More Haiti

Thursday we met with a group called World Relief. Among other things, they help Haitians with farming by helping them get land and supplies and low interest loans for equipment.

This woman is harvesting okra.

This man wanted us to come see his farm. He is growing scallions in rows with the sections divided by papaya and okra. His farm was really organized and he was very proud of it.

We also stopped at a grocery store and in Haiti, there are armed guards who walk you to and from your car. This is because most Haitians can't afford to shop there and are sometimes so desperate for food that they will mug you at the grocery store.

We are here during the rainy season and as you can see by the water spilling over the edge of the planter, when I say rainy season, I mean it!

Yesterday (Friday) we got up early to travel out to a city called Mirabelles and it's outskirts.  This is what traffic in Haiti looks like but there is no way to describe it. There are no real rules, only some guidelines. They drive whenever and wherever they want. There are no lanes, no stop signs and so far I have only seen two working signals even though Port-au-Prince is the size of Chicago. It is a relatively organized chaos though, drivers let others in and are really polite to each-other.

This is where you get medicine when you are in the 90% of Haitians who can't afford a doctor. There are vendors all over the streets selling assorted items and some have baskets full of meds.

This is a Haitian police officer directing traffic which is about the only thing they have the power to do. 

Here is another example of the rain damage to the roads.

And in some places the rain just floods the street because there is no drainage system.

This little girl is walking to school with her socks and shoes in her hands.

This is one of the tent cities erected after the earthquake 2 years ago. These people still have no home.

And these are women involved with Fonkoze, a micro-finance organization for women.

They sang for us and were so kind. The people here are just amazing.

These women are graduates of Fonkoze which means they have built up a small business to the point that they can provide for their families. (on the side of the road) 

This is a regular bank. Yes, a bank.

This man is creating artwork out of scrap metal.

And here are a bunch of UN soldiers.

I have so much more to tell but I have to run!