THE SECURITY ISSUES -

"Conditions in Haiti are very challenging."
     Thus begins the latest communication from the Carter /Habitat for Humanity Work Project. They point out that conditions for thousands there are desperate, and there is a very delicate and difficult situation for families who are not currently being helped.
    Unrest and demonstrations throughout the country continue to occur. There have been demonstrations outside the Carter Work Project site. They believe that these security issues have been addressed  in consultation with the local community leaders, US Embassy in Haiti, and Haitian national government. There will be a "high level " of security at all times. The work site and residence campsite are self contained areas, and we will not be going out except by bus.
    Add to this, that President Carter and Rosalyn are to be there at least for part of the week, and we have some interesting dynamics to play out.
     I heard tales of  arriving aid workers and dignitaries being stormed at the airport entrances by the locals, and guards having to escort them  to their vehicles. I heard a story of beanie baby toys given to children being snatched by the adults to be sold for food at market.
Most of all, I feel the pang of knowing I can only  do such a tiny bit, and will want to continue to to find ways to help.
 Whatever your political sentiment about why Haiti is such a political and economic mess, the people are just trying to survive in a miserable place. I have way too much, and they have nothing. I'm sure this will change my outlook forever.

NEWS ON THE VOLUNTEER CAMP SITE

PRIMITIVE  was the term used. However it sounds a lot better than I envisioned. We will be at a site, called "Christianville". Buses will take us the 25 minute ride to the new town of SANTOS . The camp site will have tents for 6-10 people each, with cot, mattress and mosquito net. That's it. Latrines and showers will be available "for hygiene". I think that means no make up-mirror or hair dryer. In fact, the showers are listed as "tentatively available". We will have lights and electricity to charge a camera or cell phone. I was not aware that Haiti had cell phone service,  actually. They even said they may have a few computers we can use.  I do not see how 400 people can go on line between dinner and lights out so I do not plan to check email while there.
They even plan to have some Haitian entertainment  and arts-and-crafts vendors to visit us. And there may even be a "shop" where  we can purchase snacks and soft drinks.
Since we will not be allowed out of the two sites,  I dont think Ill be sending post cards or doing any indepth interviews with the locals, other than the familes we are working with. Security will be provided, and  site plans indicate this to be a walled compound. Early photos of the "site" reveal a dirt lot. But ! I am psyched!
I will try to update with some photos from the volunteer manual with the "prototype house" we are to build and anything else new...like my frantic plans to shed pounds and get in shape.