose the horses. I soon found myself on the back of a beautiful horse that seemed to be younger and in better condition than many of the others. It had lots of energy as we headed up the mountain. This was good because what seemed steep in the van before now paled in comparison. The trip up the mountain was really beautiful and various people appeared along the way playing music or selling the wares. Two guides helped lead the horse up the mountain as well. This was probably a good idea as the trail really wasn’t that wide. It was very steep and often was right on the edge of a cliff. It is a place you don’t want to make a mistake. 

Finally we reached the top of the mountain and the entrance to the Citadelle fortress itself. After a banana from Dominique, our guide Cyril took us in what felt like a back entrance and the tour began. As we toured the Citadelle, we learned about Henri Christophe. We also learned that the Citadelle wasn’t the only fortress built by the freed Haitians but instead one of 22. There were many other lessons and stories told throughout the tour but the biggest take away I had this time around was how connected the Haitian slave revolt was to the French Revolution. I did not realize how the action that happened in France really were directly correlated to what was happening in Haiti. It was also interesting to learn more about how Haiti fit in to the bigger picture of what was then viewed as global politics. I’m definitely going to be reading more about these things upon my return to the United States. 

The tour ended and we made our way back down the mountain. The ride on the horse going down was a bit more exciting than the one going up but it was no problem and it was still definitely a fun adventure. Once at the entrance again we were set upon by lots of vendors looking to grab our attention. We did make our way through the little outdoor shopping area and found a couple of things before heading to the van. Once in the van, the still were trying to sell us thing. I’m not entirely sure if it was amusing or a bit over the top but it all was at least understandable. There really weren’t a lot of tourists there and the vendors seemed almost desperate for just about anything. I have a feeling that it is a case where there is too much supply and little to no demand. One hopes that things will improve but this is definitely one of those things in Haiti that makes you a little bit sad. When you think that a lot of people just make one dollar a day and then think about how much we in America make on a given day… or month… it really makes you wish you could just go and give everyone there a dollar. That wouldn’t be a good idea though as that would most likely set off a riot or something. Shopping done and everyone back in the van, it was time to head down the hill and to stop by the Sans-Souci Palace. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in Haiti I think. It was built by Henri Christophe to basically be his center of government. He built the palace to be able to accommodate all those from his government he would need, even the military. Now it is just ruins and absolutely beautiful! Cyril shared about the history of this complex from above and then we made our way into it. After a brief explanation in front, we had time to explore the ruins before lunch. What is left is basically an instagram photographer’s dream. What is left of the architecture is beautiful and leaves incredible shadows. One could easily spend a LOT of time taking pictures there. However, there were other things to get into the day and we were already behind… I think. 

After enjoying the Sans-Souci Palace, it was time for lunch. We walked into the town of Milot and then through it. We ended up climbing up about a hundred steps into the heart of a cultural center. Throughout the climb, there were paintings and other artistic creations being sold. At the top of the staircase, a Haitian band welcomed us with music as we entered a patio area where our lunch was to be served. The host for this meal was a very charming old man with a beard. He welcomed us to lunch and explained that we would be eating a traditional Haitian meal and that he wanted us to feel at home and basically told us that because we were eating at his house we were now part of his family. It was very charming. 

After this warm welcome we soon found ourselves eating some wonderful Haitian cuisine. The meal included some vegetables, different types of sweet potato, beef, chicken, rice, and some other incredible Haitian things that we have come to enjoy. Following lunch, we were served coffee and some sort of a coconut candy. Both were delicious. The coffee beans for the coffee were grown in our hosts backyard before being roasted and served to us. It was pretty cool realizing we were drinking coffee that basically was from the same place we were drinking it. Oh, and it was absolutely delicious! I would have no problems drinking that coffee every day!

Once lunch was done, it was time to head back to Cap Haitien. There was still more to see and more to do. First sop was the Cathedral in Cap Haitien. This is a beautiful building in the middle of town. We were hoping to tour it but by the time we had arrived, this was no longer possible. So instead we learned about it from Cyril as we stood in the park across the street and admired it. 

Our visit to the Cathedral over, it was time to do some shopping. During previous trips we had stopped at a very small market, however this place was no longer open. Soon we found ourselves right next to the commercial docks in a complex built to be a tourist market. People were very kind there but also pretty insistent that you come and look at what they have to sell. That’s ok though, that’s what we were there for. We made our way through the various booths making it to just about every one of them. I did end up buying a few things but we haggled a bit and got a fair deal. Haggling is absolutely essential in Haiti if you want to get a fair price. The price listed is more than likely way above the actual value of whatever you are trying to buy. The whole haggling thing though is definitely an acquired taste. I now find it to be one of the more enjoyable things to do in Haiti as I continue to grow and get better at it. 

