It's getting close!!!

We had our conference call Saturday, November 6, and had a chance to "meet" our volunteer group. We found out more information about our trip and what to expect.

THE AIRPORT:
The airport in Haiti will be somewhat different than any of our previous airport experiences. Although it will be very chaotic and not as well organized, the airport does function as intended and we have been assured that it will be safe. There will be "bell hops" that will offer to carry our bags to our vehicle, expecting a dollar or two as a tip. They are determined and persistent so if we don't want their services we'll need to hold on to our bags - but considering the economy there, we'll probably employ their services.
We will be provided Haitian cell phones so that our family can contact us.

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS:
We will be staying at St. Joseph's Home for Boys. The orphanage houses former child slaves and is now directed by a man who himself was a child slave that escaped his captors and graduated from St. Joseph's. His name is Bill Nathan and after his escape he got an education and started his mission to save other children. Bill was injured in the earthquake when he fell from the top of the 7-story orphanage. However, we were told that he has recovered and that we may even get to hear him playing drums. A little more about Bill Nathan can be found here http://abcnews.go.com/WN/HaitiEarthquake/bill-nathan-slave-runs-orphanage-brought-us-writer/story?id=9587171

Here is a video that shows a little of the grounds at St. Joseph's and has Bill explaining how he made it to St. Joseph's.

Our bathroom experience will certainly be different. The toilets will be flushed using large buckets of water. The showers are called "bucket baths" and should prove very basic but they serve their purpose.

St. Joseph's will provide food and beverage. Our breakfast will consist of bread, peanut butter, bananas, coffee and Tampico juice. Lunch and dinner will usually include rice and beans as well as vegetables and meat.

OUR WORK SCHEDULE:
Our work schedule will be 8am to 4pm and we will be working alongside paid workers who were hired as part of efforts to put local residents to work.

What our days will look like:

Day 1

• We will go through a safety training session 
• Have orientation to meet the staff as well as the students at St. Joseph's

Day 2

• We begin our first day of work
• Evening tour of downtown PAP

Day 3, 4, 5 and 6

• Work towards reaching our intended goal of rebuilding the classrooms

At the end of day 6 we will enjoy a 45 minute drive to Croix De Bouquets to go shopping (This is where you can find the famous metalwork that Haitians are known for)

Day 7 and 8

• Travel to La Visite National Park in Seguin for a weekend retreat
• Hike the mountains 
• Stay at the eco lodge where they have traditional showers :)

Day 9

• Return to St. Joseph's to say our goodbyes
• Head to the airport for our long journey home

As far as the recent cholera outbreak, we should be safe because the orphanage will provide access to clean water. In addition, we will have pills that we can take if we suspect that we may have cholera symptoms.

REMEMBER TO CHECK BACK OFTEN AS WE WILL 
TRY TO UPDATE EVERY NIGHT!!!

FEEL FREE TO LEAVE COMMENTS AND ASK QUESTIONS!!!