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 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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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! 

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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