Children’s Home – Robert A. Laird

Feeding Kids & Eating Goat – Reliv Kalogris Foundation See the Change Trip to Haiti

Robert A. Laird — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 12:35:37 +0000

Read Time:10 Minute, 36 Second

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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Painting and Playing – Reliv Kalogris Foundation See the Change Trip to Haiti

Robert A. Laird — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 12:11:45 +0000

Read Time:6 Minute, 19 Second

Today marked our first full day in Haiti and it was a fantastic one! The day began with breakfast shortly after seven on a beautiful morning. Boats could be seen fishing in the harbor as the sun continued to rise. The temperature was wonderfully moderate as we enjoyed Haitian coffee and a buffet breakfast. A little cat that had befriended the group at dinner the night before returned and everyone was in just good spirits.

After the enjoyable breakfast, everyone piled into the van for the hour long trip to Ouanaminthe where we would be painting a children’s home. We did have to return to the hotel to pick up a water filter so the trip actually started twice. While we waited for Kathy to pick up the water filter, Scott Montgomery grabbed a coconut so that we could try the juice inside. It was delicious. The best description was that it was kind of like watermelon water… almost. The drive over was absolutely beautiful as the sun shone through the scattered clouds. In Cap Haitien, the traffic was a bit more intense than the day before but it was still a lovely day for a drive. People were chattering away as we made our way across the Haitian countryside towards our destination. By my count, it took a bit longer than an hour but that was ok because it was a fun experience.

We finally arrived at the children’s home and it was actually quite quiet. Most of the kids were at school. We got situated and started to figure out the plan for painting. It took a bit for the paint to arrive and then we had to get the paint cans open, which was an adventure in itself. Finally, the paint was open and in pans and we were ready to go!
We painted what was basically the dining room next to the kitchen for this children’s home. The lower quarter had already been painted recently a dark brown so we were responsible for painting the upper parts a tan color. Everyone pitched in and the job was done fairly quickly. As we painted away, a couple of locals put together a table that would end up being where the kids ate lunch. They hammered away at the table while we painted away at the walls.
When the walls inside were done, we moved outside and painted some of the exterior walls a bright yellow color. Once again, we were responsible for painting the higher levels and someone had painted the lower couple of feet a dark brown. Being outside it was easier to see where the paint was really needed and there was certainly a feeling of gratification as we saw our paint clean up the walls of this children’s home.
Once the painting was done, it was play time. Jump ropes and frisbees appeared and fun ensued. Some people played with the jump ropes. Others played with the frisbees. Still others were completely content continuing to play with the iPhones and take pictures. I’m sure that a couple of phones have hundreds of pictures that the owner has no clue were taken at this point. All this to say though, a lot of fun was had and memories made.
After awhile, Doctor Manno arrived with chicken and plantains. There were a couple different types of fried chicken and then also fried plantains. The food was distributed on the now-assembled table as the kids patiently waited. Reliv shakes were also mixed together and poured into cups for each child as well. Once everyone had received both a shake and chicken, it was time for grace. This included a song that seemed to have several verses followed by a group prayer that was said in unison. The amazing part about all of this was that everyone participated and nobody ate their food until after grace was said and they were told it was ok to eat. The kids’ behavior was absolutely amazing!
After lunch, more photos were taken and memories were made and then it was time to head to Bois de Lance. Bois de Lance will always be special to me as it was the first feeding station I went to in Haiti, if memory serves. The road to Bois de Lance isn’t the easiest but it is worth it. As we drove there, we stopped briefly for some refreshments before continuing on.

As we finally got close to Bois de Lance we found ourselves on a dirt road that had LOTS of pot holes. It was definitely an adventure for the driver has he navigated back and forth across this dirt road, attempting to save his tires… and suspension I suspect. This is a road that would be better traveled by horse but there were were in our van, making our way to this small school that also might be a church. As we got nearer, a gentleman pointed at the van and soon he was riding next to me in it. It turns out that he was the pastor of the church/school in Bois de Lance and he was the reason the Reliv Kalogris Foundation feeding center was there. He saw the work being done by the Reliv Kalogris Foundation in Liberale and wanted Bois de Lance to get similar help.
Once we arrived at Bois de Lance there was a bit of a walk to the church/school and then the pastor let us in to look around. It was much like I remembered it, except for the lack of students as there had been before. Apparently they were already done for the day or something. However, this didn’t make this visit any less special. The original girl that was treated by Doctor Manno at Bois de Lance was there and a very touching reunion took place. She had tuberculosis when Doctor Manno met her and he spent a year of his life saving hers. She really impacted him and also how the Reliv Kalogris Foundation developed in this neighborhood. To say it was an emotional reunion would be an understatement.
Finally, it was time to say goodbye to Bois de Lance. After saying our goodbyes, we gave the pastor a ride back to town and then made our way back to Cap Hatien. The day was an incredible day full of many incredible moments. The highlights had to all include the kids and the joy they carry with them, despite the conditions in which they live. Everyone on the trip had something memorable to share from their day. All in all, it was an absolutely fantastic day that I’m sure will be special to everyone who is on this trip.
Tomorrow we are visiting Doctor Manno’s neighborhood, Haut Limbe. We will be visiting a local school, Doctor Manno’s Clinic, and then have lunch at Doctor Manno’s house. After lunch, we will be heading to the another children’s home for an ice cream party. I’m very excited to be seeing all of these things and look forward to sharing with them.
Members of our group are posting on social media with the hashtag #rkfhaiti2017 if you would like to see what we are up to. Hopefully there will be as many memories made tomorrow as there were today. It has been absolutely amazing to see how the Reliv Kalogris Foundation makes a difference, I can’t wait to see what else is in store on this trip!