June 24,2011
Our team of volunteers marched through the airport pulling suitcases packed with water filtration systems, vitamins, first aid kits, toys, and clothes. We were finally on our way to Haiti after months of planning, fundraising, and coordinating with Convoy of Hope. This was a humanitarian mission to feed the hungry, provide clean water solutions and supplies to children, and bring hope to communities that needed it most after the devastating earthquake in 2010.
June 25, 2011
We flew over clear, turquoise water as we landed at Port-au-Prince Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The fact that hundreds of water filtration systems, each 6 inches of miraculous plastic capable of filtering up to 500 gallons of water per day, were in the plane’s cargo hold weighed heavy on my mind. Political unrest, and the uncertainty of large packages arriving safely to the warehouse, forced an update to our packing list. The filtration systems were on the plane. The next step included clearing customs and ensuring they remained with us to be delivered to designated orphanages.
In 2013, the National Library of Medicine published Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Haiti: Past Present, and Future detailing multiple factors and consequences of Haiti’s clean water dilemma. Despite years of working with local and international organizations to improve this standing, the CDC Division of Global Health Protection and Security still identifies Haiti as a nation with the lowest rate of access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure in the western hemisphere. There is still much work to be done.
June 29, 2011
My eyes followed the high, concrete walls lining the curvy, unpaved road to the Foyer des Enfants. The tap-tap bounced and swayed its way up the side of the mountain, passing goats, a young girl carrying a basket on her head, and frightening loops of barbed wire that lined the tops of gates and cement walls. The jagged spirals screamed “Keep Out”, although most wanderers would probably not venture up the unpaved, 2.5-mile path unless they were invited or had a purpose to do so.
On the way there, we learned that the director of the orphanage was once an orphan himself. He now worked to provide food and a safe, hopeful environment for the next generation of Haitians. There were 85 children that lived in this remote area and came to school every day for a meal. They attended classes, received first aid, and learned farming skills to grow their own food and help feed the local village. After delivering supplies, setting up the water filtration systems, and teaching a bit about good hygiene and hand washing, we played with the kids.
At the end of the day, we headed to our tap-tap to make the trip back to the Convoy of Hope house. As we walked away, the most amazing sound filled the walled-in yard. I turned to see all the children standing together, singing to us. The words were in Haitian Creole, but we heard their message loud and clear.
July 31, 2011
I returned from Haiti humbled and driven to be a servant leader in my community, profession, and life. In retrospect this trip was my eureka moment. The one that would become my life compass and guide my choices about education, profession, and purpose.
Jennifer Bell 