Tagged: Cap-Haitien
House Fire
I had a great blog for January. It included a soccer tournament, some low points for my kids, some awesome progress with the kids, the new Streethearts house, our women’s bible study, the blan church we started that turned into a church for Haitians, etc.
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On Monday at approximately 2:30am, I heard what sounded like a glass break in the kitchen. I assumed that either Ryan or Dieceul had woken up to get a glass of water and dropped it. Annoyed, I rolled over and attempted to fall back asleep. I then started to smell smoke. Neither Ryan or Dieceul smoke, so I didn’t understand what was going on. Temper raised (both Ryan and I had extremely early days that morning) I threw open my door prepared to yell when a wall of black smoke hit me. The most intense fear shot through my entire body as I hit the ground, choking on smoke. I then heard the fire, and could see flames everywhere. I thought I was going to die, and instantly said to God…this is how it’s going to happen? I let out a blood-curtling scream, and crawled towards Ryan and Dieceul’s room. Screaming and gasping for air, I started banging on Dieceul’s room. The door was locked. Ryan awoke to my scream, opened his door and same thing. Black smoke hit him like a wall. He got down, we grabbed arms and started banging at Dieceul’s door. We didn’t have much time, and we had to make a fast crawl to get out. I didn’t want to leave Dieceul but we had no choice. We couldn’t see, couldn’t breath and felt an intense heat all around us. There were two fires on either side of the room. We crawled through both, and got the door open.
We ran into the street, screaming and banging on doors as loud as we could. I was literally losing my mind. In shock, and panicking thinking my little brother, who I love as a family member, is burning to death in the apartment and I couldn’t help him. I was screaming at Ryan to go back in! He attempted to enter the house, but the fire at that point had taken over the entire floor. We kept screaming for someone to please help Dieceul. We felt utterly helpless and Ryan and I watched in shock, as we both thought surely, Dieceul would die. 20 minutes later, firemen showed up. As they are trying to get our information…I’m SCREAMING at them that there is still someone in the house. They attempted to put the fire out, but…the fire truck had no water. In the mean time, very brave neighbors and friends filled large buckets and entered the house. They saved what was left of our house. When Dieceul walked out of the house in one piece, both Ryan and I were in total shock. I wanted to faint. The amount of pain ripping through me at the thought that I couldn’t save him was something I will never forget. I still can’t get it out of mind, and have trouble sleeping.
After the fact, Ryan told me his account. He also heard the glass and figured the same thing. Someone woke up to get a glass of water. He started to smell the smoke, but thought a neighbor was cooking next door (his window faces the back of the house) and went back to bed. He awoke to my scream – and can still hear it.
Dieceul’s bedroom has no windows. All of our doors are fire proof/somewhat sound proof. So, he could not hear us. What saved his life was that his room had no windows, so the smoke could not get in. When he finally realized what was going on, he ran into my room thinking that both Ryan and I got trapped, because we had windows! After I hugged him as hard as I could, I realized how hard he was breathing and crying. In complete shock.
Ryan had a minor foot problem, but otherwise we all escaped unharmed. IT IS A MIRACLE! A TRUE MIRACLE. I still cannot believe no one got burned. We literally crawled between two huge fires. We were covered head to toe in black soot.
We were both disappointed to find out that Ryan was robbed by the firemen. Wallet, money, identification. Thank goodness we all had our passports locked up. He filed a police report, but…it is Haiti. Can you believe in a crisis situation, people take that as an opportunity?!
I am still shook up. Afterwards…when we entered the house, I wanted to throw up. Everything destroyed. The house looked scary and distorted. All my work on my laptop gone – including so many personal journals.
It was amazing to see, within a few hours, how many people showed up to clean up. It was truly a family effort. No one said a word when the street kids showed up to help. (They aren’t supposed to come to my house). Everyone chipped in and worked hard – from about 6:30am until 6pm. The kids didn’t even mention when the project house would open (which they ask about on an hourly basis). One, John Ceasar, gave me his silver bracelet in an attempt to cheer me up. I hadn’t slept and I was going through phases of bawling crying – just overwhelmed spiritually and emotionally by it all.
