Leisa's 2018 Haiti Journal #2 -- "Love Filled Supplies"

"Love Filled Supplies”

  

Dear Friends and Family,                      

My “Haiti sandals” melted on our porch in the 103-degree heat we left behind on Wednesday as we set our sights on the city-by-the-bay to pick up a horde of humanitarian supplies that Nate, one of our social-activist team members, managed to collect in San Francisco ahead of our upcoming service trip to Haiti.

            

What a treasure trove!

Two centrifuges, a thousand condoms, cases of basketballs and soccer balls (complete with jerseys enough to dress several whole teams of kids in Cite Soleil) and more.

Just before Nate went up to cart down two flights of city stairs a 90-pound box of hygiene kits, I spotted a box of donations I didn’t know was coming that was literally packed with heart in San Francisco. I picked up a little packet.

Neatly and lovingly tucked into each baggie atop a month’s worth of menstrual supplies were dozens of doses of love. Each note unique – a simple drawing, a heart, a smiley face – a clear message from sister to sister, “You are not alone. We see you, we value your life, we support you.”

It didn’t take much time, but it took tons of love to create these small universal symbols of sweet solidarity.

Love is the universal language; solidarity is more precious than charity and often more cherished by women than even the gift. I’ve seen Rea (principal of SOPUDEP School) hold such little notes to her breast as she received previous messages, little drawings sent that time from child to child with packages of school supplies.

Solidarity made simple, sending supplies with a bit of heart. We carry your heart with us each time we deliver supplies

We hand carry each donation, in kind or purchased in country with your kind support by cash donations. We listen. We learn. We carry your love with us.

And, it’s not too late! Not one of the (more than 30!) Children’s Hope trips to Haiti would be possible without you and your generous support. So, thank you for being part of our team. Please consider sending some gift of support today.

Peace,

All ways and always,

Leisa

Prof. Leisa Faulkner, Folsom Lake College
Executive Director, Children's Hope

text: 916.801.4184

email:  childrenshope@live.com

Checks may be made out to Children’s Hope and

Mailed to the following address:

CHILDREN'S HOPE 
3025 Cambridge Road #A
Cameron Park, CA 95682 USA

Children's Hope: Leisa's 2018 Haiti Journal #1 -- "We Continue to Pack" (July 9)

Dear Friends and Family,

This last Saturday, before our dear Haitian orphanage director faced pure chaos that set the streets ablaze in Haiti, we faced a sweet group of new Children's Hope Team members anxious to leave for Haiti later this month to help however possible. Such contrast, yet such similarity. Desperation driven protests fueled by fear and frustration in Haiti and such inspiring simple dedication to service and solidarity in our preparing team at home. Different sides of the western hemisphere - each side determined to serve justice, support life and aid dignity. 

The streets are on fire in Haiti.

We continue to pack.

The airport is closed. 

We continue to pack.

U.S. Embassy sent our warnings.

We continue to pack.

Please know that by your support we will get into this desperate country, held hostage by IMF imposed taxes and struggling just to get by. We continue to pack. Though this is the first time this year I have sent out a letter asking for support. I keep going to my porch and am welcomed with such simple pleasures as a sack of infant shoes, obstetrical delivery kits, infant clothes and sundresses.

We welcome your continued support, whether it is a text message, email, check to Children's Hope - or a surprise sack of shoes on our doorstep. We continue to go, we continue to need your help.

Peace, always and all ways,

Leisa