The Post-Trip Post
This is the post where I talk about the culture shock of re-entering the US and all of it's excesses. Cliche? Perhaps. Necessary? Absolutely. Our last night in Haiti, we had a great time with Keanan. He was used to us, and playful and fun. We tried to make our goodbyes casual, so we didn't freak him out with an ugly crying scene. I was unsuccessful with this, but I tried. Our flights were on schedule (yay), and India, the plane-puking wonder, only threw up twice. Props to my husband for his . . .
Last Day in Haiti
. . .
Mama and Papa Keanan
We are back in Port-au-Prince, and focused on getting some quality time in with Keanan. Before our little country excursion, I was feeling really dismayed that Keanan seemed so dazed and confused around us. He was like a deer in headlights - very quiet and subdued - but we kept hearing stories about what a little comedian he was. Well, the past two days he has shown his true colors, and it is a delight. He is hilarious. He is quite the little flirt once he got comfortable around us. But with . . .
What Happens In Haiti Stays in Haiti
Things you do in Haiti that you don't do at home: let your child sit in the front seat of a truck fill an SUV with 17 people, 13 of them under age 10 encourage your kids to drink unlimited soda just to make sure they stay hydrated feed your kids "orphanage style" let complete strangers hold your children cover the pack and play in mosquito netting and pretend it's a tent . . .
New Friend
Jafta made a new friend today. The man was an employee at the airport and he was a "little person", if you will. I think he was in his 20's or 30's, but he was Jafta's height. Jafta was sure that they were the same age and the best of friends. Jafta followed him around for about an hour, talking about his new friend and wondering why he kept having to load suitcases. He kept saying, "where is my friend? why can't he play with me?" . . .
Beachfront Property in Haiti
. . .
A Reprieve in the Haitian Countryside
Yesterday was a tough day. Today was much better. We spent time with Keanan in the morning at the orphanage. We hung back and just watched, instead of being overeager and hovering. He was so cute and fun today.Around noon, we boarded a very, very small plane to head to Port-de-Paix. The plane ride was an experience. Only 12 passengers, and all the luggage was just piled in the back. The pilot had his hand sticking out of the front window the duration of the flight. I think it was a little low on . . .
Mosquito Fest
In my attempt to be more granola, I decided to give the herbal bug repellant a try. This was a mistake. A very bad mistake. It's fun looking at your daughter's legs and thinking about how your commitment to avoiding chemicals on a trip to Haiti has come at the expense of her poor, welted skin. It's great wondering which mosquito bite might have been delivering malaria, or dengue fever, or west nile fever to your 18-month-old, because you slathered your kid in something you bought at Whole . . .
Pressed Down on All Sides
Today was a hard day. I'm feeling pretty taxed in every way possible.I am emotionally drained. Visiting Keanan is hard. It is always a relief to see how well he is cared for. But it's also disheartening how uncomfortable he is with us. I know that it is normal, and even developmentally appropriate, that he isn't jumping into our arms. We showed up enthusiastic, excited and smothering, and he reacted. He wanted nothing to do with us. I know that this is a GOOD THING. It shows he is bonded to his . . .
Toys, Toys, Toys
We got the chance to deliver all the toys we brought for the orphanage. It was very fun. We brought trikes for the toddler house, and they were very excited. We also brought a simple tent from Ikea that seemed to be the biggest hit. The older boys loved the matchbox cars, and the kids were having so much fun that there were several tantrums when they had to stop playing to go eat dinner. The nannies were not amused.We also took lots of "pretend play" toys for the girl's house. They were loving . . .
- Newer Posts
- 1
- …
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- Older Posts