It was the same thing this morning, round 2. Even though I got some sleep – I just looked at all the damage and thought – how can I possibly handle all of this? Again, friends showed up – pitched in. Finally, after lots of prayer, I said to myself – just start with one thing. The damage is so vast, that it seems like no matter how hard you work – it’s still black. Everywhere. Little by little, it started becoming clearer. I started to see a glimpse, of what I call my home. So funny how attached you become to things. I think it’s because money is so precious, that art and certain items you buy – mean something. BUT AGAIN – it’s all just stuff. Everyone survived – praise God. At times you do think – what did I do wrong that I got punished like this? I caused this! I could have killed 2 people! The devil is crafty…isn’t he?
The cause of the fire was due to a power surge (faulty wiring) that set my laptop on fire – which was charging on the couch. The paint in the house, was oil based and highly flammable. We are still unclear as to what caught the TV on fire (opposite side of the room) since the outlet there did not explode. It must have been from the spread of the fire along the wall.
I also cried because this could not have happened at a worse time. I so badly wanted to open the safe house this Saturday, as planned. BUT – who’s plan was that?! Not God’s. I’m still praying through that but again, everything must be centered around Him. I’m working hard through the disappointment, and still crying…obviously! Hahaha. A delegate for the neighborhood came by this evening to ask for our house to be decorated for Karnival. The entire neighborhood looks beautiful. I then felt guilty all over again – our house is hideous and it’s going to ruin their beautiful plans. They explained to me that it will be fine, and that it is still a part of the neighborhood and it will look wonderful with all the little paper flowers. Kids in the neighborhood are leading the project.
I have to admit…that cheered me up. I’m excited that in the midst of my cleaning, kids will be working hard with their artwork to “spruce it up” for Martelly!
God is AMAZING. I LOVE HIM.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers as we work hard to get the house back together (of course, that involves stress with the landlord, lawyers, insurance, money we don’t have, etc.) and continue to build out the project house as well.
I firmly believe that the reason we all survived was from all the prayers from our supporters around the world. I am crying as I write this…I’m still in shock.
I will be following up with a blog encompassing January efforts and updates in the next 2 weeks.
Thanks again for your patience.
HOME IS WHERE THE LOVE IS: The ‘Teddy Bear’, running group, & bedazzled jeans.
Living here in Haiti is truly the definition of any oxymoron. It’s unreal. The lows and highs are so extreme – literally within hours. So bizarre. Here are some updates:
Our location! Please keep us in your prayers – we are hoping to get a house near the football stadium. For those of you that have been to Haiti, it’s the current LaKay (LaCou/LaKay program) orphanage. It’s an amazing location, and all the kids are familiar with it. We will find out in the next two weeks.
We got a bunny! And she loves riding around on the moto J. She is such a sweetheart. I went up in the mountains to pick her up. The level of poverty was astounding. Literally, the people were living in box-style shacks, with newspaper roofs. I was happy to purchase her, in at least providing a little bit of money to this family, who was extremely in need. I bought the cage, bunny, food, etc. for a little under $15 US. She did try to pee on me while we were going down the hill – which almost landed me in a small accident (picture me: freaking out – yelling – and trying to “abandon ship” with one leg in the air). Luckily, Tipapi is a skilled driver, and about twenty people got a belly-shaking laugh out of the site. Including myself after I successfully dodged the yellow shower. Tipapi’s foot wasn’t so fortunate.
“They named her “Ti-Nou-Nouse” (Little Teddy Bear) because of her fuzzy hair (conditioner!)…”
She was a complete muddy mess (kept in a cage with multiple rabbits in a mudhole) so she needed a shower. Everyone was laughing as I gave her a bath, asking why I was washing their dinner. She may be the softest, fuzziest, best smelling rabbit in all of Haiti. This shower resulted in me donating shampoo to multiple people who again asked why the bunny got soap?! They need it too! I was happy to share. She then zoomed over to the street kids. Everyone got a chance to hold her in their lap, and play with her. They named her “Ti-Nou-Nouse” (Little Teddy Bear) because of her fuzzy hair (conditioner!). It was so cute to see these rough kids petting her gently, and they took to “parenting” pretty quick.
