Today as I was preparing for to leave work, my colleague presented me with a gift from her children Aleesha and Hunter. I sit tonight in awe as I gently tuck their gifts into our bags as we prepare to depart for Haiti. Aleesha and Hunter created sixteen colorful greeting cards to present to the children of Haiti along with money to help their peers. The greetings carry words and symbols of hope for their Haitian friends. We are inspired by the generosity and wisdom Aleesha and Hunter display in recognizing a world beyond their own. Robert and I thank you with the deepest gratitude. We will deliver your gifts of hope with joyful hearts.
Thank you to all of our friends and family. We have been deeply touched by all of your warm thoughts, prayers of hope and generosity toward our Haitian family and friends.
L’union fait la force!
(Together we are Strong!)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Our bags are packed
Greetings from Sacramento!
Our bags are packed. We are wrapping up the few loose ends required to leave to go to Haiti. Our dear friend Mary will transport us to the airport at 4:30 am on Saturday. One way to measure friendship is to see who is crazy enough to transport you during the hours when we should all be asleep.
Robert wrapped up his employment at Safeway this week. I am working long hours at UC Davis in preparation to depart for 2 weeks. I am grateful for the team that steps up to allow me to go on these adventures.
We will travel for one day and a half to reach our destination-Cap Haitien, Haiti. Chi Chi will meet us at the airport. He is feeling better with the antibiotics…thank goodness.
Thank you to every one for your warm thoughts and hopeful prayers. Please continue to hold us in your thoughts and prayers as we embrace our family and friends in Haiti.
We will try to blog a few times while in Haiti. You can type the address in your browser: http://haiti-norton-laneau.blogspot.com
Godspeed,
Charlotte and Robert
Our bags are packed. We are wrapping up the few loose ends required to leave to go to Haiti. Our dear friend Mary will transport us to the airport at 4:30 am on Saturday. One way to measure friendship is to see who is crazy enough to transport you during the hours when we should all be asleep.
Robert wrapped up his employment at Safeway this week. I am working long hours at UC Davis in preparation to depart for 2 weeks. I am grateful for the team that steps up to allow me to go on these adventures.
We will travel for one day and a half to reach our destination-Cap Haitien, Haiti. Chi Chi will meet us at the airport. He is feeling better with the antibiotics…thank goodness.
Thank you to every one for your warm thoughts and hopeful prayers. Please continue to hold us in your thoughts and prayers as we embrace our family and friends in Haiti.
We will try to blog a few times while in Haiti. You can type the address in your browser: http://haiti-norton-laneau.blogspot.com
Godspeed,
Charlotte and Robert
Friday, February 19, 2010
Haiti News from San Diego
Hello,
I apologize for the delay in my writing. Life is full of opportunities.
There is a significant amount of energy expended as we prepare for our upcoming trip to Haiti.
Robert and I continue to follow the events surrounding Haiti. Last week there was school that collapsed in Cap Haitien. Reports from Haitians were “another frightening earthquake”, but in fact the recent rains caused a landslide. The school was demolished and three children died.
On January 29, 2010, Paul Farmer, MD and others testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding the situation in Haiti. He supported the debt relief initiative for Haiti which appears to have moved into the international political scene with support of the US Treasury. Dr. Farmer clearly understands the need for assistance in sustainable ways for the people of Haiti.
Another interesting story is that of “Crisis Camps” that have popped up all over the world. Individuals with knowledge and experience in the area of informational technology are gathering to create opportunities to help Haiti advance technologically as part of its rebuilding.
National Public Radio aired a story recently about a gentleman who went to Port au Prince and posed as a person wishing the services of a Restavek. The Haitian who was making the deal offered the child into servitude for $100 US. The American involved in the deal offered $50 US for a 12 year old girl that could provide service in the way of cleaning and cooking in addition to sexual relations. This story represents the tragic possibilities of trafficking in Haiti.
I am at a physical therapy meeting in San Diego. Today I spent a considerable amount of the day listening to ideas about building sustainability into local and global initiatives. There was a significant focus placed on organizations (mostly NGOs) that are currently working on the ground in Haiti. I am encouraged by the efforts put forth by many of my physical therapy colleagues who are committed to the call for help..
Chi Chi hasn’t been feeling well for several days. He was finally able to see a doctor and received the diagnosis of Typhoid Fever. Obviously, this weighs heavy on our hearts as our concern for Chi Chi’s health and safety grows. We are continuing to work with our Congressional leaders regarding his visa application.
The stories continue to traverse the spectrum of horrific to hopeful. The novelty of the Haitian earthquake has left the every day consciousness of many. Robert and I seek out daily information as telecommunications continues to be challenging. I return to Sacramento late Saturday night. It will be a crazy week as we pack our bags and prepare for our adventure. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for safe travels.
Always,
Charlotte and Robert
I apologize for the delay in my writing. Life is full of opportunities.
There is a significant amount of energy expended as we prepare for our upcoming trip to Haiti.
Robert and I continue to follow the events surrounding Haiti. Last week there was school that collapsed in Cap Haitien. Reports from Haitians were “another frightening earthquake”, but in fact the recent rains caused a landslide. The school was demolished and three children died.
On January 29, 2010, Paul Farmer, MD and others testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding the situation in Haiti. He supported the debt relief initiative for Haiti which appears to have moved into the international political scene with support of the US Treasury. Dr. Farmer clearly understands the need for assistance in sustainable ways for the people of Haiti.
Another interesting story is that of “Crisis Camps” that have popped up all over the world. Individuals with knowledge and experience in the area of informational technology are gathering to create opportunities to help Haiti advance technologically as part of its rebuilding.
National Public Radio aired a story recently about a gentleman who went to Port au Prince and posed as a person wishing the services of a Restavek. The Haitian who was making the deal offered the child into servitude for $100 US. The American involved in the deal offered $50 US for a 12 year old girl that could provide service in the way of cleaning and cooking in addition to sexual relations. This story represents the tragic possibilities of trafficking in Haiti.
I am at a physical therapy meeting in San Diego. Today I spent a considerable amount of the day listening to ideas about building sustainability into local and global initiatives. There was a significant focus placed on organizations (mostly NGOs) that are currently working on the ground in Haiti. I am encouraged by the efforts put forth by many of my physical therapy colleagues who are committed to the call for help..
Chi Chi hasn’t been feeling well for several days. He was finally able to see a doctor and received the diagnosis of Typhoid Fever. Obviously, this weighs heavy on our hearts as our concern for Chi Chi’s health and safety grows. We are continuing to work with our Congressional leaders regarding his visa application.
The stories continue to traverse the spectrum of horrific to hopeful. The novelty of the Haitian earthquake has left the every day consciousness of many. Robert and I seek out daily information as telecommunications continues to be challenging. I return to Sacramento late Saturday night. It will be a crazy week as we pack our bags and prepare for our adventure. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for safe travels.
Always,
Charlotte and Robert
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