Finally, all our adventures for the day were over and it was time to head back to the hotel… or so we thought. On the way back we also ended up going to the market and getting some vanilla and other little things you can’t get in the USA. The trip was mostly uneventful until we got back into the van and a little old man and what looked like his wife started asking for money or something. We soon found some granola bars to give them. The moment the granola bars came out though… wow, so did everyone else. Suddenly that side of the van had quite a few people all reaching for the granola bars. Thankfully the old man did indeed get his granola bar and I hope it helps him a little bit. 

The rest of the evening was spent in Le Picolet. It was an absolutely wonderful evening. The hotel food is absolutely awesome and I could eat here every day. The company was even more awesome though as we all sat around the table and talked about this trip, future trips, past trips, and basically anything trip related. Scott Montgomery, the Chairman of the Reliv Kalogris Foundation asked an awesome question about what surprised people the most coming to Haiti. The answers were very interesting to hear. The discussion wandered other ways as well but it was all awesome and just a beautiful evening. 

The evening wrapped up as most have, sitting in the corner couch in the garden under the lights and trees. This trip has been an absolutely fantastic trip. While it isn’t quite over yet and we have more to do tomorrow, I do have to marvel at how things have changed so much since the first time I came. The biggest change has probably been my perspective. The Reliv Kalogris Foundation does a LOT of good for a lot of children. There is still a LOT more to do but if one person helps one other person, soon things begin to change as people keep helping people and things grow on each other. I sincerely hope that is what is in store for the Reliv Kologris Foundation. It does far too much good for it to stay at the size it is. In fact, if you’d like to support the Reliv Kalogris Foundation, please visit here: relivkalogrisfoundation.org. It is a most worthy cause and a most needed cause. 

If you have anything else you’d like to know about this trip or what the Reliv Kalogris Foundation does in Haiti and around the world, please feel free to leave me a comment underneath this post as well. 

Tomorrow, we are visiting the St. John the Baptist school in Petite Anse. It is right next to the children’s home that we visited on Sunday when we first arrived. This trip, coupled with Sunday’s, should make for fantastic book ends to the trip. It’s hard to believe that this trip is almost over but it is time to get back and get to work and also support the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. 

About Post Author

Robert A. Laird

Robert A. Laird is an entrepreneur and also Executive Director - Creative for Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller where he oversees the television show of the same name. He also works with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as it strives to feed starving children around the globe.

robert.laird@dapsmagic.com

http://robertlaird.me

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Today was a fantastic day on this trip. As I’m looking at the schedule it really doesn’t seem like we did a lot, but really… we did. The day began again with breakfast here at the hotel, Le Picolet. It’s an absolutely wonderful hotel. It is full of charm and personality and is easily one of my favorite places to stay. Breakfast this morning included the local fruit (amazing), pancakes, ham and cheese omelettes (also amazing), and of course the local Haitian coffee that I love so much. We met for breakfast at 7:15 with the goal of being on the road by 8:00. For the most part people made it to the 7:15 part but the 8:00 thing just didn’t quite happen due to one straggler. 

Finally, after a picture on the stairs at the hotel, we made it on the road. In theory, we were headed for Huat Limbe and the two schools there where there are feeding programs. In practicality though, we were headed somewhere much different. The previous evening Dr. Manno and a few of us had been talking about a church where people would go to have their sins forgiving and then they would go outside and around the corner to double dip, quite literally, in a voodoo pool. From this conversation came the bright idea that we should go to this place. It was definitely an interesting experience. The pool itself was nothing special Interestingly enough, it was walled off and had crosses at either end of the it. Everyone that was there seemed quite serious and while I’m glad I got to see where this was and what it means to people, I don’t know that I would go again. The feeling there was oppressive, heavy, and dark and not what I would consider a “fun” place. However, it did add perspective into the lives of what Haitian people live so that definitely made it interesting. 

Once this mission had been accomplished, it was time to make our way to Haut Limbe. This is the community where Dr. Manno grew up and now resides. His clinic is also there. The drive there is an absolutely beautiful drive as you wind you way up the mountains. The views are stunning. The roads, not so much. Finally as we came down the other side of the mountain we reached Haut Limbe. 