Please keep Sony’s mom in your prayers. She fainted last Saturday, and I spent the majority of the day with her in the hospital. The doctors believe it is a result of low blood pressure. She is fine now, but it was a little scary for her and her family. I had NO IDEA just how big Sony’s family was, until I spent the day with them. I got to see their homes, meet Sony’s aunts, Sony’s little brothers, etc. It was a scary moment, but I loved getting to know all the family and hearing their stories. At one point in the afternoon, I felt a tummy rumble – which has become common – but panic strikes, nonetheless. IS THERE A BATHROOM HERE? (This is a common theme, on a daily basis). I located a restroom – but NO TOILET PAPER. People don’t talk about this – but this is a serious concern here, so I have to share. At this point, I know something bad is about to happen and I start a little sweat. How can this be?! Please, please God, there has to be a way. I start frantically searching med rooms for some gauze, cottonballs, something…ANYTHING! Right when it was about to be a disaster – I remembered Tipapi (moto driver) purchased gauze rolls for me, to treat street kids later that day. I RAN to him, grabbed a small roll of gauze, downplayed my cold sweat, and took off. I have never been so thankful in my entire life – for gauze. Phew – it truly is the little things.
John Caesar is my son. It’s a done deal. He is leading the running effort (he is a street kid that I built a relationship with when I was just visiting Haiti) and I love him with my entire being. It started with three older boys that hang out by the Kokiyaj (local “7-11”). We ran at 4:00pm each day, and if I didn’t show up, I had to pay them, and if they didn’t show up, they had to pay me. We have now grown to 20+ kids. We have a morning shift and an afternoon shift – based on their schedules. I have a huge chart in my house, with their names listed under their scheduled days. I place a sticker next to their name, every time they run. After earning a certain amount of stickers, they get gym shoes. Then, they earn more, they get sandals. Then they earn more, and they get to choose what type of shoe they want. They take this program SERIOUSLY. Last week, I had over 20 kids show up at my house to check in on their progress – and neighborhood kids joined in too! It’s so amazing, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the photos (to be posted soon). With that many kids showing up at my place, I got a bit nervous on how the neighbors (and my landlord!) would feel about this. EVERYONE came outside their homes to see what was going on. I explained to the kids that they needed to be calm and quiet, or my landlord would send me back to America! To my surprise, they listened. They put their sticker up, gave me a hug, and headed out. I then spoke with the neighbors and my landlord (sheepishly). To my even bigger surprise – they loved it! They fully support the sports/running effort and think it’s great. The other bonus – IT MAKES THE KIDS TIRED! And the kids love that they have a person waiting for them at a certain place and time, and we announce the names (they say “here”) and they know they are important…and missed if not there.
Every day I’m more and more surprised at the respect they are starting to show. Granted, it’s a WORK IN PROGRESS and we have our good and bad days – but I definitely see progress, and it’s awesome.
I have started testing them more and more, and now have a group of older boys that run errands for me. Its small things, but I want to see how they handle the money- Will I get my change? Will they take off and never return? Etc. It’s amazing to see my Haitian staff in shock when they show up with the items (oranges, avocados, etc.) AND my change. Beneficial all the way around. You HAVE to give them the chance. Ishmael took my glasses at church 2 weeks ago. When I asked for them back, he told me he didn’t have them – and I took him for his word. I KNOW he had them, but I wanted his conscience to work and see if he’d listen. Sure enough…5 minutes later, he came over to me and gave them back. Score!
“They broke apart the lapels on some belts they had, and sewed the jewels into my jeans. They brought them to me, so proudly, this evening. I will wear these jeans all the time.”
In fact, today, one street kid showed up with a pair of my jeans – BEDAZZLED! Last Sunday, we went to the movies, and the kids commented that my jeans were ugly. I told them fine – if you don’t like them, you can decorate them. I gave them my jeans (of course thinking…these are gone). Was I wrong or what?! They broke apart the lapels on some belts they had, and sewed the jewels into my jeans. They brought them to me, so proudly, this evening. I will wear these jeans all the time. I AM SO PROUD of this – I’m actually teary-eyed as I type. They never cease to surprise me.
For those that know Kay Anj orphanage, you will be pleased to know that I see Victor and LeiLei frequently – and I meet with them individually twice a week. They are both doing great, and I’m thankful that their families allow me this time.
We HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE! Thanks to the street kids and a good friend, YuYu, who did some TOUGH negotiating. It is hanging by a towel string on our porch. My assistant Dieceul, got a tiny Santa ornament for the tree, our only ornament – bet our deficient tree is loved by the kids… and the neighbors!
“…so I asked where the rest of his change was. He used it to by the street kids some food. He said that he wants me to know he cares about them too…”
I am SO proud of my Assistant, Dieceul. We are working on budgeting right now. He seems to go out and spend his entire paycheck, the DAY he gets paid. You can imagine my shock, when I returned from the Dominican Republic to find that he purchased a HUGE radio/soundsystem for the house! I said “Dieceul! HOW ARE YOU GOING TO EAT this month?!” Apparently, food takes a backseat to music. Ugh! Definitely a work in progress, and yes – I am guilty of spoiling him at times. I have to work on this as well, I know. I have SUCH a hard time saying ‘no’. I pray about the ability to “discipline”. It can be so hard here. However, 2 days ago a friend of mine paid Dieceul $3 to do an errand for him. That evening, Dieceul walked in with a package of Vienna Sausages. After I gagged, I asked him where he bought them and with what money. He told me he used his own money, and he was so proud. I knew the total, so I asked where the rest of his change was. He used it to by the street kids some food. He said that he wants me to know he cares about them too. (Sometimes, I get frustrated with the staff because I want them to feel passionate about helping these kids, not just for the pay check). He overheard me venting about it, so this was his way of showing he cares too. Although, I harped on him again about budgeting, it warmed my heart at the same time. And, there’s nothing I love more than Haitians helping Haitians.
Speaking of…we have a new hire! His name is Johnson, and he is going to be managing all of our social media, photos, facebook, here in Haiti. This is his first job (out of college) and he is SUPER excited about it. Praise the Lord – another family provided for. His family definitely needs this.
Amidst the best of it all, one of my journal entries last week was titled “Nothing works in Haiti – not even a pencil eraser.” I had a breaking point when literally nothing I asked for was completed correctly, I couldn’t get the supplies I needed, and at my highest frustration – my eraser broke off as soon as it touched paper. I knew it was silly to cry, but haven’t you had those moments where the smallest thing happens and the straw breaks and you just want to give up? This happens AT LEAST, once a week. AT LEAST. Maybe once a day. BUT – then you hear a kid say your name, or they drop off a bedazzled pair of jeans, or a little guy just gives you a hug and says “I Love You” for no reason, and your fire reignites.
I don’t know how people do this without Jesus. I don’t see how it’s possible. Can I get an amen?! Love my life – LOVE MY CRAZY KIDS – Will be in touch soon!
God bless and Merry Christmas…
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IF YOU WISH TO DONATE GYM SHOES FOR THE KIDS’ RUNNING PROGRAM PLEASE FIND THE DETAILS OF OUR CURRENT “SOLES FOR SOULS” DRIVE HERE!
RETURN TO CAP: Flooding & Jimmy.
To my surprise, all the street kids already knew I was starting a community center through the street church and they are very excited (understatement!) . I didn’t even have ONE kid ask me for shoes or shirts. The questions were by the dozen on when they can come and help and when do we get our “house,” etc. They said “let’s do it tomorrow. It’s fine.” Ha! Of course, I met that with lots of hugs and kisses and me asking for patience! They are okay with that. I told them they are my “boss” but I need some time. I have brand new folders on each child – which was very impressive to each. They all gave me the “okay – we approve.”
Yesterday was a great GOD day. Jimmy (aka – “Ti-bol”) is a rough street kid. He approached me in the morning with a hand-made sling (string around his neck) and said that he was in a lot of pain. The last thing kids want to do is go to the hospital, but he told me – sadly – that yes, he thinks he needed to go, so off we went. I LOVE Jimmy as my own, but he is an older (15) rougher street kid. He has actually tried to fight my friends, specifically Dieceul, my Assistant. He does not play around, and has a huge chip on his shoulder. We get to the hospital and he grabs my shoulder and says in my ear, “Will you give them my info? They want my parents info.”
