October 2020- Back to School

Before we get into this post - Going on this trip, while last minute, was a very calculated decision made knowing that I am healthy, that others around me were healthy as well, and that the COVID rate in Haiti was and remains meager. Precautions taken included: Having this event less than 24 hours after I arrived, temperature checks, hand sanitizing, mask-wearing, social distancing, and limiting the event to only 30 mins. The photos are much different from previous celebrations, which are usually full-on parties or camps.

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I had taken the last week of October off from work to do nothing - Relax my mind during a particularly difficult year (Election, racism, COVID…) Never one to do nothing, and thinking about school reopenings in Haiti in November, I made a last-minute (4 days before departing) decision to go to Haiti. But only if I could find a cheap enough flight.

As God and the universe usually answers, I found the cheapest flight I’ve ever taken to Haiti - AND it included TWO free 70lbs luggages!! if it sounds too good to be true, then just check out Easterairlines.com.

What started out as an idea to clear my head, resulted in being able to pack enough backpacks and supplies to help 75 children go back to school.

This is important. While Haiti has been sparred health-wise, the global economic effects of COVID, coupled with previous issues, including the country being on lockdown for most of last year due to political unrest, has devastated the economy. This is reflected in current inflation rates. On a trip for a jar of peanut butter, I noticed a $20 jar of Peter Pan peanut butter. The backpacks with a unit price of about $3-$4, would easily cost $20+ in Haiti.

If you supported, you’ve done more for a family than you may ever know. Thank you for your generosity.

Enjoy the photos!