Haut Limbe is a small little village in the midst of what I would call a jungle. The single road running through it is a dirt road with scatter patches of cement… and lots of rock. The houses on either side of the road are made of various materials and as you drive deeper into the community, the jungle seems deeper. Halfway in, at least that is my guess, is Dr. Manno’s home. A quarter of the way in is his clinic. Our time in Haut Limbe started with a brief rest stop at Dr. Manno’s house before we walked up to the local Baptist school, also known as St. Jude’s… in honor of the former principle named Jude. At St. Jude there are a LOT of kids. They are dressed in yellow shirts and are always super excited to see us. As we walked in, most of them were still in class. A few appeared to be on recess and we played with them before making our way through the school on a tour. The tour included a look at the new library and also the “kitchen,” an open room that was used to to mix the Reliv products for the kids. As we arrived up in this kitchen, the chocolate Reliv NOW for Kids was being made for a class. 

After some playtime and business discussion it was time to feed a class. One of the workers there brought down two big five gallon buckets of the shakes to share with a class. Once we were in the class, he started pouring them shakes. Soon, we all got to pour shakes for the students as well and feed them. Each student had their own cup that they were supposed to bring from home. Some didn’t have their own cups and used empty NOW for Kids cans. The kids were VERY excited to get their shakes and it made for a very memorable experience. I think it is easy to take for granted things in the United States. However, when you saw how much these kids loved and appreciated their shakes it would be very hard to take them for granted. 

Following the passing out of the shakes, we hung out with a bunch of students in the playground for a few minutes before leaving. Pictures were taken and then shown, the kids love that. We also just played with the kids and had a wonderful time with these little ones. It really was a lovely morning. Then it was time to head to Emmaus School. 

Emmaus School is really not that far from the Baptist School. It is a teal/green color and has several hundred students there too I believe. We didn’t spend a lot of time there this trip but it did give the opportunity to reconnect with kids we had met before. The principle was very happy to see us there and was very thankful for the work of the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. That is one thing that seems to be consistent everywhere we go. 

Once we had our few moments at Emmaus School, we made our way back through the community and down the hill to Dr. Manno’s clinic. Now this is a clinic that seems to do a lot with very little, as does Dr. Manno. Dr. Manno gave us a tour of the clinic that was absolutely incredible. We got to see the different rooms that have different functions in the clinic. In one room, he introduced us to a boy that looked like he might be 10 or 11. In reality, he was 18 and diabetic… which is a death sentence in Haiti. Dr. Manno explained that if this were anywhere else, just the diabetic testing strips alone would be a day’s wages for one test a day. He also said that once a child is diagnosed as diabetic, they have only a couple of years to live. But, thanks to Dr. Manno this child was not only diagnosed, but also should live a fairly lengthy life. This is due to the fact that this clinic gives kids like this care for free. If I heard what he said correctly, the clinic actually runs behind on budget on a monthly basis. Somehow he makes it work though! There is always a need for more money and more medications it sounds like. And after walking in and seeing a girl heading to town on the back of a motorcycle because she was so sick, this all hit home even harder. 

Conditions in Haiti are very rough. A girl gets very sick and has to be held on the back of a motorcycle to be taken to a clinic. Many kids are dealing with issues that will threaten their life not because of the specific issue, but because they are simply malnourished. Because of these challenges, the mortality rate is much higher than it should be. It really is a tragedy. I’m very thankful that people like Dr. Manno exist to make a difference in the world. 

After the tour of the clinic concluded, we returned to Dr. Manno’s house for lunch. Let me just tell you, it was absolutely delicious. It was all local food and it was all awesome. Oh, and it was all made by Dr. Manno’s mom. I would tell you everything we ate but basically it came down to Haitian chicken, Haitian rice and beans, a Haitian bean sauce you put on top of the rice, plantains, green beans, a spicy slaw, and tomatoes… oh and coconut! We had a lot of fun with the coconut as we attempted to not just get the juice out of it, but also the meat! Lunch was definitely a success at Dr. Manno’s. 

After lunch it was time to hit the road. We piled back into the van for the ride back to Cap Haitien and this time the children’s home. The ride back was fun as we stopped to check out and purchase some cassava, a local treat that looks like a giant pancake. Basically it is dried out root (that looks like a sweet potato) that is made into a course flour-like consistency that is cooked an seasoned. It is very good. We also took a picture of us as a group on the top of a hill overlooking the bay that Christopher Columbus sailed into when he discovered the New World. At least, I think that is where he sailed into if I heard everything right. After the picture, we made our way to the new children’s home. 

The new children’s home in Cap Haitien is very nice. It isn’t a percent structure as of yet but is instead leased. IT didn’t matter though because there were kids there that we knew and they also knew us. These kids are awesome. There is Kenny, T Manno, Peter, and Lovemia to name a few. It was so wonderful seeing so many of these familiar faces and having them feel the same was. We played with them for a couple of hours and then put on an ice cream party for them. Throughout the afternoon while we were there we played soccer, frisbee, jump rope, and the girls had their hair braided. The kids were absolutely precious and it was very difficult to leave them at the end of the afternoon. You really just wanted to take each and every one with you and just do whatever it takes to make everything right for them. Sadly, that just isn’t possible. 