Jimmy’s mom lives in Port au Prince. He has only one sister. When I ask him if he misses his family he says, “no” quickly and with anger. Jimmy sleeps in an alley off the boulevard here. I found him in the back of an abandoned truck. Anyway…I take claim as his caretaker, we do the check-up and the hospital tells me that they can’t do the x-ray because they have no electricity. I have to come back later. Well…now what? If I let Jimmy go, I have no idea how long it will be to find him again. So…Jimmy is going to be my assistant for the day. Dieceul, my hired assistant, was not pleased. So, I talk to Jimmy about his anger and his issues with Dieceul. They end up talking it out – total Jesus moment. Dieceul was not into it at the beginning, but I talked to him about the fact that YOU HAVE TO LOVE YOUR BROTHERS. We ALL get frustrated. It turned into a mini-small group discussion. Next thing you know, Jimmy and Dieceul are working side by side in the market place. I LOVED IT. I was looking for baskets to keep random items (Post-its, pens, keys) in at my apartment. I told Jimmy that he could pick out everything. I also gave him my wallet. I purposely put more money in there then necessary and explained that if I go in the market, they will give me the “blan” (foreign) tax. So, he has to be the boss. (I already know how much these things cost – but want to see how he deals with this situation). He did FABULOUS! He chose fake crystal glassware. I LOVE it as much as I would if it were the baskets I wanted, because HE picked them and he was SO PROUD!
“Spending the afternoon allowed him to open up to me a bit about what his life is like. I learned who his best friends are, who he has problems with, his work, his mentality on the streets, his mentality on religion, etc…”
We had more than enough change for us to get a snack of bag waters and oranges. WELL – the woman selling us our snack was short 5 gde (1 penny) in our change. Jimmy was not happy and was telling the woman to not mess with his sister just because she’s “blan.” The woman retorted, wondering why a “blan” would be friends with a street kid. So, I said, “No problem ma’am. We’ll take this – you keep the change and we will be back Monday for another snack, for free.” Everyone was satisfied with this – especially Jimmy. I had Jimmy do a few more chores for me and I gave him 25 gde (roughly $.55) for his work for the afternoon. It wasn’t the chores that mattered, rather, it was that he couldn’t BELIEVE I trusted him. He was SO HAPPY to be part of the team. Spending the afternoon allowed him to open up to me a bit about what his life is like. I learned who his best friends are, who he has problems with, his work, his mentality on the streets, his mentality on religion, etc.
We got the call from the hospital that he could now get his x-ray and cast. I had him pay for it. He was so proud. When he had to go in the room, he asked me to please go in with him. It’s Haiti…so we were there for HOURS. At one point, he asked me to stand next to him (please) and he started sucking his thumb. That kills me. This tough guy was exhausted and scared. I talked to him about the importance of being a role-model for the street. That his bad behavior doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t love him. He DOES have a choice. We finally dropped him off around 7:30pm and not only did I get a hug…but Dieceul did too. 🙂
That was my favorite part of the day.
It was a long day so I was asleep by 9pm. By 10pm I woke up with the sound of emergency. Storms do not bother me, but I have NEVER heard thunder like that. It was scary. I went out on my porch and literally saw the ocean below. I prayed so hard in my bed. Thank the Lord that our family is safe, but people did die (6) and many have massive damage to their already rough housing. I went out this afternoon to see the damage. It’s heart-breaking. Literally, people were using trashcans as floating devices with paddles to get around. People lost their motos (only form of transportation) in the storm.
Yet, everyone seems happy to say that they are still alive. The town was closed today, but there was a lot of church music playing throughout. Amazes me that they always continue to look on the bright side.
I’m so lucky to live here.
Update on our street kid family, 8 kids gone:
-3 with family now.
-3 in orphanages.
-1 Port au Prince.
-1 in Dominican Republic.
-10 graduated to a training program for street kids (vocational).
We are currently caring for 41+!
The need is stressful. Please keep the prayers coming! Lots to do here and we have a lot in the works. I am overwhelmed…and I’ve been here 5 days . That’s how I know it’s God working…I can’t do this. And, I know He’s in control. I LITERALLY see it every day. So thankful to be blessed enough to see it.
Love you guys! Keep us in your prayers daily – Bondye Bon! (God is good!)
Questions for Linsey or the Streethearts team? Find out contact button above, otherwise, leave a comment below!
Nou pou lari a: We're for the streets. 