The day wrapped up with us driving back to the hotel where we had a couple of hours to rest before dinner. Dinner was at a local place that was quite lovely. While many people had Churasco, I chose instead to have goat. I will say this. Goat isn’t my favorite but I feel like it is just something I have to have at least once every time I’m in Haiti as it it’s something unique to hear. After dinner, we went back to the hotel and a few of us ended the night with a night cap. Cecil and Dominique (the owners of the hotel) joined us and it made for an absolutely perfect end of the day. Dominique’s personality shines through just about everything in this hotel and it was wonderful getting to spend time with them. 
Our next big adventure is the Citadel. Ceril will be our guide and I’m very much looking forward to it. The last time he took us there, it really opened my eyes to the richness of Haiti’s history. I’m excited about what I will learn this time around and can’t wait to learn more. We also will be doing some shopping tomorrow and visiting a Catholic cathedral in Cap Haitien. It should be an absolutely fantastic day. 

Today has been quite the day. We met a lot of amazing kids. These kids all have a hope for the future that they didn’t have before, due in large part to the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. This is something that is supported by people just like you and me and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of it. If it is something you’d like to help support, visit relivkalogrisfoundation.org. The Reliv Kalogris Foundation is an organization I have been backing for years and I have never once even slightly regretted it. All that being said, you should support it too. If I haven’t regretted it ever, neither will you. I hope you have even enjoying this trip vicariously with me through these digital platforms. If you have any questions about it, you know what to do. Leave me a comment in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions and hopefully get them answered for you. I will at least try to find out anything you ask. I know I have been asking lots of questions and learning lots of things so will do my best to pay it forward. 

Please feel free to follow along on our adventures on instagram (@relivkalogrisfoundation & @roebearlaird) and visit relivkalogrisfoundation.org for more information on the Foundation or to donate.  

About Post Author

Robert A. Laird

Robert A. Laird is an entrepreneur and also Executive Director - Creative for Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller where he oversees the television show of the same name. He also works with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as it strives to feed starving children around the globe.

robert.laird@dapsmagic.com

http://robertlaird.me

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Tomorrow begins my third trip to Haiti with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. If I had been asked ten years ago if I would count Haiti as one of my most traveled international destinations, I probably would have just laughed. Now, it is almost becoming a yearly destination. And that is a good thing.

The Reliv Kalogris Foundation feeds around 40,000 people, mainly kids, every day around the globe. 13,000 of those kids can be found in Haiti. Haiti is a nation with great need. According to The World Factbook, 58.5% of the population lives under the poverty line. The unemployment rate as of 2010 was 40.5%, however more than 2/3rds of the labor force do not have formal jobs^[1]The World Factbook: Haiti https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html. Houses are often made of cinderblocks, rough wood, trees, and are crudely built by the standards we are used to in the United States. Common utilities aren’t quite as common there. Waste disposal especially appears to be a problem. Roads are often in disrepair, as are the vehicles that inhabit them. It should also come as no surprise that nutrition can be an issue. This is where the Reliv Kalogris Foundation comes in.

Every day 13,000 kids are fed through feeding stations throughout Haiti. The difference between those getting the nutrition supplied by the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. In the next few days I’ll get to once again experience what it is like to provide not only nutrition, but hope, to these kids. During this trip we’ll be feeding kids, painting walls, and getting a taste of what life is like in Haiti.

Haiti itself is a dichotomy. It has some of the most beautiful vistas I’ve ever seen anywhere, then turn and look another direction and see poverty and debris. Every trip I’ve been I’ve been able to observe the beauty of Haiti even more.

I have no doubt that this trip will be incredible full of high points and low points. I will be attempting to post daily a blog, photos, and video from the trip (if wifi allows). Follow along my journey on instagram (@roebearlaird) or the Reliv Kalogris Foundation on instagram (@relivkalogrisfoundation) as well!

If you have any questions about the Reliv Kalogris Foundation and/or Haiti, please feel free to ask in the comments section below. Please feel free to share this post and help us get the word out about the Reliv Kalogris Foundation and how it is feeding the kids of the world and Haiti!

Let’s go make a difference!

About Post Author

Robert A. Laird

Robert A. Laird is an entrepreneur and also Executive Director - Creative for Shepherd's Grove Presbyterian Church/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller where he oversees the television show of the same name. He also works with the Reliv Kalogris Foundation as it strives to feed starving children around the globe.

robert.laird@dapsmagic.com

http://robertlaird.me

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